Last Friday would have been my husband’s 75th birthday. I knew it would be a tough day for our family, so we decided to spend it outdoors, in a place he loved. Ed was an avid hiker and wilderness walker, and he adored most everything about our adopted state of New Mexico.
I thought about him on the way to Sandia Crest, gazing out the minivan windows, trying my best to ignore the grandkids loudly announcing in singsong voices the text on every sign we passed. Oh well, kids are a part of life, and not a particularly quiet part.
Ed was a quiet man, preferring the soughing of wind in pines, interspersed with occasional birdsong.
But still, he had his quiet moments with the grandkids, holding them gently in their babyhood and admiring their artwork and clever ideas as they grew older.
This Enchanted State
Ed and I were both fascinated with New Mexico, and we fell in love with the land, the people and the food. We’d spent time on the pueblos (in the days before covid) watching the colorful, ancient dances performed during feast days. We were even invited by some of the pueblo elders to join their post-dance family feasts, and dined on a cornucopia of homemade food prepared for family and guests by our generous Native American acquaintances.
Ed and I thought the time to explore everything lay ahead, over a span of many years. Our plans reached out across the state, and often involved doing something to help our fellow New Mexicans. (We were active in the Truth about Drugs campaign, educating children and adults on the dangers of drug abuse on some of our weekends off).
Of course, there was not enough time to do more than just start that reach outward. But we did what we could in our 4 years together here, from passing out information about the dangers of illicit drugs at town art festivals, to enjoying a soak in hot springs in Truth or Consequences, to exploring petroglyphic art on volcanic formations edging Albuquerque.
Back to Last Friday…
The minivan pulled into the parking lot…we’d arrived at Sandia Crest, at over 10,000 ft elevation. The six of us piled out, gathering backpacks and water bottles and headed down trails still mushy and slippery with melting snow. But the views were magnificent, spanning what was once all wilderness, but now encompassed the city of Albuquerque as well. Ancient volcanos loomed distantly, far off on the other-worldly looking dry plains.
I wasn’t sad. I love my family and watching another generation growing up close to hand is a special kind of gift.
So life continues on in its messy, loud, beautiful and sometimes not so beautiful way. But there are those moments still…the ones with birdsong and pine trees, hikes and remembering my New Mexico years (and all my years) with Ed.
Your Animal Loving Artist,
Merry
Dear Merry,
I met the both of you at a veterinary conference and instantly felt that you were wonderful people. When you have written about the life that you and Ed have had I know that I was correct. I could almost smell the scent of the pines and the moist earth on the wind from your description. I could also feel the pain at your loss mixed with pride and contentment as you watched your family walking where the two of you had made those beautiful memories. It would be a nice tribute to do with the family yearly.
Sandra, what a lovely note from you! I am so happy we met, and yes, I think this will become a tradition going forward. I hope you are doing well! – Merry
Beautiful tribute, Merry. I’m happy your hike on Ed’s birthday went so well. (And I learned a new word: soughing)!
Love you,
Susan
Thank you, Susan! It did go well… And Happy Mother’s Day!
Merry,
Ed will always be with you in spirit and in your heart. He has earned his wings. May you take comfort in your memories.
Ann Miller
Thank you, Julia. Your words have much truth…
Last Friday would have been April’s 29th birthday. You’ll recall that she was the gorgeous, stoic Silky, whom you captured in clay, many years ago, for our Pet Pal badge. I will now relive memories of both her and Ed on this day, amplified by your wonderful tribute here.
Hi Dallas, thank you so much. And keep April’s memory alive! – Merry
Hi Merry,
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful spirit!
I didn’t know Ed & Tim were the same age; April 22nd for Tim’s 75th!
Love, Betty
Wow, that is amazing they would be the same age! Keep that man of yours healthy…I’m sure you do. Love, Merry
I am so sorry to hear this. Treasury memories. Just know he is always in your heart and the hearts of family.
Very true, Melody. Thank you for your kind thoughts. – Merry
What a wonderful way to remember and celebrate your years together. May Ed’s memory always be a blessing.
Dear Merry,
You are a great communicator. Thanks for sharing this special moment with us.
Love, Patti
What beautiful words Merry. You are not only a great artist but also a great writer.
You are so kind, Melinda! Thank you. I love to write. – Merry
Oh, thank you Melinda. That is so kind of you. – Merry
Family is everything. May Ed’s memory always be a blessing
Thank you Cheryl, our memories are such treasures, aren’t they? – Merry
Merry, our memories seem to bring us comfort even during sad times. Your special place seems very tranquil! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much, Sheila. And yes, we do live in a tranquil environment (except for the grand kids, of course!) – Merry
I’m so happy you were able to draw comfort from the trek and remember Ed in this way. Thinking of you all.
Thank you, Sue.
What a lovely way to celebrate a peaceful and loving man. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Kim.
This was a beautiful tribute Merry. A life well lived indeed. He certainly had great taste in women!
What a warm and gentle spirit!
Oh, thank you, Jonni! He was (is) an amazing spirit.