Meadow Reflections - Finding Renewal After Loss

I walked along a path winding through the wide, expansive meadow. The blue sky stretched out before me like a painted canvas, from which the meadow seemed to emerge. The crisp, cool air invigorated me, a reminder that fall had begun. What a contrast this land was to the quiet forests where I usually wandered. The forest draws you inward, quieting the mind, inviting attention to textures and details brought to life by the soft sunlight filtering through the trees. The beautiful, cascading rivers that flow through the forest weave around ancient boulders, standing as if they have been there for eternity.

My son, Harlow, brought me to this meadow when I was feeling deeply saddened by the destruction of my beloved forests and rivers in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene swept through. Many will remain closed until spring. The loss and damage to homes, towns, and woodlands weighs heavily on all our hearts, making it difficult to move forward. There’s a stirring that happens in the heart during times like this, leading us out of the dark places where depression tries to settle. It was during this time I spoke with my son about my grief over the loss of my favorite walking places, and he shared with me some profound words of wisdom.

 “Mom, the area isn’t destroyed; it’s still there, it’s just different now. You may not be able to access it right now, but the energy remains, and you can still connect with it if you need to. One day, you’ll be able to return, and you’ll be amazed at how it has changed and evolved. We don’t live on a planet where trees last for a thousand years—life here is about birth, growth, transformation, decay, and rebirth. Everything moves in cycles, and we must learn to move with these cycles so that we too can evolve.”  My son’s wisdom and insight touched me deeply. I was filled with immense gratitude for this heartfelt message, which felt like a precious gemstone—a reflection of all I had shared with him over the years, now transformed into something even greater.

My son encouraged me to see that in this time of loss, there was also an opportunity for growth and renewal. He suggested I visit a park I had never been to before. The park is young, with acres of meadows filled with field grasses, wildflowers, and sapling trees, each striving to reach upward and establish itself. The open landscape reveals the sky in every direction, and you can’t help but feel uplifted by the expansive energy. As I walked through this new terrain, I sensed its own unique healing power. My son’s words about the cycles of life echoed in my mind as I took in the sight of grasses and flowers beginning to dry and change color, preparing for their winter slumber. There was no sadness in this transformation—only a peaceful hope, rooted in the knowledge of the coming spring.

I found myself anticipating a return in spring, eager to see butterflies dancing among the blooming flowers and to hear the songs of birds searching for their mates. A moment of awe washed over me as I realized how boldly the cycles of life, which my son had spoken of, were unfolding in this magical meadow. My heart filled with gratitude for his wisdom and for bringing me here. I could feel the meadow’s healing magic, opening my heart to remember my path, to embrace my life and the journey ahead, and to cherish the gift of living.  

Holding Gratitude and Love, Valerie

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Photos by Valerie Greguire, all rights reserved