The Rainbow

“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down”
― Charlie Chaplin

As many of you know, I lost my mother, Nance Presson, April 6, the day after my 57th birthday.  There is no doubt in my mind that she held on one more day so that I could spend one final birthday with her.  I will always treasure this birthday.

Mom passed after an extended illness.  She began receiving support from Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill, SC, in November of 2019.  Amazing Hospice helpers and our family have worked together since that date to help Mom live her life on her own terms.

Saturday was the first day

that I ventured out with my camera since Mom’s passing.

A dear friend met me in the NC mountains for a morning of photography, friendship, and healing.

After sharing breakfast and conversation, we headed to one of our typical spots to photograph.  As we were driving there, I spotted an overlook to which I had not previously paid much attention.  I let my friend know I would like to circle back and visit something I saw along the way and would meet up with him soon.

I drove back to Boulder Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I wanted to be there as there were rocks everywhere.  My mom and I had a thing about rocks.  One of my first photography projects and presentations was titled, “Look at the Rock”.  It was all about Mom, our relationship, and how she taught me to see, really SEE!  I needed to spend time with those rocks.

Mom and I always talked about “signs”.  We had signs for many things.  Hearing woodpeckers was a sign of good things coming our way.  Since Mom’s passing, I had been looking nonstop for signs.

As I decided to pack up my gear and meet back up with my friend, I turned around and saw this.

For me, it was as if Mom was reaching down from Heaven directly to me.  I savored each second the rainbow illuminated the sky.

Mom had absolutely no doubt where she would be when her worldly body gave up.  In her final hours, she spoke of seeing the guardians and of seeing Jesus.  Her family was at her side.

After this time to myself, I rejoined my friend.  I continued to photograph the rocks that Mom always loved so much.  I would often bring  her rocks home as gifts when traveling.

At one point, I saw my reflection among the rocks.

Although this trip was short in length, what it provided for me was immeasurable.

Saturday morning showed me that although my Mom is no longer here with me in her physical presence, she is with me in everything I do, every photograph I take, and every decision I make.

About a week before my mother’s passing, I found a song on a Celine Dion CD I own.  The song is a duet with Celine Dion and R. Kelly titled, ” I’m Your Angel”.  The song has brought me comfort in the past month, though the meaning of the song has changed for me in these weeks.  I’d love for you to take a moment to listen to it.

I will forever be eternally grateful for those who have helped and supported me and my family during the past two and a half years:  my husband, Randy (my rock), my family, my dear friends, and the caregivers from Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill who undoubtedly have difficulties finding clothing that will conceal the angel’s wings they wear each day.