A 'Seagull' Of Memories
When I see gulls (known to many as seagulls), I think of the shoreline. I have wonderful childhood memories of playing in the sand in Ocean City; building sand castles, and coming back later in the day to watch the waves crash into my creativity, only to go back the next day to repeat the process.
As an adult I would often visit the seaside in Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes and Atlantic City, spending the days baking in the sun, the early evening hours strolling the boardwalk and waiting for the sun to set, and the late night hours dancing and partying with friends (sometimes into the wee hours of the morning).
Some of my more treasured stories have been created later in my existence, which includes walking those same beaches with a significant other, talking life, sharing dreams and hoping those days together would never end. Unfortunately, nothing last forever...
Those same seagulls remind me of business trips and vacations to shores in Maine, Massachusetts, California, Florida and Mexico. I remember sauntering the beach in Santa Monica with my cherished friend and former colleague Ruth, laughing endlessly and even doing a few cartwheels in the sand. Do you remember, Ruth? I have many more mental images which would have me writing forever, but I digress.These days when I see a gull, I think of my friend Wendy. We’d been friends for what seems like forever, longer than a lifetime. Sadly, our relationship experienced an abrupt ending a few years ago, without closure, but there are clues to its demise. Still, I am hopeful our paths will cross again before this life truly ends.
Wendy shared a book with me entitled Jonathan Livingston Seagull, written by Richard Bach. It’s a fable in novella form about a seagull learning life and flight, and a homily about self-perfection. He becomes an outcast with other gulls, but follows his dreams. Jonathan struggles, but succeeds in becoming strong through his challenges, a divine bird in flight. His story is one to learn and grow by because it requires us to question our own existence, thus finding meaning to our life, and hopefully truth. It’s a beautiful adventure and a must read.
This post is a message of sorts and a reminder that anyone and anything can be of inspiration, even a seagull. However, we must be open to the representation, searching deep within for that illuminating allegory, which is our own journey.
Seagulls may be endlessly squawking, occasionally in an attack mode, and often fighting for every morsel they acquire. They can be abrupt, scary and on occasion a nuisance, but that’s true of anything. (God knows I’ve encountered my share of humans who behave the same way, but I digress.)
On occasion I find people (and even a flock of seagulls) that nurture my spirit that command I stop and reflect on a life lived and still in progress, and that is what the gulls in these photos demanded I do.
On a simple day I took a trip by train to Washington, DC. I found myself standing by the pool of water in front of our Nation’s Capitol watching the seagulls flying effortlessly in the sky, and others sunbathing. On a day, when I was feeling less than myself, I took 30 minutes to reflect and found out that life isn’t so bad, especially because I have these flying metaphors above me that reminded me of past happiness, and that which has yet to come.
To a long lost friend, Jeffrey, stop doubting and begin today to live your best life, always remembering it’s never too late. I miss you. – paerki
