Saturday, March 23, 2013

How Could I?


I can see the pictures of the cousins posed in front of the swing set. Me in my purple Ocean Pacific skort, coordinating plaid purple and turquoise shirt, white leather Keds and purple socks. My would be hip jutted out to support his not yet toddler body.

He was at the Moose River-a place he had been thousands of times while growing up. He was with a group of friends. He was on the swim team.

The glider rocker Big Yankee had just assembled was the only piece of furniture in what was our dining room. 

The current was just too strong. It kept pulling him under. One of his friends managed to grab a hold of him once--but then the rough waters ripped him away.

Out of reach.

Big Yankee called my work and explained what happened. That I wouldn't be coming back that day. 

He stayed as long as could but eventually he left for work. We'd be having our baby soon and he needed to save up his vacation time.

I sat in the glider on the blue chambray cushions, clutching my pregnant belly as tears fell.

How was I suppose to welcome my baby into this world when my aunt and uncle were having to say goodbye to one of theirs? 

Passing the jug at Yeah Write 101

18 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Kinley Dane said...

Oh, so sad. Life is so unexplainable sometimes. I can see you sitting there in your glider...very poignant.

Stacie @ Snaps and Bits said...

Oh Robbie, how sad. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jennifer Hall said...

The ironies of life.... Can totally see you in the chair, rocking and crying. I'm sorry.

Michelle Longo said...

Such a sad story Robbie.. So sorry.

AnnMarie said...

I can hear the sadness in your words. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Alexandra said...

I feel this.

It's a very very hard time for us, too.

Love, peace, to you. xo

Thank you for your kind words today.

Robbie K said...

I remember rocking and crying well into the night.

Robbie K said...

Thank you.Definitely one of those times that causes you to question everything.

Robbie K said...

It still seems unfair and senseless. Thank you.

Robbie K said...

Thank you. It was hard to celebrate with such tragedy.

Robbie K said...

Thank you.

Robbie K said...

I know you do and I am sorry that you and your family are suffering.

Barb said...

What a bittersweet story. I'm so sorry for your loss.

crickle1969 said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Natalie DeYoung said...

How heart wrenching. I can only imagine your pain.
I'm sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Not only did you suffer a loss, I can understand how it would have been easy to feel guilty over the excitement of your new addition. You capture all of these emotions well in this post.

Robbie K said...

Thank you. It was such a strange time.