It’s been 14 years. Fourteen years since I’ve returned to the place where glorious memories abound but are overshadowed by emotional torment, and pain. It’s a place I used to hurry to, but I have deliberately avoided. No more. My daughter and my son are the focal point of this trip.
Navigating the city and experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, music, food, and energy through their curious minds is truly magical. Seeing this city, that for me became gray, vile and haunted, through their eager, innocent eyes has provided a new perspective. Creating new memories where pain and anguish once flourished and spread like invasive kudzu is my sole focus.
Clearing the choking vines and replacing them with colorful, vibrant memories with my beautiful family is my purpose. He is here. What an honor it is to tell stories of the witty Uncle they know only through photos and tales from people who loved him. We laugh and the kids ask questions as they explore the city their Uncle adored. He lives in them and that gives me peace because he isn’t a fading memory.
We take him with us wherever we go. I am grateful for this opportunity that I avoided for so many years. He would’ve wanted us to celebrate life, live ‘light’, and share joy together. Do I turn a corner and see him, yes. Instead of crumbling, I grin because I am grounded. I am safe. I am covered in my friend, Jesus’ love. So, I sit still and quiet in order to absorb every beautiful memory that we are creating. I am choosing to smile and laugh. My children are teaching me how to move through the beauty of each memory with purpose, gratitude, love, & hope.
-Claire Cunningham
2309 Park Street, Jacksonville, Fl 32204
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904-469-0285
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