Some glimpses of goodness as I set about my afternoon activities are enough to nudge me back to the blogosphere. Three long years away (I didn't realise it had been quite that long) and many thoughts of returning but never being able to compose an appropriate 'coming back' post. Yet a simple account of everyday events is perhaps the most fitting way to re-enter this practice. So here are the glimpses:
- Walking up to the train station I was just
behind a boy and his dad. I don't think the dad realised, but the boy was
carefully watching his dad's strides and keeping in step with him. Then I heard
the dad say "I like being with you xxx You' really are a good boy"
Such affection in the brief moment that the dad's arm went around the shoulders of his young son and they continued up the road.
- Getting off the train I saw an older man
(much older than me - this was a very mature gentleman) with his arm gently around his wife's waist
guiding her to the escalator. Halfway up the escalator there was an
affectionate kiss between them. Oldies in love. It's us before we know it.
- Walking to the shops I saw a young woman still wearing the gear in which she competed in today's marathon holding hands with her partner as they waited for a bus together. Partner did not look like a runner (just my perception - not wearing running gear - kind of slouchy) and clearly there supporting his partner.
All these glimpses reminded me of my first encounter with Ian McEwan when I read 'Enduring Love'. That novel made such an impression that I've read several of his others since, but not had the same sense of completeness. When I reread the novel I realised there were more vignettes within this complex tale than I had imagined. But even those that did stick with me demonstrated such a range within that relationship we name as love: the partner who so easily considers the circumstantial evidence points to infidelity of her deceased partner; the futile persistence of a would be rescuer for an unknown child in danger; hitch-hikers who flee from a scene (I can't remember why) leaving said circumstantial evidence that confuses the grief of a wife bereft; the complex relationships between parents and children.
There's no great bringing together of these narratives tonight. More a quiet contentment thinking back over the day that has gone. Filled just for a moment at the wonder of human relationships. Giving thanks.
