Look how beautiful whispered my father. I didn't have to look up believe his statement. The golden glow of the sun hitting dewy grass as it slowly rose over gravestone left entire family speechless for just a moment. It was if itself took time in acknowledging importance our presence such place and allowing us admire its beauty. At that moment Blue Ridge Mountains resembled most serene environment known man only worthy housing remains kin. distant murmur horses tending their young pastures behind faded second heard sound porcelain gently brushing against itself once irrelevant noise now seemingly so unbearable hear. inevitable task soon before me unwillingly fought way into forefront mind. Along with came some cherished but bittersweet memories connect monumental parts childhood Uncle Joe Aunt Linda. Watching ashes leave aunt's hands flutter ground spoke volumes amidst complete silence. As they fell did weight tied loss father brother husband and me an uncle. Before could confront war within mind began fall lightly out jar hands. physical density air emotional world lay Slowly drifting from cracks between fingers uncle's gravitated various areas around copper tombstone: overgrown moss rugged rocks shimmering shards green grass rusted letters past ancestors. Despite calm surroundings mind great contrast. My lack outward expression resulted intense struggle locked inside head regarding actions body had performed. tried cope fact once-living being's contact fingertips. quite literally held dead body not any functioned solely on autopilot we got cars drove short distance back cabin rented weekend. leftover ash residue fingerprints seemed draw countless made together: making birdhouses sanding benches painting landscapes watching movies. Rather than admiring snow-capped mountain range thoughts drew fondest memory We banana nut bread like every stayed them little at time value precious diamonds. car rolled bumpy stop cabin's gravel driveway gentle touch Linda brought reality she laid her soft frail hand shoulder signaling hug follow. Her familiar warm embrace tainted pang grief. manifest wilting flower--still beautiful withering away. pulled away examined deep lines eyes smile which also expressed evidence immense sorrow. hug apparently simple gesture yelled simultaneously. However despite all signs sadness still radiated sweetness impossible have considering current circumstances. Exactly what you would expect Hallmark movie felt warm fuzzy inviting. Dawn setting smell Cajun chicken browning butter heavenly herbs pleasantly permeated nose. followed savory evening meal decided make yet another appearance through lofty windows spanned floor ceiling. glowing orange pink hues floated glass panes danced among family oblivious pain inches Indicated by scent engulfing room kitchen plate share dinner. plates outdoor patio housed large fire pit wooden rockers ancient logs benches. sat silence enjoying food surroundings. sunset fell perfectly hugged backyard house. admired astonishing simple view hint familiarity. A recurrent picture throughout life is painted differently enhanced essence uncle he lived amongst range call home. mountains themselves accepted member