I am dedicating this Poetry Friday post to my mother-in-law, Anne Simon, who took me on an amazing adventure to Tanzania, Africa to celebrate her 85th birthday.
I have been blogging about this trip since I’ve returned. You can read previous posts: Safe Water for Eastern Africa, Tarangire National Park, Maasai village, and Lions on the Serengeti.
The only way to thank Anne “Minga” for this fabulous opportunity was to thoroughly enjoy it. I immersed myself in Presence, my one little word, taking in the experience with my whole mind, body, and spirit.
On the day of Minga’s birthday, we set out at sunrise to tour areas on the Serengeti with rocky outcrops called kopjes. Kopjes are places where lions linger and hide their young. We stopped to have breakfast on one of these kopjes. Before any of us got out of the vehicles, though, our guides scouted and clapped away any animal life.
I created a video to capture the birthday celebration complete with a cake and the camp workers singing a favorite celebration song, Hakuna Matata (not the Disney version).
Since today is Poetry Friday, I found an appropriate poem to share. “The Journey” by Mary Oliver describes the individual that my mother-in-law is, strong and independent. I am very grateful that she is willing to share her journey with me.
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.
–Mary Oliver
This poem, along with many other poems from women, can be found in The Woman in this Poem, selected and introduced by Georgia Heard.
I’m crying!
Sent from my iPhone
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I want to be spunky enough at 85 to go on a safari!!
Beautiful beyond measure. I often say that marrying my husband was worth the mother-in-law that came with. You are tremendously blessed to have Minga in your life. What an amazing opportunity to celebrate life together…to save the life you can together. Thank you, Margaret.
She is amazing. As is this post. Happy belated Birthday Minja. (Thanks for reminding me about Georgia Heard’s book. )
What an incredible adventure I’ve been privileged to witness through your posts! Hugs to the fabulous birthday lady!
I’ve really been enjoying your safari, Tanzania posts. Happy Birthday to Minga. Did I misunderstand, or just totally miss the link to your video?
Minga said she didn’t see the video either. I’ve put the link in again and updated. I hope it’s working now.
The link worked for me, Margaret. This was truly a chance of a lifetime for your Minga, and to celebrate her birthday there, with you and her daughter-so special.
An adventure to be fully present and feel blessed for…happy birthday wishes to Minga, what a fabulous woman!
Your mother-in-law is such an inspiration, Margaret! Thank you for sharing this Mary Oliver poem. I often need to be reminded to leave those other voices behind and “recognize…[my] own.” These images from your safari are amazing! I’m so glad you had such a wonderful trip. Happy Birthday to Minga!
What a wonderful post! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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