Mari's Musings
Courage Unleashed
My heart was pounding as I faced what seemed to me to be a monster wave. My children assured me that they had brought me to calm water with smaller waves. I remember seeing that the sun was setting, and I wished I would be content to sit with my husband on the sandy beach watching the sun slowly disappear.
On my first attempt, the wave tossed me around like a rag doll and slammed me into the sand. “I am done!” I shouted emphatically, making sure everyone within earshot knew.
I saw the disappointed look on the faces of my children. It was clear they did not understand why I had given up so soon, determined not to try again. Then my daughter- in- law and son-in-law reached their hands to mine. “You’ve got this,” he calmly said sounding like a wave whisperer. “Be ready. Take a breath. Go!” And I did.
The wave crested over me as I dove into its heart, the energy made me feel young again as my body formed a bend, arching like a dolphin. I saw only darkness but felt calm. I will always remember my children’s faces, arms waving and cheering!
Betty and Her Red Wagon Courage Unleashed, is a children’s book about Shadow, a Labrador Retriever, who is afraid of water. It mirrors my own experience of facing my fear of the wave. I did not have the courage to dive alone, but I felt courage with my loving family helping me.
10/10/25
Strolling along the beach, the rhythmic crash of the waves and the cool ocean mist upon my face brings me a sense of calm. It is my happy place.
For years on my beach walks I have watched others diving into a wave. Seeing their Courage, I want to try but I am convinced that my age and ability make it impossible. I am afraid of failure, and I continue making footprints in the sand.
I mentioned to my kids that I have always had the urge to dive into a wave. What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a quest for them, as they became determined to help me discover just how easy it is to do.
My Feline Friend
My feline friend is my cat, Annabelle. I discovered her and her four brothers under an Annabelle Hydrangea bush in my garden. I searched for the feral mother, who I had seen going in and out of the bushes, but she had disappeared. I found homes for all the kittens but Anna. I could tell she had already found her home. Being the runt of the litter, her fragile form fit in the palm of my hand. I would gently caress Anna’s throat while I nursed her with the tiny drops of formula on my fingertips. Tending to Anna each day took me away from my hectic lists of things to get done. Sitting still I noticed the reflection of a prism of light in the bird bath, a cardinal preening her wings at the edge of the water, cotton ball clouds drifting above me, and heard the tiniest hum of a purr from my new friend.
Anna is now eleven years old, and has grown to be quite independent. She now rules my garden and brings me mice as gifts. It seemed fitting that she be one of the characters in my book, Betty and her Red Wagon. It might be my imagination, but Anna is acting a little bit uppidy now that she is one of the main characters of my book.
I hope you enjoy Anna’s journey with Betty and Her Red Wagon!
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7/31/22
