Homesong

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Photographic Memories

I could show you a nice photo with a lovely view, taken towards the end of my walk, up and along the hillside of Ben Gullion.

In the distance you would see the island of Arran.

- I would see a place where I got stranded one time with my wife because of a ferry breakdown.

Closer in you would see Davaar Island guarding the entrance to Campbeltown Loch.

-I would see Daniel, my eldest son, walking with me round the coastline of the island when he was 13.

You would see Campeltown Loch

- I would see myself capsizing a Kayak one October in a force 5.

On the near shoreline you would see some cottages.

- I would see a friend of my wife’s, who was not long ago sharp and full of life, and now has dementia with all of it’s blurriness.

Nearer by, below, you would see a graveyard

- I would see Jim McArthur, a tiny man who I worked with for years, who had a huge voice, a big character, and a great sense of humour. He also had downs syndrome.

And finally you would see the branches of the pines trees through which we’re seeing all of this together.

And I would feel an ongoing sense of peace and gratitude for life and memories, for physical health, for friendship, and for the privilege to share some of this with you.