Thanks...
Today marks seven years since the chain of events began unfolding to lead me to Garrison and to Guinan's. Each year on this day, I pull out Rev. Frank Geer's wonderful book -- Where Was God on September 11th? -- that he co-authored with John Horgan and turn to a specific passage. It reads:
"... the disaster itself had a ripple effect. The pain and the horror and the tragedy of it spread through the world like ripples on a pond when a pebble's been thrown in. But the healing travels back the other way, like the same ripples coming back towards the center after they've reached the shore."
A lot of healing of all sorts happened throughout the decades in a little green Irish pub nestled against the Hudson River. Later today I'll drive down to Garrison's Landing and stand on Frank's proverbial shores to give thanks in the spot where where the burning barrel once sat. It's there I can still hear the Little Chapel's heart beating strong.
"... the disaster itself had a ripple effect. The pain and the horror and the tragedy of it spread through the world like ripples on a pond when a pebble's been thrown in. But the healing travels back the other way, like the same ripples coming back towards the center after they've reached the shore."
A lot of healing of all sorts happened throughout the decades in a little green Irish pub nestled against the Hudson River. Later today I'll drive down to Garrison's Landing and stand on Frank's proverbial shores to give thanks in the spot where where the burning barrel once sat. It's there I can still hear the Little Chapel's heart beating strong.
Comments
I visit upstate NY often and identified with the small-town atmosphere in the book as well as Wendy's tug between life in the city and upstate. I have felt that way myself. I also identified with the wonder of finding a place like Guinan's. I've been in such places and am still trying to find a permanent one here in Tampa. But what I loved best were her descriptions of the people, who really are what make any watering hole special. Getting to know people, becoming part of a community, seeing each other through ups and downs...there really is nothing better.
I was saddened to hear of Mike's death. I felt as if he was an acquaintance after reading the book. I was also very saddened to hear of the closing of Guinan's. How is something like that replaced? Both of these events remind us to appreciate the wonderful things and people in our lives each and every day. My best to you all, and thanks to Wendy for her wonderful piece of writing! By the way, I loaned my copy of the book to friends visiting from Switzerland, so Guinan's legacy will be known even farther afield!
Linda