“You gotta imagine what’s never been.”

Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

When Aunt Loretta was in her final hours, Mom and I were back at the house on Savage Street waiting for the phone call. When we had left the hospital, it was imminent. Like too many of us who have experineced this moment, it was a very surreal feeling; everything seemed suspended. You know the ending. To pass the time, I chose a book off a shelf. I started reading and really enjoyed it. When it was time to leave, I asked Mom if I could take it with me. It felt a little odd taking something from the house after Loretta’s death, but she wrote her name on the inside cover so it felt more like a rememberance. The book is entitled “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd, and it has become one of my favorites.

I received Kathy’s object in the mail yesterday. It is a medallion with a bee on one side and the words, “Anything Is Possible” on the other. It didn’t take me long to make the connection between the charm and the book. And then I remembered that Aunt Loretta is/was Kathy’s Godmother. Maybe coincidence. Maybe not. Bees hold a lot of symbolism, and they definitely prove that anything is possible– physics dictates that their small and fragile wings should not be able to hold them in flight. Kathy writes:

Sheila, I love this charm because of the saying on the back. It is pretty much a mantra with the girls. Everything is going to work out and Anything is Possible. I thought you could wear this with your St. Christopher Medal. Anything IS Possible. Love K

Kathleen Duggan Trimble, sister

Kathy, thank you for sending me your charm. I know you wear it a lot. Together with your Tree of Life, you have your roots and wings! Thank you for sharing your wings with me. Among many traits, the bee symbolizes: action, hard work, communities, dedication, warrior energy, industriousness, productivity, truth, and wisdom. When I think of a bee, I think of you. You were there for me when I needed you earlier this year (and always). Thank you for walking with me and sharing your strength. You helped me put one foot in front of the other when it was challenging. Like a small bee who shouldn’t be able to fly, you manage to get it all done so effortlessly. We all see that. You demonstrate in your day to day living that Anything Is Possible. And since the bee on the charm has a crown, you are the Queen! I am happy to be a “worker” and help you with what you need!

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Note: Photo credits (left to right)- Charlie Kettlewell, John Kettlewell