I was given some room to play around with a batch of soap and along came these beauties! Truth is I’ve been having some heavy waves of grief involving my Dad-the kind that sneak up and surprise you-and I always think to myself, “This is still happening? When does it get better?” But my darling dearest cousin Karen shared with me that she thought these pains we have, the grief we unexpectedly feel is our loved ones staying present in our lives. Sharing their love with us from another realm. I hold onto that. I was whipping up this batch and my boss & mentor mentioned they’d be great UofM bars. Then I added some scents picked on a whim and it reminded me of the upper peninsula. When I showed the cut bars to my mama she mentioned they reminded her of the Great Lakes; waves. All things pointing back to my dad. As if my subconscious planned it. I’d like to think I feel him with me sometimes. Enjoying what I’m up to, offering support where he can. Tapping me on the shoulder for a simple “I love you” or to let me know my little ones are up to no good. Rolling his eyes or telling a joke when I need it. The next morning I was driving and was accompanied by the largest soaring Eagle. The bird playfully swooped up and over and then glided along the edge of the sun with my car. The immense joy I felt was unexpected and is indescribable. Maybe this all sounds silly but I feel it in my bones. There is more beyond this life we see before us. There is love. Always love. This batch is for you Dad. -JL
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