The Fog
They are elderly and beloved. They drove from Jackson to the coast, as we once did when I was a child. When they arrived, we piled into the car and toured, the way folks once piled into automobiles and went motoring when that was considered the thing to do. We laughed and remembered days that stretched back to when they were children. Some of the memories were vague, lost in time, some bright as diamonds.
After they left, my husband and I went downtown by ourselves. We were stopped by the train. The fast-moving train crossed from land to water, riding the trestle. The train was long, long enough for me to escape from the car and move closer until I could capture the image of the train disappearing into the fog.
My daddy—who was killed by a train—was the brother of these two beloveds. He is gone. Their memories tie me to him and them to me and me to the long line stretching behind me.
Jogging, I made it back to the car before traffic beeped at us to get going. Turning, I saw: the train was gone. Nothing but fog. I know my husband wondered why, when I settled into my seat, I was crying.
Susanne
Memories are tricky and you never know when the tough ones will roll in like the fog.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I told Tom part of me wishes we didn’t have memories, as the nostalgia can be so painful. But then I wouldn’t be able to sit and listen to those older than I am reminisce, which I enjoy so much.
Luanne
I’m sorry, Ellen. Glad you got to spend time with the beloveds.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thanks, Luanne. That’s what I said to my cousin, who brought them down here: we stored up so many memories this weekend.
Corabel Shofner
This is so powerful
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Family gets to you that way, doesn’t it? love to you
Hilary Custance Green
A very moving moment, beautifully illustrated.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you. I was astounded by the image of the train disappearing into the fog.
Joanne Corey
I am sorry for your loss but grateful to know that you still have cherished family connections to your dad. Thank you for sharing your story and photos with us.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
You’re welcome! My cousin (my dad’s sister’s daughter) is my best friend so the family ties are strong.