The majority of this website deals with my business, this post is part of learning, getting inspiration and answers from nature. It is a tribute to my father. Hopefully this can help others dealing with loss.

Kevin, Owner of Boone’s Lick Road Leather Company

They call it a year of firsts when someone close to you dies and it’s been a year since my father passed away. One of the things that helped me was a parallel I found in nature, and I decided to share it because it might help you as well.

I spend a lot of time outdoors and my dad did too, I am sure that’s where my appreciation for nature came from. One thing that captivated me early on was the majestic bluffs along creeks, streams, and rivers. Many times we traveled Interstate 44 that crosses thru the Ozarks and my dad would always make sure I was awake when my favorite bluff came into view along the Big Piney River.

Bluffs appear to stand still in a world of nature, seemingly unchanged. The truth is they eventually break away and crash down into the stream below them. These boulders, jagged and sharp can change the course of the water and even stop its flow for a bit.

Over time water flows around this new disturbance creating deep pockets in the stream bed. In nature, these boulders are raw at first, yet they eventually benefit all sorts of wildlife. Providing new habitat, a place to drink during low water and a refuge of high ground when a stream swells.

This is much like our lives, a great disturbance, the loss of someone you could never imagine being without. That boulder planted right in the middle of your stream will hurt at first. It can do untold damage if you let it. Or like in nature, you can accept it and eventually get your river flowing. As you work through the stages of grief you can use the memories and lessons you learned from that wonderful person as deep pockets of refuge, calm and understanding.

You will experience high water and low and all the emotions in between but you will find your way. That bolder, that big rock will always be there. Each time I learn of a family member or friend dealing with loss I pray the same prayer I learned from the observation God’s creation, nature.

May time and God’s grace wear smooth the sharp edges of the rocks in your stream of life and help you find your way.