Images from a museum in Přerov nad Labem, Czech Republic. Reflections of a time when the pace was slower.
Inner Brick and Mortar
This wall is typical of the Czech Republic. Buildings constructed of sturdy brick and mortar, but smoothed with a surface that brings beauty to their solid foundations.
Such was the way of the people there. At least the ones that I encountered. The men strong and smiling. The women beautiful and generous. But each were dealing with daily challenges, just like any human, anywhere on planet earth.
No matter their problems, their veneer was smooth. Not fake, just gracious. A grace, I believe, that was present due to the strength of the core beneath the surface.
This photograph reminds me of the classic Superman moment, when he parts his common button-up to reveal the all-powerful “S” blazing across his chest. The placement of that symbol, identifying his true nature, is purposeful. It rests upon his heart, rooted at the source of all his power.
At the heart of us all is this inner brick and mortar. The bedrock of who we are. Though, through our days we may not show each other all that lies beneath our finishes, this is our foundation.
I’m reminded, as I move in passing interactions with both friends and strangers, to consider what lies beneath our outer layers. That common core shared between us. It beats strong inside our chests, empowering every breath.
It’s steadfast. It’s gracious. It is Super.
Doorway
Today is Jeb’s first day of middle school. As in, no more elementary school. No more cozy, single-room, one-teacher, familiar comfort zone.
Jeb is on a new campus. Today he will navigate a locker combination. He will follow a class schedule that has him moving between classrooms with enough textbooks to merit a backpack on wheels.
In an hour I will usher my growing boy on to a bigger school bus. He may ask me not to linger.
We are at a milestone into a new era.
But I’m not supposed to write about Jeb. At least that has become our agreement as he’s moved into the tender tween years. I respect that wholeheartedly.
So this morning, with the sun yet to rise, the roosters announce that light will breakthrough soon. I’m here with a mother’s emotions, only delicately able to let words carve the full etching of this parental terrain.
I lean on imagery and metaphors. Opt to let a photograph from the streets of Prague reflect today’s endeavor.
A doorway. Intricate and beautiful. Inviting in all that it promises. Closed for now, beckoning the discovery of all that awaits behind.
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