Orion’s Belt

Most couples have a favorite song, or a favorite movie or a favorite restaurant. We had a favorite constellation. Even though he’s no longer here, those stars still watch over me.

We chose it because it was the first constellation we could see as we stepped out of our house in Vero Beach. That town is the perfect place to take walks at night because you always feel safe. In this day and age one should lock one’s doors no matter where one lives, but in Vero Beach at least I wasn’t completely horrified if I forgot to lock them every now and then.

So we’d follow Orion’s belt down the street, loop around, and eventually wind up down by the river, where we’d sit on the banks and gaze heavenward. We were close enough to smell the salt air from the beaches. Sometimes we’d sit near a local bar and listen to live music. Other times we would just sit. I loved being quiet with him. And I loved the outlandish things he’d say to break the silence, too.

When he passed away, I didn’t see Orion’s Belt for a month. I was either too distracted to look up, or there were clouds in the sky. Sometimes I’d look for it. Sometimes I just didn’t have the heart.

Whenever I see it now I think of him. I wonder if you can still see the stars where he is. I hope so. He loved them.

[Image credit: sciencereflections.com]

Author: The View from a Drawbridge

I have been a bridgetender since 2001, and gives me plenty of time to think and observe the world. View all posts by The View from a Drawbridge