Biddy Wigley (1): Ruth's Journey

The invitation was implied, not spoken. The journey was imminent, and while happy to go alone, we felt that she would appreciate some company. We gathered in the evening, talking quietly late into the night before settling down to sleep.

Morning brought warm sunshine and, not knowing our final destination, but equipped for all eventualities, we set off on our adventure. She guided us, as she always had, at times climbing steeply, at times strolling on level ground, at times negotiating difficult paths. She stopped to rest from time to time during the day, taking a cat nap at will. As we travelled, we met others with whom she shared words of comfort or encouragement before moving on.

She declined to share the picnic, but enjoyed the jokes and teasing that were an integral part of our lives. Relaxing later she murmured words of appreciation for our company. Resuming the journey we noticed that from time to time she would stop and, shading her eyes, look into the distance, as if spying out the land, before continuing. As the day wore on she seemed less aware of us and more focused on her destination. We wondered if we would make journeys end before nightfall or whether we might need to find shelter.

Taking another break she settled down for a rest. We sat a little way from her, chatting about all manner of things! Suddenly we became aware that she was looking at us, yet past us. Something had changed and we knew then that her destination today was not ours. The last part of the journey was for her alone. As we watched her with loving concern, she gently left and peace enveloped us as the sun dipped behind the hill.

Biddy Wigley

To return to our homepage, please click here.