20 Comments
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Nigel Yates's avatar

My father’s family emigrated from a tiny village Greece in 1919. My father was the youngest of five and the only one born in the United States. I still remember the first time I went to Greece and entered a small village. I met a big burly Greek man who had an amazing handle bar mustache. When I told him I was Greek he gave me this huge wonderful bear hug- I’ll never forget that feeling of belonging … that feeling of finding myself.

Eleni's avatar

I love this story. It's a story that so many of us have lived in our own personal way. Greece spread her children around the world but never forgot them. I hope something of what I do can remind you of your home.

Sally Mitchell-Wolf's avatar

Capturing the movement of a sound and exploring what it touches - lovely and contemplative.

Eleni's avatar

Thank you Sally.

From the Shore You Cannot See's avatar

Πολύ όμορφο και αληθινό.. Ο ήχος της καμπάνας είναι κάτι που όσοι μεγάλωσαν σε χωριό το κουβαλούν μέσα τους για πάντα.. Μας σταματά για λίγο, μας ενώνει σιωπηλά, και μετά η ζωή συνεχίζει, όπως ακριβώς το περιγράφεις εδώ..

Eleni's avatar

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για τα όμορφα λόγια σου. Πολύ χαίρομαι όταν βρίσκω μήνυμα στα Ελληνικά εδώ. Νιώθω σαν να μοιραζόμαστε ένα μυστικό. Χαχα.

Karin C's avatar

What a beautiful tradition for honoring the ending of a life and that people hear it and demonstrate their quiet respects.

Eleni's avatar

When someone dies the families first thought is to have the bell rung. Everyone and everything must know that this important life has moved on.

2 Wild And Free's avatar

The greek village reality.. This brought so many memories.. Beautifully written Eleni <3

Eleni's avatar

I'm glad it reached you in some way. Death can be a taboo subject I soany cultures, I'm glad I live in a culture that feels like it is natural part of existence.

DJ Thornton's avatar

There’s a deep calm in the way this treats death as present, part of the natural order, not dramatic. The stillness you describe feels earned.

Eleni's avatar

Thank you. That's exactly how it is. There is an understanding that nothing stays the same that life is a parenthesis in existence.

DJ Thornton's avatar

I like that... A parenthesis in existence... Perfect

Smith jonse's avatar

Hello beautiful queen?

Waving From A Distance's avatar

Wow, gorgeous poetic prose. Thank you for sharing this poignant piece.

Eleni's avatar

Thank you so much.

Jon Gibbs's avatar

That’s lovely Eleni. It is the way to approach someones passing. With respect and the fact that life must go on.

John Sheils's avatar

What a beautiful, calming description and understanding of death. There’s a reverence and acceptance in it.

Eleni's avatar

Death isn't considered a finite, it is a natural order to make way for the new.

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Comment removed
Jan 26
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Eleni's avatar

Hello Tony. Thank you for your kind note. I can't remember myself commenting anything amazing so I thought it was kind of you to say.