Janina Edwards' writing focuses on memoir and personal essay pieces, particularly about caregiving, yoga, and her experiences in nature. She is the author of “Be Wise: Everything I Never Wanted to Learn About Dementia, Love and Yoga” to be released in May 2027 (Atmosphere Press).
Walking on the trail at Island Ford, I gaze out on the Chattahoochee River. A gaggle of geese tip their butts up as their beaks spear into the water. Fishing for breakfast. So funny. Their webbed feet balancing their headstand. It makes me smile every time I see them dunk.
A pebble catches my eye at the water’s edge and I pick it up.
Its hard, wet weight in my hand.
It is smooth and polished, a glossy cream color.
An unquantifiable amoeba shape.
Pressure-washed by time and the river’s smoothing massage.
The underside gritty from the riverbed.
Like the pebble in my hand, I feel held at the water’s edge. She caresses my feet with her chill. Invites me to stay. Her babble teases my ears, promising a sweetness that I know she can deliver. I smell her crisp perfume. The fog still lingers on the air like a featherweight shawl on a pretty woman.
Caring for my mother…It feel likes forever since someone held me. I appreciate the river’s touch.
I have to leave. Mom is waiting. The nurse aide’s shift is almost over.
I release the pebble back to the river.
Though my hand feels empty, I have been filled...enough to keep going.
Beautiful writing, Janina!