Rainbow Clouds

I first saw and captured “Rainbow Clouds” three years ago today! It was one of those life-changing experiences, for a myriad of reasons. They were obviously stunningly beautiful: painted with soft pastels against a sharp sky-blue backdrop. “Wow!” I uttered. Not a very eloquent word, but it fit the moment.

It was more than their beauty, though. Seeing them was like receiving a gift…one you had always wanted, but didn’t even know it, kind of a gift. I had been focused on trying to photograph an elusive bird in the pine tree and when it finally flew up and away, my eyes followed. Suddenly I was no longer chasing a bird and found myself just standing there looking at those amazing clouds. I felt a deep sense of joy and gratitude to the Creator for this unexpected gift. I still do.

But it was just a month and a half later that these unique clouds became so much more than a beautiful and unexpected gift I photographed. My friend was coming to the end of her life’s journey here on earth after a very long battle with cancer. I had been texting her, sending my love and trying to offer encouragement; I knew rainbows were special to her, so I sent her these photos which spoke what words could not. She often just replied with emojis or not at all, so I was surprised one day when she texted me to ask if she could use the Rainbow Clouds as the cover for her memorial card at her home-going. I didn’t want her to go. I didn’t want to think about memorial cards or never seeing her on this side of heaven. I was believing for her healing. But she was ready, and asking, and so I said nothing of those things.

To this day, I cannot see a Rainbow Cloud and not think of Lynn. I am not sad when I do. I miss her of course, and her presence in our circle of family and friends, but I love that they elicit such good memories. She was very much like these clouds actually…quite colorful, very beautiful and a generous giver of the most beautiful gifts: her love, loyalty and laughter.

For more information about Rainbow Clouds, you may enjoy this article: https://scijinks.gov/rainbow-clouds/

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