Stacked Rocks

 

Many years ago I met a new friend, Elizabeth, from Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada. We were at a conference in Vancouver, Canada learning together about many things.

Specifically about our shared interests and needs for our children who have disabilities and mental health needs.  So many things to learn! 

 

We sat, talked, ate together and exchanged stories.  

 

As we did these things we built trust and friendship in a matter of days as our paths seemed to have come together with purpose.  There was a reason we were there.   

 

What a relief it was for me to be heard and understood by another parent on this path to finding and creating what my child needed at the time. 

 

One of the other things I learned on this trip was about Inukshuk or the traditional Inuit creations that are made from massive rock slabs. 

These were used to guide the way of travelers in the north throughout the Arctic. 

Unimaginable work

As I learned this I became aware of the unimaginable work that took place to move these large rocks to show the way for the next group or individual on their journey.    

 

How did they move the rocks?  How many people did it take to create these markers on a trail? Did the stacking start with one rock to show that someone had been here, to say remember that we are here? 

 

My friend Elizabeth and I talked about this. While I am not sure of these answers, the power of building stayed with me and then this thought as well. 

What endurance it must have taken to build.

 

I actually purchased a necklace during my trip to remind me what I was learning.  It is made of green Canadian jade and has four small stacked stones on the string of the necklace. 

This reminder of the Inukshuk gave me hope that others have been on a journey before, have taken time to move what may have felt like a huge undertaking and yet…

 

They did it! 

 

For the years since, I have had this necklace, worn it, and read the description. 

New Meaning

Then the meaning turned into something that became more personal 

 

Stacking rocks started for me in the past 9 years. The stacking started with one rock at our home and at a location we visit each week. 

The first rock was placed on a large flat piece of red stone that has another large piece of red stone on top.  

 

We call this The Spot.

 

Rock was there as a way to let others know that this place is important.  We had been here.

Other friends and family also joined in creating stacks of rocks with us. The rocks at this location became a marker for others.  

 

I have to tell you that when other people first started to add to the rocks, I was not sure about that.  So, I practiced the pause.  Then looked up and finally walked about The Spot.  

 

It was then I realized that in a way similar to the massive stones being placed on top of one another, these rocks were here to show a way for others.  I did not know what the rocks being placed meant to those who brought them.  

 

I did know we were grateful for people who were with us on the path, even if we did not see them. 

 

Stacked rocks are now in our yard, randomly placed wherever they pop up to the surface.

Not so randomly

Perhaps the stacked rocks that pop up are not placed randomly. 

 

When I place those rocks, they are in places that I will see them to be reminded of what is important, and of who is important. 

 

If I am on a mountain top after a hike or near a lake with waves rolling in and there are a few rocks around, I find myself stacking them.  

 

It feels like I am leaving a trace, and a way to say Hi!  I was here!  Come this way.   You may see something if you look up over here! 

 

I have also been thinking about my friend, Elizabeth.  She became one of the first who showed me the way for many years, steady, strong and kind.  Like one of the Inukshuk I learned about when I was with her. 

 

I have been able to take what she taught me and now I work to show others the way.  

The stacked rocks remind me to continue the journey. 

 

Even now. 

 

Even with weekly jaunts to The Spot. 

I may not always get to know who is being reached but I do know there is a reason I have been stacking these rocks.  Others did it for me. 

 

The endurance of stacking will come when we do it together, my friends.  Enjoy looking for your rocks!