Profound Memories and their Stories Part 2
July 21, 2025
Profound Memories and their Stories Part 2
As boys, my brother and I, along with our mom, were returning from surf fishing on the Gulf of Mexico. We took a bridge over one of the deep bayous in the nearby wetlands and heard a disturbing wail from a female’s voice coming from the bayou. When we followed the voice, we glimpsed into a scene I shall never forget….
Men in a boat were pulling a lifeless body from the dark waters with grappling hooks. A teenage boy had fallen into the water and drowned while fishing with his family. The mother was standing at the water’s edge, wailing deeply; the rest of the family were crying and wringing their hands. We had never experienced such horror and such a chilling and despairing wail from someone’s depths.
While seeing this horrible tragedy, my brother and I were with our mom, but the family standing before us was destroyed. This was an earth-shattering contrast for me. Its memory is indelibly imprinted on my soul. Though vivid and horrendous, ironically, this story ministers to me in different ways throughout my life.
In my early life, the memory reminded me that even in the most beautiful and fun settings, terrible things can happen, and that families can be separated in just seconds. My proximity to the disaster forced my young mind to incorporate the reality of death in a very profound way.
The story is a touchstone for me, especially since I have walked with many others through their tragedies throughout the years. But I had no idea that this terrible memory readied my soul for the day that I, too, would stand and wail from my depths.
Spiritual practice: Consider a few of your indelible memories. In letting your thoughts flow freely from your pen, answer the question: What purpose have these memories served for my soul?
Self-inquiry: How do difficult memories help you?
Dear God,
I pray that the heart of the mother who stood wailing was healed. Amen
