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Standing at the top of the cliffs, looking out onto the ocean, Katie watched the
timeless battle. The water surged and broke against the rock and sand time and time
again, relentless in its assault. But the beaches and the rocky cliffs refused to relinquish
their hold.
Despite the pounding of the surf, the area was peaceful. And beautiful.
Katie could well see why her mother had loved it here.
She leaned back, silently asking Seamus to hold her. Without fail, his arms wrapped
around her and he placed a kiss on top of her head.
Finally she turned around and whispered, Okay. Let s go down.
He didn t need to say a word, just placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Katie smiled at
him, thankful he was there with her.
Together they found the rocky path Riona had told her about. The one leading
down to the beach below the cliffs.
Waves lapped at their bare feet as they walked along the water s edge, looking for a
spot that felt right to Katie. She slowed then stopped along a patch of beach that lay
almost in the shadow of the highest part of the cliff. It was far enough back the water
didn t rush upon the sand, but was still damp from the last high tide.
Katie looked at Seamus. Here, I think.
He nodded then stepped to the side, upwind, giving her space.
You don t have to stay if you re uncomfortable. I know Riona said it s not a spell,
but I will understand if you don t want to be around when I do this, Katie said for the
fifth or sixth time.
I want to stay.
Thank you, she said then focused her attention on the instructions and the
blessing Riona had made her memorize.
Katie held the container with her mother s ashes in her hands.
Blessings to the water before us. Katie turned and faced the cliffs. Blessings to
the land below our feet. She turned so she was facing the water again then raised the
container up to the sky. Blessings to the sky above.
She positioned the container in front of her but away from her body then spoke the
words Riona had given her.
A daughter thought lost
Returns home at long last
166
Ghostly Persuasion
She found love at the wrong time
But never erased it from her past
What she couldn t have in life
Let her find now amassed
Katie opened the lid on the container then poured out the contents, letting the wind
carry her mother s remains away. Once the container was empty she reached for
Seamus hand and watched as the cloud of ash floated in the air and down the beach.
Before the cloud disappeared from view, the wind changed direction and blew the
ashes back in their direction. The cloud twisted and appeared to form a more defined
line then headed to where they stood.
Seamus stepped in front of Katie as if to protect her. Instead of hitting them, the
stream dipped to the ground and circled around then spiraled upward. It hovered
above their heads for a moment then sifted to the ground in front of them.
As the ashes settled, they formed a new shape& The shape of a woman.
Katie gasped. Mom? she whispered.
My Katie Bird, the figure said.
Seamus slipped his arm around Katie s waist, offering his silent support.
Thank you for bringing me home again. I m sorry your journey has been so
difficult.
Is it really you? Katie reached her hand out to the smoky figure, unsure what to
believe.
Your homage to the elements and our connection to Tullamore has allowed me a
chance to talk with you. For just a moment.
Katie could barely see around the tears pooled in her eyes.
I m sorry I didn t tell you about your father, her mother s figure told her.
I know why you didn t, Katie said.
I believe had he known about you, he would have loved you as much as I did.
Katie nodded through her tears.
I wish I could stay for the wedding, the figure said as it dissipated.
Seamus mumbled, We haven t talked
Katie looked up at Seamus and smiled. I do too, Mom.
The figure faded more. I must go. Connor waits for me.
Connor? Seamus asked.
Katie and Seamus turned to look where the figure was pointing. High on the cliffs
they saw a man standing near the edge.
167
Dena Garson
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