Monday, May 7, 2012

Sunrise, Sunset


" ... I don't remember growing older
When did they?...

... Sunrise, Sunset,
Sunrise, Sunset, 
Swiftly flow the days ... "

These words, of course, are from the wonderful musical, Fiddler on the Roof, which I had the pleasure of seeing recently. As it always does, the song touched my heart and, yes, caused a lump in my throat. I'll admit it, sometimes I weep easily.

As I watched this play yet again -- I've forgotten how many times I've seen it -- I thought back to the first time I saw it years ago. It was the first summer I was married, a young 20-something girl living some 700 miles from home, still trying to come to grips with the fact that my close-knit family was so far away. I was heartbroken when daughter Hodel left, to her father's utter dismay, for Siberia to join the man she loved. When Tevye disowned his daughter, Chava, for marrying outside the Jewish faith, I was appalled; I raged. What father would do that to his own daughter? I knew my father wouldn't.

Fast forward 40 years. Yes, those scenes still touched my heart but it was the scene where Tzeitel and Motel got married as the parents sang Sunrise, Sunset that caused the lump to form in my throat. No longer did I identify with the daughters in the play but rather with the parents, Tevye and Golde.

Oh, my! Indeed, where have all the sunrises and sunsets gone? It's a mystery to me because I don't remember growing older. However, not long ago I had an epiphany. The best is yet to come! I adore my life right now; I've never been happier. Life, after all, is what we make it. Beauty is where we find it.

As photographers we're blessed to be able to document memories we want to preserve. And now, right on cue, comes our Theme of the Month: The Sky's the Limit. What better time to ponder the sunrises and sunsets in your life and share them with us on our Flickr page. Be sure to tag them, "TSTL".



10 comments:

Dianne ... Walking In His Grace said...

No matter how many times I have seen a sunrise/sunset, I am in "Awe". I like you have seen many. I enjoyed reading your post and viewing your beautiful photos. Have a Beautiful Day!
Dianne :)

Deanna said...

Dottie, this is lovely. So many sunrises as well as sunsets in my life. Celebrating your life right now is such a blessing, so happy that you are in a happy, happy time.

Claudia said...

When I was in high school I played the part of Tzeitel in our Senior production. It was the first of many musicals I would participate, but I have to say this one was very heart warming and touching. I learned so much.

Love you sunrises and sets -- one of my favorite subjects.

Dotti said...

Oh, Claudia! I would love to see you as Tzeitel! Such fun!!!

Linda said...

What a lovely way to remember something you enjoyed so much! It's Funny how our perspectives change and how everything seems to come around full circle.
Lovely pictures as usual!

xo,
Linda

Carol said...

Me too! Do you remember the dialogue?

Carol said...

Beautiful shot and post Dottie!

terriporter said...

I posted a comment early this morning and now it's not here, so I'll chime in again. You and I have discussed how "swiftly fly the years" and how much this song speaks to us. Love the photos you chose to illustrate this as well. Beautiful!

stephmull said...

Beautiful post, Dotti! As a mother of small children, my sunrises and sunsets zoom by with all the "duties" I must perform. I really want to savor the moments and enjoy the few short years my babies will live under my roof! Wonderful photos too!

Anonymous said...

Lovely post Dotti! and I'm right there with Stephanie.

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