Prayer From The Lava Rocks

Today I sat on lava rocks

as the gossamer Pacific mist moistened my face,

and the sound of waves

combed through the knots in my mind.

You smart girls could not resist joining me there.

 

I watched from behind as you grew bolder with each set of waves.

You stripped away pieces of clothing

until you stood bare-chested,

facing the surf.

You held hands as the rollers approached,

gathering strength for the unpredictable moments ahead,

your small bodies taut with anticipation.

Some waves only lapped at your ankles – you scoffed at those.

Others made you brace and grab each other for stability.

Most made you shriek with joy.

But a few scared you just a little,

with a force that you recognized as well beyond your control.

When they receded, with hands still interlaced, you would turn those naked chests

toward the crashing vastness and shout:

 

“IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT???”

 

It took my breath away.

 

For there are, it breaks my heart to say,

circumstances tucked into your future

that will threaten your faith in this life -

things you never thought would happen to you,

and might make you wonder if love makes sense.

You will feel as though your strong legs simply won’t hold you, and

like something inside you is at risk.

How I wish I could prevent those times for my beautiful girls.

I can’t.

 

This afternoon, though, I was given a glimpse of your power.

Innocent though you are now, at 8 and 12 years old,

there was something raw and unmistakably robust

about the way you faced that raucous sea.

 

So here is what I know:

keep hold of each other’s hands

and you will survive it all.

Be grateful for each other every day,

and you will laugh your tears away in the end.

 

Promise me you will.

 

 

OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.