Scattering Wally's ashes was a beautiful experience. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are at the headwaters of the McKenzie River. It is quite literally one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The aquamarine waters seem tropical, but the lush smells of the forest remind you that you're in the Cascades. Miel and I and the kids drove up with our Aunt Carol, Wally's only sister and closest family.
Just last year I went up with Aunt Carol and Wally to scatter my grandmother's ashes. I also scattered some of my grandfather and uncle's ashes, since we had been too young when he passed away to include in a family service. We realized once we were on the road that she had passed away exactly a year ago to the date of scattering her eldest son's ashes.
The kids loved the hike and the rushing waters. Makenna wouldn't turn her head away from the falls for the longest time. Mid way between the falls Kieran exclaimed "Mama, it sounds like the water is shouting for joy!" So true. Makenna soon began gathering small hemlock fir cones and we helped them throw them into the water. We also tossed in a whole bouquet of flowers from the garden and the kids enjoyed watching them float over the misty falls.
Despite our grief, we felt a great deal of peace knowing that our whole family will some day be in the magical place.
