Salt Water Baby.

Up until 2 years ago when we moved out to the beautiful countryside in the Yarra Ranges, I have always lived near the salty waters of the sea. 

Born to the Black Sea, the ocean took my heart and soul early on. Such was my fascination with the pebble beaches and sea air in my birth town of Novorossiysk, that around the age of 2 years old, I managed to stay put and unfazed when my teenage sister, having been entrusted with babysitting, left me on the shore-front for a good few hours. Proof that friends takes precedence over family at that age, my carer didn’t even realize I was missing until my darling grandfather inquired about my whereabouts. We lived a few good kilometres from the beach, with no cars at our disposal, it really is a wonder I made it safely back home. 

Beautiful summers were contrasted by snowy winters. Yet even these frozen months did not keep me away from my beloved sea. I have a vivid memory of a winter day with my dad, walking past the Black Sea and stopping for a quick swim before he rugged me back up in my Russian winter layers. “"Good for the immune system” he would say. I didn’t argue, I loved that water in all seasons. 

This love followed me to the beaches of Australia. I was lucky for most of my life to be near the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. There was a stint of about 2 years where I would go for ‘quick’ walks or runs along the boardwalk at Frankston, each and every time not wearing my bathers, as I promised myself I would just get some quick fresh air between studying. Each and every time, I ended up in that water and made my journey back home in my drenched active wear. You’d think I would have learned, the call of the salt water was always too strong. 

I am not a strong swimmer, and compared to my parents who go out to where the dolphins meet them, I’m not so brave. But gosh do I crave for my body to be immersed in those saline waves. Even with our cold Melbourne climates, there were years I would start swimming as early as the end of August. 

Not long after losing my son, one of my therapists urged me to bathe in salt water as often as I could. It was the first time I learned of the healing properties of this water. Salt water is a powerful grounding source that has the ability to balance our bodies. No wonder I have been so addicted to this healing wonder for so long. 

But most significantly to me now, the salty waters now hold the remnant of the physical body that was my beautiful child. His ashes were surrendered to their depths. May his memory and spirit be as eternal as the waters. And may his life continue to send waves of energy and power to keep me living my destiny. 

I dedicate this one to your 10th birthday my sweetheart Eli-sha. Sending enough love to stir those waters until you feel it’s vibration. 

With unbearable Love, mum. xx