The Rock of Gibraltar is a monolithic limestone promontory so sturdy it was known in ancient times as one of the Pillars of Hercules. It marked the end of the known world. 30,000 years ago one of its caves sheltered a little band of Neanderthals. In 710 A.D. a Moorish castle was built by the Berber chieftain Tariq inb-Ziyad, who gave the Rock his name. In Arabic it is Jebel Tariq, or the Mount of Tariq. It has endured 14 sieges throughout its rocky history. Against all odds, the British held The Rock against the Nazis in WWII. It has proven such a stronghold that it inspired the saying, “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar,” and is used to describe a person or situation that cannot be overcome and does not fail.
It makes me reflect upon the people in my life who are as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, who I can count on without fail.
Thank you, Thom, dear husband, for being my rock. In so many ways, you marked the beginning of my world. Constance, dear sister, so aptly named, thank you for the friendship of a lifetime that began with two little Neanderthals sheltering in a cave carved from the Rock–our little tribe has withstood the test of time. Dear Eli and Bea, you’ve rocked my world since the day you were born, my stronghold of comfort and joy. Rock stars, every one.
All images and words c2012 Naomi Baltuck
The BeZine 
The facets on your Rock are truly glittering! Thank you for sharing so much of their substance through your engaging photo blogs. You know how much I love looking in on your fabulous family!
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A lovely, lovely tribute to the rocks in your life, Naomi. Several years ago, I wrote a poem with the same title “You Rock”. Although it had a slightly different, more ‘universal’ context, this reminded me of it. Thank you.
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