If I were to write a thankful list,
It would be a list of names.
Names of those who,
through the years,
planted seeds in my heart.
My only fear is forgetting.
Though forgetting your name
would certainly not negate
any seed you planted. You are
so much more than a name.
You are shared smiles and tears.
Strong hands, reaching, so arms
can fiercely wrap around hurts
in a comforting embrace.
You are kind words,
encouraging high-fives,
and celebrating victories.
You are faces, memories
of hope, present on
the darkest of days.
You are one soul seeing
the beauty and purpose in another.
And I am thankful to have
sometimes been that other.
I am thankful for all the yous
written on the list carried in my heart.
Tag: time
Hurry! Go Outside!
Like magic, pops of color
appear in the trees.
A seemingly sudden
transformation.
Leaves, once dark green,
now shiny apple red,
sunshine yellow,
and burnt orange.
Evergreens stand resilient,
in perfect contrast with
Aspens, Oaks, and Maples.
Appearing unchanged, but
transformed nonetheless.
The evolution seems
sudden, but it is not.
An invisible process
requiring sunshine, rain,
cool breezes, and patience.
One whose resulting beauty
will disappear as quickly
as it arrived. Or at least,
that is how it will seem.
Spacious
Sometimes my brain
feels overcrowded.
Like, there’s not enough space
for all my thoughts to process.
Then one word emerges
from the muck.
Spaciousness.
My busy thoughts pause-
It does exist.
Spaciousness.
Between the time you were born
and the person you’ve become.
Between the first dark cloud
of a storm and the last drop of rain.
Between each breath I take,
as I slow down to watch
clouds gracefully float past.
Simply Sunday
When you are two
The whole world
Is yours-
And you know it!
You hear your name
Over and over
Understanding
It belongs to you-
Once you can say it
The word my
Quickly follows-
My Mama
My Dada
My toy
My everything!
Sass and confidence
In such small packages-
As it should be
When you are two
Remembering how fast time passes…learning to celebrate the small moments. ❤
Marriage
I can’t say there’s
A set recipe
For thirty-two years-
Only that laughter
Eases many tensions
Creating lasting memories-
Patience and understanding
Cover a multitude of
Life’s challenges-
And commitment is
A bond that carries
Far beyond feelings-
All of these ingredients
Leave me with a grateful heart
Looking back and looking ahead
The Perfect Gift
One thing I often want more of
When I realize how much
Has already passed
My appreciation grows
Exponentially
Even for the tiniest sliver
A moment to breathe deep
An uninterrupted hour to read
The opportunity to
Sit
Listen
Laugh
Talk
Cry
With no other intention
Simply being together
In awe of this precious gift
Only now beginning
To understand the irony
The less of it that remains
The more cherished each measure
Simply Sunday
The warmest of oranges
Disappears into the deepest,
Darkest of Blues –
Perfect backdrop
For a display of
Silhouetted trees-
Their true colors
Temporarily invisible
Yet, they stand tall
As details of their searching
Rewards from their reaching
Are etched into this brief
Window of time-
A reminder that each day
Will come to an end
But on the best of days,
A lingering gratitude
Like glowing coals
From a dying campfire
Holds enough affection
To warm my hands
Leave me with rosy cheeks
All the while, melting my heart
Magic
I love the way it stops
Us in our tracks
Forces everything to
Slow down-even time
At least, that’s how it feels –
Pausing while walking
Past a window
Watching as it gracefully
Flutters to the ground-
Slowly trapesing outside
Feet sinking under
A white, fluffy blanket-
Not only are we forced
To slow down, but
Also magically transported-
Allowing me to see the world
Through the eyes of a child
One moment, my childhood memories
Soon followed by those of my children
Until returning to the present
Where I watch
As my granddaughter steps
For the first time
Into the magic of a snowy day
Goodbye, Hello
Leafless, yet not lifeless
Able to feel
The sun’s rays
Warming the core of
Bare, gray branches-
Smiling contently while
Sharing the sun’s warmth
With young evergreens
Standing close behind-
Wisdom gained with
The passing of time
Wisdom intertwined with
Roots buried deep
Wisdom acknowledging
The continuous
Changing of seasons-
One year, waving goodbye
As a new one says hello-
Grateful for the
Warmth of the sun
Reaching the core of
Bare, gray branches-
Understanding the space
Created by fallen leaves
Allowed for the sharing
Auld Lang Syne- Kelley Morris, piano
Simply Sunday
A Favor
Short drives
Long drives
Dropping off
Picking up
To the airport and back
Or a two-hour road trip
To a chosen halfway
Meeting spot-
Each path is an opportunity
Not simply a destination-
A choice to spend
A little extra time
Together-
Have a great trip!
We will miss you!
Welcome home!
Until next time!
A simple favor?
Perhaps
But sometimes
The simplest of gestures
Connect our hearts with
The strongest of ties
One week ago, we celebrated our daughter’s wedding. Yesterday, we picked up the newlyweds from the airport. Friday, we drove my mom halfway home after a sweet visit. Her sister met us and drove Mom the rest of the way home. Today, I will pick up my friend from the airport.
Each instance subtly reminds me of the importance and the passing of time. It is a sacred space not to be taken for granted.
Piano Girl 