Adventure

Sitting here, with the sun warming my back, I am at peace. The small brook bubbles and rolls with the force twice it’s size. My daughter’s squeals of laughter rise above the sound of water meeting rocks. The remnants of our picnic lunch surround me. I quickly gather up the crumbs and discarded containers and move closer to the banks where my daughter is playing.

We come here so often. Once, twice a week. It is comfortable, familiar. I can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of uninterrupted play. I have watched as winter loosened it’s grasp and spring took hold. I have watched the sunny banks slowly become shaded by new leaves. Even the chickens, who roam freely, seem to have brightened up and become more playful.

Hours go by. My skin is flushed from the strength of the newly warm sun. I will wear my new pink color like a badge. Testimony to the time spent in the open, taking in all that nature has to offer. After a winter of being cooped up, I have earned this slightly tender badge of honor. I close my eyes and let the sun sink deeper into my skin.

A splash of icy water opens my eyes. My grinning daughter stand before me holding a truck in one hand and a shovel in the other. She is barefoot with her pants rolled up to her knees. Her wet hair clings to her forehead and her smile is big enough for someone three times her size.

“Sorry, Momma.” Her sparkling eyes deceive her apology. I return her smile and grab her for a hug. We both giggle and I set her free to explore the water and dirt. She smells like earth and sunshine. I wish I could bottle it. I lean back on my arms once again and commence my solar worship.

Laughter once again fills the air as rocks splash into water at the hands of toddlers. A slight breeze cools my face. I am grateful for today. For every day. I am grateful that I get to have these moments. That I get to share them with my daughter. I close my eyes again and breath deeply. I want to remember this moment completely.

I open my eyes and call for my daughter. It is time to go. Together we gather our things. She grabs my hand as we head to our car. “We going on another adventure, Momma?”

“Yes, my love. Always.”