holding a memory
July 7, 2014 § 2 Comments
If I could hold time between my hands, tangling the past into a gesture of hope to carry close each day, I would keep this weekend near. Traveling to a place unbound by past experiences I found beautiful fragments of both children’s spirit waiting to be captured. Surrounded by ancient trees and nestled in thoughtful details, I curved inward and looked outward, seeing my children more clearly against the novelty of the unknown.
My daughter’s joy was saddled somewhere between horseback and nightfall. I loved the sight of her, dressed up and hair down, chasing fireflies unhindered by the suggestion of opulence in the cobblestone paths and ornate indulgences of her surroundings. She gathered details with the same attention she charted the path of light twinkling between shades of evening, drawing our eyes to delights unseen.
If my daughter’s joy twirled in the air like the tail of a kite weaving fluidly between moments, then her brother’s bliss was marked by the noisy clamoring of fireworks disrupting a quieter contentment and lending cheer.
My son’s joy was spontaneous, he leapt into celebrations enthusiastically absorbing each experience. The child I so often guard against the unknown and lead through social expectations charted a path of independence and community. I marveled as he welcomed each opportunity to engage with his surroundings, moving confidently through activities unhindered by doubt.
These gifts, recognizing beauty in overlooked details and embracing new experiences, are the keepsakes of character I most wish to keep present as I unpack the clutter of vacation. A treasure of perspective illuminating joy.
scribblechic 
Beautifully written as always.
That opening line made me think of those lines from William Blake’s Auguries Of Innocence:
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
Andy, I’m not sure I could craft a more pleasing compliment than this. Thank you.