Lily Pads, Lady Bugs and Gentle Breezes

There they were, standing in emerald gardens overlooking the tranquil lily padded waters. Arms stretched with hands held tight, their faces delighted in promise. Breezes tiptoed through the simmering sunshine, gentle and calming.

The bride was the essence of lovely. Her hair was swept back and embellished with wild flowers, her gown flowed with grace as it accented her form and it elegantly encircled her feet. The groom stood proud in pressed suit and polished shoes, his boutonniere boasting his heart’s desire, earnest to acknowledge the sweetness of their promise.

The justice of the peace, my daughter, was poised and ready to unite this promise.

A moment glimpsed and stretched. Perfectly still, I swallowed it all in.

My wonderful son was now married to a wonderful lady.

That evening my head sank into fluffy pillows and a kaleidoscope of sienna photos swirled around me. Of days lived and now quiet, entwined in the years of many comings and goings of not only my son but his three siblings. Such as the first clippings and taste of blackberries. There was the plethora of baseball and softball games, memories held dear by closeted bats and mitts. There were ballet slippers, model cars and nets chasing butterflies in the backyard. All were culminating steps fitting into the leather shoes of becoming. A day’s events unfolding so lazily then fast forwarding through the years.

There were also times of great distress. Of not hitting that home run for the season’s special trophy. Hospital stays with worrisome conditions and major surgeries. Car accidents and challenging homework assignments. Days when it was necessary to take a breath and chill.

Wide awake, my eyes were misty … a toothy smile filled my cheeks. Sadness replaced with gladness of heart and appreciation with the privilege of growing them up. All in all, each day welcomed adventure even in the dailyness of doing. Days that are framed in my mind’s eye.

In particular, day trips came to mind especially to woodsy state parks. These outings held opportunities for walking trails, fishing and swimming at a lake. All were topped off with a visit to the ice-cream bar where expectations were met with satisfaction and sticky faces.

It was a time of finding the rainbow of discovery after a heavy shower. Growing pains experienced together as we as parents prompted young ones to break through, transformed into monarch butterflies. All so awesome to realize.

Something was moving on my shoulder. With a delicate finger, I lifted up a tiny red bead with black dots. A ladybug. Significant as a harbinger of love, prosperity and good things to come. With slow easy movement, I carried this visiting friend to an open window … and let it fly!

Life carries on. With an enthusiasm I will hope to journey with my children in other roles; as a seasoned mom, wise grandmother and maybe, just maybe a sage great-grandmama.

Hmm, we’ll see about that.

One last thing. Another gentle breeze flowed with scarf in hand as I, by wedding tradition, danced with my son the song "You Make Me Feel So Young" as sung by Michael Buble.

So much fun!

... and that’s how I live it.”