A moment of silence

I opened my front door to let the children in the other evening when I felt a pinkish golden light wash over me. In fact, the whole world had taken on a hue of reddish gold. A bare, winter landscape had become a scene that a painter would give anything to paint. The trees had lost their natural splendor, yet their silhouette against the backdrop of the radiant, amber sky, made the scene surreal. Seeing my silent, upturned face, both the children turned around. The three of us stood there, at our front door, in complete silence for a few minutes. Then Ryan said in a hushed whisper, ‘Mom, take a picture!’ The moment of awe that I shared with my two children will be etched in my mind forever, even after they have flown from the nest. I am thankful to the universe for this glimpse of beauty that we shared that evening. The picture of the sunset is beautiful indeed, but the picture that I have in my mind’s eye, of two little faces mesmerized, humbled by the inexplicable beauty of the world that they are going to inherit one day, is invaluabe. That is my treasure.

Illuminating the world one last time before the day is done.

First time…

What a simple thing, going up a ladder! Most of us won’t get excited about climbing up one, but not this young man. After waiting all his life, six long years, he was finally granted the permission to go up the ladder and hand his dad the christmas lights. The climb, an ordinary act for many, became so much more than that, for this child. The thrill of doing something for the first time, the sense of adventure, anicipation of what awaits at the top, the feeling of importance at being considered a big boy – all reflected on his face. It is a forward progression in his young life. For the first time, instead of the usual caution words, ‘be careful, don’t fall’, he was asked to do something dangerous and exciting . A little man, with responsibilities. It is a rite of passage for him. He knows it, his face shows it.