WHO NEEDS ESP?

Some people profess to have the ability to look into the future they call it ESP.

Most people however don’t, I fear, most people are like me.

But who needs to predict the future…it’s already coming much too fast

when we are blessed with the ability to see into the past.

Take last week for instance…it happened in a whirl.

We camped at a place where Deborah camped when she was just a girl.

It was on the banks of the Suwannee River and as we watched the river flow

she shared with me her memories from 60 years ago.

She stopped to pause a moment…and thought…how long it’s been

since she walked along this boardwalk…(it didn’t have rails then).

She remembers sand along the shore…wearing bathing suits all day.

She remembers canoeing on this river…and friends and family at play.

And as she told each story…my own ability I began to understand

for I could see her walking on this boardwalk…or playing in the sand.

Not today, not this person…not the Deborah I’ve come to know

but Deborah, that little girl, from 60 years ago.

I could see her, plain as day, standing next to me holding my hand 

and as a girl skipping along this boardwalk…or playing in the sand.

Standing next to me as an adult…and 60 years ago when she was small

and I had to smile at the majesty and wonder of it all

And as each memory Deborah shared…seemed move vivid than the last

I once again felt blessed with my ability…to see into the past

THEY WENT ON A VACATION

They went on a mini vacation…they camped under the trees

to experience the wonders of nature at the springs of Manatee.

Because they are not cave people no matter where they roam

they brought with them their iPads, their computer and I-Phones.

But technology at the campground was…how shall we say….somewhat loose.

There was no signal for their I-pad or computer, and their phones were of no use.

So they spent their days and nights walking, talking and…listening with their ears

to the symphony of nature…

they ate breakfast with the deers.

They kayaked on the river and as they lazily paddled around

there were moments when 

even if they tried 

they could not hear a sound.

They spent their nights by the campfire and gazing at the stars

thinking about their life together and how lucky they both are…

And though they could not use their cel phones…

their computer 

or I-Pad

they both agreed it was one of the best vacations 

either ever had.

WITH COLOR...OVERNIGHT

He once lived an uninspired life

his palette a muted black and white….

until she came and filled his world

with color…

overnight.

A RUBY IN A MOUNTAIN OF ROCK

In a world where we adults increasingly ignore the cries of people who beseech us…

perhaps it’s time to look to our children…who in their innocence…can teach us. 

Her mom is a nursing home nurse…helping her patients remain healthy and strong

while Ruby, her inquisitive daughter…is happy to tag along.

One day Ruby with pen and pad in hand…and filled with curiosity

began asking patients: if you could have any three things…

what would those three things be.

Ruby thought their dreams would be big…like money or diamond rings

and was surprised when what they asked for…were only little things.

Yes, the residents of the nursing homes were resolute…steadfast…undaunted

electric razors, new shoes, avocados, and Vienna sausages were all they wanted.

What started out as a curiosity…by the time young Ruby was through

became a quest, a need a desire…to make their wishes come true.

So now as her mom takes care of their physical needs in various nursing homes and towns

Ruby’s busy fulfilling their wishes while writing other ones down.

Ruby’s learned Vienna sausages, new shoes and electric razors can help to brighten a mood

but it’s really not about the razors, 

the clothing 

or the food.

Because as they receive her treasures …not only is their faith in humanity restored…

but at 11 years old Ruby understands…how giving has its own rewards.

And it should restore our faith in humanity as well…

for in a world where stones of hatred, animosity and divisiveness abound

isn’t it wonderful knowing…

there are still Ruby’s to be found?

LISTENING TO BAMBOO

Nature graces us with a myriad of sounds…

as we walk around us they swirl

countless sounds when we stop to listen…

that add beauty to our world.

We’ve heard thousands of sounds on our walks

but today as a gentle morning breeze blew

before we knew it there we were

listening to bamboo.

It may sound a little too emotional…perhaps a bit profound

but when you listen to bamboo…there is a message in the sound.

Listen as the leaves are giggling

perhaps what they’re trying to say

Is we should spend more time laughing…

smiling or at play.

Hear the bamboo sway in the wind

for there can be no mistake

they are showing us how to be strong

how to bend but not to break.

When you listen for a while

you cannot help but see

how there is wisdom in their emptiness

and beauty in their simplicity.

I will never tire of the sounds 

of birds singing as they soar,

of the leaves rustling under our feet

or waves crashing on the shore…

of the humming of the bees

of the nightingale’s cry

of rain falling on our roof

or thunder in the sky.

But every now and I like to stop…

take a moment 

maybe two

when a gentle breeze is blowing…

and listen to bamboo.

MILESTONES

When our children are born we await all their milestones keeping an eye on their developmental clock

We don’t want to miss the first time they crawl, the first time they walk or they talk.

As they grow we’re amazed at how quickly they arrive at each new milestone

from riding a bike, heading off to school to driving a car of their own.

And we are thankful to witness each milestone…to be a part of that magical day

and glad as parents we have been blessed to be there every step of the way.

And sometimes our children have children…and as grandparents we still find a way

to experience some of their milestones…even if we’re not there every day.

Our youngest granddaughter was baptized in the ocean today… it was a wonderful sight to behold

and we felt blessed as grandparents to be there…watching another milestone unfold.

And it got us thinking about milestones…and it filled our hearts with pride

knowing when it comes to our family…we’ve been there…enjoying the ride.

We have reached many milestones in our own lives…and now watching our grandchildren grow…

it’s time for us to sit back…relax…and happily bask in their glow…

So as we watched today’s baptism conclude…in the sea neath a cerulean sky

We hope when the next milestone is reached…you’ll see the two of us standing close by.

THE SADNESS GOES AWAY

His son came to him with tears in his eyes…he was crying…

both of them were sad

His son had lost his Grandpa…and he had lost his dad.

“What am I going to do?” his son asked…his sadness on display

“Is there anything I can do to make this sadness go away.”

He hugged his son, lifted him up then lovingly placed him on his knee

“Let me teach you something,” he said…”your grandpa taught to me.”

Let’s sit here together close our eyes and think of Grandpa for a while.

Think of all you the time we spent together…all the times he made us smile.

“Today we’re feeling one huge sadness…and here is what Grandpa taught us:”

“Not to let this one huge sadness outweigh all the happiness he brought us.”

He said, “sadness and happiness are incompatible. They can’t take up the same space

and the best way to remove a frown is to put a smile on your face.”

“It’s not always easy.” he knew… “like today when we’re both so aware

how Grandpa is no longer with us…how sadness fills our air.”

“But Grandpa knew what he was talking about and when sadness comes our way

we must remember happiness…to make that sadness go away.”

So they sat together father and son…and they thought of him a while…

and on one of the saddest days in both their lives…they found a way to smile.