A Moment to Breathe

I have been so busy this past week that I neglected to notice the calmness and quietness that is always evident at this time of the year. Yesterday, as I sat with my coffee on the first morning I have had off in a couple weeks, I detected the distinct lack of screen doors slamming, screams and splashing from the neighbor’s pool, teen drivers screeching up and down the street and a general silence. No sound but the hum of the cricket and locust choirs could be heard. That’s right-it’s back to school time. I love having the kids home in the summer, the weekends at the lake, the day trips to the beach. But after a certain number of years, I have come to appreciate this time, too. The pace seems to slow, if only for a minute. There is still laundry to do and dishes to wash, but they will get done. For now, I can sit and sip my coffee and breath for a minute. I can re-evaluate, regroup and reflect on me for a short second. The summer was a great one... albeit FAST. Turning 40 and the celebrations surrounding it were phenomenal. I am still reeling from all of the surprises! The kids had some amazing experiences and some private time with grandparents, aunts and uncles this summer. And they have some great things lined up for fall. With football season starting, we will undoubtedly be on the road to cheer for our local and alma mater teams. We have weddings and reunions to look forward to, also. The pace doesn’t seem to slow, even though summer is winding down. But for these first few days of school, and an extra bit of tranquility, it is nice to take a moment to inhale and exhale, get one’s bearings and savor the silence, at least until three o’clock…


Quote of the Day- “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson