Family

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How I wish I could show her this evening.

It is perfect.

There is a slight breeze that rustles the leaves. The western sky is a perfect hue of pink. The birds that were chattering so insistently a couple of minutes ago have all quieted, leaving the world in a state of perpetual bliss. I sit on my patio and smile. She is running as fast as she can. Her laughter fills the air and then she stops. Her head cocks to one side as if curious about something. I strain to see what she is looking at and then I see it. A lightning bug, an entity that exudes childlike wonders. She seems to be transfixed by her newfound creation. Then she laughs and begins to run again, but this time with a purpose. The yard is filling with specks of light and she is overcome with energy. What a bountiful exuberance for life! There is no agenda, no hidden message, no mask of doubt, just joy...pure unadulterated joy. She sees nothing but the mystery of these tiny bugs that fill the sky. I wish to join her, but am glued to my chair afraid of disturbing the child mind with the foolish talk of adults.

I am jealous.

To have that clean slate again would be the ultimate gift. The world is destined to fill her mind with the junk mail of life, but for now she is able to see this planet we live on in a way that so few can. I see her stop and bend over. A giggle escapes her little mouth and she stands up very slowly. She runs towards me, her hands cupped together. I smile...knowing what she is about to show me, but wanting to feign the surprised look that she deserves. I put my hands out to catch her and grasp...nothing.

I look out into the yard and she is gone. The sun has set and I am left in the pitch black of night. I slowly slump back into the chair, painfully aware of how alone I feel. A dog barks in the distance and thunder booms to south. The world continues on. I stare off into space pondering this existence that I lead.

A flash of light near my face startles me back to reality. A lightning bug floats by my nose. I smile and hear the sound of laughter flowing through the trees.

Hello my angel...play as long as you would like. I'll be right here.

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