REASSURANCE

It’s my favorite part of our day, our walks.  Lately, we’ve luxuriated in the lush green of summer. A deep blue vault shimmers above the crowd of towering oaks. Sunlight dapples the forest floor, dense with layers of grass, ferns and vines.  Following an old railroad route, the trail rises above a clear low stream on the left. Plop! A frog escapes the sound of our approaching steps. On this narrow section of the path, Jonathan marches confidently ahead.  I look with pride on his sturdy frame. Broad shoulders for his five foot two height narrow to a trim waist, a muscular rump and well-toned calves.

  Ahead of the leafy tunnel shading our way, sun beats down as the forest turns to evergreen. Dried needles carpet our trail. Happy memories of family trips long past to the Eastern Shore drift through my mind.  I talk to Jonathan about deciduous trees whose leaves will turn red, yellow, and orange in the autumn and fall off.  Of conifers, that have cones with seeds, and green needles that stay on. He stoops to peer at a fallen pine tree.  It’s still tipped with green needles. Next time we’ll linger longer there.  We’ll touch the needles and feel the rough bark.  I’ll remind him about conifers.

Time slows down on these walks.  I’m attuned to birds chirping. The stillness. The swell of rustling leaves. The gentle breeze fanning my face. This sense of otherness. This sweet young man.

A deep quiet settles over my soul. The path widens and Jonathan reaches for me. We are small under this vast canopy of leaf and sky.  The tall, tall trees point to the immensity of our Creator. I drink in God’s presence. A glimpse of eternity.  Of love and beauty. Hand in hand with Jonathan.