I just happened looked at the clock this morning as I was bustling about the apartment helping the Cowboy gather up his things .. to head again for his/our SD home ..

It struck me, that it was about the exact same moment a week ago .. we had the accident.

A moment I haven’t been able to shake.

We were on our way to school Monday morning, comfortably early and enjoying the moment.  We turned down a side street we often will take, proceeding slowly and remarkably with no distractions other than the conversation ..

A flash of something appeared no sooner than we heard whatever it was, hit the car.

“What was that, mom?  What was that?” my daughter asks in a panic.

I had slammed on the brakes and had little idea what it was until I looked in my rear view mirror.

I saw a young girl, picking up her bike.  She didn’t seen me coming and ran a stop sign.  She and a friend had also been on their way to school.

I ran back to the scene.  The young girl already up, apologizing and telling me she was fine.  Repeatedly.  Embarrassed, I think and probably in shock.

“Are you sure,” I ask.  Also, repeatedly.  And we both started to cry.

I was grateful she was okay, stunned at what had just happened and at the same time, frustrated she could have been so disrespectful of the stop sign, only because it could have just cost her, her life.

………

One second earlier was all I could think, if she were one second earlier, or had I braked seeing her coming this could have been a very different outcome.  One that makes me shudder each time the vision crosses my mind.

I haven’t been able to shake it.  And I have felt awful even thinking about the damage to my car.  How could that possibly be important in the grand scheme of things ..

A few days later .. on our way to school again, we saw the same two girls, this time taking another route to school but both back on their bikes.

Please.  Be safe girls.

………….

Hug your kids.  Remind them it is imperative they, like anyone else using the road, follow the rules of the road.  A stop sign means stop, even if it doesn’t look like there is any traffic coming.  Especially if the oncoming traffic has the right of way.  We can all try and keep an eye out for each other but sometimes those safety nets fail.  And, never a skeptic of helmets but never one to always wear one either, I am now a believer.

Seems many of the gigs the band has played lately ..

.. have revolved around food.

Chili cook-off’s .. rib competitions .. salsa throwdowns.

Grateful part of the pay often tends to be a taste of everything being served up and a pretty spectacular view of everyone enjoying it

I try and start each day with a walk or a run.  Mainly, because the dog needs to go out.  But also because, when I make time, I want and need the exercise.  That, and the meditation that time allows me.

I try then, during those few minutes when I am not scooping up dog poop into a little baggie, to spend some time alone with myself and God.

I give thanks for the crisp, fresh air and sunshine or the raindrops or snow or wind that feel incredible on my face.  For being able to hear the sound of my feet gently striking the pavement.  For my physical health and the ability to even be out and moving like I am.  For my dog who makes me laugh as she grabs her leash in her mouth each morning, talking to me, so excited to be out for a run.  Or just out.

I pray family and friends and the world know peace and health and safe travels for the day, wherever their journey may be taking them.  And I breathe deep, remembering my shoulders shouldn’t be at ear level.  And I reflect on all of the challenges before me.  And us.  And I ask for guidance.  And insight.  And clarity.  And to always be open to learning whatever it is I still need to learn.

God asks no man whether he will accept life.  That is not the choice.  You must take it.  The only question is how.  ~  Henry Ward Beecher.

It’s not always easy to take that time.  And sometimes, depending on the situation, it truly is a challenge to give it over to God.

When I reflect on those kind of days, and there have been a few more than usual as of late .. those are the nights, I set my shoes by the door, ready for the morning.

Sunday, we didn’t have much time together.  But those who were left, a few close family and the friends who brought the Cowboy and I together to begin with .. were the only ones that morning at the ranch.

It was beautiful.

Quiet.

And we reflected on what a year and a half it has been and how grateful we are for the time together, our family and friends and the life before us.

See you all again soon ..

And when we have the official, ‘official Mr & Mrs party’ (we may just have at least one of those a year, just because) sometime in the spring .. we hope to see you and many, many more pulling back in the drive.

Until then, safe travels ..

Mimosas to kick off the celebration ..

Feast of pulled pork and bbq ..

Enjoying the music ..

Rare moment some of the kids still enough to capture a pic ..

Nightfall means cozying up the fire(s) ..

Closing down a fantastic day ..