Time To Remember
By Neil M. Travis, Montana
With the coming of each New Year much time is spent resolving to do things
differently in the coming year, and so we make resolutions, resolving to do
things in a different way than we did last year. Alas, the days slip away like
water in our hands and we discover that our resolve has dissolved, and we
have failed to make good on any of those resolutions. Since none of us know what
a year may hold perhaps it is best to spend the waning days of each year
remembering and reflecting on those things that have now past into history.
Looking back I recall the way that the last remaining rays of the setting
sun turned the peaks of the mountains a rosy red, and how the cool night air
was so refreshing after the heat of the day.
I recall a warm evening filled with dancing mayflies, and trout noses
pushing through the surface film filling their mouths with the bounty of a Montana
trout stream.
I recall the low rumble of thunder and the flash of distant lighting
bringing the promise of refreshing rain.
I recall the smell of new mown hay scenting the early morning air with a
bouquet no perfumer could duplicate.
I recall a picnic lunch in an aspen grove with my daughter and my wife, and
how beautiful she looked with the sunlight dappling her face on that August
day.
I recall the warm smile and the gentle touch of a loved one who shared my
life and whose smile and touch are now stilled by the harsh hand of death.
I recall the hand of a friend, strong and warm, extended in sorrow and in
love, and the tears gliding silently down his face, expressing feelings that
words could not express.
I recall how blessed I have been to have seen good days, to have been loved,
and to have loved.
Thus I am resolved to remember, to validate those memories in days yet to
come, to engender a child-like faith and wonder in all that life brings my way.
I am resolved to show to others the love that has been shown to me, and to
view each day as a gift from God. ~ Neil M. Travis, Montana/Arizona
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