Echoes

My sister is always the first one to notice when I begin to fray at the edges.  The past several months have been especially difficult, and took their toll.  I've been finding myself increasingly emotional and not coping well.  Yesterday she casually asked if I had plans for today, and informed me that she had a surprise getaway in store for me.

After we'd been on the road for a bit, I realized our secret destination was Jamesport, Missouri. This is a quaint little town surrounded by an Amish community.  It was one of my favorite spots to visit when Jason and I were first married, but I hadn't been there for many years.  As we drove through the peaceful countryside, I felt my inner turmoil quietly slip away.  She had arranged for a private tour given by the owner of a bed and breakfast, who directed us to a country schoolhouse, Amish farms, and fascinating little shops.  After our tour, we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious lunch before exploring more stores and bakeries.  I was delighted to discover the very same candles Jason used to purchase for me.  The scent is aptly called Amish Country Clothesline. This evening before I lit one, I held it under Jason's nose.  He immediately said, "Jamesport".  

I imagine my sister's arms are growing weary from holding me up all these years.  She effuses a contagious joy that never fails to calm me.  She advises, coaxes, insists, and cajoles as only an older sister can.  I would truly be a mess without her.

"Good deeds have echoes." ~Amish proverb

Happy Place

Sometimes when life becomes a bit overwhelming, I escape in my mind to my happy place. I find myself on the family farm of my youth. Some of my most peaceful memories are of springtime. At the first hint of a balmy breeze, my brothers and I would bound from the confines of the house. As the bright sun melted the lingering snow, we would use sticks to form tiny tributaries from the icy puddles in our yard. This simple activity would occupy us for hours.
The return of warm weather also meant we could engage in our favorite activities. The great outdoors provided more room to impersonate Bo, Luke, and Daisy Duke who encountered various obstacles. I also had more space to twirl in my Wonder Woman swimsuit. I battled the forces of evil in this ensemble, complete with bangles, a lasso, and boots.
We spent hours exploring the grove of trees on our property. We would take turns holding open the barbed wire fence so we could squeeze through, and race across the pasture to the trees. My favorite spot was among the lilac bushes that bordered the north end. I often slipped away to this space for quiet contemplation, where the only sounds were the songs of chickadees.
Of course, the passing of years brings countless changes. Gone are the days of playing Matchbox car garage or belting out Charlie Pride tunes. We will no longer take turns on the tire swing or relentlessly search for new kittens among the dusty straw bales in the barn. While those carefree days will never return, the memories provide respite.
"Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows."
-John Betjeman