Little Moments

Yesterday evening was one of those perfect nights where normal events all fell into place to make some really great memories.  You know the kind.  Like when you're sitting around with some friends, the conversation is great and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.  You suddenly look around and realize that you are living your life.  Not just waiting for the next get together, or the next day of work or the next vacation, but recognize that what is happening around you is a memory in the making.

Trevor drove home from Texas yesterday afternoon, after a long weekend of cleanup at the as of yet unsold house.  We were so glad to see him pull into the driveway, and the kids ran out to greet him before he could even get out of the truck.  I love it that I still get butterflies when I see him come through the front door, and know that he is back home.  Life seems so empty and flat without him, and being able to just glance over and see him sitting in his chair makes me smile.

We hadn't really planned anything for the Fourth of July because he wasn't sure when he would be home, and then Nathan woke up with a low-grade fever Sunday morning.  I decided to run out to the store for some things to grill and pulled out some money for some fireworks as well.  While I got dinner ready, Trevor and Nathan drove down to the local firework stand to purchase some fiery entertainment.  After a full day of being still and resting, Nathan was more than ready to get outside and do something!

When we sat down to dinner, I asked who was going to say the blessing because we take turns.  Gracie said, "Daddy, because we are glad he is home."  We ate dinner and then sat down to watch a movie until it got dark enough to light the fireworks.

It was about 8:45 when the sun set, and we went outside to play and realized that it was sprinkling!  Not deterred by the rain, Trevor and the kids took the fireworks out to the side walk and began lighting them.  As I sat there on the front porch watching my favorite people in the world, time slowed down for a brief moment.  All of the physical elements of the evening magnified;  the fireflies blinking in the field, the cool breeze moving over my skin, the multitude of fireworks bursting from horizon to horizon, even the smell of the wild grasses and flowers that grow nearby.  As I watched Nathan and Grace with their glow necklaces and sparklers, I committed the moment to my memory.  I considered getting up and retrieving my camera, but I didn't want to miss even a second of the scene unfolding before me.

The moment was as close to pure bliss as we can achieve on this earth.  Pure, unadulterated joy and happiness at being reunited again and sharing a special moment together.  A moment infused with love, acceptance and the knowledge that it really doesn't get any better than this.