Such a Brave Girl

Ok...so I have lived all my life in the same small town. But...I have been in the city of Portland which is 75 miles away so many times it seems as though it's my second home. Traveling over Highway 6 through the Coast Range, driving the road from memory, knowing each little twist and turn. Watching the road, being safe, keeping those eyes on the road. Never once had I diverged from the road and been to U.S. Forest Service Jones Creek Campground. Yesterday I did.

A friend has been camping there this week (it's her first time there too) and asked me to join her for a day on the riverbank. When I turned off of Highway 6, I was blown away by the beautiful campground and facilities. Private, quiet sites with dappled sunlight filtering through the tall trees, made me want to immediately go home and get my tent! The day use area has easy to navigate steps down to the river and the water was wonderful. The river is quiet there and perfect for kids and families. Lazily floating on the river, I enjoyed the warm rays of the sun and good company. I hesitated to leave, the afternoon was perfect!

We couldn't believe that we didn't know how wonderful the place was! Always driving by, we never knew such relaxation and rejuvenation opportunities were available right off of the beaten path. It pays to pause and enjoy the moments of this crazy thing we call life...

It's time...almost time to return to work after a summer of adventures, travels and r & r. One more week before the school year begins and "early to bed...early to rise." I'm looking forward to another year of working with students, parents and reconnecting with my co-workers. The "little universe" that is high school is never dull and there is always something going on. I suppose that "something" could be called "drama." Yes...little bits of drama everyday when you are working with teenagers. But I wouldn't change it for all the time in the world. Watching young people grow into adults and learning to deal with "real life" is fascinating. It keeps me young and reminds me to take one day at a time.

But before school, there is one week...one week of summer vacation left. Unfinished chores that are on the "to do" list beckon me with guilt. I turn my head away from the list and listen to my heart that tells me that the jobs will wait, but the summer days will not. Deep breaths and warm sun are on my priority list this week. Time is of the essence and I will not waste it...so where is my lawn chair and bring me my ice tea...The lazy days of summer are here for me!

photo above is the tiny city park in Christopher, Illinois where my father grew up. I visited there in June with my parents.

It is a beautiful day...warm and sunny, a perfect August afternoon. I am relishing the last two weeks of summer vacation and vow to remember the sweetness of the season. Life is good. In my daydreaming, I remember those who are going through life's sorrows, specifically the loss of loved ones. While I am enjoying the warmth and wonderful weather, there are those that are clinging to sanity while mourning the passing of cherished family. Everyone has their hurts and sometimes it is too easy to let those in pain pass by without offering a word, a touch or comfort. Why do we let them pass by? Sometimes we just don't know what to say, we don't know how to say it or we simply don't want to appear foolish and stupid by our lack of eloquence.

Let me be brave enough to appear foolish...let me be honest enough to share my failures, my misses with others if it will help them rise above their despair. I don't want empathy to ever leave my heart. I will try to take the path that points the way to honesty and loyalty...even though it may be in the shadows...