Life is a blur of scampering out the door before open houses and squeezing in swing time and walks before bedtime and baths. My days in Chicago are already a distant memory of hot mid-day walks and twinkly nights upon the fringe of the merrymaking. I had one moment, during a walk with Leslie, that I stole for home.
We were in Millennium Park and she exclaimed, “Oooh, I’m putting my feet in the water!” And before I knew it she was squatting down and yanking off her shoes. I sighed, it seemed like so much work to take my tennis shoes off in the heat and then put them back on, socks sure to be damp with sweat. She let out a sigh like a dog curling up by a fire and I caved.
The water was incredible and the stones along the trough were cool and slick. I wiggled my toes and felt myself relax, my hands behind me and the sun shining upon my face. I looked at Leslie and saw a similar peace. We sat in a contemplative silence as people on either side of us began to follow suit.
Glimmers of sunlight reflecting off coins in the water caught my eye. I thought of the girls and Sean, of pennies tossed in Placid and Burlington. I felt silly and hopeful. I reached my hand in my pocket and slid a shiny dime between my fingers. I peeked at Leslie from the corner of my eye and as she leaned in looking at her own toes I dropped the dime silently into the water.
Unspoken wishes and s dreams of reaching an as yet invisible finish line.
As I remember the soft, soft splash, I feel a quiet hope.
I dream of reaching that invisible finish line too. Go, you!
you and your beautiful life. Well deserved.
We do the coin in the fountain wish too. We returned to Orlando almost 4 years ago after our wedding almost 9 years ago…and tossed another coin. We'll see if it works twice.
Lovely post, as usual.
I'm so sorry I wasn't able to meet you at BlogHer. You are amazing. Maybe next time?
I just came across your blog as a result of following a post by Mrs. Flinger. I love the way that your posts seem to have a quiet introspective feel, it feels as though you are a person that really thinks and feels and cares. I am excited to add this blog to my daily reading.
My wish came true.
I love what Flutter said… it fits your words here delightfully š Love this post. So different from many post-conf posts š
I'm not sure of the stories behind your words but what a beautiful post. Wow!