This past Sunday was the last full day, before our daughter started down the road of her military enlistment. Not extremely sunny, and occasionally the breeze picked up to become something more, but a good chance to get away and just be a family.
My wife made an excellent picnic dinner, and we decided to take it out to a nearby river. Perfect way to spend that afternoon, given all the times we had retreated to various rivers, over the years, as a place to just get away, play, and enjoy nature.
Countless instances of finding logs (sometimes fallen trees) and dragging them to the waterside, then ceremoniously upending them into the flow, all came back. Watching both daughters enjoying each other’s company and playing more like when they were 8/10 than 16/18, could not help but bring a smile to my face.
We may not have spent hours at the river, that day, but it was long enough to remind me that I am blessed beyond measure, in my wife, my kids, and the paths we’re all on. It’s more than I deserve, I know.
Of course, I can’t help but worry for our daughter. The Navy is a gateway to the vast world, out there. She’s a wonderful person, excellent daughter, a focused individual, and a truly caring soul. As a Corpsman, I believe her nature will be an advantage. As I said to her; I hope this experience does not make her change who she is, at her core, but add to that as she grows into herself.
Sure, I could wander into the river as a metaphor for our lives as parents…
but…
that’s just not me.
I’ll leave it as it is; a beautiful destination, place of relaxation, and a wonderful time spent with my amazing family.
Oh, and a place I’ll be going to fly fish, once the waters calm down, this summer. Yeah, that’s more like “me.”
Tight lines…