A Glorious Day

When I woke up this morning our little town of Wernersville PA was coated with ice. I drove our younger son up the mountain to play with a friend for the day, then enjoyed the natural beauty surrounding me as I drove slowly back down the mountain toward home. The icy roads had melted with the sun but the trees remained coated in slowly dripping diamonds. The crisp air reminded me of my happy early childhood in Massachusetts, before I became aware of the problems of my family.

The roads surrounding my home were enchanting with their mature trees and old brownstone buildings. For a moment it was easy to imagine myself back in the Berkshires, young and bliss-fully unaware of the progressive challenges my parents would face and fail to conquer. Back then my siblings and I escaped into nature, and she always welcomed us with lovingly open arms.
This morning, up on South Mountain, where our children have gone to the playground for the past ten years, even the community tennis courts sparkled in the sun. It’s been healing living here, giving our children the kind of small town life and natural beauty I grew up with, as well as the kind of family fun and love I yearned for as a child.

On a glorious day like this it is easy to believe in God, Santa, and other deities. My life has come full circle. Nature continues to heal me, just as it did when I was a child. All I have to do is open my eyes and let it do its magic.