As I’m writing tonight, the rain is pouring outside and making the most interesting sound on our pool cover. My big chicken dog, Husker, is curled up on the bed beside me.
Life. Unplugged
There’s no daylight between the two of us. His side presses into my thigh every time he breaths. My youngest daughter, Isabelle, is curled up on the floor—camped out because the rain freaks her out and according to her, “Mom, you make me feel safe.” Max, my other big chicken dog, is curled up close to Isabelle. I can hear the music of the three of them breathing in concert with the rain pinging outside. A unique symphony meant only for me.
The house smells of sawdust and freshly folded laundry. We’re in the middle of a renovation project in the kitchen. And sheets were the last thing to come out of the dryer just as I was heading to bed to write.
As with each day, I’m recounting the things I accomplished, the speed bumps I encountered, and the missed opportunities. I smile as I remember a text message exchange with my best childhood girlfriend, Wendy. I feel a pang of disappointment with myself for not following through on a promise to myself. And my heart swells as I remember my husband whispering in my ear, “you look beautiful”, as we stand in a crowd.
I say a prayer of thanksgiving for taking this moment to just…be.
Put away your cell phone. Turn off the television. Sit. And allow your senses to overwhelm you with the sounds of YOUR Life. Unplugged. Relish it.