I won't forget this

I finally make it down to the water. My legs all rubbery from running the steps from the house to the beach. Everywhere I look is water, beach, rocks, and its beautiful. We have brought fishing poles down to the water for the kids to cast. They are scattered on the sand.

The kids are running around with that excited energy that only kids have. Smiles plastered on their faces. The wind is blowing the trees and the background noise of the leaves rustling in the breeze gives the illusion that we are millions of miles from the daily grind.

The boys are heaving rocks into the water pondering the size of the ripple that each one will create. My boy, his green eyes, not unlike my own. I'm amazed at his beauty, his energy. I'm suddenly impressed with myself, amazed that I had anything to do with this vibrant young person as the gold in his hair is lit up by the evening sun.

The sun is starting to fall from the sky and I can feel it warming me in contrast to the cool breeze.

The girls are climbing the rocks, big and small, slippery from the splash of the lake. There is his girl, her hair wild in the breeze. She is so quietly determined. The sweet smile of a child with wide eyes and inner strength that is unmistakable. She climbs and slips, laughing as her feet fall into the still cold water.

I slip off my shoes letting my feet remember the feel of the sand, cold and grainy. I step back to enjoy the moment. Take a sip of my wine. Its cold and smoky and I can almost imagine the tart and sweet of the grapes it was made from. I smile, I can't help it.

I look over at him. He is untangling a fishing line. His golden girl looking up at him. She is the little star, so confident on stage. But so in need of his attention. She adores him, this I understand. I feel the same way. His hands on the line, moving with a knowing, so capable. He has touched me with those hands so many times. I doubt I will ever tire of it. The feel of his hand in mine.

She casts her newly untangled line. She is proud of herself. He looks down at her and they both smile. I quickly reach for my camera. I snap a shot knowing I won't really be able to capture the moment.

The breeze, the splashing water, the boys. The cacophony is more like a symphony.

To anyone passing by it would seem completely ordinary. Maybe even a nuisance to some with the kids laughing and squealing. I quickly realize that this isn't ordinary; this is something that will be remembered. I get a tingling feeling in my stomach. I can't stop the smile on my face from spreading. This is what happiness is.