Life can be so fast paced and hectic that it is very easy to forget the important things in life. As cheesy as the old soap opera opening is, “as sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives”. Or something like that. I dunno, I was a General Hospital junkie in my youth. But I think you get the picture.

When I have a minute to stop and take notice of the world around me, the surest way to mark the passing of time is to look at my children. I mean REALLY look at them. Where did the babies go that I used to hold for hours while they slept? Where are the cherubic toddlers that used to laugh and dance and sing, from sun up to sunset? Where did the cuddly little critters wander off to that came to me for kissing boo-boos and drinks of water? Oh, for the days that the biggest crisis in my house was a glass of spilled milk or if it was time to take the training wheels off. Somewhere along the line they crossed over into adolescence and puberty.

The ‘Exorcist’ holds no terror once a teen takes over your child’s body. Dr. Spock’s book should be replaced with copies of Bill Cosby’s video, ’Bill Cosby, Himself.’ I have yet to meet the parent(s) that hasn’t uttered (even if it was under their breath) “I brought You into this world, I can take you out!!!”

There have been weddings, births and deaths in my circle over the past few months. I have been going through one of those introspective phases of late. I don’t mind when there is an epiphany that materializes shortly into it. But, I’m still waiting on it. My children will be gone in a few short years, starting lives of their own. I don’t think I will suffer from empty nest syndrome, but I will have choices to make. What will I do with the rest of my life?

Will I take a second job? Or get a different job? Will I continue my education? Will I do more charity work? Will I finish the novel I started? Will I relocate or stay where I am? Will I get a dog? What does my future hold? The highway is an open road for all of us and we sit squarely in the drivers seat. Some days I wish I had a crystal ball. Others, I’m content to watch life as it unfolds just as life has a way of doing.

No matter what my choices are, I will embrace the adventure. There are some things that one needs to leave behind in order to go forward. It’s just excess baggage. Other things, no matter how heavy they may seem from time to time, are necessary for the journey. They need to be kept close every step of the way.

I wrote a poem a few years ago for a very dear friends birthday. He told me that when He passed away, if He went before I did, He wouldn’t mind at all if I wrote a poem for Him. I told Him that I think poetry is like flowers. They are for the living, not the dead. So, I wrote Him His poem now. He told me that He has left instructions that the poem is to be cremated with Him. Kinda morbid stuff but really very sweet and touching if you think about it. Our friendship means a great deal to both of us. It doesn’t get any better than that.

I’ve had a few more requests for poems from friends on their demise. Not really something I like to think about, but obviously we are a practical lot in the mid-west. As I told my dear friend, nothing should ever be reserved for “just the right moment.” It should all be enjoyed “in the moment.”

In honor of all my friends, old and new, I would like to share my poem with you. It will be published this summer. I hope you enjoy it.

Til next time.... Love, sassy v  

© sassy vixen1 2006

A simple Man, A simple life,

Loving children, loving wife.

So many friends down through the years,

To share His joys, His trials, His tears.

Like lightening bugs on a summer’s eve,

When the setting sun quietly takes His leave,

Brightening the dusk with a soft sweet light,

As the hurried day becomes placid night.

Such simple bliss is a Man’s desires,

As His soul grows weary and his body tires.

He longs for the fragrance of new mown grass

And fresh brewed tea in a frosted glass.

The scent of the Earth after a summer’s rain,

A cacophony of thunder in sweet refrain,

A child cradled in slumbering bliss,

The lingering memory of a youthful kiss.

More blessings he holds than he can perceive,

Like lightening bugs on a summer’s eve.

Filling the sky in the dusky light,

A simple Man, filled with simple delight.