August 18, 2009
The best memory of last week’s celebration of our 49th wedding anniversary is the sight and sound of Heidi, Jon, Zoie and Kira all together in our walk-in shower talking, laughing, and shrieking (Kira) as they photographed a tree frog that Jon spotted on the roof deck of our house. The top of our house is thirty plus feet high, and seeing a frog up there was a great surprise. Jon caught it and brought it down into the living area, and to the sound of Charles’ “Don’t let that frog loose in the house!” took it into the shower area so he could open his hands and show it to the family – it was there they saw that the beautiful little creature had suction cup feet and was climbing up the tile walls. We identified it as a Cope’s gray treefrog, and because it is a night creature and hides itself well, it is rarely seen, and certainly not so close up and personal. After the adventure, the frog was carried outside to resume its reclusive life.
There was a feeling of sadness when the wrens departed last week leaving a much quieter space behind. The last swallow fledges left the nest also, and we didn’t see or hear them either. We thought they took flight immediately, and wondered how the young birds could begin to migrate so soon, but yesterday evening, after the sun had set behind the trees, I was out filling the bird feeders when I looked up to see the whole family swooping and dipping in every direction above the house. They were up high enough so that they were still in the sunlight, and the scene looked joyful and splendid. None of them have come back to sit upon the porch mobiles where they spent a lot of time all summer long – I thought perhaps they were saying goodbye before embarking on their very long journey southward to Argentina and beyond.
Life for me at this point might be compared to a vessel of water that has minute cracks in it from which the liquid seeps out. Some of the cracks are those brought about by aging, and the others are the disease slowly easing away the life force. My monthly blood readings indicate that this is the case. Our GP calls to visit about the readings and I am told that as one of the most vulnerable persons around, when the flu vaccines are made available I am at the very top of the list. “Just think” I say to Charles, “I have finally and at long last become Number One!” Here in Nebraska being No.1 is a big deal, but I do not anticipate acquiring the large Styrofoam hand with the pointer finger extended upward, nor the accompanying cap. I remain thankful for the good days as they come, always pleased that I have dear family, friends, and yes, also Alphie and Sanctuary with its abundant creatures to bring me laughter, music, good food, fine conversations, and beauty – all continuing reminders of what a blessed life God has given me.
