TREASURE THE MOMENT

Sweet, enchanting, haunting music fills my spirit as I gently stroke the soft brown curls on that little head. It is by all comparisons a small and tiny mind that seems insignificant almost dismissible. I realize in a profound and significant way the tremendous love and allegiance that is within that little mind. I know in the bravest of ways he would defend me to the end.

But not now. Now is the eve following a long day. Here he stayed patiently and longingly for my return. That rest and relaxation would come only once I darkened this door. And now we are together resting in warmth and comfort by a fire.

Beautiful sweet music fills my mind taking me away to places I long to be, reticent to return to the reality that surrounds me. I treasure the quiet and the adoring silence. It lifts my spirit, and reaches inward to my soul. I long to stay in that place mindful of the ever present reality that’s always there to take me back.

But at least for now, for this moment I can stay in that place, a place of peace, a place of quiet and tranquility. Treasure the moment.

Paula Hines

WHEN FIRST WE LEFT HOME

It was one of those little nights that somehow somewhere along the way seemed to be a big night. It's Junior High. It's Volleyball. It's kids, my little kid, a big grown up Grade Seven-er, almost thirteen year olds, heading off on the ferry to Newfoundland for a sports tournament.