When I look back on my early life, it isn’t the hundreds of days I went to school that stand out in my memory. It is the one single day my duty-driven father unexpectedly said to my sister and I: “Girls, it is too beautiful a day to go to school. Get in the car. We will drive to York Forest.”
He packed a picnic lunch—his famous ham-and-tomato sandwiches, and a thermos of lemon tea with honey. We drove out to a favorite regional forest, and walked the forest trails for miles on that sparkling, bright morning with golden leaves fluttering down all round us.
We sat on a bank at the side of the trail in the cool October sunshine, warming our hands on cups of hot lemon tea, eating our sandwiches. And my father spoke with simple happiness about God; of how beautiful the world He made could be.
Forty-five years later, that morning still shines.
And even though he died many years ago and I am now disabled, I still walk in York Forest with my father, and rejoice.
Marya, I just love this short, descriptive snippet from your childhood. It must have been a very special time for you. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I loved this, Marya. Your father was a wise man to provide the gift of appreciation of special places and moments. My mom had that gift, too.
Thank you, Lisa and Christine.
Marya this is just so lovely and a wonderful memory to share and remember. Thank you for sharing it honey… <3
Thank you for dropping by and reading it, Maitri.
This is wonderful. I loved your description of this moment. What a beautiful thing!
Thank you, Rebekah.