On the Wind

On this cool August evening, the windows and doors are open and the cool summer breeze is blowing through the house. Summer is not over but we have been given our first notice.

The back yard is full of big maple trees, save for a small patch in the very corner which I have filled with marigolds and tomatoes. Off the old kitchen, there is a brick patio that holds a grill, table and four chairs. The bricks are old, worn, red bricks and Vegas chose them as her vantage point today. The breeze was blowing through her red hair, her eyes closed and nose lifted. She was surely smiling.

The night fell and we all padded out for the final romp. I sat and rocked in one of the chairs. Sadie came and stood facing me, her head on my knee, dark brown eyes begging me to ruffle her ears. Vegas wandered over to get in on the action, as I sat rocking, and Sadie moved over, ever so slightly, so that Vegas could get her loving.

The wind made a big woosh through the trees and I lifted my my face up, eyes closed, listening to God. I was smiling.

Thank you God for these small, perfect moments and the dogs that slow us down to notice them.