Unexpected Marvelous Places

(Published in Academy of the Heart and Mind, July, 2024)

There were days

when the world was available

before us.



We found ourselves in unexpected

yet marvelous places.

It seemed all doors were open to us.



Climbed a mountain

just because the opportunity presented itself.

Explored

and accepted the California air

(in days before wildfires and smog)

in the beginning of it all.



Time and space stretched out

like a watercolor painting.



The life we have now

is because we

created that dream for ourselves.

Sewed the golden thread into our coat lining. 



Yes, there were others who believed in us

and supported us.

But, it took years of stubborn growth

to appreciate those sacrifices

and accept their offerings

with graciousness.

With a simple ‘thank you.’

With a quiet smile.



Look how far we’ve come

and thank you to the helpers.