There is a place

There is a place I cross with great regularity.

A place where I step into another world - a world of discovery.

It speaks volumes - its character shaped by those who have crossed over it.

It is showing its age - worn down by 1,000s of footsteps planted firmly upon it.

Oh, the people who have passed over it - the history absorbed into its grain.

For more than 110 years it has been a gateway.

It has been a community landmark for all its life.

It has had several facelifts and purposes.

In its newest form it has welcomed our community since 1976.

If it could talk, what stories it could tell of others who have crossed over it.

Every Year

A beautiful summer night in the park. The music was great too. It is so nice to spend time with neighbors and friends just enjoying being. Being there - being alive - being part of this community. Did I mention being in the park - it is the jewel of our town with a river along one side and filled with stately oaks and hickories.

Later, as we turned into our driveway I caught a small glow flitting across the lawn. Then I remembered - it's almost the 4th of July and the magic lightning bugs have returned for their 21 day romp through the countryside and our memories. I watched them appear and disappear and wondered how many others were enjoying this seasonal sight just as I was.

Welcome back my friends. I have missed you. Thank you for the magic memories you bring and for helping me reconnect with childhood and loved ones no longer here.

I love the line from the Firefly Song: "I'd get a thousand hugs from 10,000 lightening bugs as they tried to teach me to dance." Listen to the song by clicking this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4