I can still see resplendent sunrises…and jaw-dropping sunsets.  The stars so abundant in their blue-black blanket.  Smell new lilac and roses and fresh-mown hay.  Hear the first wren and spring and fall’s traversing geese and ducks and the quiet whisper of snow on a windless January afternoon.

In my life I’ve loved them all….

I can see the mother of my sons walking down the aisle…holding both of them seconds after their births…wiping away tears at graduations…and a wedding.  I can still hear her last breath.

Every day I feel the snow beneath my skis and feel the wind rush by as I hurtle down the mountains in my mind.  Remember the warmth of every fire that has warmed my body and spirit… campfire, fireplace, fire pit, loving hearts.

In my life I’ve loved them all….

I wake every morning with my love beside me and know our day will be full of her shining smile, gentle touch, promise of forever.  In her eyes I see the future.  In her smile I hear the laughter of our children and grandchildren, both mine and hers.

In my life I’ve loved them all….

I close my eyes and see again my many classrooms…thousands of promises, hopes, dreams.  “Pomp and Circumstance” plays again and again as they march through my memories.

In my life I’ve loved them all….

I conjure old friends and we are young again, daring tomorrow.  Reconnections spark hope and smiles and tears at loss.  The grey halos remind me of the sweetness and depth of old wine.  Drink up.

In my life I’ve loved them all….

I wrap myself in my life, all the gladness and all the hard-to-bear, and feel the fullness of my cup.  In the coming tomorrows I will happily let it overflow with new memories.

In my life I know I will love them all.

Dr. Dan

05-11-2020