Seasons

The Seasons

I said "goodnight" and softly closed the door. Outside the deep blackness of this winter night is overwhelming; seeming to absorb even the lights from the neighboring windows. The world feels shrunken to the distance of my vision, and this sort of night always makes me feel peaceful - It's quiet and the world's bustle is locked out. Or maybe it was inside the house that left me feeling this way. As I bade farewell, Meghan, sitting in the rocker, was gently nursing Owen and he was making the soft cooing sounds of satisfaction. With the young mother’s look of total contentment, she wished me well and instructed me to “drive safe and text when I was home”
It was the Dave’s night to cook, and both he and Stella were sitting at the dining table, eating grilled sandwiches and soup. Eating, talking and swinging her feet, Stella waved good bye without missing a beat. Meanwhile, enjoying his daughter’s attention, and the warm meal, Dave radiated the image of a perfect dad.

I really did not want to go; but my visit was spontaneous and it was getting late. Out on the road, the night’s blackness continued with heavy rain added to the mix. Cars passed and quickly vanished, into the dark, with dim red lights the only reminder of their existence. The wipers, beat a steady rhythm back and forth, but barely kept the windshield clear. Inside the cab, the heater, on high, blasted out so much heat that my face was flushed and the radio blasted out enough oldies rock n roll to take me back in time.

Enjoying the moment my mind began to wander and I remembered an old pick-up truck I owned in my early twenties - both door windows were missing and the heater didn't work. Bundled up like an arctic explorer I drove it to work in that condition all winter. The following summer one of my coworkers lifted the hood and showed me how the heater could be turned on and off. And not much after that I had the windows repaired.

Smiling to myself, I drove on toward home enjoying the night, and the seasons of life.