Cuddling my gifts in the hammock of gratitude
The sumac tree sways in the late-October breeze,
as I lie down in the recliner in the backyard,
basking in the precious autumn sunshine,
soaking in the soon-to-be-gone warmth of the sun.
I close my eyes and let my mind and body be.
My body relaxes, my mind wanders.
I know not if it’s the soft sunshine, the gentle breeze, or the sweet autumn smell,
but my mind starts to fill itself with the past,
the past that includes others in my life:
My parents who blessed me with love and affection,
my uncles who gave me tight hugs when I used to meet them every few years,
my miniature German spitz, Annie, who I used to cuddle closely with as a seven-year-old,
my sister who has been a loving companion in my life,
my friends with whom I’ve shared countless memories of laughter and fun,
…the list goes on.
A hummingbird hovers near me, its humming wings awakening me.
I look up at the sky and snuggle up:
the autumnal clouds have started to drift in, painting the warm blue sky with their grayness.
I breathe in, my mind taking a well-deserved break in the hammock of gratitude,
the hammock that I ought to spend more time resting in,
acknowledging my loved ones and their contributions in my life,
letting that hammock’s warmth keep me happy and cozy.
