I stand atop the gravel driveway watching my baby nephew scurry down the path. The few blonde locks that he has shakes as he takes each step, still unsteady, yet determined to explore the mystery of his neighborhood. Listening quietly, I hear the steady buzz of some unfamiliar insect that has found its place in my sister’s yard. I feel the air’s dry warmth take over my body, I smell fresh-cut lawn and detect the faintest bit of the stale milk stain from Wyatt’s breakfast on my sleeve. I miss the smell of the ocean and the moist feeling of salty air on my skin. But the sun’s strength quickly distracts these thoughts, and I remove my peach sweater and toss it in the back of the red pick-up truck. Stretching my arms to greet the sun for the first time all week, I look around to see if any other neighbors are taking advantage of this beautiful day. I realize I look like a typical California girl: flip flops, jean shorts, tank top, and blonde hair pulled back in a messy bun. I can’t help it though, I know I am out of place here in the South. I feel very far removed from reality out here, and surprisingly, the realization that my life has been put on pause is relieving and very much appreciated.
I take a moment to lessen my thoughts and worries, to really feel with every sense where I am in this moment. Goodness, wasn’t I just in this front yard, wasn’t it just summer? How in the world did this year go by so quickly? I glance towards my nephew, he turns, giggling and smiling at me, and I can’t help but appreciate his utter innocence and naivety that comes with being so young. The poor child has had a cold, and his runny nose has been driving me crazy for days. Immediately I scold myself for getting frustrated at this 20 month old, he obviously can’t control it nor help it that he’s sick. He shows me what it really means to be young and in total dependence of someone else. As with most trips with my sister, my admiration and respect for her continues to grow. She shows unswerving patience and love for Wyatt at all times, and all I can hope is that one day I will be ready to do the same. Sometimes I get scared that I’ll never be ready, but I try not to think about that. I’m trying not to worry so much about challenges down the road, so I push the thought to the back of mind, and take in the beautiful day with great awe for the serene beauty in the South.
My whole life I’ve had a great love for books, and had an odd fascination with some about growing up in the South. From Humbug to the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood to Fried Green Tomatos at the Whistlestop Café, I concocted a façade of the South at a young age. This included old houses with big white porches, iced tea so cold that the glass created condensation immediately upon contact with liquid, large families swarming with playful children, and a simple, old-fashioned way of life. I think back to when I was a kid, staying up all night to finish whatever book I had gotten my eager hands on. I miss that, having so little responsibility that I could spend hours and hours of my day reading books and imagining what my life will be like. I hope that Wyatt will lead a happy and healthy life, that he will run wild and free through his youth like the characters in my books.
Sometimes I wish I was still a kid, and could use my age as an excuse to making mistakes and avoiding decisions. This trip has been relaxing and removed from my everyday rituals, and it has been nice to take a break from the California lifestyle, and even nicer to push reality and consequences aside. Yet I know this is just a dream, and that tomorrow I will be heading home. Yes, tomorrow I will head back to tough college courses and even tougher exams. Back to the endless job search, steady banter of gossip that is always so prevalent among groups of friends, and the constant knot in my stomach that I am missing something huge. I remind myself that today is only one day, and that though tomorrow will come soon enough, I must take everything with resilience and God’s grace. In times of trials, it is refreshing to look to family for love and support. It is invigorating to witness the life my sister and her husband have built in the South, one lived in simplicity and pure joy. A reminder that that are very few things in life that I absolutely need. And that simplicity is the answer to clearing out the clutter in your life. With this, I’ll leave you with my favorite Oscar Wilde quote:
"Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing."
Good night to all, and I hope your week is full of peace of mind and happiness. Try to take life one moment at a time, and most importantly, don’t forget to breathe.
With love,
Megan
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