What It's Worth

The sound of her best friend laughing, choking back snorts and hiccups because she's lost her breath, doubled over and weeping with hysteria. The goosebumps on her forearms when she feels the wind brush over her skin at dusk on a perfectly clear, cool late summer eve. The unexpected email from a stranger halfway around the world thanking her for being herself, sharing her story so that others may grow, understand and feel less alone in their struggles. Fresh organic berries with a cashew cream whip and iced Americano in the backyard hammock. Her sister, miles away, ever present in her heart and mind and all over the house draped in her artwork. Her parents in her. DNA, mannerisms, the tilt of her head while gesticulating with arms akimbo, leaning on her hip, as if to underline her point. Sunrise. Possibility. The last cookie at the cafe while bumping into old friends and impromptu catch up dates. Warm skin next to hers, arms wrapped loosely around her waist, head tucked into a chest, lips brushing softly cross cheeks, lips, neck. Interlock. Heartbeats. Him. Bicycles and sneakers and summer frocks; hills and valleys and long flat roads with unexpected corners hiding magical finds. Fireflies. Flat bottomed boats filled with fireworks. Bathing suits, parkas, handknit scarves. Late night swinging in parks, jumping off at the peak of the rise, landing softly, buried toes cool and comforted. Kindness. Shared smiles with strangers, doors held open, thank yous and hellos and goodbyes and lovely to make your acquaintances. Generosity, her arms outstretched, head tilted back, swinging round and round til they both let go, exhausted, dizzy, spent. Forward momentum. The next big thing. The present small gift. Of time. Of life. Of  love and grace and perseverance. Not knowing what comes next and the excitement in the discovery. Wonder. Challenge. Failure and curiousity. Starting again. Starting over from here. Now. Continuing on from before. The cardinals in the backyard, a perfect set, year in, year out, always singing, through the seasons. Big red love.

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