Winter Water, a story

Last afternoon the Goodenough family went hiking. The return hike was in darkness. It was thrilling. They never thought of being afraid. Light was reflecting off of the lake. first it was the bright sky, then the glorious colors of sunset, then darkening, we began to see lights shining in it from an opulent lake front resort and all it's manicured trees still covered in Christmas lights.

They could hear the water sloshing on the rocks below the cliff that they walked on. Overhead big boulders would sometimes hang over- seeming more of a protection than a threat now that it was dark.

The children were allowed to run ahead so Leon and Jennifer, Elsie and Mia could walk together, hold hands and muse about the changes so rapidly occurring in their lives.

When the Leon and Jennifer re-united with their children they found the whole bunch squished in together around a tree spying on some teenagers like a friendly gang. The children were so still and quiet that the parents didn't see them until they were quite close.

Jennifer said, "oh, there you are!". They all said ,"shh". They were so serious about their play that sometimes it makes their mama laugh out loud.

Now Ephraim faithfully delivered a report that Zion had disobeyed one of Papa's rules. While all the others ran ahead playing their games, Zion had to hold his papa's hand and walk along with him and his mama and baby siblings. He did not look thankful for this privilege.

Mama tried not to chuckle as this big black boy with a mean scowl held the strong hand of the sweetest man on earth.

love, jeni