Seven Days

His dad was turning 90, he was turning 60, his son 30, and his grandson 10. Obviously this was an occasion worth celebrating.

Rather than throw one of those mind-numbing, shades of gray birthday parties where the main attraction consists of rubbery, pre-formed hamburger patties and cheap, too-salty hot dogs hidden between smashed white-bread buns, on floppy paper plates, next to potato and macaroni salads hastily purchased from the Salmonelli Deli, and where the after meal hours are spent slurping coffee, burping, and yawning, the sixty year old, a creative, exuberant man decided to rent several cabins at a dude ranch for the entire family, for an entire week!

Celebrating for seven days and nights in the fragrant mountain air, caressed by gentle summer breezes, under a friendly yellow sun by day, and flickering bright stars and a rotund creamy moon by night, this respectful, loving family vacated their normal day-to-day activities to come together. In retreat from lives of utility, the time was taken to look one another full in the face, offer expressions of sincere happiness, rejoice in the blessings that have been known from occupying together this common time on Earth, here, now, past and present, and whatever may be graced to follow.

The days were spent fishing in pristine waters, horseback riding through flower-strewn alpine meadows, hiking within aromatic wooded canyons, swimming in clear lakes, competing together in games of horse-shoes and volleyball. Meals shared on smooth pine benches scooted up to long cowboy tables laden with colorful, fresh-from-the-garden vegetables, local berries, and juicy slow-roasted meats were coupled with boisterous conversation and laughter.

The nights were shared in comfortable cabins, on perfect mattresses covered with soft, white linens, moonlight streaming through large wood-framed windows, the sounds of nocturnal creatures skittering and skulking, hooting, and snuffling. Pensive ponderings uttered in sighing pre-sleep whispers lifted burdens and spoke of faith. Sleep was deep, still, rejuvenating. Mornings were quiet, unbelievably scented with cedar and pine trees, fishy waters, dewy dirt, bacon, and eggs.

Seven days. One. Two.. Three... Four.... Five..... Six...... Seven. Each one more settled, relaxed, and candid than the last.

Seven days of four generations drawn together by cherished devotion to each member, and to the realization that a family done right brings encouragement to the spirit, peace to the heart, and unity to the clan.

More than dusty clothing and crisp memories were packed up and carried home at week's end. Stories and values had been passed down. Youthful enthusiasms handed up. Bodies young and old became invigorated by days of strenuous fun. Unconditional love nurtured tired spirits back to robust health.

Vitality blossomed from days of intimate sharing at the ranch, a kind of full-color, all sensory breathing which naturally followed each family member home, only to waft across the resumption of the day-to-day.

We outsiders, blessed to inhale the nobility of this family, find ourselves filled...with hope.