Already Home

Four miles into a five mile run I stopped.

I don't know why. I had every intention of finishing and have been on a roll lately but it seemed like a good idea so I gave myself permission to stop. I bent over and untied my shoes, pulled the socks off and strolled in the surf.

It's one of those picture postcard kind of days. The ocean is flat with soft rolling waves. Pelicans make splashes as they dive for fish. Shrimp boats drag green nets on the horizon. There's miles and miles of blue skies dotted with white clouds. The sea breeze is pleasant and the humidity is low under the blazing sun.

Grabbing my I-Pod, I find Jim Morris music to enjoy "the hellacious floating opera going by."

The cool ocean water was intoxicating to be toes.

"God I'm blessed," I say out loud.

Not a word is said in response but I can feel God smiling.

I wade out to my waist and am suddenly flooded by thoughts of people I care about. D-Luv, Michelle, Conner and Hania, Jimmie, Linda, Carlos and Robin all seem to be with me though they're all somewhere else. The ocean and me are holding them in our hearts.

Making my way back into the white sand, I smile at the runners and the walkers. Couples hold hands and return my smiles. A little boy runs naked around his mother.

I'm in no hurry.

I'm already home.