African Sunset*
One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing is the way that one thought leads to another seemingly unrelated thought, then an idea, then a short interruption to feed the cat, and then on to a bunch of other brain rambles. Saturday morning I read The Boston Globe obituary of Bruce West, a man who was well known and loved in our small town of Marion, Massachusetts. I am a part-time resident who came on the scene too late to make his acquaintance, and I regret that. His obituary included not only the usual details about his family and past careers but also this striking passage:
An ideal summer Sunday for Bruce began with a morning of men’s doubles at the Sippican Tennis Club followed by a sail to Bird Island and a picnic with his family. Once the Gnome was back on her mooring in the harbor, he would swim to Meadow or Ram Island and back to the beach on Cedar Point. The day would not be complete without a family dinner of fresh cherry stones, corn on the cob, a salad, and a cheeseburger or steak, followed by a raucous game of charades.
The past couple of years have been tumultuous for my family, jam-packed with events that comprise a life: deaths of matriarchs, births of babies, trips to exotic places, serious illnesses and two happy weddings. Bumbling through all of this led me to the realization that time is a-passing and we’d better notice and enjoy it. Which leads back to the wonderful description of Bruce West’s “perfect day.” I have been trying figure out what would be a perfect day for me. It may take a while. I know for sure it would include remembering to appreciate life’s moments. And that leads to…..this wonderful video of a couple who know how to do just that.
*Photo by William Popik Photography
