Chlorine

My girls are running around an indoor pool in Austin. Chlorine is baking the air around my nostrils. I can still detect the taste of BBQ stuck between my teeth. I’m weary from a lengthy drive, but excited screams and energetic children are expressing their joy in a late night swim. It’s been a wonderful day.

How many more of these do I get? This is not so much a question of mortality as it is a recognition that time marches on. How much longer before these girls would rather sit and veg than be children. My older two are already back in the room–vegging.

I’m thankful for the long drive today; and the screams of joy I now hear; and BBQ; and banana pudding. I don’t even notice the chlorine smell right now. My heart is full and the moment is now.

So I’ll continue to sit here in the corner, guarding my children like a pit bull, feeling joy. And peace.

This is chlorine for my soul.