On returning from vacation...

It was perfect, I said

Every day was wonderful

I almost didn’t mind coming home

The time away was somehow complete

Now I’ve had time to reflect

On what made this trip to Jackson

So much more enjoyable and relaxing

Than any vacation I’ve had in a long time

I believe I may have

Figured it out—or at least

I think I have some insight into

What made this visit extraordinary

It’s a new way of seeing

Seeing with the eyes of the heart

Enjoying the possibility of each day

Living each moment to the very fullest

Living in my daughter’s space

Drinking morning coffee from her mug

Leisure walks through her neighborhood

Sleeping each night between her Toy Story sheets

Following Joanie (she's a lawyer)

From courtroom to judges chambers

Sitting across from her desk in her office

Talking—children, memories, things of the heart

Drinking coffee on the stoop

With Mom Perkins in her scooter

Laughing and enjoying abundant roses

My nieces running to do Grandma’s bidding

Reunion with friends

Watching Lisa and Jubilee

My mentor and teacher now

Offering her wisdom to my child

There’s more—more of family

And eating and shopping and friends

Krispy Kremes, E&L’s, Hal & Mals, and

Turning 60 among friends at Burgers and Blues

And now I sit and smile

And know that I am changed

That seeing with the heart is really

Seeing God and all His gifts more clearly

After a week in Jackson, Mississippi, April 2012