THE SUN
When you step outside on a beautiful day the first thing you usually notice is how bright the sun is. For some reason, even though you know the glare won't allow you to clearly see it, you're still compelled to look up into the sun. As you stare up into the sky you instinctively close your eyes but to your amazement even with your eyes closed you can still tell how bright the sun is because even through your closed eyelids the world behind your eyes becomes red. You stand there, with your head tilted towards the sky, and your eyes still closed as you allow the warmth of the sun to wash over your face and you embrace the Sunshine. It feels familiar somehow, warm and inviting almost like a kiss...
Thats because the Sun is like a lover you just can't get enough of. You wake up in the morning and the first thing you do is glance toward the windows to see if its sunny out or you turn on the TV to watch the weather forecast. And just like you do when you know you are going to see someone you are in love with, the moment you find out that the day will be sunny you get excited. Because the prospect of a day when the sun shines brightly is cause for optimism. All the possibilities of the day lie ahead and you just can't wait to experience it.
THE FLOWER
It starts as a seed, a tiny little thing that you bury beneath the soil. And even though you can't see it you know that its there. So you feed it, nurture it and protect it. You do your best to make sure it has whatever it needs in order to grow. And after awhile it gets strong enough to pop out from beneath the dirt and eventually it grows and blossoms into something so colorful, beautiful and delicate you just can't take your eyes off of it.
THE MOON
The moon is underrated because its not as shiny as the sun and definitely not as popular. No one ever gets up in the morning and checks the weather to see if the moon will be out that night. but The moon is consistent and even though people often take it for granted its always around to illuminate the night sky The Moon is like your best friend consistent loyal and dependable.
THE SUN ALWAYS SETS
Over time, the Sun becomes a distant and fickle lover, prone to leaving you without warning for days at a time or leaving you burned because you got too much of it. Suddenly the mornings are all cloudy now and instead of running to the window and looking out,all you want to do is pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep. After awhile you fear you will never see the sun again. But don't feel too bad because eventually you will make it over to the window, glance out and see...
The FLOWER, standing tall and strong in the garden regardless of the rain and the wind and THE MOON shining bright lighting up the dark night sky.
My youngest daughter Essence is that little seed that blossomed into a beautiful perrenial flower. Seemingly delicate but surprisingly durable enough to withstand the storms of winter. Now I watch her with enjoyment as she gets stronger and blossoms brighter with every season. She's quiet and thoughtful and she reminds me that being courageous doesn't mean that you are without fear and she's proven to me that real strength has nothing to do with the physical form.
Essence, 22
My eldest daughter Shariis is as pretty and as radiant as the moon. The moon always shows the earth the same side of its face and Shariis is just as consistent in attitude and behavior. Like the Moon's gravity pulls the tides, Shariis' upbeat personality draws people closer to her and she is everybody's best friend and confidant, including mine. She's taught me that love and respect are stronger than life's circumstances and she is my living breathing proof that dreams do come true.
Shariis, 26
I'm their father and all their lives they have looked to me for advice when they are confused, for understanding when they make mistakes, for guidance when the path in front of them doesn't seem clear and for a simple hug when love is the only answer that I can offer. But I don't think that they realize exactly what it is they do for me. Which can pretty much be summed up in one word. That word is INSPIRATION. My daughters inspire me to simply try and be better.
Essence has repeatedly shown me how to deal with disappointment with grace and humility and reminded me that hard work does pay off. Shariis has convinced me thats its healthier to find some reason to smile even when things aren't going great. The way she lives life has encouraged me to be more social and most importantly she's reminded me that even when theres no one physically with me that I'm never alone.
The Sun feels great when it shines on you but Winter comes every year and the clouds and storms of life always chase the Sun away for awhile.
it's comforting to know that even though all our days won't be sunny the three of us will always have each other
The Flower, The Moon ..... and Me
12/2014