It was six in the morning. Smoke was rising from my coffee and my first morning cigar. I fed and watered the girls and they were off chasing Jack Rabbits. I hope they don’t catch another one. It was nice and quiet. My mind slowly began to drift off. I continued transcribing Book III of The Dudley Files for Dudley. It was going well.
I looked up for a brief moment and took some coffee. The sun began to rise. Just as it did, the light hit the Cypress trees lining the river and turned them golden in color. I had never witnessed this before. Normally the Cypress leaves are green and during the winter they turn brown. But this morning, they were golden. I stopped what I was doing and watched this glorious lighting of the trees. I watched for ten minutes and was mesmerized. The sun rose a little more and the golden color turned to brown. It stayed that way for the rest of the day. The girls came back (empty handed, thankfully). They had witnessed the whole thing.
The next morning I woke up early just to watch this again. But the leaves had fallen from the trees. There would be no more golden leaves. That moment had passed. If I had blinked, I would have missed the whole thing.
I started thinking about how many things in life I had missed because I had blinked, or looked one way instead of the other. How would I know what I had missed? Had I missed anything? Was it important? Regrets, I’ve had a few. My goal now is to have no more. I don’t want to miss a thing.
So here’s my free therapy to you (and remember, you get what you pay for): Hug your wife, hug your kids, hug your dogs, write that book, kiss your dog (I know I already mentioned dogs, but I love dogs, what can I say?), make that call to someone you’ve been denying forgiveness, paint, draw, go to concerts and art openings. If you blink, it may be gone, never to return. Don’t miss your chance to do what you know in your heart should be done. Do it now!
That will be $150 for your free therapy. Let’s face it, nothing’s free. But I’ll settle for you following your heart while you still can. I will.
I really enjoyed seeing the Cypress trees light up in gold. I hope I’ll be able to see it again, but I bet I won’t. Right now, I’ll drink my coffee, enjoy my cigar, and try to finish up Dudley’s third book. I didn’t blink when it came to him. And neither did he. It was love at first sight.
Don’t blink, have a drink. It might just help you think. The girls are staring at another rabbit – dang it.
Very wise advise, my friend =)
I’m glad you were up and paying attention and got to see this. Even though I’m a night owl by nature, the times I’m up and witness the sunrise in a beautiful place, I’m reminded of how magical that time is, and scold myself for not seeing it more often.
Thanks for this reminder, Cary!
Coffee, Robyn. Coffee.
Cary, We did not blink. A week ago we put our dear sweet 14 year old lab Talbot to sleep. He loved Dudley’s first 2 books & highly recommended them. We will look forward to Dudley’s 3rd book. Give your girls a pat on the head from us. Your writing is a blessing!
Oh Lucy, I’m SO sorry. Talbot was so beautiful. When I lost Dudley, it forced me to write about him as my therapy – and now he lives on. I wouldn’t be surprised if Talbot ends up in one of Dudley’s adventures. They’re probably stirring up trouble together already. I’m really sorry Lucy. I hope your heart heals.
Hi Cary, Thanks again for being there for us & all your readers. Our sweet Talbot was a true family member. Your writing is such a blessing to many people. You are able to put into words the emotions that so many of us feel.
Many Thanks, Lucy & Steve Ladley
“The wonderful difference between people and dogs is: Dogs only break your heart once.” Talbot was beautiful and a big part of your family. He’ll be forever missed and loved.