The Morning Moments-

Their cups were empty-the last of the biscuits gone- morning tea-time all but over, and so she stood to gather up the accoutrements of their repast, when Javier reached out for her with his long, tapered fingers and said, “Mi Amor, why don’t you leave all that for a moment, and let’s just sit here and enjoy this beautiful morning for a few moments more? Please?”

Yolanda stopped and looked at her husband there, his sightless eyes turned towards her-sensing her-knowing her for so much of their lives together, and she smiled…”Of course my Darling-of course…you’re right, it is a most beautiful morning. Oh how I love the springtime-how the birds sing every day-their new songs, their young songs of joy and appreciation and just because

they can…and also how the path of the Sun changes so that the dark corners of our garden are bathed in the gentle light of dawn”

-He nodded his head to agree, and the smile on his face widened, as she sat down again and took his hand in hers, and they sat together for some time. His face turned upward into the light, and hers as well-she closed her eyes to imagine his world, and she described to him how it was not possible to live without appreciation for these precious morning moments together-things he already knew. Though he too could hear, he so loved to listen to her describe the braying cry of the burro-and the difference between the tone of the old one and the new one that the neighbors had recently acquired- the sound of the tiny, yellow birds-part of the Springtime Chorale and the elaborate trills and whistles of their morning songs-and also the young Robins, just discovering their voice, that sit for great periods of time, exploring their range of vocal abilities-young and breathy to the more mature, full-throated Arias.

“Ahh”, he said, smiling over at her “I could sit for hours and listen to you my Love. Just as I can sit here and listen to all the birds, and the morning sounds in our little corner of the world. I am so lucky to have you. You know I will love you forever”.

Her breath caught-hearing him speak his love for her, even after all this time, still caught her by surprise, and her heart warmed and her eyes teared at the magnitude of emotion she felt. “I am so lucky to have you, and it is so beautiful  to be sharing this love with you, Javier. I love you with all my heart.” She took a breath and smiled at him…”But now it’s time for us to move onto the rest of our day.”

Javier smiled widely at her and said, “I know, I know Mi Amor, today is our beach day, and we must prepare for our performance there”

Yolanda replied, “Yes my Darling…your adoring fans are waiting for you, and you must not disappoint them.”

Javier rose from the table and made his way back to the little bedroom, feeling the familiar path along the wall with his fingertips, to wait for her.

Yolanda gathered up the cups, the little plates and napkins, and placed them all neatly on the tray, and carried them back into the kitchen. She smiled to herself-her heart warmed and opened-Gratitude and Love in every gesture.