TIME

If I could stop time, I would sit and breathe outside.
I would drink a hot cup of tea with my mother and ask her to tell me about her life.
I would call my father and ask him to share in mine now, all these years later.
I would visit my brother's new house and say that I am glad he has finally put down roots.
I would take my sister to the ocean and sit in the sand with her and speak about our dreams.
I would pause before bed and whisper into the ears of my children how I love them, how they have shaped me, how I grow as they do.
I would thank my in-laws for raising their son the way they did to make him the man I live with now.
I would tell my sister-in-law that yesterday's mail brought redemption for my difficult week.
I would tell my brothers-in-law that their laughter makes their brother feel young.
I would tell my three lovely nieces that their eyes are limpid with light, fire, and their undeniable potential.
I would tell my six nephews that their steady hearts show me the future and it is wild and loud and alive.
I would tell my friends that I care deeply for them, even when I let too much time pass without checking in.
I would wrap my husband in my arms and keep him there until our hair went gray with moonlight and age.
I would remember what was important.
I would remember to let go of what wasn't.
I would give my heart to every fallen leaf in the grass...

--CDS--