More Days Like Today

There are some days spent with family that go down in the memory book as simply delightful.

We had a day like this not too long ago. It was a day packed full of smiles and laughter as we swung on the park swings and remembered what it was like to ride on the merry-go-round as kids. Eva convinced us that ice-cream with sprinkles would be a perfect ending to our mid-morning outing.

The afternoon continued to move slowly as we hand washed the car and played in the suds bucket. We rounded out the day with a big splash as we all jumped in the pool to cool off from the summer sun. That night, after the sun had already set behind the hills, Chuck told me, “I want more days just like today.” I smiled as I closed my eyes for a peaceful night’s rest. I couldn’t have agreed more.

The start to a new week came without warning. Chuck had to work out of town and I was in charge of holding down the fort until he got back. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law moved in before Chuck could get down the driveway. By noon I found myself half a day behind according to my well structured schedule.

Eva and I had started off our day outside. She was playing in the creek and I was walking around getting my morning calisthenics when I noticed Maximus had disappeared down under the road. All of the sudden, I heard him sound the alarm! He was barking and growling to let me know he was on the job. I couldn’t quite see what he had cornered but I knew it was in a foul mood by the hissing and deep growling I heard. I yelled for Eva to go get on the picnic table while I checked it out.

I forgot about Samson in all the commotion but not to worry, he came bounding through the water to rescue Maximus. Samson was ready for his turn with the intruder. He grabbed hold of the animal by the scruff of the neck and gave it some intense shakes like a puppy with a new chew toy. Chuck and I have seen many mock battles between our dogs but this time was not a drill.

I stood there with my mouth wide open as I watched the boys maul this animal. I finally got positioned where I could catch a glimpse and saw that it was a raccoon.

The scene looked like a chaotic boxing match. I was now in the ring with Samson and Maximus along with their opponent Mr. Racoon. I kept sounding the bell for time but no one was listening. Behind me, Eva was still standing on top of the picnic table shouting, “Get those fellas Mommy!” The raccoon finally managed to get the edge on Maximus. He got in a couple good licks before he ran off.

It obviously goes without saying, the mischief these boys find themselves in keeps us on our toes and keeps their shot records current.

By the time the ruckus was calmed and we saw the aftermath, Eva and I decided we might need to bathe down the boys. They were battle worn and smelly. It seemed, during our dog washing escapade, more water found us than it did the fellas. We were soaked clean through.

I looked over my shoulder at my neatly arranged schedule and felt like Cinderella when she says, “Oh, well, I guess my dress will just have to wait.”

What a disaster the day had been. The mountain of laundry never moved, my projects were never glanced at, and I ended up burning supper to the point of no return. And yet, out of the corner of my eye, I caught Eva flying through the house in her Princess Elsa play dress like nothing out of the ordinary happened at all that day. I found gratitude quickly filled the space where frustration had been.

I drifted off to sleep that night to the sound of the boys doing laps around the house. I am sure they were hot on the trail of another intruder that threatened to breach the perimeter.

In my slightly coherent state, I decided not to investigate. After all, in all of life’s mishaps and unfinished intentions, I wouldn’t mind more days just like today…

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“Teach us to number our days so we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

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