I wish you were an elf

 We were at a full gallop down my hill, running (probably somewhat carelessly) through the deep cinders, past the tall pine trees, straight down the steep face of the hill. Bumpy kept bumping into me, doing her famous "status checks". The sun was creeping behind the mountain and casting the most magnificent rays of light across the valley below us. The evening was cool, but everything had been warmed by a lovely spring day, so it felt wonderful. When we skidded to a halt at the bottom of the hill, Kelton wrapped his arms around me and looked into my face. He had little tears running down his cheeks. He said, "I wish you were an elf. Then, you would live forever and we could wander, and explore and run together forever." If you put it that way, I wish I was an elf too. But alas... there is another plan and I trust in it even if I don't most of the time understand it. 

The boys have each bought me a tiny stuffed animal over the past couple of years. They are Moose Tracks, Dark Chocolate Chunk and Pink Lemonade, respectively. I love them a lot. Lately, I have been finding them in various places throughout the house, surprising me with delight in the unexpected moments. I love how these boys care about the details and bring joy in every little and large way they can imagine. 

Declan sees puns in all things and he has en eye for "beauty" in what others would never have the ability to see. He found me a beautiful heart shaped rock on one of our hikes last week - one of about 15 he's found over the past several months. He also saw this heart shaped egg and told me we must get a picture of it so that we can remember it for always. :-) 

Lochlan does not realize what a special dog he has at his service (literally). He was laying on top of Aberdeen and she was completely content. She is bothered by nothing, except for the possible loss of a social opportunity. :-) 

Madigan noticed this tiny tree growing out of one of the large boulders in the forest that burned. The forest around it was consumed by fire last year (though much remains alive!) and this tiny thing still managed to hold to life with a rock as it's rooted source! There's a life lesson in there somewhere. 

We are not elves with life immortal (according to J.R.R. Tolkien), so I cherish each of these days filled with so very much. Kelton, I will gallop down the hills with you until my legs will no longer carry me. And then, I will wait for you until your gallop is done. 

Let us run and not grow weary. Let's do the next thing!