The wavy hours in the heat of summer slip by as I trudge to the back pen.  The animals constantly kick over their buckets of water, and each time I pass the barn, and make my way down the long curvy path to their abode, the grass seems a little crunchier under my feet.  The heat beats me down and I lay here aching and a little burnt on the shoulders and cheeks.  When did I become my parents, mimicking every groan as I move slowly from my favorite worn in cushion? 

I look at my hands as I type this, and they are wrinkling and dry.  I remember looking at my mothers hands when I was a child, and thinking they looked so old and that I would never look that way.  I remember it like it was yesterday. 

The sad thing is, I wasted my 20's and early 30's in a blur of drunkenness.  My body has aged, yet I am still 18 inside.  My trials have been purged, and oddly, as I sit with my 6th step, I realize I'm asking to move forward.  Finally, I can move forward.  Finally there is nothing standing in my way.  My mind and body can become one again - and I can listen to the birds singing because my head is free and clear. 

It comes naturally to me to pray now.  I ask for guidance in the morning.  I and thankful for my day.  The serenity prayer runs circles around my children's tribulations.  Even the thoughts of rain, sickness, love and health have a direction now.  I pray for my husband when he struggles to keep up with all of this.  My gift today was not unnoticed. 

When the longest hottest hours give way to the cool calm breeze of the next season, it is oh so nice, but the work is never done. 

Great insight Tasha. Keep them coming.

I'm with Pappy on this one. You bring me right to where you are at with your words. If you ever decide to write a book, I would definitely buy it. Peace

Beautiful!