Country Life

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Sara grew up on a country lake far away from city lights.  Bonfires and camping on the beach often filled dark summer nights.  Horses and chickens ran around the place, you never knew what animals were going to show up only to disappear without a trace.

Late night four wheeling through woods underneath the stars, riding double with matching Wranglers far more romantic than  local bars.  Hanging on to a summer love while he drove, moonlight with the smell of honeysuckle always present with a shortcut through the groves.

Then came those moments when you knew it was time, moonlight would lead him to stop for a kiss his memory would not leave behind.   The trick was getting him to turn back around and drive on so you wouldn't have to let him down.

Kicking the sand around with his boot, stating his case why we should stay so I can bless him with my loot.   This particular memory makes me giggle, the threats to end it all if I didn't give in a little.  

Sometimes on Mondays there was a kind of regret, for all those "break up with you if you don't" moonlight threats. 

As I walk through the lights and all of these rides, sentimental feelings begin rising up inside.  Memories of laughter nestled between squeals of fear, while remembering the ones who used to hold me so near.

Some days are like the tilt-a-whirl spinning out of control, other days are like the zipper with so many ups and downs you wonder if you will ever be made whole.  The funny house with all the mirrors reflecting different faces, sort of like the ones we now pick from depending on what the place is. 

Just like real life, some games are fair and others are not, dependent upon heart of the one running it as to whether or not you have a shot.  Balloons for popping with fish swimming around, are effective tools to help the last five dollars in your pocket be found.

Neon lights reflected in little one's eyes, while staring at stacks of stuffed animals appearing to go as high as the night sky. 

"Can we go on that one?" followed by "Will you hold my hand", gives us older folks the chance to feel the magic again. 

I always hate leaving this temporary magical state,  with its dirt aisles and "Fair Game" signs all over the place.  One week it's here and then its gone, but for me and the ink in my pen the memories will live on.

Everybody needs a hometown, a place you once belonged. A place to become grounded when life on the road gets long. Where the past and friends greet you, as if you’ve never been gone. A place to hold your soul’s memories, just like an old favorite song.  

Old friends, first kisses and high school first loves, these memories slip on like an old favorite pair of gloves. Summer days, summer nights, we raced against time, with fast cars and freedom, and love on our minds.  

Everybody needs memories of loved ones long gone. Years of life together before you moved on. Summer nights with lovers and Fall seasons in the stands, quickly recalled by a song from your favorite band. Christmas lights past and old promises of Spring, are one song away from the memories it brings.

Everybody needs old friends who stayed for your show, while some friends like seasons, they come, and they go. Driving through my hometown I often move slow, so memories can catch me from times long ago. The hugs and the laughter with friends who stayed, are the reason time and distance will never keep me away.  

What had seemed like a perfect fit love, became uncomfortable when she found there were many other perfect fit gloves.  Forced to face reality with a simple photograph, kept awake by confusion but knowing it wouldn't  last.

Unbelievable and don't go is what she wanted to say, but so many mixed messages had come her way.  She walked away happy for her friend,  knowing someday love would come for her again.

She refused to believe anything had been in vain, their words, meant for more ears than hers,  had eased her heart's pain.  Nights so dark and full of tears, had been brightened by melodies for the first time in years.  

She walked on down life's road surrounded by friends, comfortable being alone, embracing this chapters end.  She knew love with all it's passionate glory, would find her one day and walk with her again until the end of her story.