One

There are kids riding on scooters. A man stands holding a mug and a leash; his dog sniffs at the grass beneath him. A mother pulls her children in a red wagon. And a father carries his son upon his shoulders. 

It’s time for school to begin.

…

“Kiss me already.” He said.

We ran to school. The first bell had already rung. I kissed his cheek quickly, and in he went. I walked away slightly panting but smiling.

…

I followed a trail of wet paw prints on the path back to my car. 

When I arrived home, a squirrel froze on the stairway above us. A giant pinecone was stuffed in its mouth. The squirrel’s breath quickened as its tiny body pulsed with fear. I felt joyful, delighted to catch him with his mouth full. 

For a moment, I thought of Saint Francis, and wondered if I should tell the squirrel the Gospel. 

Life is weird, is a thought I have on a daily basis. 

It is wonderfully weird.