“Take your time, love. I’ll be here for them.” Willow smiled remembering those rare precious moments alone she and Robin had stolen while Diana and Cliff had been growing up. Living far from their families and knowing that not just anyone could handle Cliff’s special requirements had led to very few stolen moments. Willow had vowed to do better for her children. She was a willing and frequent babysitter.

With a glance toward the children at the playground, Diana reached for Jarod’s hand. The tension from her shoulders eased as he slipped his arm around her and they headed toward the secluded path by the lake. Twenty minutes or so until sunset Willow judged. With those clouds, it should be a beauty. She hoped Diana and Jarod would catch the reflection off the lake as they walked and allow nature’s healing paintbrush to soothe their souls. Parenting was hard - but ever so rewarding - work and a little retreat now and them provided just the pick-me-up that was needed.

Willow’s attention returned to the children. There was Faye, her long blonde curls ebbing and flowing as she pumped the swing to its maximum range. Older than her brother by three years, she had Jarod’s green eyes, Diana’s mischievous grin and a healthy streak of stubbornness from both parents. Simon, always the climber, was settling down at the very top of the climbing structure. From that lofty perch he would survey his kingdom and regale Willow later with the tales of adventure his fertile imagination had invented. Willow’s vision suddenly blurred, her eyes filling with tears as the love she felt for her family threatened to burst from her chest.

Ah, what a life she had had, filled with heartaches and joys, peaks and valleys. And all those days, years full of days, spent between the peaks and valleys. Days filled with every day wonders which she had learned to take the time to see. The gift of sunrises and shooting stars, the gentle reassuring murmur of Robin’s breath beside her each night, the tangy aroma of herbs in the garden, the squish of mud between her toes, and the trust of a small hand carefully enclosed in hers had filled her life with blessings. With memories like this, her heart was filled with gratitude and she knew that once through this life was enough.