By Bob Perks
It was there in the papers spread out on my desk. I have no idea why or how it got there, but like all things of this new life of mine, I knew there was a reason for it. I was taken by the timeliness of discovering it. It’s not that I was looking for it or even that I should have been, it seemed to appear at just the right time. It was your photograph, one I had not seen in many years. In truth, I had forgotten what you looked like back then.
Sharp lines, dark brown hair and a smile that said you were happy then. Perhaps even happier than you have ever been. Maybe just naive enough to see the future as one big party filled with happy endings.
"What could possibly go wrong?" you might be thinking.
More than you can imagine but balanced by so many great things. I remember that suit and tie you wore for the picture. It gives an image of a perfect young man, almost angelic. A far cry from reality, I will add. If I could sit there next to you for a moment I would tell you about all that was ahead. I would warn you of impending loss, stupid choices you would make and matters of the heart. Or would I?
I’d listen to you speak and watch your eyes brighten with all the possibilities. I’d see the world once more the way you saw it then and perhaps dance the dance of dreamers, too. I want you to know you’re still dancing after all these years. I sigh now at the thought of all that could have been, what was to be and take a deep, deep breath believing what still might become of your life, if only…if only you believe. No, I wasn’t looking for your picture or even thinking about you today. Still it was pleasure seeing you again.
Unlike looking in a mirror and moaning, turning my head away in disbelief, seeing a picture of myself at 18, reminded me of where I’ve been and where I still want to be.
Oh, yes. In case you are wondering, young Bob…it is a good life you have, filled with more blessings then one could ever imagine and surrounded by family and thousands of "friends you’ve never met." "I believe in You!"
Bob Perks
Bob@BobPerks.com
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Submitted by my friend Madeleine.
