ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Yesterday we took another of our mini-road trips. The painting of Paul’s was done several years ago, but represents the fun-filled days of summer. Check out my Facebook page for actual locations we visited in search of new summer memories.

Each day is a blessing when you’re reaching the end of your journey in life. We have been richly awarded a lifetime of knowing each other, becoming best friends and spending our days together. These little road trips we’ve been taking are like building new memories that we can share. Through them, we’re continuing to live these days to the utmost. What started out as a simple drive, grew into a three hour adventure into Grantsburg, WI and the Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge. If you ever get a chance to go there, you won’t be disappointed. The wide variety of landscape, forests, swamps, islands, wildflowers and other water features are absolutely stunning. We followed the trails into an enchanted forest that beckoned our attention. Wherever we looked, there was mystery and adventure. The road itself was rugged. Much like our lives have been. We reached a point where we were driving down deeper into the abyss and wondered if we were on a road to nowhere.

I guess life is like that, isn’t it? We weave in and out, wondering if we will ever arrive at the end. When we do, we realize what a wonderful adventure it has been. Cherish your days together with the one you love. Treasure every moment you share. Each second is a gift from God. Praise Him for His faithfulness. His love endures forever.

The chatter and noise of children at play,

Summer breeze of relief from the sun’s burning ray,

Red Umbrellas and blue shade a sweat covered brow,

Things to climb on and hang from, in the sweet here and now,

Days of youth pass so quickly like whispers they fly,

In a breath they are here and soon quickly they die,

But the sounds on a playground give us pause to reflect,

On the sweet days of childhood so pure and direct,

Of the bright hues of summer and the heat of the day,

When we set time aside to just have fun and play.