sunshine, squeals, and bike riding on the deck

the sun shines
and birds sing
some stop at the bird feeder
oblivious that we are on the deck

two boys
two bikes
a big deck
and lots of time

one very experienced
one learning
but he surprises me
his speed
his balance
almost like his brother

the deck
lovingly made by poppa
did he know
the bike racing that would happen
on a sunny afternoon in August
poppa is a little more cautious
and may perhaps think that this is not a good idea
but granny decides it is just fine
and sits where the one grandson has asked her to sit

a good place
by the steps
and she takes the role of the race starter
and the finisher
and the all out encourager
GO! GO! GO!
YOU'RE DOING IT!
WATCH FOR YOUR BROTHER
CAREFUL AT THE CURVES
GO! GO! GO!

streaks of green and yellow
wheels turning
feet running
laughter
screams of delight
sudden stops
the occasional bump
"I'M THE WINNER"

the birds continue to feed
still oblivious to the races that are happening
the sun continues to shine
on the boys
on the granny

lap after lap
energy
fun
enthusiasm
learning
brotherhood
encouragement

ever looking for the teachable moment
for the life lesson that God has in each moment
the granny knows this is such a sweet glimpse into life

into living all out
abandoned
adventure
starting
stopping
squeals of delight
curves and straightaways
occasional bumps

into living life with family
and friends
playing
working
encouraging
learning together
sharing
fun
adventure
LIFE

and the granny
videotapes the moments in time on her iPhone
and continues to shout encouragement
and smiles
oh she smiles
and stores all these things in her heart
knowing that today
these moments
these bike races
these grandchildren and the others who are not on the deck at this moment
continue to teach
stretch
and overwhelm her being with great love and thanksgiving

oh yes
she knows
i know
because
I AM THE GRANNY