In My Dreams

In my dreams.

My son and daughter wake up in the morning, and come to the breakfast table.
We're having a wonderful breakfast. All the trimmings. Another gorgeous summer Sunday, we're going to go swimming in our pool, and then maybe a nice drive to the country.

In my dreams.

They wish us good morning. "Hi mom, Hi dad...love you!". Followed by a hug and a smile.

Billy's heading off to work tomorrow at a great Salon, where he's got a shot at being a partner very soon. Going to get his own place. Sure will miss having him around, but I'm so happy for him. He can always come home and visit and stay in his old room anytime he wants.

Jenni is finishing her degree in English. She's gotten noticed for her incredible writing, and there's a good chance a publisher will pick up her poetry collection. She's going out with friends tonight. Later on, they'll all stop by for a night-time swim in the pool. I'm running out to get pizza from Naples. Everyone loves their pies.

My wife and I are going to take some "us" time and just relax. We're close to retirement, and so looking forward to more time at the cabin, and taking some trips to see what's out there.

We are so blessed.

In my dreams.

My photography has taken off, and I'm going to be getting published in a National Wildlife magazine. Who knows, I may get hired to do some contract work for them, and travel the country on assignment from time to time, after I retire.

My wife is looking great, and she's so happy. She's got plans for a new garden in the far corner of the yard. A shade garden, where we will put a Gazebo in the spring. She's heading out to catch a few rays on this gorgeous day, and after I finish some yardwork, I'll join her for a swim.

In my dreams.

I come down the stairs on Monday morning, ready for another work week. I don't mind, because I love the job. I'm going to retire soon, but I'll miss the challenge and all the great people I work with.

The sun is just rising and beaming through the windows in my breakfast nook. My wife's already at the stove, surprising me with a hot breakfast of bacon, eggs and an English muffin.

We sit down, and chat a bit about what we're looking forward to for the day. She's going to do a few chores around the house and then head out with a few friends for lunch and some shopping.

I'm really looking forward to some alone time for us, so we're heading to the cabin in a few weeks. It's great that I have so much vacation after all these years. I think we're going to go for 3 weeks. A real chance to just relax and take it all in.

Life's been so good to us. It's going to be great in our golden years together.

In my dreams.

My mom and dad are coming over this Saturday for a cookout. We're going all out. Filet Mignon, Shrimp, and all the trimmings. Dad's doing great and he's thinking about taking mom on a trip down to Puerto Rico with him. He's got a consulting gig there and he'll have a lot of spare time to spend with her. It's gorgeous there, and she's never been to the Island before.

In my dreams.

Life is grand. I'm in love. My wife is awesome. My home is beautiful. My kids are heading out in their life, happy and successful. My parents are healthy and all is good in the world.

In my dreams.

And then, I wake.

There are no sounds, other than the whistling and churning of a searing wind.

I pull back the shades, to the red, dusty and barren scene in front of me.

I wake.

To discover. It is August, 1945.

And I'm in Nagasaki.