Is It

As the nation clamors, half in anger, the other half in jubilation, my thoughts return to another time.

Possibly I am seeking refuge from the violent reaction of voices.

I respectfully wish all would simmer down, and think rather than shout.

Move ahead, make decisions rather than reacting in unproductive ugly protesting,

However, that is not my choice or decision.

Still for some incalculable reason I returned to the day our home was silent,

My beloved and I had shared most of our youth with the Fabulous Four, throughout almost three decades of laughter, love, worry, anxiety and seemingly endless carpools.

That memorable moment in time, never forgotten, seemed to signify, “It’s over,” as the last goodbye was said, and the black door closed on the youngest of the four to exit the white cape cod with the weathered wooden fence.

He and I looked at each other, and yes shared a moment of relief slightly overwhelming our pride in their achievements.

Unsaid, we knew we thought the same thing, “We did it,” and hopefully expected to finally move on with our own lives.

However, soon the sounds of silence seemed almost suffocating and without warning threatened to overwhelm both of us.

Before the day had ended, I realized both he and I had turned the radio and TV just a tinge louder.

Although neither of us were quite aware why, it didn’t take too long before we realized how poignant answered prayers become.

The oft quoted prayer of St. Teresa quickly came to mind although remained unsaid by either of us.

Before another quiet week had passed, we began to plan trips, as well as consider scheduling reasons to visit one, two, three or possibly four of our far flung progeny . Of course, all the far off utopias the Fabulous Four had chosen had been selected with our encouragement.

And while I don’t really remember the exact words, my soul friend and I shared, we both knew, the seemingly eternal decades of laughter, worry, anxiety and endless car pools, had perhaps been the happiest time of all.

As I wonder how much time America has left before we all realize, perhaps the best for our land could be now?