Dan Hardison

Simple Things

She was 13 at the time – the daughter of friends. She was accompanying us on an excursion to the mountains from our coastal community. This was her first trip to the mountains and as we made the twisty climb in elevation, so did her excitement. As we passed along the side a cascading stream filled with boulders, she asked if we could stop.

sunlight and ripples
playing across the water . . .
my thoughts wandering

Walking to the water's edge, my wife and I began stepping from rock to rock working our way out into the stream. We suddenly heard our young companion shout, "Wait!" As we turned towards her she said, "I don't know how to do that?" I responded, "Do what?" and she replied, "Walk out there on the rocks." What had seemed a simple and familiar task for us – having been raised in an area much like this – it was unfamiliar to this young girl.

Going back, I took her hand and guided her across the rocks – showing her how to step cautiously. Later, I taught her how to skip stones. Simple things really, but this was a chance for someone to experience something new. A simple transfer of knowledge between two individuals.

sun drenched summer days
and time spent in friendship . . .
sparkling sea of light