One Moment

Reflecting on last night while driving down Lake Street on my way to work.
“Edwin, if you live a life of integrity you’ll have a wonderful life. Take it from me, when I didn’t, life was hard.” He has a report due today. He desperately didn’t want to finish it. As is usual, when he surrendered to the project, he produced something that surprised him and made him proud.
We roasted marshmallows on our porch last night over our open pit fire table.  Flames bubbled through the clear glass rocks giving the illusion of fire and ice.  It’s the first time Edwin has seen it lit. He’s enthralled, melting into the moment. With starry eyes he says, “This is so peaceful”.
The marshmallows, after being gently roasted, have turned golden brown. They melt the chocolate so it’s dripping from the sides of the graham cracker.
Edwin is reaping the rewards of heart filled integrity. Allowing himself to embrace his potential.
It’s when I tuck him in for bed that I reflect with him.
He smiles. I can see he gets it as he rolls on his side. “Night papa”.
It warms my heart to have transitioned into a space in my life that I can live whole-fully.
Accepting and moving through pain and peace.
I just turned on my car stereo. I forgot, I’d played an old favorite CD on the way to work yesterday. I’d turned it off almost immediately, inspired to call my dad.
Today, it’s a happy surprise, although I’m not paying particular attention to it. Lost in reflections of creamy marshmallows, melted chocolate, and a happy boy.
Track two for some reason snaps me back.
Which track is it that I love? Track three… four… five?
I remember! It’s track nine.
Ahh, that’s it.
It’s a live recording. The lead singer yells to the crowd, “Somebody told me you guys like this one song so we decided we better play it here in Brazil! It’s called Closer to the Heart”.  The crowd erupts in a euphoric frenzy.

The intro consumes me…

And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart

I let out a light gasp and feel the warmth of joyous tears welling in my eyes.

Closer to the heart
The blacksmith and the artist
Reflect in their art
They forge their creativity
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart
Philosophers and ploughmen
Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart
You can be the captain
I will dream the chart
Sailing into destiny
Closer to the heart

As the song finished, I reached over and pushed, repeat.
Is a moment ever so good that you’d push repeat?

Tim Trudeau ©

Lyrics Credit: Rush