I was going to write something about these earrings I’m holding in front of this river, but I’d rather tell you about my son Beck and my daughter Mila (also known as Mimi). Beck’s name actually means mountain stream. And some of my sweetest memories from life in Arizona were with him and his sister playing in the canyon creeks. Before the creek in Huachuca Canyon would run dry, we took full advantage of its cool waters by taking mid-run breaks to splash around. We’d cool off in the moving water under the big sycamore trees. We’d watch the butterflies and dragonflies flit around and land on the warm rocks. Almost every visit we saw the same blue lizard scurrying around the brush in his home along the creek. On the weekends we’d often head over to the creeks in Garden Canyon or Miller Canyon. Or down to the San Pedro River—which was a highway of life & biodiversity through the dry desert basin.
Now we’re living in New England and Mimi and Beck are still drawn to water—as most kids are. Rivers, creeks, and puddles especially. We’ll head to Portland, Maine soon and we’re all excited to experience life so close to a different type of water. An ocean. Even if it’s just for a short while. My hope is that my little ones never lose this special draw they have to water. My hope is to ingrain those ties deep in their hearts so they’re always intrigued by water and passionate about the time they spend near water. So they’re committed to preserving it.
