On Friday afternoon, I took Max to the local hardware store with me to pick up some gardening supplies. I could have gone a few extra miles to the Home Depot, but I opted to save a little time despite paying a bit more. Plus, I just like the feel of our local mom 'n pop store. It's friendly and I don't feel overwhelmed by choice.
On our way out I picked up two small American flags. One for Max and the other for Mason. We spent the rest of the afternoon on Friday doing chores and planting in the garden. I quickly forgot about the flags.
Saturday morning was cool and overcast. It had rained heavily during the night--severe thunderstorms actually, which I vaguely recall interrupting sleep. Despite the cool and moist morning air--I engaged in my weekend ritual of stepping outside with a cup of coffee wandering around the yard. And there on the kid's playground, in the double swing--were the two little American flags. One of the boys must have put them there the day before and I never noticed it. They were probably playing on the swing together with the flags propped that way.
The rest of the story is pretty obvious. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a shot of it. I'm not exactly sure why. Something about this image speaks to me and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it has something to do with the children. Maybe it's knowing they put the flags there. Maybe it's the stillness of the playground without them--the hushed silence of the early morning hours. Maybe it's the drops of rain slowly trickling down the swing. There is almost a sadness to this image. I can't figure out why I'm drawn to it.
Regardless, today seems to be a good day to share the photo. So this post is dedicated to all who have served. To all who have fallen. To all of the families. I didn't plan on writing something about Memorial Day. But as I always say, life is about planning + improvising. Today--I'm improvising.
Enjoy the photo--as well as the day.
