it was the end of our biggest event
the kids were outside enjoying the weather playing and watching basketball
we all had stomachs full of bbq
and maybe still on that emotional high of a job well done
it was also the end of an era for us
we knew this was coming for over half a year
we danced around and toward this date with quiet reservation
we knew it had to happen but we didn’t want it to end
he approached me with a box of his things and dragged out a final “it’s time”
I asked him quickly to come up to my room and before I knew it we were sitting in my office
the tension was thick and palpable – we didn’t know what to say
I finally broke the silence and said, “I can’t believe this is it”
He looked up and said, “Nothing but good things, good memories – all three years was like a dream”
I fought back tears as I offered to pray for him one last time
we both concluded with a shaky but hearty ‘amen’
what else was there to say? we had a great run
and as memories flooded in a pure moment of appreciation
our eyes couldn’t bear to make eye contact
and we just sat there in silence