If perception is reality – what do you perceive? Here’s what I perceive.

I perceive someone who, regardless of how they feel, keeps on keeping on.

I perceive someone who has thrown themselves into the community they love, respect, and care for.

I perceive someone who puts forth more effort into everything she does, more than anyone I know – whether that effort is planting a flower, cleaning a garage, organizing a silverware drawer, teaching children, caring for her own children, or…sitting on a couch and catching up on the most pressing Tik Toks or Reels of Miss Peaches (IYKYK).

I perceive someone who is at a crossroad in her life. A life that has been dedicated to supporting other people and I trust she will navigate that crossroad with thoroughness, just like everything else.

I hope my perceptions change, soon. This is what I would like to perceive in the future – someone who knows that their value isn’t solely tied to where a paycheck comes from.

I would like to perceive her seeing the endless opportunities that lie ahead of her on this visit on the planet.

I would like to perceive her tasting different adventures, and views, and experiences. And, selfishly, if you want an adventure partner – I’m in.

Finally, I’d like to continue perceiving you as someone who loves her sleep. This makes it easier for me to get up early and enjoy some coffee (new habit), watch birds flying, the sun rising, trees swaying, and words pouring out of my mind onto this laptop. You can wake (when you’re rested), see this article, and know that I’m proud of you (all of her family is). Proud of her for another year supporting our family and the children of this community and I believe she has earned the privilege of relaxation, visits with friends, talks with her kids, pajamas until 11am, rounds of golf, ample hurkle-durkle’ng, and any of the other things that make her smile.

Oh yeah- I forgot to begin this article with the appropriate salutation: Dear Deena.

God bless all of you- and may He send peace to you during your times on this planet.

Much love- Trav

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