Reflection

From the wharf, Nikela and I watched the seals swimming in the Santa Cruz waters.

Her senior year is causing me to pause and reflect often.

On this day, it was the last time she would march along the beach in Santa Cruz.

Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch on the wharf, as we watched the sailboats from our table window.

Conversation moved from the present to the future and back again.

Water polo. 

College applications.

Scholarships opportunities.

Explorer police academy.

Four years ago we moved to California.

She was a mere freshman back then.

After graduation we will move...again.

But these years have been good.

We reflect on all our memories with smiles and laughter.

We pause when the nostalgia makes our voices catch.

Change is hard.

Like our reflection, life's journey is constantly changing.

But each moment forms us, and for this moment I reflect with gratitude.