​My Favorite Places To Find You

When life becomes cold, harsh and unforgiving, I yearn for some tidbits of peace. Through my mind’s eye, I seek out my favorite places to find you.

In a booth, across from me at our favorite hole-in-the-wall diner. Two spoons digging into a dessert that is smothered in ice cream and chocolate syrup. On the driver’s side of your black Tundra. Our hands intertwined, resting on the console while an 80’s Favorites playlist vibrates through the speakers. Reclining beside me at the movie theater, in a row for two. Generously giving salted kisses as dinosaurs roar in the background. Around a small bon fire. Helping my niece and nephew make way too many s’mores. Your lips are sticky from the melted marshmallow. By my parents’ kitchen sink, helping clean the dishes after a Saturday-night-in meal. On bended knee after we walked to a secluded beach while on a spur of the moment vacation. The backdrop of the setting sun creating a picturesque scene as you delicately caressed my hand and slipped a diamond on my ring finger. At the front of a small, overcrowded church. Adorned with a crisp black tuxedo and a bright toothy smile. Us both jittery with excitement as your hand enveloped mine. Pushing a loaded-down cart behind me at Walmart. Grabbing items off of the shelves that are just out of my reach. Beside me on the porch swing bed. Covered with a knitted blanket, rocking us into a restful doze while the cicadas screech into the cool night. Kneeling next to me, head bowed in a pew. Hoping for miracles. Fervently praying for everything from the multitude of monstrous issues, to the mundane problems life dishes out. Cuddling on the couch with me under an oversized blanket during the blustery winter evenings. Watching Psych reruns for the millionth time. Empty chili bowls soaking in sudsy dish water. But nothing tops my favorite spot. Beside me in our Alaskan king size bed. Having your arm wrapped around me when morning comes. As the movie reel of memories fades to black, I’m calm again.

I have never felt more loved than I have in each of these places. Memory lane delivers so much joy. Knowing you’re there. Whether it’s a sweet moment in the past, or a planned place for the future, it brings me so much comfort. I’m so happy I know where to find you.