How welcomed a soft breeze would be right now, Melanie thought. Just two more days and the cool breezes would become a reality.

Sean had been so adamant in changing their vacations from the Florida shores to the wondrously cool mountains of Colorado. Although Melanie was not sold on the idea, that first summer had convinced her that Sean made great choices; after all, he had selected her for his wife (or so he had thought.)

For two years they had enjoyed the wonderful coolness, solitude, and peace of the mountains, learning to be one with nature. And the family began to grow. Melanie had often reflected on their times of the beach and ocean’s salty winds; they didn’t compare to what she now had.

Once the children had become part of their lives, three in all, the great outdoors of the Rockies were a respite to the heat of the southern area they called home.

As the children grew older, and Sean’s hard work enabled them to purchase a summer home, the vacation time lengthened to one full month during the summer.  Each one of the family looked forward to these vacations as never before; camp-outs were so exciting for the children, however spooky at first; learning so much about nature and the way-of-the-land. From the deck of their home they could watch the numerous variety of birds native to the region soar to such great heights on the wind up-take; watch the many animals scamper in and about the forested area.

Each summer the children delighted in planting a vegetable garden especially for the animals to come to feed on after they were gone.

Once back home in the fall, the children would imagine which animal was eating what!

No air-conditioning was needed in these mountains, as cool breezes were a natural part of their very active lives here.

Then, all too soon, the children were grown, and gone out on their own. Yet, Melanie and Sean continued to make the pilgrimage each summer, making plans to retire here in the near future.

Walking closer to the house, Melanie was contemplating the arrival of her children; they would be visiting with their families for the next two weeks.

How wonderful it will be to see the grandchildren and have them learn to enjoy and love these mountains, as she and Sean and the children had done so many years ago.

Entering the house after her long walk, Melanie went to the deck where she spied a white dove on the railing; she had watched it circling the house for the past two days, but it had never before landed. Her heart skipped a beat as the dove cooed and watched her walk nearer. With a flutter, the dove hopped along the railing nearer to where she stood, until a strong gust of wind sent it to flight, then return to waft on the breeze just above her head. It was then, with a gasp, that Melanie realized her dear Sean’s soul was still with her…on the wings of this dove.

A WWWorkshop assignment to write about the wind(s): how they can effect or symbolize life - in a tragic or joyous way.