April 8th

Yesterday was a marvellous day. The boys and I went on the rain forest express, which follows along one of the Auckland water supply pipelines. the railway track was built for the maintenance crew to be able to access the pipe, and travels through a small portion of Auckland's history, as the small train traverses through tunnels and over bridges and viaducts named for the pioneers, and employment policies of the time. At the time of rail and dam construction, most of the native flora was removed, however in the century that has passed, much of the rain forest has regenerated, hence the name "Rainforest Express". we paused frequently for stunning views of the manukau harbour, distant Glenbrook, the lower nihotupu dam and large little muddy creek. surrounded by breathtaking greenery, stopping in the tunnels for glimpses of cave weta, and glow worms.

Walking up to the Upper Nihotupu damn, and taking in the vista on a sunny day with blue skies accented with the occasional white cloud, and for some dramatic contrast, a heavy gray cloud off to the side. It is times like this that I truly appreciate the beauty of this corner of the world I call home. It is good to be alive.

The evening rounded off a perfect day. The boys had keas and scouts, allowing me a rare opportunity to speak with other adults, without the children or a fistful of cards. As much as I love Bridge, the rarity of such opportunities make them precious indeed. Coupled with the opportunity to wonder around Motu Moana, the scout camp grounds on the edge of the manukau harbour... again, such a stunning piece of the world. life is bliss, if you allow yourself to remain open to the moments that present themselves.

This morning when I woke, I logged onto Face book, as a matter of course. The first thing I saw, as usual, were the posts of family and friend on the other side of the world, as they wrap up their day. My feed displayed a beautiful photo of white helium filled balloons floating up into a clear blue sky with barren trees showing the early signs of spring buds in the back drop. My cousin had posted this photo. she had gone to her brothers' home and family, along with her other sister, and their families. They gathered to remember a strong, loving little boy who was born a year ago. despite his strength, and spirit, he was not able to overcome the dreadful genetic disease, that this time last year, none of us knew we carried within our gene pool. Three months later we knew quite a bit about it. By this time it was too late for this precious bundle. A few months after that he passed away in the presence of the family and close friends that loved him and his family so very much.

Make the most of the days you have, with those you love. You never know when you are they will pass.
We live in a beautiful and at times terrifying world.
Living in fear is such a waste of energy.
Life is for living.
Live it.

Learn, Live, Love, Laugh, but most of all... LIVE