Craving Grapefruit; Day 8

I've had a craving for grapefruit lately; I wonder if that is a strange thing to desire. I decided to honor the feeling and made fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. I was struck by the memories from childhood that came flooding in with the first inhale of the citrus scent. I recalled long summer days playing in the sprinklers with all of the neighborhood kids, climbing trees, riding bikes, and new roller skates. I remember my mom biking with us and spending hours drawing next to me on the sidewalk with colored chalk, I especially remember her jumping rope with us for hours on end. She always made a big deal out of holidays and birthdays too. She cooked our  favorite birthday meal, every year. For me, it was fried chicken; in the heavy heat of August. Watching the sunset and sipping grapefruit juice, I reminisced about best friends, fireworks, and summer picnics at the big park around the corner.  I chose to remember the good times; the experiences that were filled with light, laughter and a little adventure.

Perhaps I'm wishing for simpler times. Yet, I don't remember a simpler time. Life has always had challenges, highlights, tragedy, and triumph. I am feeling nostalgic though and long for a best friend who lives across the street willing to climb a tree with me or stay up for hours into the night telling stories under the stars. Or perhaps I'm missing my mom; I could use her soothing words and envelope of protection when the work day is difficult as it has been for a while now. Then again, maybe it is my younger sister who I miss. She was the opposite of me in so many ways and also one of the most amazing people I know. Isn't it interesting how far we are from our childhood dreams and goals... I remind myself, this is life.