Reminder

My father arrives soon and I am very glad. I am glad that he will know this community, its people. He will stand in the prolonged handshakes and the steady evening winds. He will know the smell of omena, the feel of ugali rolled in his hand, the sight of stark white egrets gliding above the lake. He will hear the rains and sense their approach. He will see the sunrise for a few days and see that each is it's own wonder. He will greet the children and the old women. In his time here, he will see this life and help me remember. That is a great gift.

Much of who I am, the parts of me that are worthwhile or good, come from my father. I hope he will see those traits in me, in this place, and help me remember those too.