The dandelions glowed like the sun as the rays bounced from their yellow tufts. I sat and watched as they swayed alongside the thick, tall grass, whooshing in the wind. The trees hovered overhead as if they were eavesdropping on my thoughts.

I’ve never sat in this particular spot, behind the big red barn of our homestead.

It reminded me of the slow summer days in the backyard of my childhood home, where I’d rock up and down on the wooden swing and listen to the birds and buzzing creatures. In these moments, my soul would be still and hum with peace.

I couldn’t think of a single thing that could take this moment from me, one in which I felt invisible to the world, and completely connected with nature.

Perhaps that’s why, as the wild violets contrasted with the bright yellows around them and the sweet scent of dogwood surrounded me, I fell profoundly in love with my life.