A Time To Savor
© 2018 - William C. Highsmith

The deciduous trees were still bare, and the air was crisp and clean and smelled the way it smells after a spring rain. This was his first trip of the season to the family's cabin at the lake, It was a misnomer to call the place a cabin. It was a nice house, big enough, and well appointed to accommodate a large family.

Clay loved the lake and all it represented. It was a tradition in his family to come to this place every year. It was a place to relax after the holidays' past and a spot to organize a plan for the upcoming summer - a time to prepare for the family to spend a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Clay was the middle of three brothers. His father was an electrical engineer and had provided well for his family. His mom worked as a personal assistant to the mayor in their mid-western town. Roger, the oldest of the three brothers was now married. He and his wife Debbie were new parents to their nine-month old daughter called Christy. He was employed as an assistant to the director of a local hospital. Jim, the younger sibling was a senior in high school and planned to go to college to become an attorney. Being the middle brother had never been easy. However, Clay knew he would make his mark too. This would likely be the last time the complete family would be able to vacation together. After this years's assembly, Clay would leave to join the United States Air Force. His only apprehension was leaving Jeanie.

This was a moment to savor.

By William C. Highsmith - October 16, 2018