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Spring a happy reminder of who I'm not

By Micheal Boddy
Posted Tuesday, March 6, 2007

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The first day of spring is rapidly approaching.

Normally that would be something that's not noticed much in this area, but it's been a little cooler than usual this year. Usually we're already well on our way into summer-like weather, mowing rapidly-growing grass and running up our air conditioning bills.

For me personally, it's something I best not forget. Susan and I married on the vernal equinox 32 years ago. It was a second marriage for both of us and seemed a fitting day for a rebirth in both of our lives.

Through the years we've always celebrated our anniversary on the first day of spring, which can vary several days, rather than on the actual date of the year we married. In general it's been a great way of remembering our anniversary, but I can't say I've always done that.

During the last few years we've celebrated the day by going to the beach to watch the sun rise when the weather permitted. Our day usually begins about 7 a.m. and for layabouts unaccustomed to rising well before dawn, it's somewhat of an undertaking getting organized enough to make it there in time. Several years we've invited our son Eric, and he actually went with us twice.

Going to the beach on the first day of spring always has the same effect on me. I guess it's the meeting point of the ground, the ocean, and the air, on a day where the length of night and day are equal, that gets to me. It always seems to remind me that as big as I think my own problems are, and as important as I might think I am, there's a great big world out there that doesn't really need or require my presence to get along just fine.

Some folks might find that distressing, but I find it comforting.

If I could just get my bill collectors to think of things the same way, it would be a lot easier on all of us.

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