Treks and Texts: A Trip Down Memory Lane (#1)

     Theres are not many days when I get some time to myself and even fewer where I just get to be alone. Today, by chance, my 8 hour clinical was surprisingly replaced by a quick hospital orientation and I was out by 9 am. With practically a whole day open that had been previously blocked off I took sometime so run errands and take time for myself. On my drive home I decided to take a quick walk and spend some time outside. I drove over to the trinity and started towards the path.

    Walks are something I grew up doing with my family, friends, or dogs. Nowadays my outside activities are limited and I spend most of my time in doors or watching outside from a comfortable window. As I walked from my car to the trail the first and only thing I could focus on was how hot it was. Growing up here this was my biggest deterrent to going outside but I was determined to keep going. As I walked down the side walk I was reminded of the little things around me I had always noticed as a child. The water glistening down the river, the bugs buzzing in the grass, and the bluebonnets scattered across the grass. As I passed people we exchanged a smile and continued on our way.

    I came to a quick spot and sat trying to figure out my next move. I found a bench under a tree still pretty close to the surrounding restaurants and rested. I looked across the water and saw the butterflies chasing each other through the grass and the heat soon turned into a warm breeze. Something I always love to do is look up. I saw the sun shining through the trees and saw the shade it provided to the small place below. I looked out to my left and recognized a bridge I always used to pass by when I went on walks with my dad as a child. I decided that was my destination and went on. Along my way a friendly dog came to visit me before being called back by his owners. As I got even closer to where I was going I found a wig just lying on the ground. It made me laugh but also wonder who even looses a wig by the train tracks by the river. It was little things I would have missed if I had not decided to take this little trip. Little memories that were just my own.

    When I arrived at my chosen spot I sat down and just watched everything. In the shade, by the tracks, by the water, and surrounded by nature. It was one of the first times in a while where I felt truly alone and still. While I was still, there was so much moving around me but almost in silence. The turtles stuck their head out of the water, the dragon flies flew around, and the water flowed in the quietest ripple that was mesmerizing to watch. My favorite thing to see is light, whether coming through clouds or the trees. In my little spot the sun shone perfectly through the branches and illuminated the leaves above. As I kept looking up I realized there was a whole swarm of dragon flies almost dancing with each other above me. In all my years I don't think I had ever see that many before and it was nice just sit and watch them. 

    I took this time just to be in nature. I just wanted to sit and see everything around me. Growing up here it is always interesting to go back to places you've seen your whole life but as a whole new person. it reminds me of growing up and all the things I had had to learn and experience in this city. The tracks I was sitting by were to the zoo train that had just recently opened up again. Driving as a child we would pass by it and wave at the passengers as families and kids rode in the tiny colored carts. I got to sit here and see how much has changed but also in the midst of it all all that stays still. The river had always stayed flowing, the dragon flies dance, and all the nature stayed still and watched the rest of us develop and grow. I was still in this moment watching nothing but everything at the same time. It was all alive while I sat and had it fill me up. Theres not many times where I can just be, so this was a wonderful moment to just exist in the city that has taught me everything I know. As I returned back from my moment of rest, the heat returned and the music got louder but in a way it only reminded me more of the quiet spot I had.