Favorite days are those spent lying on the ground, gazing up at the endless blue sky with white puffy clouds drifting lazily by. The warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle breeze in the air create a sense of peacefulness that is hard to replicate. And as you watch the clouds shift and morph into memorable shapes and designs, it’s as if the universe is putting on a show just for you. These moments are precious and fleeting, but their impact lasts a lifetime, reminding us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and find joy in the simple things.

Mom would pour two glasses of iced tea, one for her and one for me. We would don our swimsuits, grab our favorite sunbathing blanket, and head outside to the west side of our north facing house. There was privacy on that side of the house, a small grassy area between the house and 6′ tall fence. The blanket was spread in the perfect spot where the sun’s rays could bathe us best. Mom would lie down on one side of the blanket, placing our drinks in the grass, leaving room for me to sit down next to her where she would help me slather on the sunscreen. Her olive skin tone browned easily. My pink skin tone was perfect for burning quickly. The sunhats would be placed next to us within reach for the times our faces needed a little relief from the heat of the sun.

Memories of my little sister and brother are of them playing nearby in the yard. They did not enjoy just sitting. They were maybe four and five. The idea of sitting still on a blanket in the sun did not appeal to them as much as running around playing in the yard. When my sister got older, she joined us on the blanket. My brother never did like the idea of just lying still on a blanket in the sun.

My favorite moments were when Mom and I would look up to the blue sky filled with puffy clouds and find images in the ever moving, changing clouds. Stretching out and turning over on our stomachs was so relaxing. The warmth of the sun beating down on our backs and legs was comforting. As I lay there peacefully next to my mom, I did not realize at the time how much I would long to relive that precious moment in my later years.

This memory my mom created for her children is a reminder to slow down, look up, and enjoy the world around you.