Porch of Paradise

"Ain't it somethin' ma?"

"What's that dear?"

"The sunset."

"Yes. It is quite lovely."

"Ah. It really is somethin'."

If only he could tell her what he was truly feeling at that time. Caught in a moment of deep peace and reflection; surveying his life, his dreams, his accomplishments. As he methodically rocked on his front porch, he felt a sense of absolute peace and comfort he had never experienced in all his life.

"Have you heard from Johnny?"

"I talked to him last week."

"Did he say anything about paying us a visit?"

"Yes. He and Michelle are bringing the kids over this weekend."

A smile crept to his face as he continued to rock while the golden sun slowly dipped behind the horizon. Though he didn't necessarily show it, he loved it when his son came to visit. His grandchildren, too, were a greater joy than he ever could have imagined. He may not have been the best father, but his son turned out to be a fine man; and for that, he was proud.

"I'm thinkin' I should mow tomorrow."

"Oh? Didn't you just mow the other day?"

"Yeah. Well, I see some areas that are startin' to need it."

"That's fine dear, it does look like it could use a trim."

He didn't want to retire, but he was put in a position where he really had no other choice. He made a good honest living for nearly fifty years and always planned to work until he could no longer do the job. He was afraid to not work; he didn't know what he would do with his time. He tried to keep himself busy with odd jobs around the house, picked up a hobby or two, and dedicated himself to maintaining a well kept lawn. He's been a better husband since his retirement, now he wonders how he got anything done when he was working sixty hours per week.

"Do we have any of that pie left?"
"Yes we do. Would you like for me to get you a piece?"
"Nah. I'll get one myself when I go in for the night."

"Alright dear. You're right, it really is a beautiful sunset."

He couldn't ask for anything more, yet, he never knew this is what he wanted. He had no regrets, though. He was able to provide for his family, put his son through college, and was now able to reap the benefits of his hard work. He was still on the front porch when his wife walked up next to him, handed him a piece of pie and gently kissed him on the cheek. He looked at her, stared deep into her eyes, and felt a swell of emotion from deep within his soul.

"I love you."
"I love you too."