Photograph

Imagine four sisters on a trampoline. One in nothing but a diaper, one whose outfit is perfectly coordinated and accessorized, one a complete free spirit, and one with chalk stains on her shorts and bubble stains on her shirt. Imagine these four girls jumping and laughing and trying to catch raindrops in their mouths.

Imagine a mother sitting on the couch staring at these girls, on the brink of tears. Tired after a long day of nonstop bickering, whining, temper tantrums, back-talking, and sassy attitudes. Frustrated and overwhelmed after a long week, and thinking she must get those girls in for a bath.

Imagine a clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning and shrieks of joy because the sky has opened up and released rivers on the sisters. They are grinning from ear to ear and laughing and experiencing a moment of peace and harmony with each other.

Imagine the mother smiling now herself, letting them have a moment even though she is terrified that the next bolt of lightning might strike close to home. She thanks God for nature's shower and for showing her a silver lining, giving her a moment that reminds her that the good outweighs the bad. That she can, and always does overcome.

Imagine her calling her daughters in and drying them off with a loving hand. And knowing that while she could have run and gotten a camera to capture these moments, it would not have been the same. It is her photograph alone, her memory.

You, just have to imagine.