Most days I take the slow, country road route from one school to the other rather than getting on the mad highway. I pass the underpass round-about that has been in some stage of construction all year long. Drive beyond the road where I need to turn because due to said construction, it’s been blocked. Make a u-turn and swing by the corner gas station (sometimes I stop for a Subway salad), and turn right into a grove of trees that transports me to a peaceful country road.
Yesterday there was no one on the road, no one following me, so I stopped at each icon to take a picture. Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly and enjoy the slow ride.
The white cows have been birthing babies. I’ve watched as their herd has grown, how the mothers all tend to the little ones, and how they cluster together like kids out at recess.
The old red barn stands a little crooked, but someone cuts the grass. I secretly wish they would let the wild flowers grow. She seems lonely and old, yet independent and wise. I look her way and smile, resisting the urge to give her a name and throw my hand out of the window and wave.
The horses run and frolic in the fresh spring air. They are frisky and shy, moving quickly away from my presence.
Take a right at the white church. Saint’s truck has been there for weeks doing repairs. I honk and wave to him. He recognizes my car. I hear his familiar laugh as I drive away. This old church is our safe spot for our school’s evacuation. We’ve never had to walk here along the fields of sugarcane, but they will be ready for us if there ever is a need. Praying there is never a need.
Today as I drive this road again, I will be mourning the loss of another school shooting, saying to God “Why?”
My life is a blessing. All lives are precious and should be adored. Prayers help me, the supplicator, but until there is real change, gun control action, my prayers will be futile. When will this madness ever end?
Reflections on the Teche 
Loved today’s entry so much!
Margaret, your post reminds us to slow down and take the country road sometimes. What a lovely post, a way to bring a pause and a reminder in the day that we don’t always have to be in the fast lane.
It’s such a nice way to transfer from one school to the next. I discovered it last year. Thanks for reading.
Such gorgeous photos and gorgeous writing, and then the shock and stunner of having to process yet another school shooting. How can this possibly still be the world we live in?
I did not know that was the direction I was heading until I wrote it. Writing helps, but doesn’t come near to solving the problem. Thanks for reading.
Your last question may be uttered by many people by now, Margaret. I pause to reflect on the contrasts you have created in this slice – peace living vs a chaotic world.
Margaret, I loved the contemplative mood of your piece, the celebration of taking the slow route, breathing in the heart of it all. Then you twist to the most recent stunning blow of yet another school shooting. Powerful writing. Tragic reality.