THE POWER OF THE SUN

I walked the same path that I always have. I found it mind boggling that in the matter on just a couple weeks, the path became three times, no four times, as crowded as it had last month. I guess that's the power of the sun. All it takes is a bit of sunlight and ten degrees warmer. Once it hits 70, everyone comes out of hiding. The elderly can bear the weather again. The children don't complain of the wind. The tourists trust the weather to be nice and worth the trip. People talk and short, light and dark, babies and grandparents, dogs and birds, they all feel ready to face the outdoors.

The fountain that has not been running in months has water coursing through it again. Rather than a sign of isolation, it embraces its fame and becomes the focus of photographs. The pond that has been still where only the ducks have ventured is filled with people on boats. Rowing their oars across the pond, couples and families push along the cool, clear waters and soak in the rays.

As the path becomes more crowded, I find it harder to navigate. I push the stroller through the crowds, trying not to bump into anyone while ensuring the baby stays asleep. As we bump along the cobblestones staying out of others' ways, I notice a bench in the shade. Shade is precious and hard to find so I instantly change course to grab it. I put the break on the stroller and sit down.

I watch the people passing me by, not giving me a second glance. I listen to the multitude of languages being spoken simultaneously and wonder what they're are saying. I check on the baby and make sure the sun stays out of his face as he sleeps gracefully. I contemplate the power of the of the sun and how it brings people out. The vitamins it provides literally and figuratively have the strength to pull people from their routine lives. And as I ponder the lives of others, I begin to reflect on my own life. What a difference a little sunshine makes.