There was no splashing around and giggling at bath time. Mom was all business and we three girls were in and out quickly. Hence…. no rubber ducky. Why then, do I find myself playfully engaging with this adorable duck in the pool each day? As I make my way in the near dawn, she is enjoying her own solitude. The young female mallard moves respectfully to the side, and sits pulling out her feathers and the white down floats in the water. By the second day, she gets a little closer still “grooming” and mid week decides she wants to engage. As I pop up at the end of the lane she is squawking and quacking, looking me right in the eyes as if to give orders… and this went on for minutes. Comical. By Friday, she has decided to hang out (their feet just hang underwater) and rests quietly in the next lane for 30 minutes “guarding” me. Afterward she serenely paddles up and down and shows me how it is done. She must have slept in because Saturday, I was alone, but later she came zooming in over my head as if to squeal “Yeaaaa! I am here” and plopped next to my lane again. What a pure delight to have company as I try to clear my head.

In the quiet morning, I found myself getting a lot off my chest to this little duck. She was a good listener. I realize, as with swimming, any routine has muscle memory. It is easy, but frankly, sameness does not foster growth.

Making choices and forcing change in ourselves and our families is challenging. Often we push back, wish for the easier path. But that is not what a vibrant life is about. For those of you making it through the storm, you would never seek less. You stepped out of your comfort zone and tackled everything thrown at you and you keep thriving. We can all learn from you, as I do everyday. You provided many examples over the years.

The “chatty” duck was a reminder, at just the right time, giving encouragement and support as so often nature can.
Trust that we are all provided for if we pay attention: a call from a friend, a distraction in nature, a surprise encounter, a drama that requires new found strength and fortitude that so many of you are facing. Every new day there is an opportunity for a new adventure. Amazing, comforting, inspiring moments abound. Sometimes, they are right in front of you and best of all, muscle memory is not required.