The Refuge

On a cold winter’s evening, the sun sets and leaves the house in thick darkness.  It is enough to make my young mind uneasy.  It is nights like these that I am glad that I have a place of refuge, in the kitchen in front of the warm morning stove on my Grandfather’s lap as he sits in his rocking chair.  I have found this to be my place of refuge for the uncertain nights in my life. 

          I feel safe snuggled up on my Grandfather’s lap.  His strong arms around me make me feel so safe.  The smell of his aftershave gives off the sweet smell of summer’s days, gone by.  Here with him makes the dark winter seem so much farther away.

          The rocking chair we sit in is made strong and simple giving it the feel of home.  The swishing sound it makes as we rock gives off such a gentle soothing rhythm.  It seems to erase my worry, as I concentrate on the back and forth motion my mind is put at ease.  It gives me such a care free feeling like being on a carousel.  It is my own private ride that carries me to a very safe and comforting place.

          I start to feel the warmth from the stove on my cheeks.  It’s as if it is kissing away all my worries and cares.  I start to focus on the yellow/orange flames as they dance within the stove.  They bring brilliant light and warmth with their every movement.  It’s as if it is a special dance just for me.  I can’t help but smile after looking upon such a beautiful dance, oh no their dance has not been in vain. 

          This night like the many before and the many after will take my worried mind to a more beautiful and worry free place that will see my through yet another time of darkness in my life.  Spending these worrisome winter evenings in my favorite place of refuge makes the darkness not seem so thick and scary.  It not only gets me through many though times, but it leaves behind some wonderful memories for me to carry through out the rest of the winters in my life.  This refuge will always be my refuge even if only in my memory.