bench

There is a bench in the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens that I've come to love. In the past I have found myself visiting this bench whenever I've needed to clear my head, be away from distractions, and just feel the wind's breeze. Every time I've frequented this bench I bring along a hummus, bell pepper, and avocado sandwich from Which-Wich as well as the most current book I'm reading. This past week while visiting friends in Fort Worth, I took advantage of visiting this bench again. It was one of the most calming afternoons I've had in a long time. The sun warmed my skin from the chill of the wind and the trickle of the water nearby was a soothing soundtrack. I rested on that bench for a few hours flipping page after page of my book losing all track of time. Every now and then I'd be startled by the rustle of leaves as a curious squirrel searched for his snack. But before looking back down to the book in my hands I reveled in that break to look around at my garden surroundings. I remembered being whisked away one afternoon in the month of September when I was treated to the most memorable scavenger hunt designed especially for me by my love. We ventured to the Rose Garden where a blanket, flowers, wine, and other delights were waiting for us. I could remember the feelings I had in those few hours and what that experience led to by the end of the night: saying "I love you" for the first time and committing ourselves to something incredible. Sitting on that bench I could look around me and see images of my past pass me by, and while it stung my heart knowing those times had ended, I was thankful I could be reminded of such a treasured moment. I plan on visiting that bench again in a few weeks when I venture back to Fort Worth for a weekend. That bench is my little piece of heaven.