Simply Joseph

When I was a teenager, back before I was married (I was a teenager a whole 3 years before marriage) there was a place called "The Pond" nestled in the Piney Woods of Texas. It was a secluded area where teenagers would go. Parents knew what went on at "The Pond" and threatened life and limb if we went. Naturally, teenagers are curious, don't tell them not to do something, and that being so, I found myself at "The Pond" on many occasions. My mother thought I was an innocent little girl but unfortunately there was "Evil Cousin Darlene" who taught me what went on at "The Pond" There was a lot of making out and smoking pot. We were so cool. You must remember I am the product of the 70's and my evil cousin took showing me the ropes very seriously. That was one of the first "Ponds" in my life.

My family owned, up until a year ago, an 8 acre pond in Pecan Island, Louisiana. (Which now is destroyed by Hurricane Rita) We called it appropriately "the Pond". It is where my maternal grandmother lived and where I lived for a time in the first grade. We spent many a summers around that pond. Skipping and a jumping, baiting fishing poles, and catching bass and sac a lait'. I could probably bait a hook before I could walk. My daughter also learned at a very tender age how to cast a rod and reel on the shores of "The Pond". It was a magical place that we all loved. It was a family reunion place. We'd get together there for most holidays. The greenery and scenery was simply beautiful. Yes, folks, I even made out with my very first boyfriend at "The Pond". Evil Cousin Darlene and her boyfriend were doing more than making out so my gentlemanly boyfriend led me away from the vicinity of what she was doing.

I miss that place since they sold it but it seems that now I have happened by chance (there are no coincidences) upon another pond. I have not seen this one before, but I have been told much about it. It symbolizes to me, a place of acceptance. A place where I will be accepted for everything that I am and everything that I am not. A place where I can go and feel comfortable and at home. I have been assured that once I sit beside this pond, I will instantly know that I belong. Everyone will recognize me and welcome me back with open arms as though I had never left. I have been told that the pond is waiting for me. It is a magical place that misses me and has missed me for a very long time. Don't we all need a place where we can go to be ourselves? This place could be real or it could simply be a place in your mind, soul and heart where you connect with the real you. The eternal you that has always been. The person that the creator created you to be. To be one with the nature of the pond.

I must thank my new friend that I have met here in J Land for introducing me to this very special place. The idea of the "POND" has brought joy to me where before I was allowing joy to slip out of my life. He has been so kind as to invite me and I know without a doubt I will be more than a visitor or stranger when I do go. I shall wear white coveralls and have a paintbrush to paint the smile off my face.