We spend a beautiful afternoon together at the Adams River salmon run. Every school kid in Kamloops visits the salmon run and learns about the incredible life cycle of salmon. The first time I took Laurinda, she was ten days old and tucked in a Snugli on my chest. For Makiya, this is something new.
The main event happens once every four years and the next one will happen in 2022. So, while it isn’t a significant run, we see enough to explain what happens to Makiya and soak up a healthy measure of family time and the outdoors in the process.
It is impossible for me to spend time in creation without being in awe of the Creator, and this day is no different. I walk on the soft forest floor pausing, now and then, to rest my hands on the bark of tall black cottonwoods. A squirrel scurries along a log, startling a couple trying to photograph the salmon. We stop to examine interesting fungi, gold leaves dance as they fall toward the ground, and the aromatherapy of forest (punctuated with the odd whiff of salmon) does a work.
There is laughter, light conversation, and pockets of silence. It’s a sweet, sweet time.
Eventually, we make out way to the riverbank and walk along the rocky shore.
Laurinda looks for special stones. Makiya is fascinated by the odd salmon that has done its final work and now lies dead, giving the rest of itself to the ecosystem. Gerry trundles ahead, seeking a destination. I pull out my phone and take a few photos.
Content. Nothing but content. Wrapped in a Divine embrace and at peace with my family.
