Emily's Anniversary

A year ago this very hour, Emily returned home from her knee surgery.

The temperature dropped when passing thunderstorms flew across the region last night. Unfortunately, the humidity decided to stick around, at least for another day or two. We accepted that partial gift first thing this morning as we waded across the Ellis River behind our home and climbed up to one of the cross-country ski trails to begin our morning miles.

I watched Emily buzzing around like a bee, hopping and flying, cutting and weaving. Delirium is often the first stage of her walk. Then comes the searching for the best sticks. This morning, like many mornings, she grabbed one far too big and continuously whacked the back of my legs as she crowded me on the old fire road.

"Here, let me see that, please."

Knowing she's been abusing the backs of my bare legs, she doesn't play keep-away, as is oft the case when a stick is involved, even one she wants me to throw. She simply dropped it and looked up at me.

I picked up …