'Til by Turning, Turning We Come Down Right

I've just returned from a trip to Florida, where I was able to spend a week with my parents. We talked, we walked, we ate ice cream, we watched shows, we told stories, we visited doctors.

In short, we lived a full and simple life together. My visit there had a timeless quality, and I was reminded of "valley of love and delight" referred to by the Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts":

'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.

Refrain:

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn . . .

A week earlier, Rebecca was able to make a quick stop in Atlanta, followed by an even quicker dinner date in Florida with her grandparents, along with my sisters Lynn and Maureen (who graciously snapped this picture). She then headed off to a seminar in NYC followed by a return to Delhi. A whirlwind tour, with lots of turning and turning--and coming down right.