Sedona had been calling my name for years, a bucket list promise I made to myself after my son passed away from a rare cancer in 2019. His courage taught me that life is meant to be lived fully, not postponed until the timing feels right.
After several days of strenuous hikes among the massive red rocks, exhaustion set in. The altitude made every step harder, and my legs were staging a full on rebellion. I heard my son’s gentle whisper, reminding me that life isn’t just about conquering mountains, but also appreciating the quiet moments in between. So I did something that felt surprisingly brave. I went to the pool to rest.
Alone in that peaceful space, I could almost hear my son’s voice again: “Slow down, Mom. Just be.” As I breathed in the crisp mountain air, the sunlight caught my eye, shimmering across the surface of the water like liquid glass. Ripples danced and swirled in dazzling shades of turquoise, teal, and aqua blue.
Each mesmerizing ripple transformed into an abstract masterpiece, a reflection of energy, life, and renewal. I felt an unexpected spark of inspiration, grabbed my camera, and began to capture the water’s hypnotic patterns. Every frame felt like a gift, proof that stillness can be just as powerful as motion. In that moment, I realized that adventure wasn’t always out on a mountain trail. It was right here, waiting in the stillness. This photograph became more than an image. It was a reminder from my son to pause, breathe, and find the magic in every moment. |
