Deep. Breath. — Jalon Nichols

And Exhale

When you’re forced to be here after being no where for a long time.

I just got back from driving cross country and seeing my family for the first time in two years.

It shouldn’t have been that long. But…you know.

I saw my peeps. Like SAW saw them. I hugged them too! And man I needed my Mom hugs.

I also got healthy doses of nature. And all kinds too. Mountains, forests, beaches, and suburbia.

And my home girl Sophie got to come too. And she killed it.

What I didn’t do, was take lots of pictures. I had planned to. I wanted a picture of the first Mom hug I had since 2019. Wanted a picture of my Dad and I turning to each other and laughing the same laugh. A pic of having my first blue shell crab in a lifetime.

Hell, I wanted to take a new family photo.

But instead I reveled in seeing my parents faces — in person — and I silently whispered thank you to the heavens above that we made it.

I love my family so much — I think that’s evident. I don’t take us making it through a pandemic, or us liking each other, or that my parents are still together lightly. I know those things aren’t true for everyone. And I also know that making it through a world wide pandemic with those I love is a blessing. A blessing.

So since I didn’t really take photos, let me tell you what I made sure to take mental photos of:

My Dad and I have rival hat collections.

My Mom making my favorite foods without me asking.

My sister has a dope walk.

My Aunt Bet has the best smile.

My Grandmother in her shades.

Watching the country change state by state.

Me in water or in a forest will recharge me every time.

Finally seeing my friend Jim’s face in almost 20 years and it feel like no time passed.

I should have taken photos. But honestly, it was so nice to just be there in the moment.

(I did take some photos…but not much.)