By Larry Pearlman

There was a time, in the Colorado Rockies, when I stood and was transfixed by the sight of the aspens, the glorious aspens, shimmering in the wind. There is that time of year when the leaves are just the right color when “shimmering” is just the right word for the magical display that happens in the breeze.

Here, now, in the veldt of South Africa, I watch the leaves of a tree blowing in the wind. It is not an aspen tree. I don’t even know the name that people have given to this tree. Does it really matter? No, it’s not the same shimmering that I recall from the Rockies but this tree with this breeze creates its own magic and it is a gift to me now.

There was a time, in Costa Rica, I watched two dogs, Barley and Luna, play together with boundless energy. I have known these dogs awhile and they are special to me. It brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Here, now, in the veldt of South Africa, I watch two dogs play together with boundless energy. I have known these dogs but a short time. They are not Barley and Luna. They are known as Maggie and Dozie. Do these names that people have given them really matter? It brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

There was a time, in Australia, when I watched a man named Andrew approach me with a radiant smile and it made me feel good about myself and the world.

Here, now, in the veldt of South Africa, I watch a woman approach me with a radiant smile. The name that has been given her is Daleen. Does the name really matter? Her smile makes me feel good about myself and the world.

There are many memories from many times and many places. They are all wondrous in their way and I am thankful for them. But there is really only one thing that matters … here, now.