A Bedtime Story

(A Snippet Of Life To Be Read At Bedtime)

“Jack, thanks for the little nap.  I see we’re almost there.  How are you holding up, do you want me to drive?”

It was about a 6-hour drive from their home in Morgan, Utah.  The Acura SUV was comfortable on long road trips like this.  They talked a lot, listened to their iPod and Dr. Laura on satellite radio as the miles clicked by.  Finally, arriving in Kanab meant they had only about an hour until their arrival.

“No, I’m fine.  It will be good to get checked in and relax.  It’s so peaceful there. Remember the last time?  Our walk in the moonlight, hearing the eagles talking to each other? It was special being there with you. I’m glad we get to go again.”

When they arrived at the ultra secluded and private Amangiri Resort and Spa, the General Manager, the Front Desk manager and their personal guest relations’ girl, Amanda, met them on the front steps.

They were given a Desert View Suite looking out into the vast, colorful desert.  Opening the concertina glass doors they enjoyed the sitting area and the spacious desert that frames the view of the natural landscape beyond. They could smell the fresh desert air. The sun was low in the sky creating wonderful shadows.  It was simply enchanting.

After showering in the huge luxurious sage green tiled, double shower they dressed for dinner. They decided to sit at the end of the counter in the open kitchen where they watched the chefs prepare their Utah elk loin, served with dried cherries, buttered spaghetti squash and cooked spinach.

After dinner they sat in the library and soaked in the spacious view of the desert plateau. The night was just as magical as the first time. Romance filled the air.

***

The Page, Arizona airport was small and not much was going on.  That is one reason it was chosen.  The Lear Jet taxied slowly to the terminal.

Two casually dressed men and an attractive woman climbed down the air-stairs and greeted the athletic young gentleman, their driver.  He was wearing aviator style sunglasses and was aware of everything going on around them. His shoes were not what you’d normally wear with dress pants; they were too athletic, easy to run in.  Obviously, he was more than just a driver.  The three guests got in the back of the dark colored BMV SUV and drove off quickly towards the Utah border.

The drive was only 9 miles, arriving at the Amangiri shortly after dusk.  There was a light rain that made the dessert plateau have that fresh, earthy smell.  The scent you always smell after a summer thunderstorm.

The same staff as the first guests greeted them.  Checking in was simplified, followed by a brief tour of the property, then to their Terrace Pool Suites.

“Michael, the gravel road we drove in on, is that the only access the property?”

“Yes Mr. Maddox, no one can enter the property without us knowing about it.  Even the airspace is restricted due to the sensitive eco-system we have here.  You won’t be bothered here or anywhere on our property.”

“Thanks, we have some sensitive meetings and negotiations to conduct while we’re here and want our privacy.”  They entered their suites an opened the glass doors and admired the view of the natural landscape beyond.

***

Dark had fallen over the desert.  They met the others outside near the pool.  It was a mixed group, men, women and a few teenagers.  The astronomer led them on a dirt trail up the side and to the top of the bluff.  Below, the desert floor was quiet; above the noises of the night were clear and the soft light from the full moon shined on them.

The astronomer and the Native American, Eagle Feather, explained the formations they could see on the surface of the moon and in the majestic sky.  Everyone had the chance to look through the powerful telescope and saw the true beauty and pure power of nature.

Eagle Feather explained, “Full Moon rituals are healing rituals, magical workings, times of growth, inspiration, and insight. At Full Moon, we celebrate fulfillment, fertility, and the bearing of fruit from our projects. Full Moon rituals range from very structured to very spontaneous.”

Afterward, a large fire was built and they all sat around listening to each other’s stories and experiences.

Jack and Kathy shared the spiritual awakening they had experienced during their many trips to the Red Rocks area of Utah.

“Jack, is that you?” a voice said from across the hot flames of the campfire.  “It’s David, David Maddox from high school.”

“David, I haven’t seen you in 25 years.  How are you? I hear you’ve done well for yourself.”

“Yes, I’ve been lucky.  What are you doing these days?”

“My wife and I run a small publishing house for young writers who wouldn’t otherwise get their work published”.

For hours they discussed each other’s lives and compared stories.  They wondered about all their old friends.  Finally, David said, “Jack, I’d be willing to help you get more writers and fund your publishing.  We could grow the company to be a major player.  Then we could sell it, you’d make a nice profit and retire, and be able to get a little place, do some writing, maybe publish a couple of new authors and travel to the desert as often as you want.  What do you think?”

“David, I already do that and have a nice little property in Morgan and come down here anytime I want.  I don’t need to be a big shot.  I already have everything I want.  Maybe you should think about selling off some companies and retiring to a big ranch somewhere.”

The campfire was burning down and it was late. They agreed to get together again soon and strolled back to their rooms for the night.

***

“I’m glad you got to see David.  He’s really made it big, hasn’t he?  Do you think he’s happy? Do you wish you took his path in life?”

“Honey, I’m totally happy right here with you.  We have a great life, don’t you think?

“Jack, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  We are blessed to have this life together.”

“Now get some sleep so we can go to the slot canyons tomorrow.”

They agreed their lives are good, and just the way they want them to be.  They wished others were as excited about life as they are.

Kathy gave him a gentle kiss and cuddled closer to his warm chest, closed her eyes and drifted off to peaceful sleep.

***