He said, “I wasn’t sure you still had it in you. You’ve been inside so much.”

I laughed.

Oh, you think?

You think I’ve been inside a lot the last 12 years of raising our children?

Yes.

I’ve been inside cooking meals and folding laundry. 

I’ve been inside doctor’s offices and school buildings. 

I’ve been inside the heart of our family. 

But please don’t lose sight of me. 

My soul has always lived outdoors. 

I’m still here. 

I’ve been here all along.