San Antonio’s river has long held a special place in my heart.  We have taken riverboat rides during the day and at night.  Both have their charms, but for me nighttime is when it truly becomes enchanted.  I had been in spring and summer, but NOTHING compared with Christmas time on the river.  Thousands of lights dipped and swayed gracefully from the tops of mighty, old cedars and the air was crisp rather than humid.  Cruises are about 35 minutes long and cover one and a half miles of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk.  This trip we took spoiled me forever.  The river was decorated in all her finery, and did she ever shine!  I had difficultly listening to the snippets of history being given by our barge driver as I was so completely dazzled by all the lights.  It was simply the most exquisite thing I had ever seen.  One could hear the lap of the river against the boat and strains of (my favorite!) mariachi music has we floated by.  This was one of those rare times I simply let go.  I tried to let the sights and sounds wash over me as we made our way around.  The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said:

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

I have stepped “in” the San Antonio River a young girl with both of her beloved parents, a married woman, and a mother.  All were precious and each different.  I hope the next time I set foot upon the river I am happier, stronger, and better.  The precious memories of my parents I carry with me always, and I hope they continue to my little one as well.  I wish for her memories to be as magical as mine.