Story prompt: The river is important to me because …

The river is important to me because the James is where my family goes to connect to one another. From weekly walks to momentous engagement pictures, I know I will always leave better than I arrived when my husband, our yellow lab, and I get in the car to go to the river.

There is a calm clarity that you experience looking out over the water. And for bonus points, our dog always leaves a little calmer after her many dips in the water.

Photo provided by Tessa Biggs