Life and Stuff

This was the day to meet with my good friend, Jill. We met in college fifteen years back, and six years ago I was the maid of honor in her wedding. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I had been living an hour and a half away until recently. I hopped in the car and called her to ask for directions–again. Yes, I have been to her house multiple times, but given the opportunity, I will get lost and I didn’t want to waste time going the wrong way. She graciously reminded me of the way and I hopped in my ride and plowed across town to her pad. We watched her daughter play in the sandbox while drinking water in the shade of her Japanese Maple. I love that tree—it is so beautiful. She is possibly thinking of moving across town, she tells me. I am surprised. There are better schools over there. That is true. “Let’s go for a walk,” I suggest. Jill pulls out the stroller and packs up the toddler. We take to the street and meander through her neighborhood blocks. The sun is shining. The company is pleasant. The toddler finds and points out every kitty and squirrel in the vicinity. The day is bitter-sweet. Stress taps at my brain like a leaky faucet and joy warms my heart as I face the sun.