Two Trout and an Anniversary

Ten days ago, two of my former colleagues came to town to take me to lunch before my scheduled second hip surgery at the end of June. We also celebrated the fact that it’s been two years since I retired. Each came bearing gifts, one with a purse-size foldable tote bag and the other with two fresh trout fillets (my favorite fish!). We enjoyed our meal then crossed the street to sit in the shade in the plaza, sharing stories, laughter, and a promise to see each other again soon.

It's what keeps me going, these intervals with friends and family. My second-youngest grandson stopped by recently to bring me garments that needed sewing machine mending. In exchange he clipped the deadheads off my towering rose bushes then sat down with me to discuss my upcoming surgery and his willingness to again take care of me afterwards. So like his dad: easygoing, gentle, careful not to hurry me during our conversation.

The past two years have been a time of knitting together numerous new relationships. Some of my Curves ladies have become beyond-the-gym friends, exchanging texts or phone calls, or sharing an occasional meal. And I can always count on the genuine, caring banter that takes place with other congenial buddies exercising at 7:00am 3-4 times a week on the circuit. I return home heartrate elevated, heart warmed with gladness.

A few months ago, a man I dated some 30 years ago found me again and we have reconnected. Though I no longer remember why we broke up, I remember why we enjoyed each other’s company as we do so now. We only see each other occasionally because he lives a good distance away but when he comes to visit, we invariably find ourselves in nature –in the mountains, at the ocean, on the backroads in wine country. With same interests, our conversations are unhurried, pleasant, comfortable. Our friendship makes me smile and has unexpectedly expanded my horizons.

Two weeks until surgery I’m anticipating a future sans limping; my doctor says I should be good to go by the end of summer. I’ve always loved fall, walking through colored leaves, feeling a hint of briskness in the air. But first comes summer: time in my backyard listening to birdcalls while trying to identify who they belong to; doors and windows wide open to let in the fresh air while reading my latest book club selection or trying my hand at my new pastels drawing class; enjoying lingering daylight hours filled with boisterous cheers from baseball games played on fields less than a block away from my doorstep.

There is still so much in life worth celebrating!