Today was a much better day. I felt the shift immediately this morning. Like a large weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Then I opened my Lyft app and order a ride over the bridge. As usual, had a very friendly driver.
Pleasantness all around this morning! I spent about 2.5 hours with Baby Gracie, so my daughter could get some work done. Gracie was in a very chipper mood. We read a book, did some stretching, and tummy time to help her strenghen her neck. She finally got a bit fussy and let me rock her to sleep!
After my visit, my daughter, Baby Gracie and my son-in-law drove me back to Cascade Station, so I could get off to work. I decided it was a two Starbucks day, so I grabbed an Earl Gray tea and hopped on the Max. It was most deserted. I had the whole back end to myself!
I felt very peaceful, sipping my tea and gazing out the window. Smiling at the memory of my granddaughter's head on my shoulder.
I had more energy today. I felt content and happy. I smiled at everyone I met!
Amazing, my family member in crisis called while I was rocking Gracie. He sounded in good spirits. He talked to me a bit, and then my daughter. She does much better with him. She does not lecture, or scold. And there is not a anxious tone to be found in her speech.
I realized I have been trying to help him for most of his life. And he has rarely taken a word of advice from me. Perhaps just being there and lots of prayer would be more effective.
Letting go and letting God take care of him seems in order.
I sighed and sipped my tea, thinking about him and my life. The Max pulled into the Hollywood Transit Center and I eased my backpack on my back, grabbed my umbrella, and hiked up to the bus stop. As I approached, I noticed a woman about my age. She was smiling at me.
"Quite a get up you have there!" she said.
I explained to her that my son-in-law bought me a new pack for my birthday. It was easier on my back and I was ready for any situation on my daily commute - I waved my gloves and umbrella at her.
We both chuckled.
But deep inside, I was experienced a surge of pride. I was prepared for just about any situation. I had on sturdy boots, warm, wool socks, leggings under my jeans, a tee shirt, a sweater, and a big jacket. Nice, warm mittens that converted to fingerless gloves, an umbrella, a little fanny pack to hold my "Hop" transit card and my Starbucks cup, and a backpack filled with music, reading material, trailmix and cough drops.
I thought again of my family member in crisis. He is 25 years old. Does not seem to think about the future, or even immediate consequences of his actions. But did I at his age? Not so much. I did not get into as much trouble, but I was always running late, never carried an umbrella, mittens or trail mix!
Maybe I should cut him some slack. After all, I have just recently started to master this thing called adulting.
It is funny how people are using that word as a verb these days.
Anyway, my day was lovely. And at my last students house this evening, the mom mentioned that I looked like I was ready to go hiking in the mountings. I laughed and told her I was taking my commuting seriously these days. But the mountains were imaginary. I had my own little adventures each day, kind of like...and then I had a major brain cramp.
"You know, the older man in literature, who had imaginary adventures? He thought he was a knight?"
The mom looked at me and nodded, but she couldn't remember his name either.
"It will come to me", I sighed.
"Text it to me!" she laughed.
So off I marched into the night. And at the bus stop, I took out my phone and googled "Older man in literature who thought he was a knight"
And up came DON QUIXOTE!
I immediately texted the mom. She said, "Yes!" What a relief.
So now, I need to reserve a copy of this classic at the library.
After all, I am the female Don Quixote!
On that note, I'm going to retire to my chambers.
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
P.S. Here is today's hooping video. Day 215. I do not know why it came out sideways!
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