Push-Ups: Thoughts of A Tuesday Afternoon

I've got a few moments between tasks as we prepare for out-of-town company, so I'm taking the opportunity to post something lite and cheery. I think. My best intentions for humor and brevity often take an unintended alternate route: writer's ADHD?

This has been one of those beautiful mixed-up days. Tired out of the gate but committed to accomplishing as much as possible before the sun goes down. Excited to see one of our cousins from Colorado under lighthearted circumstances. He's in Nashville for work-related training. When last I saw him in the flesh, it was to see his eldest son buried before his time. I've written about this beautiful boy in my other blog. This time around, it's smoked wings from 'Slick Pig' (my daughter just texted to remind me to call and place the order for pick-up), pineapple-upside-down cake, and relaxed stories around the dinner table.

My son is mopping the kitchen floor. He sings and whistles constantly. Today is no exception as he hums a merry little tune to whatever is pumping into his ears courtesy of his iPod. "Mom," he warned me, "Don't get down on me . . . I'll probably be singing as I clean!" Thinking of what he said earlier about possibly joining choir in his sophomore year and seeing what his clear tenor is capable of made me just decide to hug him and let him make all the noise he wanted. Did I mention he whistles while he drives, too? It's rather endearing to me -- though his sisters don't share the sentiment. I only wish I could record a sound byte to include with this post.

I learned about cotton fever this morning on my walk. Little Brother Gary was on the other end of the line, chatting it up with me. We latched on to the subject of illicit drug use for some reason or another. He told me that though hard drugs aren't available in the state hospital, many patients sell pills which can be crushed, then dissolved and heated in water. A piece of cotton ball is placed over the mixture and the liquid is drawn up away from the solids for a cleaner draw up the syringe; this method is used with other types of drugs, too, not just pills. I asked if the tiny cotton fibers ever ended up in the final product. "Yeah," he said, "Have you heard of cotton fever? Not pretty. Shakes and fever. You feel awful." If I can detach myself from the sheer hell of what drug addiction is to so many, including my brother who is working diligently to extricate himself from its bondage, the information viewed in a clinical light is very interesting.

I watched two birds twittering and following one another about the air a few feet ahead near the end of my walk. An unusual pair: a handsome male cardinal and a mockingbird. As a regular admirer of our winged friends, I observe their behavior quite often. This dynamic duo was not fighting or pushing one another away from a food source. Honestly, they appeared to be frolicking in the last of the good fall weather. Thank you, my avian companions, for your cheer. You helped to solidify my growing good mood.

This past Sunday, I was a guest at a wedding between two residents of my mom's apartment building. People of an advanced age, or those with disabilities, fill the the two floors.

The couple herein are in their late 60's, early 70's, and the bride has been a good friend to my mother since she moved there several years ago. The small ceremony lasted about half an hour, including getting everyone seated, allowing songs to be warbled by a young female relative, saying the 'I-Do's,' and snapping the required group family photos. Inevitably, the forgotten random cell phone bleated in the midst of the pastor's words -- it was the best man -- and at one point the bride, a bit nervous and giddy as a school girl, giggled as she tried to recall or recite a solemn section with clarity. They are so enamored with one another, constantly hugging, leaning their heads toward one another, stealing a sweet kiss at odd moments, and always laughing over tidbits of conversation. Seeing my mother so pleased for her friend was touching for me. There's nothing better for the soul than the happiness we feel on behalf of another. I recommend attending such an event if ever you have the opportunity. Seeing two have been once around, finding another chance at love and companionship after a life of work, loss, and change, rekindles any failing hope one might possess unawares.