Simplicity

I like this stage of my life.  My friends are more open now.  More vulnerable.  Happier.  And yes, many are losing their mobility.  Physical strength.  Some are losing their lives.  It is bittersweet. The turnstil has moved another notch.

We came to age in the Vietnam War years. An awful war.  Innocent people were taken out of the safety of their American homes.  Some enlisted. Some were drafted.  All were scared.  It reminded me of the book, Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. The night before battle.  Wondering what war would be like. Wanting to protect your countrymen.  Wanting to do your part.  Frightened for your life.  Would you come home?  In one piece?

A friend asked me to walk with her today.  It was especially warm and she was on break from teaching.  Both of us were dressed in long, hot pants coming from other duties.  Our walk was brief but we found a gazebo in town and enjoyed an hour long conversation.

A woolly caterpillar found its way under me.  Then there were wasps surrounding both of us.  After a while, the insects left and we could chat freely.

We spoke about thoughts, life,  passions.  Dissatisfaction.  Were we aging well?  Does it matter?  What are words anyway?

Two women in their sixties enjoying the moment. One another's company.  She returned to her wife.  I went home to clean and to caulk around my newly installed shower door.  It is the simple things.  Really.  Tomorrow I will paint a section under the newly installed on-demand hot water heater.  Maybe I will find someone to build a cabinet around it.

I do like this stage of life.