Creating space

I flew into Chicago on Thursday and immediately went into quarantine in my daughter’s basement. So far no one has questioned my “cootie” status, but being a good citizen, I am avoiding crowds and masking. We have parked the car with the Arizona plates semi-permanently. I was buoyed by the nine-year-old neighbor inviting me to the Friday get-together. I must look benign.

The stifling heat and oppressive reality of COVID-19 propelled me out of Phoenix on a one-way ticket. Other than watering some plants and floating in the warm waters of the pool, outdoor living at home was only a longing. Unlike my husband who can work outside when it is 110^o, I quickly lose all energy and collapse on the chaise lounge.

Witnessing the challenges of ED as a single mom working double the hours while traversing the ridiculous politics of school opening, I realized that I needed a break and that she might enjoy having the house to herself (and boys). Mike headed east in the tool-filled car, with Blue Boy as second driver to accumulate the needed hours to obtain a license. I flew first-class, which is nothing like the first-class of yore, but enabled me to avoid walking the aisle of the fuselage. It also entitled me to fruit and cheese.

YD’s new condo needed work. The contractor backed out. Call Dad. While they tackled numerous repairs, I set up my she-shed. All my hobbies are in one convenient space. When I tire of one, I can move over to the next. I have a lovely view in a cool, clean, quiet environment. Occasionally Piper the dog comes downstairs to encourage me to play. Luckily, she is also getting older so is not very persistent.

In addition to indoor space, the outdoors draws me to walk, another reason I flew east. Yes, the humidity can be repressive, but even on the worst day so far, the heat index was better than Phoenix. And other times, the walks have been revitalizing for body and soul.

Space. We all need it. Space of time and position. Space for our souls to connect with the divine. Space for our minds to process the complexities of our world. Space is not easy to come by in our driven society. The individual must create it for himself. Don’t cheat yourself.