The Reading Mother

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I have a mother who read to me.

-Strickland Gillilan.

Seven Suns of Spring

Seven years ago, my Fi and I decided we wanted to share a future together. Today, we're both seven years older, hopefully seven years wiser, and definitely seven years surer of each other. For the last few years, we've taken this day rather lightly, or, to be precise, we both keep forgetting it is "our day". I guess I could sum the sentiment up in the phrase, Okay, so what's new?

This year, I remembered. I remembered for the few days preceding the day. I woke up in the morning, a smile on my face. I went to work with a grin ... and what I can only imagine was the glow on my cheeks or the twinkle in my eyes that made several of my colleagues actually turn around and ask me what was new. I felt happy. Strangely, Fi seemed to feel the same way, despite the stresses of the day. Halfway through the afternoon, it suddenly struck me why!

For the Nth time, may God (if S/He exists) bless The Powers That Be. I have traditionally diluted my joy with a little half-spoon of guilt and a pinch of fear on this day; and I imagine Fi has done the same. Now there's no need to. No more. There will doubtless be several other tests, but I've passed the first, and most important, of them.

And while I'm on the subject, I can never thank my parents and Pigglett enough for all their support all of these years. In the last few months since we've known each other, I've gotten a lot more comfortable with Fi's family. I know that it would not have been possible if Fi's family wasn't as nice as they are and as eager to get to know me, but I also know that I owe entirely to my calm, sensible, and supportive family any of the credit that has gone to me!

Now, raise your glasses!

Snowstorms in Spring

I was in the school shuttle bus on my way to work, my mind in its own weird world, when all at once my brain registered what my eyes had been following for a while. Little white flakes, floating from the heavens, swirling around gracefully in the street!! The temperature was a good 65 degrees F, I'd worn a T-shirt and I was comfy. How, then, was it snowing?

It wasn't. They were the white petals from the trees around. It is spring once again! And this year, it hasn't passed me by.

Monkeying Around

My L-I-T-T-L-E nephew, seven-year old Z, is playing a monkey in his annual school play. Apparently, at a recent rehearsal, he fell and broke his arm. They called his family and rushed him to the hospital, where his bone was reset. The doctor checked him up, put his arm in a splint so he didn't move or bend it, and gave the family further instructions. The fracture was slight and he told my little Z that it wouldn't be long before he'd be perfectly fine. My nephew had bigger things on his mind, though.

"Doctor, I have a question."

"Yes"

"When can I meet my family?"

"Your family is all here", replied the poor bewildered doctor.

"No, I meant my monkey family!"


It's good to know some things never change!