Keeping happy

As I move through my day. Answering responding to calls about our cats. Who are currently radioactive after their treatment for hyperthyroidism. And will be picked up tomorrow. Laundry and sorting and cleaning and trying to organize the pantry and figure out dinner. And emails about Mom’s hospital bed not working. So calls to medical supply company that I was able to track down only because I am horrible about deleting stuff. So mock that my people!

And then a call from Mom’s hospice nurse. She has lost more weight. Doesn’t eat very much. More trouble swallowing so meds are now only liquid. Non verbal. Eye contact. But a continual slow decline.

I think of the things. Images flash across my mind of happy. My breakfast consisted of two eggs dropped off by a neighbor who is in our local Buy Nothing Facebook group. She came to pick up egg cartons and chose to leave three eggs from her parents’ chickens. They were delicious. And what lovely sweet gestures among these group members. I made a blueberry pie for a person who gifted me pie plates. There seems to be no shortage. But a desire to practice kindness and support among these fabulous people. We seem so bereft of it.

And I think of our visit last weekend to see Macy. How she and her roommates continually change their wifi to entertain exchange barbs with unknown neighbors. They first named it something about loving Bill Nye the science guy. And then another apartment dweller named theirs something about Bill Nye being a bitch. Which resulted in their change to Bill Nye Ain’t No Bitch. I am unsure what the current status is but its all so geeky and makes me smile. Things that entertain you during social distancing.

And I think of how Ella and J.P. take turns hiding a hideous scary doll for each other. There are long lapses during which the doll is in hiding and then suddenly the evil thing is found discovered.

And Ella really got J.P. the other night. He turned onto his stomach while sleeping and moved his arm under his pillow. To discover find something strange underneath. Where there should only be the smooth softness of sheets. Was the tough stringy hair of this creature. He pulled it out slowly and was then awake for 45 minutes.

(While he referred to this wakeful period as existing due to the sight of this hideous creature. I think he was smug happy chuckling proud. That she got him. Good)

When he told her the next morning over breakfast. She laughed. Giggled. She had no intention of this horrible beast emerging in the middle of the night. She had rather thought he might easily come across it. But it did play out. So well.

(And I am grateful to not be included in this game)

And I laugh to myself recalling the stories of Macy and her roommates. Of them convincing one of their neighbors. Of the existence of a dog. How you might wonder. Because they occasionally take turns barking. In their apartment. And then apologize to their neighbors for the noise. But a fire alarm in the middle of the night. Made them have to come up with a quick story. Of how the dog was with a friend for the night. The fake dog has been named Squishy.

Macy and her friends laughing and barking and telling Squishy to be quiet. Memories forever and hysterical joy.

Squishy makes me smile.

As does the sight of Ella’s new Doc Martens proudly on display outside her bedroom door. White boots and green shoes for our modern hippie flower child.

And I think of friends adopting a rescue puppy soon. Their kids are going to love her!

And of Macy sharing the struggles of her STEM brain trying to wrap itself around writing a philosophy paper. Seeking concrete facts and finding none. Examining deceptiveness behind selective self-presentation on social media.

Later. When walking with J.P. I tell him of our exchange. About philosophy. And I laugh. Knowing that he and I and both of my parents would have had a similar response. Of smirking laughter.

And I think of how J.P. stands proudly watching over taking care of protecting his daughters. All of us. How much he cares for and loves us.

And. Even with the sadness. With the crazy. With the waves of nausea.

I am so very grateful to my people for keeping me happy. And sharing their lives and laughter with us.

(Pic of my favorite people apple picking)