I went to bed last night with hunch that Maple had perhaps shared her cold with me, and after a sore-throated, runny-nosed, restless night….. it turns out that yes indeed she has. I am un-thrilled. Mostly, because I made her swim on Saturday with this thick-headed nastiness but also because I am hopping on some planes tomorrow. Flying with a head cold is an absolute delight. Am I right?
I am headed to the Old Pueblo for the week to connect with some of my tribe. Mamas and Sisters that I have walked through some fire with at various times through the last decade or so. Friends who have held my hand in my hours of darkness and whom I strive to do the same for, no matter the weather. Some days I am better at this than others.
One of us is crossing the 40 threshold and contacted us all a few months back to see if we could all make it to Tucson for her day. I have learned 2 big truths this year that I am trying to live by and they both presented in this instance. When there is a chance to be with your people, you take it. You show up. There are a million reasons to not, to wait, to put it off, to make another excuse. But with each year, month, week, day I think that we are all learning that this may be our last chance, our final moment to hold space with the people we love, and the price of putting it off may be bigger that we ever want to pay.
Or not. Maybe you will have more chances. But I don’t know that, do you?
The other thing I'm learning is that it is time to stop hemorrhaging cash. We are in our 40s for hell’s sake. Time for less debt and more savings. I am a slow learner but I am determined to figure this shit out and not always be in a panic about dollars.
So, what to do? It ain’t cheap flying across the country right during a major holiday. Contradictory intentions it would appear. But my hubs continues to be number one and as the date has approached and my initial decision to stay home was sitting heavier and heavier in my heart- he offered me both frequent flyer miles and himself as solo parent for a stretch of days. So we booked it and I’m headed to AZ tomorrow morning. I continue to win everyday with him.
And so, hopefully I am re-affirming both intentions. I refuse to let meaningful time with my people be overlooked. I want to give you a hug right now while we are both graced by these strong and able and breathing bodies. (okay, I promise to not breathe on you and yes I am washing my hands on repeat) I also commit to financial responsibility. I am keeping my eyes well open to what comes in and what goes out and making plans like we will live forever. Even while striving to love like it’s only today.
OK. Stay well. Love your people. Your presence is always going to win over another gift given, so breathe easy and stay awhile. xxx,m