Being Wise Two

Being Wise Two February 14, 2021

Day after day I see the same things:

photos of my twin grandchildren when

toddlers. And my son Tim at age ten.

A sprawling orchid blooms in my

window. Finnish islands carved by

glaciers on one wall. Books and boxes

of books are everywhere. Paintings

and pictures on the walls. A few

plants here and there. The dining

table with its odds and ends, address

labels, planner, medicine, placemats,

and silverware. We eat supper 

together. Last night, soup. He had

chicken noodle, and I had vegan–braised

vegetables. A CD player lives under

the lively orchid, and a long-stemmed,

vibrant plant throws itself around the

computer table seeking light and

recognition. The email today brought

me another order of Baba Summer Two,

newly arrived in one big box and two

small boxes. Because of the window,

this corner is cold. But I wear many

layers, and a blanket over my legs.

Clutter dominates my household,

and too many books. Tim builds a

fire with wood Janet brought. She’s

always a step ahead of me. She

worries I’ll get cold. Lately we have

rain, wind, and low thirties, but sun

will return. Out the back window

I can see my hens and their guard

dog rooster running to the orchard

and back. Under my desk, a chaotic

pile of receipts saved for filing with

my taxes. My body still lives and

thrives. I sleep when I don’t want

to sleep, and stay awake when I

want to sleep. My dreams are

coming true, despite setbacks and

delays. I suffer patience and humility.<