How bout that ...

?Guess what today is … that’s right – it’s Trash Day! Hey with the world being all locked up in the house, we’ve got to hold onto the little shards of pre-pandemic life. With that, believe it or not, the simple task of putting the trash on the curb, something that makes me feel normal has come to be one of life’s bright spots. Now, unlike a few of my neighbors who walk out in boxers in slippers or barefoot, shirtless when they have no business being that way, with bedhead and sleep still in their eyes, I get dressed. Shorts, shirt, socks, a washed face, brushed teeth, and combed hair – that’s me.

I do this for two reasons, first and foremost, because my father would turn over in his grave if he saw me slumping out there half-dressed. Secondly, I’m usually about to run so it stands to reason that I would be clothed. Anyway, I opened the garage, walked out with bag in hand and planted it just so. I stood there for a moment looking at the sun. Before I could say a word or form a thought, my fathers voice yelled down from heaven, “it’s going to be a hot one today!” “Yeah Daddy” I said to myself … looks that way. I started to say something, but you know who shouted down again, “but you still got time to run Lynn.” I stopped and looked up and shrugged as if to say, “you see my shoes on, don’t you?” It’s amazing how hearts can speak to one another. One on one side, one on the other … one gone, but still here.

Once I finished that conversation, I turned to make the short trek back into the house, but before I did, I looked over at the yard. Last month I got the tree that sits in the center pruned, but there’s still work that needs to be done … I just need to figure out what work I want done. The grass part … I got; it’s the flowerbed that keeps me up at night. I mean, it’s huge. When I got here it was filled with cactus, but honestly, that’s the one flower I can do without. I stood there for a minute, assuring myself that I’ll figure it out and it’s not like I’m going anywhere.

Just then, I spotted a package on the porch. Thinking it was one of the many books I’ve ordered of late, but not sure which one, I scooped it up and began tearing it open. I didn’t recognize it until I finally got it out of the package and realized … it was my book. Out of nowhere, that familiar voice approvingly yelled down from heaven, “well kiss me again Lynn. How bout that!?!”

I looked up smiled … then laughed before softly whispering, “yeah Daddy … how bout that” …