Vertical

We met a nice man one day while Rich was getting chemo, this man was getting chemo too. We chatted about his life and treatment plan, and he said he took his courage from an elderly friend who told him: If you find yourself waking up in the morning, then get up.  There is a lot of power in being vertical. Sometimes the desire to lie down becomes overwhelming during the day, when the heat of the summer bears in through the windows and the air is muggy and still. Sometimes it takes all one's will to stay upright, to enjoy the baby and the little girl, to read books and tickle bellies. Everyone is gone now, back in their homes, back to their routines, their own beds and toys. It is quiet enough for the cat to sit out in the open, and sleep in his favorite spots. I spent more time than I wanted to resting in my cozy bed or on the couch while they were here. A full house is tiring. Today could be another one of those days, but today I am going to putter around the house and finish folding the clean towels and sheets. I am going to put away the sippy cups and bibs for next time, storing each memory in mental tissue paper. It is how we proceed through this business of living out our days; when we wake up we get up.