Happy Island Home

Waking up in the morning looking out at the lake, listening to the birds’ morning, smelling the coffee wafting down the hall these are the little moments of contentment we treasure. The dark cradle of co-kee, co-kee and other night sounds rocks away the stress of the day. We love our home in Puerto Rico.

Happy people tucked up in an island hideaway. That’s us. Most days we don’t let Kirt’s amputation diminish that image. He works out with his weights, so he’s ready for the new leg. I think he sees the possibilities for his life. We want to drive around the island visiting the beaches and mountains, the charming plazas call our names. Some days I see optimism in his eyes, but not today.

Today he seems weak. There’s a lost look in his eyes I don’t like. His blood sugar is fine, so that’s not the concern. He’s fallen twice, slipped out of bed, which he hasn’t done before, so I worry. He fell last week, but had the strength to pull himself up, didn’t even call me. Today he could hardly get up even with my help.  Who will get him up, if I can’t? I feel isolated for the first time.

My Aunt Margaret says we made a mistake in coming here. We’re happy here is what I told her. She says we should be near family. We’ve never lived near family, so I don’t relate to that comment. We take care of ourselves, always have. The beauty of nature is an important part of our days. Aunt Marge says we should have a house in the shadow of a good hospital. She’s eighty-seven, of course, she’d think that way.

Last year we lived on the other side of the wall from a person who was very unhappy. Before long she began to share her misery. We couldn’t take it. We’re happy here.

After I got Kirt back in bed, I took the garbage out. The German Sheppard somebody dumped yesterday was standing in the road wagging his tail. He came up for a bowl of kibble. A big bull frog sat on the porch with uncomprehending eyes. It didn’t budge when Chi-Ping sniffed it. She went in the house, so the dog could eat without her growling.

Kirt’s snoring, needs his c-pap on, so I hook him up. Whatever we should do is in God’s hands, I’m not going to worry.