The question, "What's it like to be back?", has been asked of us over and over since returning from our Lake Huron North Channel trip. This is a hard question to answer because, on the one hand it is good to return "home" and on the other hand, it is not so fun to simply leap back into all the familiar routines and expectations. A little longer segue would have been preferable but it was not to be.
Several mornings of very early risings (early, as in 4:30 or 4:45 a.m.) have finally taken their toll, although none of them could have been avoided, nor would I have chosen to get up any later on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. Sunday was, of course, our day to cross the Big Pond, so 4:30 a.m. was a given. Monday, back at slip, an early get-up was essential in order to command the marina's two washing machines so the mountain of dirty clothes and towels could be dealt with. Yesterday, Tuesday, was early by choice, as we drove southward for one hour and fifteen minutes, to attend a 6:45 a.m. mass for healing, for our friend who is fighting the battle of his life. Just as the mass was to begin, I spied an old teaching friend walk in the parish doors. She attended the healing mass and CSO and I ate breakfast with her afterwards.
The healing mass was moving and powerful and I do pray that the man for which it was held could feel the power being assigned away from the attendees and to him. I felt as if I was a personal warrior in his army against the ugly aggressor, cancer.
So, what's it like to be back?
Real. That's what. There are people like Bob, who are fighting a war against an unseen enemy. There are people who go to movies, intending to to be entertained for one brief moment in time, and find themselves among unspeakable terror and carnage.
Tonight CSO and I share pie and ice cream with Aqua RV friends. Seems kind of trite, doesn't it?
CSO and I have much to be thankful for.
Ancora imparo
