Another Warm, Beautiful Day

The weather here has been unseasonably warm these past few days. Temperatures have been in the 90's, when they are usually in the 70's at this time of year, and the heat and humidity make it feel more like July than September. It is not the first time, though, that this day has been warm.

This would be my wedding anniversary, had I stayed in my first marriage. 31 years ago, it was also unseasonably warm and humid. My dress was made of a heavier fabric than one would choose for a summer wedding, as I had expected it to feel more like fall. However, it was still summer, and the wedding felt like a summer wedding. It's hard to believe that it has been 31 years.

Of course, it is another important anniversary. Most people remember the wreckage of the day. I always remember the beauty of the moment before. Blue skies, green lawn and breakfast being served on the patio at the location where I was attending a retreat (a retreat that I had been in charge of planning.) I remember the warmth of the sun and of the smiles of everyone as they sat around tables and talked. Smiles that too quickly turned to tears when the news of what had happened reached us.

Today there was a moment of silence on television for the victims of 9/11. But even in this moment of silence, I heard the buzz of the landscaper, cutting the lawn, oblivious to the moment as he drove across the grass, the warm sun above, his presence a reminder that life goes on.

Monday Morning Lesson

This morning's coffee is warm and just strong enough to wake me up.  I need hot coffee today. It's one of those September mornings when you wake up knowing it's cold because the cat is pressed up against you, trying to siphon off as much heat from your body as possible.

Monday morning and, as usual, it is very quiet here. I hear the faculty checking messages, getting coffee, getting ready to meet with students. The man who does the cleaning signs "good morning" to me. He is deaf, and determined to teach me sign language and happy to have me as his willing (if not so able) student. Today's word is "donut". He asks me each morning what I have brought in for breakfast. I have fallen off the healthy food wagon for the day, and have to tell him I have a donut for breakfast. He doesn't judge; just makes the circular motion with two fingers that means donut, and then watches as I do the same.

This is my Monday morning. It will be changing soon, when I start a new job, a new routine. I'm not ready yet to let the cleaning man know he will be losing a student. That day will come soon enough. Until then, I'll continue to listen and learn.