Pen-demic

  Sarah Burgess Tomorrow I turn 45. This year I have spent more time in my closet than a classroom. I have given up on pants with zippers and buttons and now favor elastic waistbands almost exclusively- jeans included. Comfort over style every day. I’ve played more games with my family this past year than I have in the entire 16 years prior. We’re a game family now. I am learning to sit with imperfection and failure and discomfort rather than trying to “fix” things. Sometimes the healthiest thing to do is embrace the inevitable grief of life. There is peace in that. My rogue, white chin hair and elastic waistbands remind me that the last time I was relevant, Clinton was President, but I will still “throw it back” in a room full of teenagers if it makes them laugh (at me, not with me- I get it). When Dave asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I couldn’t think of a single thing. Not one. This year, for maybe the first time in my life, I really feel like everything I need I already ...

Watching the children next door      chasing their new puppy around the yard every day. Memes on facebook:      “ . . .here I am laying on the couch, being a hero”. A wave from the Rich and Charlie's delivery man       as I pick up dinner on the door step. Leisurely reading a library book         with no due date in sight. Loved ones thinking of us        with unexpected notes and treats in the mail. Saying “YES” to a chocolate chip cookie        on my Panera delivery order. A snake, guitar strumming, snapchat faces:       Zooming with teen-age grandchildren. Video collage of of church members       waving anything green on Palm Sunday Processional. Calling the shut-ins and hearing Martin’s excitement      that his grandson would play football with Tampa Bay. Rachel’s banner  on the front ...