Time: It Seasons Everything
Hello, dear San Saba loves, and I hope the week since last we spoke has been kind to you. These days I consider it a great day getting through one without any major catastrophe, broken bones, or major appliance breaking down! Yep, I am adept at packing up household goods for moving, but repairing a dryer, unclogging sinks, or knowing how to shut off a water main, um, that is an unequivocal no! I bet each of you is thinking it is a good thing I no longer drive as I would be useless at flat tires as well, and you would be right. Hey, in my defense, I was once a fine lawn manicurist, a great tree trimmer, and an excellent interior and exterior house painter!
Speaking of packing up household goods, I have been rather nostalgic of late, which is a bit unlike me. As embarrassing as this is to admit, I am much more prone to be childlike in attitude and only see the excitement of what lies ahead and the possibilities of new adventures. Such withstanding, I suppose the thought of turning a new chapter in life, sight unseen, has me thinking about how comfortable my San Saba 16-year sleep of joy has been. The use of the word sleep is not by any means an indication of boredom but rather a peacefulness, tranquility, and uncomplicated living. Having come from the Houston area, I am fully aware of what we are leaving behind, but my mind and heart have been sending me reminders anyway.
I had an actual reminder when I received a call from the very dear Jean Reeves. Jean and I, along with other women, used to meet at the old Cactus Cafe for coffee, and what a wonderful time we had. To say I love, respect, and adore Jean is like saying I need the sun to survive, a fact of life! She is an amazing, kind, intelligent and beautiful person. It was so wonderful to talk to her, and once again I was reminded of the gifts San Saba has given me. After our conversation, I thought too about my other coffee buddies, what I called my ‘Old Men’s Coffee Group” at the doughnut shop. They called me Red and told me how proud I should be as I was the only female ever allowed to grace a seat at the table! There was Larry Shriver, Louis Crump, Eddie Campbell, Richard, and dear, sweet Howard. Louis was the dearest man I think I have ever met; Larry, loved to give me grief; Eddie loved to challenge me, as did Richard; and Howard was just sweet, gentle, and quiet. I adored the conversations and even the disagreements, but mostly I loved the respect and admiration we shared for one another. I loved that we were able to enrich rather than discount each other. In life, discounting is great when buying something, very cost-effective; however, when it comes to the cost of human relationships, discounting what another person feels, thinks, does, wants, is, or aspires to be is not only cruel, it is discounting yourself as well. I will miss you, my San Saba loves, and I hope through these many years I have enriched your lives just a little. Thank you for being.