Jane Doe, Alive and Well

The sun came up today.
Yes, I know that you, astute person that you are, already noticed this, and I’m sure we all hope that it continues to do so for many more lifetimes.
But this daily incident hit me afresh today, because I had a meeting before daybreak.
I can’t remember the last time I was up, out of the house and at a meeting before dawn. Well, I guess I can remember if I tried, but the memories are kind of foggy. I think children tend to do that to your brain.
I know there was a season in my life when I had to be at work before the sun was up (most day-shift nurses start at 7:00 a.m. sharp) and my day was ruled by the almost-universally- accepted numerical clock. I do remember days where I went to work in the dark and worked so many hours that I came home in the dark, and on those days I wondered, “Did the sun come up today?” I wouldn’t have been able to tell you for sure.
But in my current season of life my day is not quite as structured. It is ruled by things like who has a play date, a field trip or a doctor’s appointment, and who needs a snack, a nap or extra time with mommy.
Different seasons of life entirely. Not better, not worse, just different.
As I stepped out into the light after my meeting this morning I had to pause and blink. The change was so sudden it took my brain a minute to catch up. This was so different from my normal morning routine that I couldn’t operate on auto-pilot, like the majority of us do in the morning. I had to pay attention.
It was a nice change.
Maybe it was because I hadn’t seen this part of the day in so long, but everything looked so beautiful to me. The cloudless blue sky seemed to wrap itself in and around our town. The surrounding mountains were not just brown, but swirled with hues of purple and red. The wisps of steam rising up from the fence posts made the neighborhoods seem warm and inviting, like a fire does on a cold day. The weeds in Lindo channel sparkled as the sun hit their slightly frosted edges.
Yep. Weeds. Sparkling.
It was that kind of day. Did you notice?
If not, tune in tomorrow. Same time, same channel.

Jane Doe Thanks…
...the nice cashier at ToysRUs who waited very patiently while my son counted, and recounted, and dropped, and counted again his money to pay for more darts for his Nerf gun. She showed nary a hint of irritation at his slow pace. I think she picked up pretty quickly that he was trying to do this independently, so she directed her questions to him instead of me and thanked him just like if he was an adult. I wish all adults would treat children as well as she did. All parents who are trying to guide their children toward independence join me in thanking and congratulating Ms. Anonymous cashier!