I tried for a whole summer to teach my cat to play the piano. We started with an easy song. It was Three Blind Mice.

My dad said it didn’t work because the cat had a tin ear. But I think it was because he kept looking around for the blind mice all the time and didn’t give it his full attention.

The Wedding Quilt 30 years later.

John and I received a hand-made quilt for our wedding. It was a beautiful blue with a star that took up most of it. My dear, sweat mother-in-law offered to save it for safe keeping til we had a proper home to put it in.

30 years later, I got the quilt. My dearly departed husband missed out on snuggling under it with me. Would that it was tattered with use, than brand new.

Ring on my finger

Eye of God, turquoise and coral adorned my husbands finger on our 20^th anniversary. When the funeral home delivered his effect 7 years later, my dear, sweet mother-in-law quietly took it for safe keeping. 3 years later, on the day of her husband’s funeral, she quietly slipped it into my hand. I guess she was done with it, or perhaps finally realized what it means to grieve a spouse.

Leaner days:

Chewing gum for breakfast. Washing up in the Shore Lodge bathroom dodging Mr. Edward’s glare. Climbing into Rick Millers cabin window for night’s shelter. Drive-through the Dead Steer to order a small coke. Can’t afford the hamburger to go with it. Park my pickup by the storage shed while I catch a nap on the couch.

For Richer or …

Opened 2 month’s worth of mail that piled up while I spent 2 months in Hawaii. Made a pile of bills, junk mail, outdated invitations, and oh did I mention the pile of checks on the table that was just pocket change now. 9 grand I think. Compound interest is now in my favor.

Yet, in a simpler time, my heart was full.