Relief

Ernie's hip is fine----just a little old age kicking in.  The relief I felt when I heard the results of the x-ray was almost overwhelming.  I was really worried about this one.  Well I guess I always worry but it's been SO painful for him, it just the one  hip....I don't know.  We ignored his back pain only to find out later that it was the cancer spreading....  This one just really scared me.

Relief.

I can't even articulate it.

I came home from work last night and found that Ernie had been busy, painful hip or no, and cut down all the ornamental grasses and pulled out the last vestiges of our kale and swiss chard that were still laying there.  Now you can see the crocuses more easily and appreciate how high the daffodils are, see that deep fuschia of the peonies poking through and admire the allium leaves that are thickening.  The change of the seasons and the growth amaze me more and more the older I get instead of the other way around.  I just look down at those daffodil buds and marvel.

We poked around the yard and then scurried off to parent-teacher conferences.  I'm always amazed to hear their teachers' view of the boys.  The incredible stubborness we see in Leo?  Doesn't show up.  The mmmmmm, difficulty focusing and controlling impulses in Owen (despite his great charm)?  Doesn't show up?  HUH?  They do see the wonderful qualities in my boys though and it is wonderful to hear.  I was ridiculously proud of them.  My sweet peas.  My sweet, sweet peas.