I know it sounds weird, but I've always liked raking leaves. Most people hate it, but I like it. It makes your yard look nice and it's a great workout. Unlike many of the chores in and around the house, there is a noticeable change for the better in the appearance of a yard after a good raking. Since I've been home from the NIH, I haven't had the energy to go out and rake. I stare out the window at the growing layer of dead leaves wanting to go out and rake up a bag or two. Keith has managed to keep us from drowning in leaves, but he isn't as passionate about raking as I am.
Maybe the leaves this year mean more than in previous years. This year I can't do the work in the yard that I want to. That is much different from being able to do it and just not wanting to. Maybe raking has become a symbol of the helplessness I feel because my body isn't the same one I used to have. It doesn't look the same, feel the same, or act the same as it used to. Or maybe I just like a neat yard...
Well, this afternoon I was a raking fool in the back yard! I was having a good energy day, and decided to rake a little rather than just staring out at the leaves. I made several big piles of leaves, and raked up a significant amount of doggie-doody as well. I only made a small dent in the work that needs to be done, but while I was raking and bagging I felt normal. A small bit of normal, but normal none the less. And normal is good...
No comments:
Post a Comment