[2021-12-20] Time and energy
As Shane and I were assembling his bed today in his new apartment condominium, I remarked on how lucky we are that his closing occurred when it did, landing during a reprieve in my health issues. I'm long past treatment for ovarian cancer and appear to be doing well on that front. I've recovered from my surgery for perinanal skin cancer last month, and I will start radiation treatment only next month. My bilateral mastectomy to lower my risk of breast cancer is months into the future.
Given this timing, I am relatively healthy and available to help Shane set up his new home. I have physical and mental strength in relative abundance to assist with all the packing, transporting, cleaning, unpacking, assembling and shopping.
Today was an especially long day, as I got up at 6:30 a.m. so that Shane and I could drive over to his apartment to meet the person setting up his Internet. We did a bit of work before I returned home so that Chris could go to an appointment. In the late morning, I rejoined Shane for more cleaning, unpacking and furniture assembly. We both came home in time for a home-cooked meal, courtesy of Chris and Mel.
I feel lucky to have the energy I do and happy to be retired. I know that I would push myself to be helpful even if I lacked the stamina. As former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said: "Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow." But it's so much easier to power through when I have the time and drive.
It will take just one or two more days to complete the setup. We have a few more pieces of furniture to assemble. We need to do a little shopping to stock Shane's fridge and cupboards. And we need to move the last of his personal effects.
That will leave me a day or two to prepare for Christmas. We've taken a deliberately simple approach to the holiday this year, which is welcome.
Tonight as we were doing the dishes, Shane asked me whether I will be sad when he moves out. My answer was no. Of course, I'll miss having him around the house. But I'm so happy for him. We know when it's time to make our own way in the world, and this is his time.
