Wrapping Toes

Colorful patterned paper waited on the tightly wound tube to be unfurled and wrapped around the rectangular box containing the prized Christmas present. Careful listening and stealth internet shopping had rendered just what was desired under the tree. The first challenge was unrolling the paper from the tube without seeing it roll anew in the other direction. Placing the rectangular container at the edge of the paper seemed to be the answer until sizing of the paper became necessary. The frustration was beginning to build. There had always been nimble fingers and flexible wrists available for this seemingly mundane task when tackled in years gone by. Where nimble digits had previously been at the fore, now slow to move and solidly resistant joints impeded the process. Suddenly, the fingers and movement always taken for granted were demanding intention and forced direction to accomplish the seemingly most menial task. It was as though I suddenly was faced with wrapping presents with my toes. As the irrationally impatient perpetrator of the packaging process became more frustrated, a distracting thought invaded. What if the aging process were reversed? What if youngsters were inundated with regressively bothersome diseases, so that as one ages, the impediments disappear and the old experienced codgers become more supple, limber, agile, and quick? All the “logical” reasons why came flooding in my mind, but not until the frustration of the hand at task had completed its intended labor. A seeming impediment had been met with a momentary distraction that ushered the task to completion. A moment of reflection ignited a time of thankfulness that the task indeed was complete and now could be lovingly (if not patiently) placed beneath the tree.