Listening

Anticipating the predicted wintry blast in this new spring season, we departed early for our appointment forty miles away. Not a drop of precipitation descended upon our vehicle while traveling that morning. Contrary to the forecast, there were moments of sun peeking through the morning sky as we traveled the country roads to the city destination.  Appointment fulfilled and hopes of improved physical functioning raised, we began our journey back to the warmth of the old farm house. As we ascended a hill toward our destination we could see the gray haze descending upon the landscape like a hen nestling her chicks beneath her feathered breast. We stopped at the local café for a quick lunch break and heard the stories filled with awe of the morning’s “blizzard” of snow that in the warmth of that moment had succumbed to its liquid predecessor. Granddaughter was disappointed at having not witnessed the falling snow for the first time. Grandfather was empathetic and thankful for having been spared the task of driving in the wintry deluge. The subtle but nevertheless present anxiety of the morning’s rush, the extended walking that challenged this resistant body and the culmination of attention to two and a half hours of driving rendered the participating grandpa a bundle of ever increasing pain as the day progressed. Heeding the body’s message, gramps opted for an early evening repose as he drifted into dreamland with a grateful heart. Careful listening to the needs of the aching body turned out to be the best prescription for a brighter day!