bed
The place seemed so strange. Hard cushions, metal chairs, one square room, a Murphy bed and tiny kitchenette. Preparing for the week, I stocked up with familiar staples at the local market. These, I reasoned, would add familiarity to the unfamiliar environment into which I was venturing. After three days now, the unfamiliar environment has taken on the cloak of familiarity and the comfort level has grown from none to moderate. Proximity to family and friends provides solace that each member is but a short drive away. I’m taken by the similarity between adaptation to one’s environment and the adaptation one engages at the onset of non life threatening disease symptoms. What was at first a strange and very uncomfortable symptom over time becomes one for which one makes accommodation and although not fully welcomed, is nonetheless accepted. In the process of acclimation to the vacation accommodation, thanks are offered for the accessibility and relative convenience of the temporary abode. Likewise, thanks for flexibility and durability in the face of somewhat progressive disease symptoms changes the paradigm from lost to remaining. Gratitude again fills the cauldron to abundance as we savor the flavor of grace.