Work calls and I am gone again in 48 hours. Back to Middle East and working with the national oil companies. I’m leaving with a little more confidence this time than last but still with trepidation. Annie will be on her own for two weeks and “running the place”. She’s up for it – though not without some nervousness too. Wildfires in the region have us on enhanced awareness. Dry, no rain in the forecast and lingering drought place us in the middle of a tinderbox. The good news is her friends will support her and the neighbors are always on the ready.
Annie rises to these occasions with notes to herself, daily reminders and reliable “co-pilots”. She steps up her exercise routines so she feels fit. She reaches out to friends to do stuff she might not ordinarily do. We both prep the house. I check and set all the automatic systems, refill anything empty and hopefully don’t forget anything. Regardless, life will go on here in my absence and it is good for both of us. Breaking cycles can do a world of good.
Some cycles are good. Repetition of exercise, reading, writing and solving challenges. Discipline to get a blog out. Mental exercise to respond to questions and opportunity is in no short supply. Yes, she does lots of cognitive work and most of it sticks. If Annie asks me twice I answer – it’s just easier – on the third I say “What was my answer the last two times? “ then it sticks. If she’s really interested in my response it sticks the first time. Some stroke effects are only previous “conditions” amplified. Husbands and wives never tune each other out do they? Annie is really good about her daily cycles. I do not have to coach anymore for the things she’s found doable. My favorite Annie response is “Let me figure it out”.
My cycles. Guilt. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. Do more, do less? Maybe it’s time for my cognitive work to pick up a bit. Practice what I preach. In the long run there is good progress and hope abounds. In the short term it is time to pack.
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