A Story Without Tragedy

The family has had a series of hard challenges lately, on both sides.  Cancer, a tragic accident, undiagnosed chronic illness.  Even at work, a close colleague was told last Friday that her husband "doesn't have very long."  It has been a time for gratefulness for our personal health and general access to [arguably] the best medical care possible. So, tonight's post will be without tragedy b/c we could all use a little respite for a few beats.

Tonight, I was vindicated.  A classmate and I collaborated on an in-class assignment.  We finished early, so we were just gabbing.  I shared that I was taking two classes this term.  She made a face and asked if I was experiencing any - how did she put it? - "ill effects."  I told her that, other than the chronic edginess that makes me startle and the slightest, I was holding up OK.  [It's true.  My poor Beloved has taking to calling out "I'm walking down the stairs!" or "I'm coming around the corner!"  Sometimes it helps, sometimes I still startle.  He just gawks at me and shouts "You know I live here too, right?!  Why are you surprised to see me?!"]  She said she developed chronic acid reflux the year she took two courses per quarter.  And she's, like, easily 10yrs younger than me!

Oh! and speaking of younger, the prof tonight told a story of a work experience he had in 1989 when Quark first came out.  The undergrad next to me snickered under her breath, "I was one in 1989."

I loath smug youth.