July 8

I won’t forget the phone call this morning. I will hear the words again and again for many years to come. I won’t forget feeling how I discovered a new definition of betrayal–at least in my reality. I won’t forget trying to keep myself together as I took myself to Starbucks more for the distraction than the coffee.

I won’t forget this day, for ever and ever. But as with most turning-point, life-altering moments, everyday life goes on in spite of one’s inner shock and pain. Pretty soon, time is no longer suspended and it is later that afternoon. The work is done and the rain isn’t happening and a run for miles and miles is finally possible.

Life’s chores still beckon. Measure the detergent, shove in the quarters, meet a friend for a drink while the double rinse cycle times out. Talk, don’t force the laughter, make sure not to cry.

Two texts come in from my dance partner. I hardly feel like dancing.

The lawyer calls, too, on this day of all days that I don’t want to talk to anyone except those closest to me. But I answer his call, because on a day I will never forget, the day is almost over, and the surreal notion of his actually contacting me on this very day shakes me out of my darkness. On the day I wanted to run screaming to anyplace on the planet that would allow me to escape myself, I listen and smile as he reads sections of his soon-to-be heard brief, “Because as a writer, I thought you’d appreciate the argument.” And he is right, on this God-awful day.

The details of this day, the reasons why, the lessons learned–each will stay with me forever, even as I leave them unwritten. Tomorrow will be better. Tonight already is. The truth is, I am incredibly lucky and fortunate. I can move on.

But I will never forget the day my beach party ended and my grown-up life on the ocean hurtled forward.

Never. Ever.


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

19 responses to “July 8”

  1. Kim Ayres Avatar

    Deep ((Hugs)

  2. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Oh, RG. I wish I could give you a big hug, too.

  3. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    RG, hope everything works out OK for you – you are in my thoughts.

  4. Christine in LA Avatar

    Warm thoughts, a bug hug and virtual gluten free treats your way. I hope today dawned better for you.

  5. k Avatar

    I hope you’re ok

  6. Deanna Avatar

    Thinking of you!

  7. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    Positive thoughts and heartfelt prayers from me to you. Hope you’re ok.

  8. Phil Avatar

    Sorry to hear it, RG.

    This, too, shall pass.

  9. upset waitress Avatar

    Oh dear. This makes me want to drink. Care to join? 🙂

  10. L Avatar
    L

    RG:

    Once not too long ago, I printed this paragraph and then taped it to my computer screen at work and at home. It seemed to give direction on how I’d get through tough times:

    Doubt thou the stars are fire,
    Doubt that the sun doth move,
    Doubt truth to be a liar,
    But never doubt I love.
    (Hamlet, Act 2; Scene 2)

    Whenever something seems to crush my heart or ideas, I remember the words “never doubt I love” … because having the ability to love and be curious, to keep embracing life, well it is a trait to be proud of.

    I think you’ve that ability.

    Take care,

    L.

  11. Rose Royce Avatar
    Rose Royce

    I never enjoy those moments of my life where reality walks up and rips my heart out and somehow I keep walking and talking; the living dead inside. Down the road I look at those moments, my life memories and sometimes cringe at that person who was me. In different settings I can look back and laugh because where I am isn’t even the same person and that’s ok too. I also know I’m going to do other things and that cringe worthy past melts some compassion, because I’m human. Keep writing, if only for yourself, make it fiction so you don’t have to worry about someone finding it and thinking, omg – she did what! Shift that pain and emotion into crazy dialog and look at it as an exercise in life. And remember, your little dog loves you.

  12. Mary Tiler More Avatar

    Sounds like a painful day. I wanted to drop a supportive comment and was at a loss for words. But then Rose Royce summed it all up.

  13. catherine Avatar
    catherine

    RG, i hope things work out and that you can smile again soon. Hugs!

  14. Restaurant Gal Avatar

    Finally, today dawned and I felt okay. The worst is most definitely over. I have my friends, my family, my health, and a firm resolve to move forward. I have felt each and every hug and hold dear all the supportive thoughts. Many thanks to the best readers a gal could have. And now, it’s time to write more stories.

  15. savannah Avatar

    xoxox

    just because, sugar! 😉

  16. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    I hope things pick up for you!

  17. Connie Avatar
    Connie

    My heart breaks for you. I have a new saying in my life- that a co-worker going through chmo said–” put on your big girl panties and deal with it”. I don’t argue with people that had doublt masectomies.

  18. Kris Avatar
    Kris

    Oh, honey. {{{{{{RG}}}}}}