His handiwork is everywhere. There's a board nailed into a tree to be used, I assume, as a step. Since the tree trunk and branches are perfect for sitting and observing, I'll go with my assumption. He also has a trellis, a hole to gather rain water for his sump pump to help keep the apartment dry in high rains, and most recently he has added shelves for various herb gardens. These represent just a few of my son's projects. He's always had projects. I saw them today at this 29th birthday party.
When kids are young, each party is a celebration; as they get older, they also become reflections. A year short of 30, he said, "I remember when Aunt Molly gave you that cup for your 30th. I can't believe I'm this old but remember when you entered geezerhood." I laugh and explain to others that my sister gave me a coffee cup when I turned 30 that read, "Confucius say 'life begin at 30'.....Confucius die at 29."
It is funny how memories of our parents collide into our own ages eventually. The process gives us the rich gift of being able to look forward and back at the same time.
I thought about the cup and his comments while driving home from College Station. Confucius may have said what he did, but I say "life begins at the age you look at it."
Listen to Life is a free ewsletter about learning and getting more from life by paying attention to our own stories and the stories of others, based on the presentations, writings, photography and workshops by Dion McInnis (www.dionmcinnis.com). Copyright 2010 Dion McInnis. All rights reserved.
