Yesterday, the 4th day of Cia's absence (she's in Texas helping her sisters with a health issue), I managed to stay busy and buy some time away from loneliness. After breakfast, I took my small folding chair over to the corner of Riverbend and Rte. 27, and sat and cheered for the runners (and sometime walkers) taking part in the annual Mystic Half-Marathon. It was an inspiring 30 minutes for me, for sure. The runners and walkers were of all ages, shapes, sizes, and physical conditions. There were those who were almost sprinting at this 5-mile mark, and there were those who almost seemed to be stumbling or staggering as they passed me. There people in their 60's, at least, maybe a few 70's, including a good friend of ours, a woman who was the only female participant over the age of 70. There were huffers and puffers and wheezers, and there were those who seemed as easy-going as a breeze blowing by. There were even occasional kids, perhaps in their early teens, small people parading past me as fast their small legs could carry them. 

I spent the 30 minutes almost constantly clapping and cheering for these brave folks. I was so inspired, in fact, that I dashed home, donned my best walking clothes, and set out for a brisk 5-mile walk down to Mystic and back on River Road. 

In the afternoon, Matty came over and we enjoyed a Subway lunch together out in the shade near Cia's blossoming flowers. Afterwards, we went inside to the living room and sat for something like two hours, talking about thoughtful issues like fear and mindfulness and the powers of the spirit. It was truly an inspirational time for me, listening to my son speak with such insight and wisdom and sincerity. I learned -- and grew -- a lot in those two hours. 

Oh, I do miss my beloved lady this morning! We did have another fine, heart-to-heart phone chat last night, but that doesn't do the trick for this husband. I NEED her here beside me -- which I WILL have in about 27 hours!!