“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” –John Maxwell
Like many others, my wife has been laid off… a thing that she does not readily accept. She is by nature a restive person who needs to be active to thrive. Idleness is anathema to her, which is a curse a blessing at the same time.
It can be a curse because she will constantly bug me to provide entertainment. But at the same time, it is a of blessing because, in this insane period, she will devote her excess energy to clean and sanitize everything in sight… whether it needs it or not.
“Our housekeeper is working from her home. She called us to tell me what to do.”
Cleanliness is one my wife’s fixations. Even under normal circumstances, she constantly cleans and washes… So you can imagine what is happening in our house right now. I suspect that she even considered putting the cat through the washing machine…
And when she does not clean, she bakes. Another mixed blessing. I like what she bakes… but my righteous body objects to that.
When she does not bake, she sews or she knits. She has put together a string of facemasks, and she has also knitted some amazing sweaters, scarves, baby clothes for friends and family.
And she does all the grocery shopping. Yesterday she raided Montecito Plaza’ Trader Joe’s and she had nothing but praise for what this merchant is doing to protect its customers. After coming home, she thoroughly sanitized every purchased item before stocking it. I am afraid that I would be much laxer in doing that.
After living with somebody for a long time, you tend to forget that person’s qualities and contributions to the household. But in extraordinary times, this involvement becomes more apparent, and this little essay is an ode to celebrate my wife’s unique talents and devotion to our well-being.
Many people (myself included) often forget to acknowledge their spouse’s accomplishments. Through this little piece, I want to publicly say how much I appreciate and love what she is doing.
Tamara, my dear wife, you are tops and I wouldn’t trade you for all the tea in China.
Alain