Four Days; 1,604 miles apart

I wrote part of a blog and decided it was too introspective to post.  So here is another record of my almost four days alone--a little more suitable for sharing with the few readers I have. 

I did not make a silent retreat.  I chatted with Jim several times.  That was sometimes frustrating especially when he could not hear me and I could hear him just fine.  (update--I suggested that the volume was down on the side of his phone--turning that up helped!) The two hour time difference was tricky. But it was good to be able to talk and even do spelling bee together.  We learned that you can look at the game and chat if you put your phone on speaker.  I can't get to "genius" without Jim! 

Using "divineoffice.org" I did the liturgy of the hours several times--not all day long but at least two or three times a day.  I found it comforting and good company.

Susan asked me if I would like to go out for dinner with both Jim and Jeff out of town.  Katie and I joined Susan at Brickhouse Tavern and Tap on Friday.    I posted a three generation photo on Facebook and it was fun to get the reaction of my Facebook friends.  All three of the men in our lives were on trips out of New Jersey. 

Susan also said they could go to Nassau Church with me on Sunday morning.  I suggested instead going to her church, St. Paul's, and that too was a great break in the solitude.  Jeff helped me with the liturgy and it was good to be there in a congregation packed with people of all ages and good to sing next to my son. 

 My sister was in touch with me a few times which I appreciated.  Every email that came in during these few days was important to me.  

When I was a young and very busy mother I said that the curse of my old age might be solitude because I craved time alone so much at that stage of life.  These four days have not been a curse but I have to admit to being lonely and bored.  I really miss my husband.  The other end of the couch is empty.  The other side of the bed is empty. No one is making comments on the sports I have been watching.  I hope and pray that we are reunited tonight and that we have many more years together. May my next post be one for Thanksgiving--with family and food to be thankful for!