IT'S ALMOST OVER

     Doug is taking some vacation days this week, so Hottie and I held down the kitchen today. I had nothing better (or nearly as good) to do. Anticipating an emotionally difficult few hours, I was surprised to have the gift of FIVE HOURS with him—and time to dig deeply into who we are. En plus, God willing, I will have the same opportunity tomorrow.
     No, I won't be sharing it. It's just too much. Suffice it to say 5 hours of intense bonding will get most intelligent people to a point of mutual understanding. Too, the pleasure of creating 2 meals together and planning 2 more was enough in itself. Anticipating his not being there ever again just breaks my heart, but the child has a life, and he needs to live it; it's not about me.
     To my delight, Hottie sees "crazy as a shot cat" the same way I do: She is intelligent and engaging—just different. Oh, and we have that young gay fellow who is so very sober and charming. He went for a job interview today. I am anxious to hear about it tomorrow and to let him know that he has at least one friend in the building.
     None of us knows who will take the position of gatekeeper. Sometimes they are good workers, and sometimes they are strange… tomorrow is another day.