Rusty's Armory

Reflections of an Evolving Morning

Posted on November 12, 2023

The day dawns, marking the fourth consecutive morning I’ve awakened with a semblance of human vitality, albeit a significantly diminished one. Snookums, my beloved companion, had already risen and was seated at the table, her fingers tenderly embracing a warm mug of coffee. A chill lingered in the air, prompting me to adjust the thermostat a few degrees before preparing my morning brew.

Coffee, once a source of immense pleasure, has proven increasingly difficult to tolerate. To combat its bitterness, I’ve resorted to a sacrilegious act – blending it with hot chocolate or half-and-half. The notion of savoring a robustly brewed cup in the morning now seems like a distant memory.

Adaptation is the key to survival, and we adapt as we progress through life. Our morning routine unfolded as usual, punctuated by our customary exchange of lighthearted banter and repetitive anecdotes. A modest breakfast of toast and marmalade followed, after which I embarked on my Sunday ritual of restocking pillboxes and placing refill orders for essential medications.

The long-awaited rains have finally arrived, transforming our parched landscape into a vibrant oasis while the rest of the country remains barren. However, the sun’s waning strength will soon usher in the autumnal palette, signaling the impending transition. This summer, the eighth decade of my life, has been the least productive, a stark contrast to my usual industrious nature. Nevertheless, I find solace in Messiah’s understanding and acceptance of a productivity standard that differs from my own.

With age comes wisdom, a treasure trove of insights that have illuminated the once incomprehensible enigmas of my youth. These revelations have instilled in me a newfound patience and hope, qualities that eluded me for years.

Even the harrowing events unfolding in the Middle East have unveiled hidden truths. The drums of war beckon, their call echoing within my soul, yet I am no longer able to heed their summons. My physical limitations would render me a liability, not an asset. Instead, I offer my prayers for genuine peace to descend upon the warring factions, listening to the rhythmic rumble of passing cars on the highway, an odd yet comforting texture woven into the tapestry of life’s relentless ebb and flow.

Good morning to you all.