Brussel Sprouts for Breakfast
Kathy Hall, Fall Branch, TN
The nest has become empty – all but for the nest-keepers who tend to the upkeep of the empty spaces. The coffee still brews each morning only now its aroma signals some quiet time to plan my direction. I now savor each cup undisturbed, sometimes enjoying a guiltless cookie or two with it – and for breakfast I eat Brussels sprouts if I wish. I often indulge in dessert before dinner, yet still never in front of the kids. I may stay in my pajamas all day thinking, writing, creating – my imagination wandering to far off places and returning full of adventurous ideas. I can skip making dinner if I'm not hungry, and eat lunch out without ordering from the children's menu. I can complete a workout in the living room without anyone snickering while my favorite music permeates the spaces of the entire house. I finally have time to BE.......to foster my creativity, find my long lost desires and nurture my dreams.
The nest is empty. Silence is golden, although sometimes deafening. I no longer wait my turn to use the bathroom, the computer or the phone. There is no reason to be quiet, or quick. There is no one studying or waiting for me to help them with homework.
As I skate forward into my own space in time searching for ME, I seek to dream the dreams I dared not dream as a child, and to develop the gift that was born in me from the start.
I still can't avoid the angst when my child calls in turmoil over a consequence they face due to their quick decision-making. But I can at least listen, pray and share my aged wisdom in peace.
