Ten Years from Today – Part 3

Today I’m sharing the final piece of the vignette I wrote in response to a writing prompt to look ten years in the future. In case you missed the first two installments you can read them here and here. 

When I leave the retirement home I will head over to my daughter, Laurinda’s, house to have lunch with her and Makiya. Laurinda home schools my twelve-year-old granddaughter and I believe she has helped to reach a level far greater than she would be at if she attended a traditional school. She could read before she was five years old and has an insatiable thirst and curiosity for learning. I’m proud of my daughter for nourishing the passion of my granddaughter who already has a vision for what she wants her life to be like and I can’t help but feel some pride at the fact that she wants to write like her grandma.

This afternoon, I’ll spend a few hours at home in the garden with Gerry. The mindful meditation of tending to my vegetable beds will center me and prepare me for the evening ahead. I’m still not sure what I will wear for the occasion, I might even stop at one of the boutiques downtown before I go home, or I might not. I’ll figure something out; it’s nothing to fret over.

The little celebration has all been planned with little input from me but I know I will enjoy it. I don’t often like attending things like this, soirees with people mulling about nibbling on appetizers, sipping wine, and making small talk; I’ve never had much patience for small talk. Most of the time I would rather be at home curled up in front of the fire with my husband and a good book or running around playing with the grandchildren on those nights when they sleep over.

But this is different.

Gerry will be there; the kids and their respective spouses will all be there; the grandchildren will all be there; I’ve even heard whispering that our Yorkshire Terriers will be allowed to attend and I’m guessing it’s true since Gerry is planning to take them to the groomer’s this afternoon. My editor will be there along with my publisher and representatives from the local media, friends and others will be there, I can’t say exactly who because I haven’t been allowed to review the guest list.

I’ve waited a long time for this night to come and any hesitation I might normally have felt at attending an evening like this are overshadowed by my own anticipation. I’ve worked hard to get to this day but it hasn’t felt like work at all because it’s been time spent on something I’ve felt passionate about. That’s the thing, isn’t it? Work really isn’t work, when it’s something you enjoy doing, you do it on a schedule you have control of, and you have the luxury of maintaining a balance in other areas of your life.

And so, I tuck my yoga mat back into the cupboard and blow out the lilac-scented candle. I switch off my iPod, open the door of my sanctuary, and walk down the hall back to the bedroom where I find Gerry sitting up in bed reading.

“Good morning!” he greets me with a smile. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“I am so ready,” I tell me as I lean over and give him a morning kiss. “Let’s get this show on the road! We’ve got a book launch party to attend tonight!”

And the day begins.