Florida, oddly enough

Florida morning sounds 7.4.20

The 4th marked my second year in Florida. I came to help my mom during her sickness, and am now helping my stepdad. In between and during I've had a good teaching job, met great teachers, made a few friends, and lost my mother. I still sleep in the room I shared with her when she was unable to walk. I sit in her chair and remember days we listened to music or watched a movie together. I know she is safely situated in another time and place and do doubletakes, still, sometimes, when I realize I can't call her. She loved Florida. She loved the hot sun. It's not easy for a person who basically loves cool cloudy days (me, for instance) to be pleased with the tropical climate of southwest Florida, but I have become a bit more fond of the sun. I have to remind myself in July that it will be hell only for a few more months. Sometimes it's hard to have faith. The plant life here is amazing and exaggerates all the time. The wildlife, especially alligators and pelicans, delight me on a regular basis. It is really something to see a roseate spoonbill fly in front of you, and to watch big-eyed tilapia guard their shady nurseries; I am very happy that I have been able to experience these things. It has been good for me to be here and help, and be helped by my family. Sandy has loved being with Chuck, my stepdad, they adore one another. Chuck is currently recovering from sepsis brought on by a nearly ruptured gallbladder, and he has apologized several times to Sandy for not feeling up to sitting on the porch and smoking cigarettes with her in the mornings. But she understands. She has more than earned a chihuahua nurses cap - I must order one. Anyway, Florida is a land of wonders and swimming in gentle turquoise water in February is really a wonderful thing, as are the intense afternoon thunderstorms and the orange blossoms. So, Florida, I just want to say thank you, and we will just keep taking it a day at a time.
My backyard in the morning, birdsong. ~ Oldgirl