Throwback Honeymoon
Like others on social media sharing creative ideas and thoughts, Hubby and I continue to pluck any unique pearl from our present situation. Peering on the shiny side, lemons into orangeade, a stiff mask-covered upper lip.
Hubby suggested sheltering in place resembles our decades-ago
honeymoon. I’d been noodling along the same wavelength. Each of us are living the
nostalgic scenario.
After our wedding, Hubby and I sheltered in place for a week,
not inviting anyone into our home. The second-floor row house apartment had no
balcony or access to a yard, fire escape or even a front step to lounge on. But
it was privacy heaven, our first place to ourselves after moving from our
parents’ homes. We stayed safe, closed off from society’s contagion on our naïve
optimism. No worries about what we wore during that week of self-quarantine. Especially
since take-out was our only special dining option.
We had no children or grandchildren then. This time warp is cementing
me in a cloud of denial—not missing hugs from our adult children, or little
feet padding over wood floors, or small hands rearranging décor. These things aren’t
possible. One can’t miss what one hasn’t experienced.
Hubby and I are young again. What will our future children
look like? Who will they grow to be? Will we live to meet grandchildren? In my
cloud, I’m not impatient for this, since we are just beginning our life together.
Hubby does home projects to keep fit and focused. I’m improving my tech skills.
It’s like we’re starting again in a bigger space with proper tools.
Things are so simple with only the two of us. Occasionally I
feel the quiet weeks lacking an invisible element. But, anticipation of things
to come intensifies. Even as we mire ourselves in watching re-runs and hearing
the other say what’s on both our minds.
At the end of this extended honeymoon, and out of denial, we’ll
celebrate with a return-to-reality reception. And, poof instant family.
