30 Years

I awaken slowly, dragging through coffee and breakfast only half awake. You on the other hand, are fully alert before your feet hit the floor. After years of listening to your happy prattle every morning, mumbling answers in response to your cheery questions, I am tired and abrupt.

Gradually, without realizing it, things change. You become more and more quiet. One year and then two, we stumble through mornings without a word. Together we battle the foe we fear.

One bright morning you ask a question. I am annoyed. Within two months, you never shut up in the morning. Where has my peace and quiet gone?  Slowly realization dawns on me! You are better! The last years when you were sick, you were easier to live with, but you were not YOU! You are back! You are well! You are loved!