Gratitude, Forrest Gump, and One Closet Door

Today marked the end of my third week at UNO, and I've loved every minute of it, but today was especially wonderful.  The clear blue sky, the soft breeze gently warmed by a benevolent sun, the beauty of the campus itself, and the vitality of all the optimistic young people around me were enough to inspire me to profound gratitude. It was just one of those perfect days.




  

I walked back to my room after my last (and favorite) class anticipating the long drive home and my husband's welcoming arms while the theme music to "Forrest Gump" was being subliminally infused into my brain from my mp3 player.  It, along with the beauty of the day, filled me with such emotion that I found myself fighting back the tears.  It's a good thing I was wearing sunglasses.  Otherwise, the young people around me might have seen the old girl losing it.

I could see Forrest sitting alone at the bus stop just after little Forrest had left on the school bus.  I could see him, in his simple way, contemplating how strange, convoluted, and, ultimately, wonderful life can be.  Right on, Forrest!  I'm with you, buddy. Who'd have thought my life, so nearly lost, would or could have taken this turn?  I am still in awe of the circumstances that landed me here.

To top it all off,  I found, upon entering  my room, that maintenance had finally installed one of the mirrored sliding doors that had been missing from my closet since the day I moved in.  On my desk was a note of apology for installing only one door and a promise to try to find another.  One door!  One mirrored sliding door!  I love it.  It's simply the way life is: imperfect, but surprising - sometimes pleasantly.  I spent a few minutes dancing in front of that mirrored door.  Life is meant to be celebrated.


Unfortunately, the broken toilet seat hadn't been repaired, but that's okay.  Today I got a closet door.  Today I got.....today.  Another day.  And it was a beauty.  Lord, O Lord, I am so grateful!

*Sniff, dry eyes, go home.*