I live alone. It can be difficult at times, but mostly I
like the quiet, solitude, and freedom that alone-time offers. I like living in
the thoughts I have and with the activities I choose to undertake. I’ve always
struggled with being told and with crowds—not sure why. When being alone gets
challenging, I connect with a sibling, a niece/nephew, or a friend and spend
time in conversation on the phone, in email/Facebook, in person, or via Skype.
In rare instances, I’ll go for a hike with someone :-)… Mostly, however, I like
hiking alone.
When the solitude wears me down, I’ve been known to host
exchange students to calm that innate need to be a father and to bring absolute
chaos into my life… Ha! … hosting means allowing noise, getting pissed off at a
teenager, and giving giving giving. Most of all, of course, hosting means
parenting, and somehow since 1985, being a host dad has worked for me off and
on over the years. (And no, my friend, I’m not suggesting you take in some kid
from Ethiopia!)
As you know, I got a dog. We now have established the same
schedules and quirks…. It’s such a funny thing to behold: he with his carrot at
10am and me with my second cup of coffee. Then, he goes back to sleep under my
office chair and I continue writing in the outward quiet. In the afternoon, the
two of us hike or ski. Not surprisingly, we share schedules and temperaments…
“Odd ducks,” my father would have said.
When I read your blog entry, I understood deep down why
you’d be missing SWIF. It makes total sense. But at the same time, there’s
more. I know there’s something valuable about this time for you and my
suggestion is to wallow in it… explore it… welcome it. She’ll be back on
Sunday… and always.
Take it from someone who lives alone.
