After getting back from our trip, I’ve got to admit, I was depleted. Between the breakneck pace of touring, hiking and then travel… I was toast. Naturally, one of my first objectives in returning home was to visit my granddaughters.
The younger one, her nose running, enthusiastically jumped into my arms and promptly sneezed. The hugs, kisses and laughter we shared were wonderful, but not the ensuing cold that’s had its grip on me for the last week or so. Of course, I knew she had a cold, but spending time with the girls was an overwhelming need that surpassed my desire to avoid exposure. Life is like that; we make trade-offs.
We choose one decision in favor of another and the concomitant repercussions, positive or negative, ensue. For instance, I’m aware that drinking alcohol later in the evening can mess with my sleep. But sometimes, the decision feels right at the moment, and the disturbed sleep is the aftermath.
The point is to make more good decisions than bad ones, carefully weighing the potential consequences with the gravity it deserves. Perfection is an unattainable ideal (at least in my opinion) and expecting it is more problematic than the occasional misstep.
Even though I’ve gone through more tissue boxes than I can count, I don’t regret those heartfelt hugs… but maybe next time, I’ll consider wearing a mask.
