Spaces and Places

I’ve been talking lately a lot about moving
We’ve decided on Charleston when Michael retires 
It feels exciting to think about living in a different place
To make a new space, home 
Recently I was catching up with a lifelong friend 
Her dad's health is failing and her child is struggling 
So many women in that sandwich generation 
Caught in between elderly parents and kids that still need you
It’s not an easy place to be 
I also have a sister-friend who’s flying high and living large
Her place in life is so thrilling and full it’s hard to comprehend sometimes 
We all take up space somewhere
In our own heads 
In others hearts 
In our lives
I guess I’m realizing that our place and the space we take are mercurial 
We are changing everyday 
We never have the same moment twice 
A couple of weeks ago we were traveling with friends that feel like family 
On our way to dinner, too early for our reservations 
We stop at a hotel bar and order cocktails 
I was hungry and asked what appetizers were available 
The bartender said all they had was coconut cake
Due to Covid, no hand to mouth food at the bar
But, cake he could do
It wasn’t what we would normally eat 
But, you know what
It was delicious 
And it complimented our cocktails and gave us a great conversation about expectations and being hangry
My level of expectations runs pretty high
And the more I’ve thought about that hour at the bar
The more I realize it’s a lot like life 
We may be in the space we choose but we can’t get what we want, exactly 
We may be getting something else 
A place in time we didn’t choose is choosing us
And it’s ok
Life is always beautiful 
Surprises can happen anywhere 
I hope wherever you are today, it’s where you want to be
And if it’s not
I hope you find some cake and friends to share it with
Those two things can make anything better