December 01 Martha's Musings

In our home, Hubby and I have assigned seating. By that I mean that we each have a preferred chair, in a preferred location. Due to Hubby’s loss of vision, his recliner is very close to the TV – uncomfortably close for those with normal vision. I am in that category. The only option is to sit very far back, which is to say a normal distance from the TV, but then we are not close enough to carry on a conversation. What to do, oh, what to do! I decided to move myself over to the reclining sofa, so I was just slightly behind Hubby and to his right. In this new position, I could still watch the TV and talk to him. Plus, the doggies could still sit in my lap. Win, win! I did note one new advantage – I was now facing south instead of west. This new perspective was completely different. My house looks so much larger! I normally faced the TV from just a few feet away. I now faced the front hallway, so I could see the entry hall, the kitchen, and much more of our holiday decorations. And it all looked so pretty! In my prior location, my back faced all this scenery. This new seating arrangement is so much more interesting! If the dogs start barking at the front door, I now have a view of whatever it is they are seeing or hearing. More than likely, the neighborhood yellow tabby has decided once again to nap in our front garden. The next most likely “disturbance” is some of the neighborhood kids playing basketball or someone walking their dog. You guessed it – we live in your basic “middle class neighborhood”. And we have done so for the past 23 years. I can see the football lights from Southwestern University from our back patio, as well as the Fourth of July fireworks from San Gabriel Park. We moved here two weeks before 9/11, so the following July 4th was when we noticed all the cars pulled over on Highway 29, right behind our home, to watch the fireworks. We had no idea that we had a primo viewing spot! Ah, perspective! Sometimes it comes from just growing up; other times it comes from changing your seating arrangement; or maybe even a chance blessing due to your home’s location. Just open your eyes, and your heart, and it is possible to see everyday things in a completely different way.