The world we live in is a complicated place.
In the whorl of an uncertain future, news of a child on the way fills me with joy and trepidation.
Today we had a very small birthday party for Mrs. ruleoflaw. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, only one of our three daughters was able to come. Our oldest, Rose with her husband Paul came to our house for lunch. Also in attendance were Mrs. ruleoflaw's parents, Lenny and June.
I made a pan of four-cheese spinach lasagna and garlic bread. Mrs. r. put together a nice lettuce salad and Rosie brought a chocolate cake. Lucky Angus MacPup made sure the kitchen floor was uncluttered by any stray bits of cheese and then retired to Mrs. r's lap to perform his duties as her personal space heater.
While I was getting the food on the table & the wine poured, Rosie told us that she is expecting a baby, due in April. This will be our first grandchild. I hopped up and down in the kitchen doorway. Mrs. r wept tears of joy. Lenny and June beamed at the thought of another great-grandchild.
We then ate our lasagna, drank a toast to the birthday girl and drank another toast to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over coffee and cake, we sang Happy Birthday To You and chatted about past December birthday parties that had been rescheduled due to blizzards.
It is December 2nd in Wisconsin. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 62° F.
We have wrecked the climate. We are squandering and poisoning the fresh water we depend on for life itself.
What sort of world will we leave to this little April baby?
I am ecstatic about a grandchild-to-be but despondent about her future.