Temporal Wayposts

We mark the passage of time in many ways – with a clock, a calendar, and with rituals. Humans have been doing this since before the written word, I think. The contemporary rituals for marking the passage of time are birthdays, anniversaries, births and deaths (our own and even those of strangers – public figures mostly). I have used them all.

Another mechanism for marking the passage of time are memorable events including various rites of passage – coming of age celebrations, graduations, weddings and the like. Some events are equally memorable although not celebratory – the beginnings and endings of wars, particular disasters, assassinations, pandemics, and other somber memories that all of us carry through the course of our lives.

I have previously mentioned that Susan and I have lived through the use of a handful of coffeemakers. We have also lived through the acquisition of two homes. Before we married, I lived as trailer trash for several years after graduating from college. I suppose that counts as a home too.

Last night, we passed another waypost. Our microwave died. It is the second that we have had. We acquired the first one while we were in our clinical residencies. The current one was acquired during our home renovation in 2010 after the first one succumbed to use and old age, I think. Tomorrow, we are going to Best Buy to acquire a new one. Sigh.

Tonight, we are watching the news. The subject is Georgia DA Fani Willis who flatly states that she doesn’t need a man as some kind of financial plan; she needs a man as a companion. That is so Susan.

• Me: “So, will you come with me to Best Buy tomorrow to pick out a new microwave?”
• Susan: “Sure.”
• Me: “You are going to pay for it, right?”
• Susan: “Of course.”

A companion indeed; I love this gal!