Reflections on Time: Past, Present, and Future Adventures
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It’s 3:47 pm on a Saturday afternoon, and here I am writing to you in the comfort on my bed. Earlier I had planned to join my brothers and their families for shopping in Beverly Hills. However, I chose to stay home, giving my body a little break before a beach day tomorrow.
I woke around 2:30 am on Friday morning with a sore throat, something I haven't had in a very long time. Thank God for my strong immune system. I suspect I got sick because on Thursday afternoon, I was in the cold selling pizzas for an elementary school fundraiser attended by my cousin Judy's nephews. It started as a perfect day with strong sunrays, but by 5 pm, it turned cold. Fortunately, I could borrow a jacket from my cousin, but it didn’t fit me completely; the front couldn’t zip up.
Initially, I didn’t recognize the school. However, while sitting on the bench outside a classroom, I realized it was Vivian’s kindergarten class from 25 years ago! I still remember bringing a camcorder to capture those special moments of her first day in school. Now, Vivian is a happy therapist and a mother herself. Where has the time gone?
Many things have happened in the last quarter of a century. The stress of working full time and taking care of two children was overwhelming at times. The sleepless nights were unaccountable. I am glad it’s all in the past. I no longer have any responsibility for anyone. For the first time in my life, I can go anywhere and do anything I want without checking with anyone else. I do enjoy the single life now and will probably stay this way as long as possible.
Since yesterday, I haven’t taken any medicine. I use salt to gargle a couple of times a day, drink warm water with honey and lemons, and use cough drop candies every few hours. I feel a bit better now.
I am an old-fashioned person who always uses home remedies for the common cold. It always works like a charm. I am thankful for good health and for my family always.
Twenty-five years ago, I was a young mom working hard and taking care of my family. Now, 25 years later, I am a retiree from LA County, about to embark on a new chapter in my life. I want to take it slow, live at a more leisurely pace, enjoy the work I do, and love the people and places I encounter. I want to savor each precious day I have. Twenty-five years from now, when I look back, I will be an elderly woman. I can't imagine what I will look like or who will be around me at that time. So, for now, I will cherish this precious time called the present. ♥️
Crystal H. Vo
December 16, 2023