Cherishing the Now.

I lead a good life. Really. Without any serious regrets. That’s the thought that comes to mind. As I wake at 1 in the morning. After a 4-hour sleep. Might appear. That I live alone. Much of the time. But that’s deception. It’s not true. I’m always with someone. Namely, my dear cat, Marcello. But I live with my Italian amore, too.  I’m connected with Cristina. Daily. On Skype. Doesn’t matter. If she’s in Italy. And I’m in Minnesota.  I know automatically. When it’s 1 a.m. for me. It’s 8 in the morning for her. A 7-hour time difference. She’s up and ready. To go to school. She’s a teacher. Of English and English literature. Sometimes I connect. Just to wish her a good morning. But now I’ll hold off. Because I’m busy writing.  My thoughts. Which she reads. When she comes home. Knowing, too, that she’ll get several calls from me. Before the day is over. That’s our routine. The pursuit of pure pleasure. It’s as if Cristina is living with me. Because I see her. Talk to her. Every day. She knows I’ll be with her. In Sardinia. In the flesh. In February and March. And she’ll be with me. In Minnesota. In July and August. We also might fly for a holiday together.  In France or Scotland or Iceland. We’ve been to all those places.  And more. Little wonder. It’s a good life. For both of us. Wish it could last forever. But that won’t stop us. From cherishing and savoring the Now. --Jim Broede