16: The gift...

A typical Thursday
I took my place at the table
across from my supervisor
draft documents
pacing guides
laptops
blanketed our workspace

"Before we get started with our agenda, I have a favor to ask you."

"I received an invitation to a conference in a couple weeks and with my schedule, it simply isn't possible to attend.  I would like it if you could go."

And somehow despite the gigantic question mark that
chaperoned the party called Details
like missing home, missing work, missing meetings
I knew -- I knew -- they would all fit together

"Where is the conference?"

"San Diego."

Detail #1: I love San Diego.  And that may be selling my feelings short.
Detail #2: I need the sun's warmth.  Call it SAD; I'm running in the red.
Detail #3: I need to feel the beach's soothing sand as my toes dig and emerge; dig and emerge.
Detail #4: I covet the space to breath, learn, dream.
Detail #5: Palm trees. The midwesterner's bellwether indicator of change.

Strike that --- I knew they would fit into the timeliest blessing

"Yes.  I'd be happy to go..."

The perfect gift.

Write on,
b