The Possibility of Company

A few weeks ago, Daveen visited one of our daughters and I was alone for five days while she was out of town.  This past weekend we were both at home, although we were engaged in our own separate activities.

I enjoy spending some of my time alone.  Like my father, I’m always thinking about something, and I certainly have a long list of books I’d like to read.

As far as I’m concerned, I only need to have two rooms in my home.  We’ve lived in our house for about five years, and I’ve spent most of my time either in our combined family room/kitchen or in our bedroom where Daveen and I each have a desk.  Today I had a meeting scheduled with Tim to select poems for Rattle, but Daveen unexpectedly hosted a party, so Tim and I had to work in the living room.  That was a first!

While I don’t need company, I realize that I like to have Daveen in the house.  This provides the possibility of company.  Also, it’s nice to have someone there to deal with the occasional spider that might come along, or to reset the pesky burglar alarm when it malfunctions.

I draw a distinction between actual company and the possibility of company for the following reason.  When I have actual company I feel a need to pay attention to them.  But if they are going about their own business I can pay attention to whatever I like.  I know they are available.  It’s like having a savings account I can dip into.

The reason I distinguish between my need for actual company vs. the possibility of company is because I think it’s important for all of us to figure out what we really need to be content (as distinguished from what we think we should need).

When I think about company, I like the possibility as much as – and sometimes even more than – the actuality.

See you soon!  Possibly.

Alan