A Walker in the Suburbs

I use an ancient email provider with limited storage space. I like it this way: I’m not as pelted with ads as I would be if I used Gmail … plus I’m forced to clean out the coffers from time to time. This is one of those times, prompted by a barrage of “storage almost full” warnings. In fact, the other day, my warning color moved from yellow to red. Time to delete!

So I entered the time capsule. Because yes, my inbox is a time capsule and an emotional minefield. Not only did I find plenty of emails from my dear friend Nancy, who we lost almost a year ago, but I found plenty from the girls in various other stages of their lives. Another kind of loss, not nearly as final of course, but still a reminder of time passing.

What I’ve learned in the purge is what I’m reminded of most every day, it seems: the power of relationships. The voice of a friend on the electronic page, the consistency of connections through the years. How rich is this loam of friendship; how honored I am to run across it in digital or actual form.

(One advantage of digital clutter: it weighs less than the other kind.)

Few parents will admit to having a favorite child, but who won’t come clean about a favorite chore? Mine is emptying the dishwasher. I just completed this task and am more than ready to sing its praises.

I open the machine early in the morning, as tea water comes to a boil. My first reaction is always surprise. How did the dishwasher do it? The buttery knives, eggy forks and food-caked bowls are shiny and clean, almost like new. The hard work is done. All that remains is to sort and stack — and that’s the fun part.

In a world of chaos and disarray what could be more pleasing that slipping spoons into their assigned spots in the little tray? Or stacking plates and sliding them into the cupboard? Or nesting bowls? In cabinets as old and small as mine, there is much nesting. All the more satisfying.

Today is the first full day of a new presidential administration. It’s 12 degrees outside. I have a ton of homework. But I just emptied the dishwasher, so the world looks a little bit brighter.