Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Sleep
Sleep
Everyone who knows me a little bit knows I struggle with sleep. The last few nights have been no different except for the fact I’m having more vivid dreams and/or nightmares. Last night was no exception.
If you’re not from the country, you may struggle to sense the desperation of this. I’ve been trying to cowgirl up and not share as much of the reality of my existence as I was told I was way too transparent in sharing my grief and health journeys, but this story may let a cat or two out of the bag. (That’s just a little ol’ cliche. Don’t call PETA.)
Anywho…
I was in a huge field. I could see cows in the distance. Same old black angus I saw in fields for years. I looked down and saw I was surrounded by cow patties. (That’s piles of cow poop for my city friends.) These “pies” were fresh, meaning right out of the cooker mushy fresh. Not that anyone typically wants to test piles out, but once dried, patties can be stepped on without the same consequences, if you get where I’m going with that.
So here’s Melinda in a field surrounded by fresh dung heaps. Enter crisis number two—no ? pun intended. My legs were short. The vast majority of my FB acquaintances have never seen me or have only seen me a time or two, so let me be more specific. I have a 35ish” inseam. In my dream, my legs looked shorter than school rulers.
When I was a teenager, I often ran through the fields for recreation and training purposes. If I passed through the heifer lot, I would just be strategic and hurdle over fresh issues the girls left for me. Hurdling was not an option in my nightmare. Did I mention it didn’t look like I had knees either?!?
In real life, we have to do some hurdling. Sometimes it’s easier than others. Sometimes, even when trying so hard to have the most positive public outlook, the struggle of kneeless short legs in a big wasteland exists, and reality strikes.
Life can be stinky. Sometimes we just have to really slow down and wait for some changes to maneuver around the pungent obstacles.
I’m hoping my legs grow back. The field on the other side of the pond in my dream looked “normal.” Until I get there, I guess I will sit here and hope the sun and time dries these things out quickly.
My anxiety lessened a bit when I got to my kitchen sink spot. I have food in the oven for after church. My “natural chocolate raspberry” coffee has a nice aroma. My panic is deescalating a bit. It’s that whole heartbeat in my ears thing that is lingering.
Perhaps some porch time is in order…
Happy day to you, everyone.
May your legs be long and today’s cow piles be few.
Until next time…
All Kitchen Sink Reflections are written by Melinda Campbell
Bio; Melinda Campbell is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. Melinda has been gaining recognition for her writings labeled “Reflections from my Kitchen Sink” since the tragic death of her husband Michael in 2015. In her stories, she shares observations from her daily life including moments she has as a solo parent, a widow, and a woman who battles significant health issues including fibromyalgia and depression. Her goal is to encourage others through the experiences that are common to so many. Her practical approach to life’s obstacles has become a weekly mainstay for her readers from across the country.
