Less Than a Week to Go

I will leave Los Angeles for Dallas on September 7. Ron, my roommate, tells me that to this day, Honey still prefers to sleep on my bed and wait for him there (she can see the outside from my bedroom window). I think she misses me some. I can't wait to see the little lady, as I know she'll be twice as happy to see me as I'll be in seeing her. I also miss hanging out with Ron. We've talked on the phone a lot while I have been here with my parents, but it isn't the same.

I am torn between returning to Texas and staying in California. These five weeks have opened my eyes to how much of an Angeleno I still am. As the day to board the plane gets closer and closer, I keep wondering how I will manage to get on board. But I will get on board, as it is time to return to Texas.

A big factor in that ambivalence is leaving my parents behind. They are managing fine, and they will continue to thrive even with my dad feeling as sick as he does. The chemo is tough on him, but it hasn't thrown him completely in bed yet. I will have a hard time returning because I will not be here to be available for them, but if anything, I know they're resilient. They will call me if they need me, but only after they've done all they can on their own.

On the other hand, there's my home in Texas. I am very fortunate to have Ron as my roommate. He is my best friend, and I am his best friend. We get along real well, and for a pair of bachelors who are getting set in our ways, we do pretty well. Our likes and dislikes, our quirks and habits overlap enough to where we really don't annoy each other much. In a way, it's almost like the Odd Couple, without the comedic situations. Honey, of course, rounds up the household . . . with Fish playing a small part. Can't forget about Fish, the resident Betta. He plays a minor role since all he does is swim in his tank, eat, and sleep.

I am very thankful to be able to work where I do. They have been very gracious and allowed me to work remotely while I was in California, so that I don't burn through all my vacation time. As it stands, I will have eaten away some of my time, but it would be much less than what I originally thought.

Going back to work will be good, but I will only be there for a couple of days. I start a vacation the Saturday after I return. The tickets and reservations were bought and confirmed months ago, so I will not be missing that time. I will miss Honey and Fish, but they will manage.