Enough for Now

A quiet reading.

My wife said, “I don’t want you to do too much.”

I told myself, I’ll stay and finish.

She was already working in the yard. I joined her, taking a section that still needed attention. The grass was uneven in places. There were leaves gathered along the edge. It felt good to be out there, doing something that once came easily.

She loves yard work. I love the look of a neatly manicured lawn. It has never felt quite right to enjoy it without helping bring it about.

It’s getting harder for me.

After a while, I came inside and sat down. Only then did I realize how tired I was. Not the kind of tired that passes quickly. The kind that settles in and stays.

I can no longer work more than an hour or two without paying for it.

She sees it before I do. She always has.

“Let me do it,” she said.

It used to irritate me. This time it felt different. Not anger. Something closer to disappointment.

I stood there for a moment, looking back out at the yard.

There was still more to do.

When she reached for the rake, I let go.

That was enough for now.

Return to Home