Happy Places

Though they do sometimes meet in the middle, Beloved Husband and Cherished Friend tend to fall more towards opposing ends of the political spectrum. Interesting and quite animated conversations ensue.  Herself tries valiantly to follow their discourse; by the time she has processed their positions and has put together a cogent sentence to contribute, though, they have frequently moved forward in the discussion, rendering her point moot. She begins again, following and processing and attempting to generate a complete, intelligent sentence to interject.  It is significant mental exercise.

If the conversation is too lengthy, complex, or charged for Herself's tiny brain, she retreats to her Happy Place.  Ah, Happy Place. How soothing you are.

She actually has several locations to use for a Happy Place to visit in her head when the need arises:  Carlsbad Caverns, Big Bend, other quiet spots in nature that are peaceful and calming.  There are a few more Happy Places, too - locations where she feels at ease, where she feels that nothing can harm her, where she is safe.  She guards her mental Happy Places closely; she does not reveal them lightly.  Visitors are not often allowed.  Every now and then, though, they are welcome company. 

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Six weeks ago, in the middle of her recent Mohs surgery, the doctor told Herself that he had cleared the margins of the incision and was preparing to close the site. He added: "This will be a bit uncomfortable.  You should go to your Happy Place." 

Off she fled.   

Ah, Happy Place.  We are so grateful for you.