The Pain of Memories

My head hurts.

BAD.

I woke up this morning and there it was. It has been my constant companion all day.

About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with migraines. I see the flashing arcs of light…..noise makes them worse….and I get sick to my stomach. The neurologist said that these were all “classic symptoms.”

Lucky me!

After work I took myself out to dinner at a favorite restaurant that I like to go here in the DC area. Because it was only me, the hostess took me to a little table immediately. There I was. Enjoying my meal.

This restaurant is known for its wonderful prime rib and baked potato and salad bar. All of which I partook. As I sat there, I watched all the different people coming in and out: The waiters running to and fro with meals from the kitchen -- the other staff running around making sure that glasses were always filled to the brim with water -- the busboys fastidiously running to clear tables.

All this was taking place while people of all sizes and shapes waddled to the salad bar.

Sitting and taking all this in, I couldn’t help but remember that this had been one of Lovey’s and my favorite hangouts during our marriage. We celebrated many anniversaries and birthdays there. It was also where I brought her when we found out that we were becoming parents for the first time.

Ah…the memories.

I got home late… It was so strange coming to an empty house. #1 is in West Virginia with my parents. She took my cocker spaniel with her.

So I watched a bit of television. Went to my room…and saw an old videotape sitting on the VCR. So I popped it in (I’m notorious for not labeling my tapes.). Via the magic of video recording, I was whisked back to a church event from 2000.

I watched all 20 minutes of it.

It brought me down. I’ve changed so much.

Life was so much simpler back then.

My head is throbbing.