Silver Linings

Jean Moule

CLOUDY DAYS AND 100% CHANCE OF RAIN.  Ah, Oregon. Occasionally a peek at the sun or the silver lining of a warm hearth and warm-hearted friends.

The days, and time, pass. Doors open, then close. Bright hopes sometimes turn to dark problems, like the clouds.

But how quickly do I take a deep breath and seek the silver lining? I’m learning to. When I calm myself and look around, glimmers usually appear.

As I frequently travel, I don’t have pets. Instead, I foster kittens. Last June, one of them turned on a faucet in the “kitty room,” a bathroom with a tall cat tree. The basin filled. The tile floor flooded. I saw the mess, laughed, and soaked up the water. After scolding the kittens and making sure they could not repeat the mischief, I returned to my tasks in an adjacent room.

Half an hour later, I went downstairs and discovered a steady stream of water coming from the ceiling. The water had soaked through from upstairs into the space between the floors. The water spread and pooled, ruining my hardwood floors.

Where’s that Silver Lining?

I had to relocate the kittens for the repair process, becoming even closer to this litter of four. Golden Lining?

Five months later, thanks to insurance, savings and patience, I had warm new floors, and even an added door that expanded the view of my pond.

Later in the year I was planning a trip to the Hawaiian island of Kauai to attend a writers’ conference. My friend Terri owns a two-bedroom, two-bath condo within walking distance of the conference, and the rates are reasonable. I reserve it for 10 days.

Eight months before my trip I begin to search for condo-mates. First on my list are my widow friends, Judy, Jane and Victoria. Like me, they are living solo since losing their beloved partners. Each in turn takes weeks, days or minutes to decide they can’t come.

As more invites go out and get declined, I expand my list to couples. The first, my brother and his wife, is a go! We happily plan for weeks. Then, physical limitations cause them to cancel. Two other sets of couple friends are invited, consider, and finally, decline.

At this point, I no longer care so much about sharing rent costs; it just seems a shame for a beautiful resort room to sit vacant.

I slowly realize that when I do find companions, they will surely shine brightly and bring me much joy. This has happened before.

A few years ago, I stayed alone — not even a cat — in a 3-bedroom cabin for 11 days. I had asked 11 people to join me. No takers. Nearly desperate, I connected with an acquaintance with two dogs. Soon we were a happy foursome. Soon after, a kitten joined our sweet times together.

By now you would think I’d move more quickly to that next open door, but I still get glum when a first one closes.

As for Kauai, just days before the conference, a last-minute invitation to a younger couple bears fruit.

Shelaswau and Kolis have never been to Hawaii. Serving as tour guide brightens every afternoon. Unexpectedly, Shelaswau urges me to attend — and even accompanies me — to an amazing writers’ class.

My friendship with the couple deepened, and my life is forever richer for it.

Silver Linings? Bring on the clouds!