Yo, Kid

March 7, 2014

“Kids these days!” Isn’t that what our parents muttered when we did something completely baffling. Fell on the ice again today, bumping my right wrist lightly against the concrete slab on the corner of Bigelow and Robie. The young man, barely bundled, crossing the street, down a ways, hollered out, “Lady, wave if you are ok!” At least he acknowledges the fact that I went down. A wobbly Beauty Queen Parade Wave sends him on his way.

Tears stream down my face. I realize the little bump brought back troubling times in Brasil when I fractured my fibula, and dislocated the tibia. Incredible, after sixteen months, I can still feel the isolation and agony of the public hospital in Registro. Work at replacing the images and sensations with my years in Hawaii, at Green Sands Beach, lolling in the surf with the dragging arms-unable-to-reach-around black sea turtles. I have to close my eyes to create the vision since the 27 degree temps challenge me. Suppose it is best to wait until I get home, plunk myself on the couch near the fuming radiator, to melt into the salty waves.

The next time, I will speak with the nonchalant teen. To quote Aristotle: “All improvements in society begin with the educations of the youth.” Not certain what I will say but it may just start with “Yo.” Isn’t that what kids say these days?