“Am I going downhill?” a teenage client asked me, unplugging their phone from my wall charger at the end of our session. As they swiveled to meet my eyes, I said, “Yes.” Then, together, we walked to the hallway. “What are you going to do about it?” I asked. For a moment, she paused her walk, turned, and in a defenseless voice said, “I don’t know.” As she took the first step down the stairs, I stopped her and said, “I mean, what are we going to do about it?” She smiled, her gaunt face and hoodie pulled tight. I said, “Give me a hug.” And we did, and she said, “I haven’t had a hug for a long time. Thanks.”
I, too, am feeling defenseless. A little vulnerable. Exposed.
This current hour is set for a client who has not shown up. I’m not exactly sure why they’re not here, but I’m more empathetic than frustrated if it’s due to the billing error related to insurance they recently emailed about.
During the extra time, I set more items in the Goodwill and keep piles in the garage. On the walk out there, the bloomed lilacs hit my nostrils with a ding-dong, there’s-a-wedding-nearby kind of wallop.
It’s time for Dune 2; since it’s Dave’s birthday, he’s my priority and writing time needs to take a back seat.
Love you all. See you tomorrow.
Jaclynn
Going On 40 