Huckleberry Jam

I opened a jar of huckleberry jam today for no special reason.  I've had it since last summer, waiting for a special occasion.  In six months, we've had family dinners and celebrated "small victories", but I've never opened the jar.  Today I opened it; I needed to feel special.

I woke up at 4:30 to an odd sound - by the time I made it to Noel's bedroom, she was covered in throw-up.  Poor dear, she still hasn't learned to sit up when she throws up - she just lays there, cold and smelly.  I got her out of her jammies, into the bath, and put all the blankets in the washer.  After her bath, we cuddled on the couch until she fell asleep at 6:30.  I slept for a half-hour until Juliet woke up.

This is how most days have been for the past month - Noel is sick for a couple of days, Juliet takes her turn, and Scottie and I alternate between stuffy noses and stomach flus.  I was exhausted this morning, so when I opened up the cupboard and saw the huckleberry jam, I opened it.  I put it on some bread, ate it, and felt better.  Special even.

I don't kow why we save things for the "special event".  We save the best china, the good ice cream, and our cute outfit.  I have a pair of jeans that I only wear on dates with Scottie, and a sweater that I haven't worn for eight years, because I'm nervous of it getting shabby.  Instead, I've been wearing a horrible brown sweater, while my Swiss sweater sits in a nice tupperware under my bed.  I think it's time to get it out and start enjoying it today.  Along with the Huckleberry Jam.