Healing

My friend's husband was exposed to neurotoxins and is battling pain with various cleansing techniques. One of them is exposure to heat via saunas or soaks. I'm pleased to be able to offer him soaks whenever he wants. I don't know him all that well, and until tonight he hasn't come here for a hot tub without his wife and son. Sometimes that can be cumbersome: his son is teething and rather cranky at the moment. I have offered that it doesn't need to be a social visit. I don't want him to feel obligated to visit with me, just to get himself some therapy.

So tonight he took me up on that offer. To help him feel less awkward, I asked him if he wanted company out there, and he agreed. While he soaked I put on my warmest coat and stood near the tub for a while. The deck was icy from water I'd dumped off the (broken) cover earlier in the day. I had to take a seat, and we spoke of snorkling, scuba diving, and meteor showers. I believe I saw Orion rising in the east. The stars were colorful, vivid, and lively.

It occurred to me that rejuvenation takes place on a lot of levels. It's wonderful to be out there alone in the deep dark, with nothing but the music of the distant suns to keep one company. We took our leave, the dog and I, and came inside to putter while my friend's husband enjoyed the steam, the symphony of stars, and just maybe, a little healing.