The Penny on the Pavement

Daily writing prompt

What is one word that describes you?

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Tradition.

That’s what my husband said when I asked him for one word to describe me.

Earlier in our walk, I asked him what one word would describe him and he said “sleepy.”

I asked him more about the reason for choosing tradition as my word and he said it was about my respecting work and rules and process. That is all true.

I worked for pay at a very young age and value work so much that I’ve created a post-retirement life that looks and feels like work and that hugs me hello every morning as if I’m the most valuable person on earth.

I make my bed every morning. I fold the laundry. I vote in every election. I pick up pennies on the street.

I want things done in an orderly way. I want there to be quorums and someone taking notes. I want to sit in my assigned seat.

Given the choice of a thousand words to describe me, someone he’s known for forty years, he didn’t say independent or fierce or beautiful or creative. He said “tradition.”

I probably have to take that to heart.