This morning my husband said, “60 seconds (S.) is a long time” and it took:
1 S. to know that his pearl-laden statement was the first gift of the day
2 S. to realize snuggle time was over and words were rapidly circling my brain
10 S. for my stomach to reminisce and pine for last nights’ lasagna
15 S. to remember yesterday marked 59 turns around the sun
21 S. to appreciate fresh starts offer infinite chances for adventure, love, heartache, sorrow, joy, peace, gratitude, and repairing what still needs fixing
27 S. when hubby realizes snuggle time is definitely over and heads to the kitchen to make that coveted carafe of morning brew
31 S. Receive a text from my BFF saying I have 35 Subscribers to my Substack. Say, what?
32 S. - Do the happy dance
34 S. Slowly sit up, reach for my Chromebook, and gaze out upon open waters
36 S. Notice the fence is still standing, and the epic storm of 2025 will be titled, NOT.
39 S. Wonder if the chunky wavering raccoon will saunter across the lawn
42. S. Dream of traveling to Australia in 2026, but only allow 4 seconds of distraction
46 S. Read one headline, “10,000 Job Cuts in Major Restructuring of Health Department” and am instantly reminded, humanity needs our love, action, courage, and mercy in gigantic, grandma-sized doses
50 S. Give deep thanks for another chance to get it right
52 S. Remember those who have gone before and give thanks for all the gifts that were freely given and remember their truths, and heartaches, and sacrifices
56 S. Still no raccoon
58 S. Yearn for coffee, stomach still growling, words begin pouring onto the page
60 S. Agree with hubby, 60 seconds is a long time
This is such a beautifully distilled meditation on presence — equal parts tender, observant, and quietly profound.
You’ve somehow captured the chaos and clarity of a single minute… and reminded us how much life actually lives in those passing seconds. Love, lasagna, raccoons, headlines, legacy, coffee, and the ever-elusive snuggle time — it’s all there.
And yes… your husband is right.
Sixty seconds is a long time.
Long enough to remember, to imagine, to ache, to give thanks… and to begin again.
Thank you for this. It made me pause — and smile.
—Matt
Love it !! Making every second count in this precious dance we call life <3