April 9. 2012.
We slept all afternoon and into the night when we got home from brunch yesterday. We were so tired. We hadn’t gotten good sleep in days.
“You were resting all this time?” Manuel said, when we finally emerged to grill sandwiches. He looked surprised.
It’s hard to explain how exhausting it is being cold and hungry, carrying a heavy pack everywhere, trying to hide. It’s draining to have no money, no place to BE.
We ate and talked with Manuel in the kitchen. He told me that the European marchers never stay in houses. They Occupy public squares every night. I told him that American marchers have to hide. They have to stay with a supporter or duck into the woods. Otherwise the police will arrest them every night and they’ll never get anywhere.
After dinner, Garth invited Manuel to watch a movie with us.
“No, I’m working,” he answered.
I felt guilty. Garth and I had done nothing productive all day. But it’s okay. We know how to get things done. And we will. I was glad Garth wanted to rest with me.
I thought the idea of public places where people could stay and camp was my original idea, then Europeans take my dream from me with that horrible common sense of theirs. It’s almost like they are a free people, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say that up front.
So glad you both got a break! And housing. It’s only Monday morning here, and I am drinking coffee before doing the “getting ready for work” routine. If your folks read this, aloha to the parents who raised these kids! They’ve turned out amazing.