Remembering what’s important

In addition to the phrases “cat on the roof” and “elephant in the kitchen,” my family has added, “I broke my fingernail.” Any time we chat, we always discuss my niece, who is dying of cancer. So my sister will close with, “And how are you doing?” My answer is along the line of “I broke my fingernail.”

“I know your daughter is dying, but our rain has made the grass grow like crazy. And now the grass is too wet to mow.” The world looks different now.

We could all give an extra hug to those around us. Let the grass grow. The sun is coming out. Call your mother. Say hello to the neighbor. Pet the cat. Write to your sister.

So what if I broke a fingernail.

Joanne McLaughlin

Lynnwood