A Good Ache

     I woke up this morning with an ache that ran across my shoulders and neck. At first I couldn't figure it out. I hadn't done transcribing yesterday or a lot of typing...oh, yeah, I worked both Saturday and Sunday at Jitters Cafe' - the ache was from busing the heavy plates, lifting the chafing dishes and cleaning the tables...it was a good ache. It reminded me that this was day 9 of  nine straight working days, to pay the bills, help out a friend, be eligible for another job at the police station, make the ends meet...
     I woke up this morning to my husband Joel climbing in next to me. He had just gotten back from driving dump truck overnight. He barely said anything before he drifted off as I was getting out of bed to get ready for work. I really wanted to stay in the coziness, wanted it so bad it ached...a good ache. The ache of teamwork, a solid marriage and a firm, understanding relationship.
     The aches of a job well done, be it gardening, doing the dishes, bringing home the bacon, carrying a child, driving a car, truck or bus, working hard to make time off that much sweeter; these are the good aches. Aches you've earned. They don't hurt any less but they are much more tolerable than ones we earn from acting younger than we are, overdoing anything, stress or worry. They remind me that I'm doing the best I can. A sort of pat on the back that stays with me.