games and a dishwasher - Pura Vida

This was my first trip to Costa Rica, where I learned the phrase, Pura Vida. Pura Vida is a greeting, comment, saying that exemplifies an approach to life in Costa Rica. It means “pure life” but refers to a spirit of letting go, being at peace, and approaching the moment with joy. This tiny country is big on spirit and beauty; what an amazing place to visit. While Costa Rica is famous for all of its opportunities for adventure, we had a mellow trip. We did a few short excursions into a preserve and horseback riding, but mostly filled our time with hours at the pool, walks, and lots and lots of games (Quiddler, Yatzee, Skip-Bo, Five Crowns, Rummy, Hearts, Uno, Backgammon…)

I don’t know why we rarely traveled with other families before. Being with Denise and Lia’s families for a portion of the trip gave us time for adults, a tumbleweed of kids, and still a chance to retreat to our own nuclear units. It’s hard to look back with regret when you are building new wonderful memories; especially those that would not have occurred if B were still alive. What a confusing juxtaposition. Being away was also a bit of a vacation from grief; there were few triggering memories and new experiences flooding our senses. Finding joy now means starting to accept that B is gone; a knowledge for me that comes and goes.

The trip back home took a day and then some, and when we finally arrived, we were exhausted. We woke the next morning to discover that the dishwasher was broken. Surely this could not be. Surely, there was not only a pile of mail, luggage full of wrinkled and damp clothes, tired kids, a day stacked with emails and meetings, but also racks of dirty dishes?

A year ago, a failed dishwasher would have been days of research and likely more than one store. B would have narrowed the dishwasher options; he would have scouted different models, learned about the real or perceived value of various features, read reviews by different sources, and then narrowed us down to a few models. Then I would have gone to meet him at the store for final decisions and approval.

Now, dishwasher, schmishwasher. What a small thing. Some group texts, a long dishwasher thread on the Lexington Mom’s Facebook group, quick dishwasher research, reviews on appliance store reputation, and I jumped in the car. I was at the store at 10:15 shortly after it opened and home a little after 11:00. The dishwasher was purchased and scheduled for install, all before my post-trip shower. If only we could have gotten to this place without the associated pain and loss. But, for both better and worse, here we are with great new memories, a dishwasher on its way, and better perspective in life.

Pura Vida!