When I was working and coping with Chronic Fatigue, I bought Roombas. It was nice to have a clean house when I came home exhausted. But after retiring, I realized that I could do in 15 minutes what it took the Roombas an hour. So I gave them to a friend, who sent this email.
From: Karen
Subject: A story (lightly edited)
One night, I woke up early. I knew sleep was impossible, so I got up. Ran the bath. Turned my dear friend from Pam on. That sweet little Robo just went to work right away, happily humming and enjoying freedom to explore. Little Robo even came into the bathroom and explored the rug, the tile and all the little spaces he fit into. (But he did miss a few spots, that sweet little guy).
Bath finished, curlers in, dry and happy I trotted up to bed. Robo was humming away enjoying himself. Back to bed, happy to be there, relaxing, dozing, and then…two rather upset sounds. And then nothing. Well, I was not going to get up, after all it is a machine and can take care of itself.
So I went to sleep. In the morning, as I was eating breakfast, it came to me that perhaps I should check to see if Robo found his way home. I searched. I searched again. And I searched again and again. I even opened the door to the basement, to see if Robo had fallen down the stairs through a closed door… 2 to 3 times I checked. No Robo.
I started wondering, was someone in the house? Did someone come in and kidnap Robo?
I got ready to leave, and then decided to engage in one more last look, actually I think it was two or three last looks. Finally I got down on my hands and knees and looked under everything. There was Robo… stuck… under the sofa between a box and the side of the sofa. Robo did not look happy. Part of him was up in the air, although I have no idea how he did that. I retrieved him from his predicament and carried him over to his home. I connected him. Nothing happened.…. I gently jiggled the little guy… And lo and behold, he chirped, happy sound, indicating all was forgiven.
May I be so wise in life, to let things go so readily.