I noted that many folks today, especially Millennials and Gen Z-ers, question what they consider to be arbitrary rules, such as removing hats inside buildings, restaurants, courtrooms, etc. They are challenging long-standing traditions and practices by asking: Why do I have to wear a suit and tie to work? Why do I have to take my husband’s last name? and one I could get on board with: Why do I have to attend the extended family Christmas party every year?

Ordinarily, counting helped to calm her thoughts, to settle her mind in the midst of unsettling environments, but not this time. A cold tingle rose in her stomach. She knew it well, yet it still frightened her because she knew she couldn’t stop it from creeping up her neck, crawling into her face, prickling her hair and ears, and souring her mouth. For a moment, she felt weak and was afraid she was going to faint.

My husband always has a project in play. This year's big plan was a specially designed and cultivated backyard garden. We've had gardens before, of course, but nothing more than a rectangular plot of land with neatly planted rows of the standard green beans, corn, and potatoes. Functional, not fancy. This year, like he's done with other past projects, he was going to manifest his vision into a tangible design.