Cloud of Love

I collapsed onto my bed and closed my eyes. Fifteen family members would be arriving at our house any minute for my husband Tom’s birthday party. I should’ve been greeting our guests. Instead, I was in our room. I was just so tired. If I wanted to make it to the dessert portion of the evening, I’d need to lie down. So I’d snuck off to my bedroom for 10 minutes—15 max—of rest.

Served me right for pushing myself too hard. I’d been in full-blown hostess mode since 4 a.m. First, I’d scrubbed every corner of the house until it was nearly spotless. Then Tom and I put up the