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"I Woke Up to a Brand New Day" by C. Jake Cordova I woke up to a brand new day. Morning had just begun to creep into my windows and flood the bedroom with subtle, warm light. Springtime was in the air. "I am grateful to be alive." The words mumbled from my lips as I pulled the covers to the side and swung my body feet-first over the side of the bed. Part of me wanted to stay in bed and sleep for a few more hours, but I forced myself to get up and take a shower anyway. It felt good to be awake. After I washed my hair and scrubbed my body with soap, I left the bathroom and walked briskly into the kitchen where I started a fresh pot of coffee. The morning DJ's echoed through a small radio on top of the washing machine. They announced a block of three songs coming my way, including a request for some R.E.M. I left the kitchen and strolled down the hallway towards the computer room. It was shut down from the night before so I turned it on and waited for it to boot up. When it did, I signed online and checked my email. Mostly spam, a couple of emails from a mailing list I'm subscribe to, and a few personal replies. I deleted the spam and read most of the others. Before I was done, I heard the coffee pot percolate, a sure-fire signal for some fresh morning goodness. I walked back into the kitchen and poured myself a cup with a good amount of French vanilla creamer. Yum. In thirty minutes, I was ready for the day. Hair combed, teeth brushed, fresh insulated coffee-mug in hand. It was a beautiful morning. I walked into our bedroom where my wife was still asleep. I stood over her and gently ran my fingers over her forehead. She woke up. "You're leaving already?" she said. "Yeah." Was my reply. "Don't go." She put her arms out. It would be nice to jump back into bed with her, but we both knew I couldn't. "I wish I could, Boog." I smiled, then leaned down and kissed her. "Mmmm." She smiled and pulled the covers up to her chin. "I love you!" "I love you too. Have a good day." "You!" I sidestepped down to the edge of the bed where our little dog was curled up in his own pile of covers. I ran my hand over his soft fur and told him I loved him and wished him a good day too. He rolled over on his back and showed me his tummy. I rubbed it and patted his forehead. As I walked out of the house, a crisp breeze hit my face. I picked up the morning paper and put it under my arm. The moon hung in the air like a faded light. The sun was coming up over the horizon. I walked to my car, got in and pulled out of the driveway. THE END 04-09-2002 top