It’s a large room, as bedrooms go. It has two double windows. The shutters are closed. The bed is metal, painted blue. It’s a narrow bed, neatly made. An old radio stands on the bedside table. The only sounds this room hears are from that radio.  The floor is golden oak, showing its age. The… Continue reading

CHRISTMAS EVE VISITORS Family and friends are celebrating these holidays together at Chico Hot Springs. I haven’t been there since childhood and would like to visit again. I’m not going this time.  A quarter of a century ago, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.) It cost me my job, my career, most… Continue reading

CHRISTMAS EVE VISITORS Family and friends are celebrating these holidays together at Chico Hot Springs. I haven’t been there since childhood and would like to visit again. I’m not going this time.  A quarter of a century ago, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.) It cost me my job, my career, most… Continue reading