3/21 Always the joy of embarking on a journey together, even though we know it will be gruesome. As we get closer to our destination, I’m checking off the steps: Putting the contacts back in before we land in Amsterdam (always the moment I fear the most, not because it’s difficult, but because the soreness of my eyes starts the painful part of the journey, the part where I yearn each minute that it will end). Now only wait for the wheelchair, which will hopefully show up at our gate. Now only make it through passport. Now only wait for the staff to arrive at the gate. Now only board the connecting flight. Now only endure the cramped seating, and the merciless morning sunlight above the clouds. Now only the coffee and orange juice before we land in Sweden. Now only another wait for the wheelchair. Now only the suitcases off baggage claim. Now only the car rental. Now only the drive through Gothenburg. Now only get the key out of the locker. Now only up the stairs. Now only some tooth brushing. Now only the most deeply anticipated hours of sleep, even though the body wonders and rebels against it, since it’s the wrong time of day.