“To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction:
or the forces of two bodies on each other are always equal and are directed in opposite directions.”
Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
I would say that, as a rule, my life is governed by Murphy’s Law. As we are in the process of moving, however, I can’t help but think of Newton’s Law- possibly the only thing from studying physics almost twenty years ago that my tiny little brain still remembers. For me to write a post that even refers to physics is ridiculous- together with the other sciences and mathematics, these are definite areas of weakness for me.
We are currently staying in temporary accommodation, and there is no kettle here (the horror!). To make tea, I had to boil water in a saucepan, but then the lid was stuck. Spectrummy Daddy couldn’t remove it either. He is similarly challenged in these areas, and between the two of us we couldn’t decide on the best course of action. We are not great systemizers, for parents of a child on the autism spectrum.
He thought we needed to boil it again to heat and expand the metal; I felt it needed to be cooled to shrink it. And my interpretation of Newton’s Law means my way makes sense. And Spectrummy Daddy’s interpretation of his wife is to go along with whatever I think until I prove myself wrong. It is cooling in the fridge as I write.
But really, I’m not talking about a pan lid. I’m talking about Pudding. You see, I feel like I know my girl well. I have a conceited notion that I can predict how she will react to a given action. Having lived in the same house for two years, surrounded by her favourite things, I thought she would have a very emotional reaction to leaving her home.
Moreover, I felt that she would also react negatively to our temporary quarters. For those of you keeping track, this is where we stayed two years ago, and I wrote about it here and there.
Even before I stepped into the room, the smell of the cleaning products was unmistakably familiar. Had I been blindfolded, I’d have known where I was. And the same layout, and similar (updated) furnishings intensified the memories. I know she remembers the place, so I’ve been on high alert for any sign of anxiety, but none came. She danced and pranced around the rooms. She was giddy and giggly.
After staying the night, we needed to return to our house on Sunday to finish sorting things ready for the packers to come. And there it was: an equal and opposite reaction. Instead of having problems leaving her home, she doesn’t want to leave the temporary accommodation. The meltdown I’d been anticipating came, but for a completely different reason. Whereas I’m the one stuck and struggling with the past, she is ready to move on.
The forces on our two bodies are equally strong, but pushing us in opposite directions. Newton’s Law.
I just went to the fridge and tried to take the lid off again, and it still won’t budge. I think we can safely say that I’m as baffled by physics as I am my girl at times. But unlike a subject I’ve avoided ever since leaving school, I’ll spend the rest of my life striving to understand the mysterious, perplexing and incredible Pudding.
