Water is made of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. Some scientists would describe the connections as somewhat bent, askew, or off-kilter, more evidence perhaps that nature is thoroughly, gloriously nuanced. If you were to look closely at a water molecule, you would see it resembles Disney’s Mickey Mouse, a staple of this modern era and a bygone relic of the past. To us, in our commercialized society, the Mouse is as ubiquitous and as necessary as water.  To us, in our microcosm of an exquisitely imperfect family unit, existing near the water is as essential to our life as the air we breathe.

Each water molecule has a slightly lopsided positive charge, waiting patiently for something else to which it can bond. With all this energy, waving in the breeze, some of it must be released into the atmosphere; that’s why they say being by the sea, ocean or lake has a calming effect, right?

But what happens to all that energy, is key. If it bonds, it is connected, networked, and whole. If it does not bond, there is one end left hanging, waving its little arm, patiently. Yet being a microscopic element of water means this positive, slightly off-kilter charge, is fluid; unfixed, always moving.

Or is this logic entirely skewed, the science incorrect?

I wish I’d paid more attention in physics and chemistry. For some reason, biology never held my interest in the same way, unless it was a discussion about the human body, and then it was utterly fascinating. I liked how the systems connected and networked, how there was immense detail in the most mundane of physical processes – most of which happen without a second thought from us. I even enjoyed how you could fall down the rabbit hole of exploration and learn and learn about different aspects to the body and tissues and cells and brain, and even then still never really know enough.

The other sciences were more tangible to me, which makes them more interesting now. Unfortunately, I did not appreciate the math and precision involved with physics then; now I do, more fool me, but tell a 15-year old music fan and wannabe actor that this branch of science had purpose.

Chemistry is all about connections and the meaning behind those connections. Without these microscopic charges and pushes and pulls and breaks and attachments, the very fabric of matter and of life does not exist.

Perhaps I should go back to science and stop trying to understand connection any more.

Or just jump into the water and swim.