Day 14 - Almost Home

Today I said goodbye to my daddy and the dog and even Sheila and to Idaho - we picked Sheila up from the airport yesterday and they will probably drive back to California some time next week - but for now - I'm on my way home...

Since I blogged from the Portland airport - thought I would take a few moments and do the same from Seattle - on my way home. Although the day started out a bit rough - I am half way there... We, of course, had to get about 8-10 inches of new snow last night - and it was slow and messy driving off the mountain this morning - took about 2 1/2 hours... but we left early so we got to the airport in plenty of time - got a call from my dad while we were in the air from Boise to Seattle that they made it home ok - which is good - the weather was terrible!

On the way down though we did get to see a couple of bald eagles in the trees - we saw them yesterday also - along with a coyote hanging out in an empty field. The coolest thing though is this plot of land near my dads place that has cattle grazing - and among the cattle is one solitary sheep - that hangs out with them when grouped together and follows them when they are walking around - it is just the coolest thing!

A couple of airport stories... when I was going through security and the security woman took my license and boarding pass - she commented that the picture didn't look anything like me - so I had to give her my address to prove it was me... a friend has always told me to never get lost because they will show my DMV picture on the news and no one will ever recognize me! I guess it is true!

And they have the new fancy schmancy naked picture super turbo body scanners in Boise - but I didn't have to go through one - as I'm collecting my stuff from x-ray - I notice this woman behind me has a Quizno's uniform on - so I ask her if she has to do that every day and she says yes - but they don't make her take her shoes off - so apparently if you work in the airport - you don't have to take your shoes off going through security.

And one last story about a fellow passenger... I had my boarding pass scanned and was making my way to the airplane and there was a woman that had just stopped in front of me and then started walking really slowly - so I'm walking behind her and she mentions that she has lost a glove and slows up even more to let me pass her - well - I'm in no hurry to get to the plane - it isn't going to take off without me - but, apparently, I was walking too slow for her then and she hurried in front of me - then she stops again because we are in a turbo prop and she has to leave her carry-on bag at the door to go under the plane - really - so I have to maneuver around her again. It turns out that she is seated in front of me - and has layers and layers of clothing on... a turtleneck, two fleece jackets and a long down jacket... it wasn't THAT cold in Boise - maybe she is connecting to Alaska. She was a very nervous, fidgety flyer as well! I took care of any of that problem by enjoying a complimentary glass of wine! So when the flight lands and we get to the gate - she jumps up and rushes in front of all these people to get out - 'I have a connecting flight' - like no one else does! She rushes out of the airplane only to have to wait for her carry on which was under the plane! It was all terribly amusing! But now - I am almost home - and as much as I love my father and I really do like Idaho - I just can't wait to be home!

Day 13 - Bittersweet

I know I have been remiss in keeping up on a daily blog - but at least I'm trying to be somewhat consistent! So my dad has been much better the last several days - just in time for my stepmom to get here and for me to leave tomorrow. He was talking this morning and he asked me what I thought the worst part of his month after surgery was - and I said - the time I've been here? He said no - just that he is tired all the time. Seriously though... who knew that he would be doing well before I got here - then take a nose dive while I'm here - and finally start feeling better as I'm getting ready to leave - good times!

Since he has been feeling better - the dog and I have been taking advantage and have taken a couple of trips into town (10 minutes away) and been on several nice long walks - good to get out of the house and get a bit of exercise even as cold as it has been. And then the highlight of yesterday was playing in the snow! My dad wanted me to check on some trees for him next to the house and so I got to romp through the snow to get to them and took some time to play - including making a snow angel - which if he knew what I was doing he would be mad - he was all worried I would catch a cold! God Bless Him...

So we finally had Thanksgiving dinner last night - turkey, yams, green beans and I attempted to make stuffing - it was terrible so we ended up throwing it out - bummer - that is my favorite part - next time I'll make from a box and not try to make it myself! We also had pumpkin bread for dessert - yummy!

I know when I leave one of the things that my dad will miss are the updates that I share with him from Facebook about what some of our other relatives are doing - especially the Nebraska relatives - each day he asks if there are any new updates and he always wants to see any new pictures!

Today we take the trip down to the big city - Boise - for a couple of doctor appointments and to pick Sheila up from the airport - then back down to the airport tomorrow as I head back to the great state of California! It's a little bittersweet - it's been such a tough road that I am looking forward to coming back - but my dad is just now feeling better so I'm sorry I'm missing out on some of the quality time I was really looking forward to... but I know I was here for a reason - all part of God's plan.

Day 12 - Tired

I'm tired tonight - so don't expect much... Today was actually a pretty good day - other than being really tired - my dad is feeling ok. And me... like I said - I'm just tired - not that I did a whole lot - was going to travel to the local market today but it snowed ALL day and decided not too... I'm going to attribute being tired to stress... So after I finish the dishes - I'm going to go through my dads medication and check for refills and then go to bed! Unless I get distracted by the snow that is still falling and sit up and watch it - very mesmerizing! Ok - I'm rambling - enough....

Day 11 - Random Funnies

I miss my mom tonight and don't feel like talking about my dad - so here are just a bunch of random funnies...

So I was looking at a local LA news website and found this headline...

Special Report: Crack In The Cradle... In this season of thanks, this station has been bringing you a special on the investigation of so called 'crack babies'...

Hmm... I'm trying to figure out the correlation between - season of thanks and crack babies.

And did you know that Black Friday is the biggest day of the year for plumbers?

I was watching the news this morning and they were doing a report on Black Friday shopping - they were outside a Best Buy store in San Francisco where people had lined up starting Wednesday morning - Crazy!

Also on the news they talked about some family in the midwest that had a rent a goat business to clean up your yard of overgrowth - they talked about it like it was some new crazy idea and all I could think of are the goats that 'clean up' the Laguna Beach hillside every year. Nothing new!

And last but not least - I was adding movies to my Netflix queue today and clicked to add The Hangover. They always make suggestion based on the movie you have selected and the suggestions were Old School, Wedding Crashers, Superbad (which was Super Bad by the way) and then they had Bourne Identity... it didn't seem to fit - unless they are assuming that I am a young male that enjoys action also - the odd thing - of those four - all of which I have seen - Bourne Identity was my favorite - so here's hoping The Hangover is as funny as I have heard.

Day 10 - Not So Bad

Just a quick post tonight - an update on my dad - we didn't end up in Boise today - thank goodness - and the day didn't suck as much - at least for me. My dad told me today that the doctor also mentioned yesterday that he thought my dad picked up some kind of stomach flu which is why he was nauseous - news to me - it's always nice when the caregiver is kept informed! Anywho... he was running a slight fever today so he spent most of the day in bed - which wasn't too bad for me. Of course I didn't bother to cook the turkey today - maybe tomorrow. And at some point I WILL be making the stuffing and pumpkin bread - whether he is better or not. We had baked chicken tonight with steamed vegetables and a baked yam - it was pretty good! My Thanksgiving was filled with an all day 'Burn Notice' marathon, 'Love Actually', 'Elf' and 'Pretty Woman' - twice. All that and a walk with the dog down the street.

Day 9 - Spoke Too Soon

I keep posting about what a good day it is and then everything goes wrong. As it did this morning at 3:30am when my dad woke me because he was in pain. It has nothing to do with his heart - that is all fine - although because of one of the heart medications he is on he thought he was bleeding to death. Suffice it to say it has to do with not eating enough green leafy vegetables or having an apple a day - and it is bad - we took a trip to the local doctor today and might take a trip to Boise tomorrow if he isn't feeling better. Truly - today has just sucked! But that's not what I'm writing about today - today is about some funnies - because that is what I need.

So I ended up in the local mercantile three times today for different medications - luckily there was someone different working each time - although it may have been funnier had the same person been working - based on the medication I was picking up, I'm sure they would have figured out what his problem was - how ironic though that I suspect that due to the stress of it all - I have the opposite problem! God - make it stop!

On my third time in to 'The Merc' as they call it in the Valley - I did discover several good radio stations - so at least I have that now to entertain me - which was nice when I had to make a fourth trip into town - this time back to the doctor's office for pain medication - it was a nice drive though - saw Bambi on the way. Earlier in the day when I was waiting for my dad outside the doctor's office I saw a whole heard of quail wandering around and as we were driving back we could see elk on the mountainside.

My favorite, though, was the sign that I saw outside the Barber shop that said 'Barber's got new glasses come on in for a cut.' Made me wonder how much business he lost before he got his new glasses!

And last but not least - it seems that the dog has become my new best friend - I've taken him with me on all the trips into town so my dad doesn't have to bother with him at the house - and he just gets so excited when he sees me put my jacket on - he's become my buddy! Enough for tonight - hopefully tomorrow won't suck as much!

Day 8 - A Better Day

Today was a better day - even though I was up at 6am - ugh! My dad was all gloomy this morning - anticipating what the cardiologist would be telling him - but it all started off nicely when the doctors office called him to set up the appointment before they even opened! So a little after 8am we were off to Boise - in a snowstorm - good times! But we did make it just in time for his appointment. So while my dad was in the doctors office - I sat out in the parking lot with Kenai - he and I went out for a walk and then we napped in the car for a bit until my dad was done.

The appointment went well - he was told that the problem he had the other night that sent him to the hospital is common and nothing to worry about (whether that is true or not - I don't care - it made him feel better and that is all that matters!) - and the nurse gave him a hard time about complaining about fatigue - as she put it.... 'Your surgery was only 3 weeks ago!' So he is feeling much better about it all - which helps me out - he should sleep better tonight - as should I since I won't be worrying so much about him waking in the middle of the night all panicked.

Let's see - what else has been going on... it has been snowing all day - if I had to venture a guess - I'd say we have had almost a foot of snow - and there is a winter storm warning through tomorrow night - so I suspect we should get even more... I may have to go out and make snow angels tomorrow! Will definitely be taking the dog on a nice long walk in the snow!

And their neighbors up here are WONDERFUL! Last night

one of them brought us dinner... pork roast with cornbread stuffing, caramelized carrots from her garden and homemade rolls! We had enough for tonights dinner also - yummy! Another neighbor plowed out the driveway tonight and then this afternoon I was at the post office picking up the mail and I hear someone say - Elizabeth - how is your dad - and I'm thinking - they must be talking to me - but I'm in the middle of nowhere and have only met a handful of people - but there was another one of the neighbors checking up on us!

So when we were in the city this morning - we stopped one more time at the grocery store to pick up some last minute items - I'm hoping we don't have to go down there again until next Tuesday for his doctor appointments - and I was thinking this afternoon since we will be staying in for the rest of the week and it's just the two of us - does it make a difference which day we celebrate Thanksgiving?!

Day 7 - Not Much To Say

I'm tired today - shouldn't be - was out of the house only once to take the trash to the barn and take the dog on a walk - other than that have spent all day inside the house watching it snow - oh.. and taking care of my dad. Today has been a more emotional day than physical day - my dad is frustrated with the setback of the other night - but we go to the cardiologist tomorrow to get a few answers.

I think that's it for tonight... enjoy this picture of Kenai sitting out in the snow - I had the door open and was taking his picture and couldn't get a good one until my dad called his name...

Day 6 - The Spiritual Side

So let me go back again and describe the day from a different perspective - because I believe in the power of prayer and I know that God works in AMAZING ways.

Thursday night - the day after I arrived - my dad had a dinner party for the neighbors - which gave me a chance to meet them all - a wonderful group of people that really care and look after each other - what a blessing to have met them all before I would need to call on them for help.

One of the neighbors is a retired nurse who was here immediately after I called her when I had to call the paramedics. I was also able to get a text message off to one of my prayer warriors who spent time in prayer for me. After it was decided to take him to the hospital - I texted this prayer warrior again who was with our usual prayer group and had the entire group pray. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!

While the paramedics were still there - I spent some time looking for records and things we would need for the hospital. As I'm frantically looking around - I look up and there is one of the other neighbors who had been called by yet another neighbor and he immediately came over - he was like an angel coming to watch over us - I just remember looking at him thinking - how did he get here - and even more of an answer to prayer - he took the dog for the night. He also offered to drive me down to the hospital and back - but I knew I would be able to get down there - not like I haven't taken a parent to the hospital before!

So the paramedics took my dad and I gathered a few things together since I knew that I would not be coming back that night - the roads would be too icy. Since it had been snowing and raining during the day, I wasn't sure what the roads going down the mountain would be like - but - again - the Lord was looking out for me - it was a bit wet and foggy at times - but nothing I couldn't deal with - and I was filled with a sense that it would be all right - I didn't freak out and I only cried once on the trip. I knew that people were praying for me.

The day I flew in from the airport, Sheila had taken me through downtown to get home - we drove right by the hospital - so I knew that if I could just find that street I would be able to find the hotel - I truly just went on faith that I would be able to find it all - and I did - apparently much better than the paramedics!

After he was released - there was still a hotel room with two beds left at Motel 6 - which may not sound all that amazing - but there were a lot of Fresno State fans in town to see their team get spanked by Boise State! Not only was there a room left - but the hotel woman gave us a discount and the room was right by the door to the parking lot - which truly was a Godsend - it was only by the power of God that I was able to get him from the car to the room.

And he slept really well - while I spent most of the night praying for healing and strength for him. Which worked - of course - he was feeling much better today and was able to get to the car ok and was in good spirits. And by the grace of God I was able to not take his frustration and sarcasm and nastiness personally the night before and was able to keep everything upbeat this morning.

Of course when I went out to get breakfast, it was snowing which concerned me a bit - if it was snowing in Boise - it would be even worse in Garden Valley - but again - my prayer warriors were on it and although it was snowing - it wasn't icy and we made it home without any problems at all.

After we got home my dad took a nice long nap which gave me a chance to take a bit of a snooze and he has been doing well the entire night - God is so dang good I can barely stand it - and recounting how blessed I am makes me sit here and cry. It's hard to be so far from home without my usual support people close - but knowing that there are prayers coming my way is so comforting - thank you and God Bless You all!

Day 6 - The Longest Day Ever

So yesterday started good enough - woke up to fresh snow and what looked like a winter wonderland. We took Sheila down to the airport and went grocery shopping in the big city - aka Boise! It snowed for part of the time - but luckily not enough to stick while we were driving.

So we get home and have lunch - left over soup from the dinner party the night before - and my dad decides to take a nap - after his nap he gets up and goes back into the living room and I get on the phone for a bit with a friend - telling her how well my dad is doing - spoke a bit too soon! When I get back into the living room he isn't feeling well - he is dizzy and hot - when I feel his forehead - clammy and wants his blood pressure taken - insisting that he is sick - not that I'm debating him... I call the neighbor who is a retired nurse and while I'm on the phone with her he becomes unresponsive - needless to say - I immediately hang up the phone with her and dial 911 - my worst nightmare - the first night that I'm alone with him!

She comes over and helps with him while we wait for the paramedics (and I use that term loosely) to arrive. And apparently all paramedics aren't cute - dang it! By this time he is nauseated and is having difficulty breathing - they decide that he needs to go to the hospital - really?! And give me the option to take him myself (down the mountain an hour and a half) or they will take him in the ambulance - hmmm... let me think... uh... ambulance! While they are working on him - I'm frantically trying to locate insurance information, medication, doctor phone numbers (I now have all that info at the ready) and I look up and another one of the neighbors is there - not sure how he got there - but he goes into the bedroom where I have locked the dog up to calm the dog. He also offers to take the dog for the night. God Bless Him!

So they take my dad to the hospital - one of the major Boise hospitals downtown and according to my dad - get lost! I leave a little bit after them to take the trip down the hill knowing that I will not be coming back until the next day - don't want to risk driving back up with the ice on the road. So I get to the hospital and they are running all sorts of tests - and the RN - really nice guy - the cute dorky type that I like - so that wasn't so bad - and the doctor - HOT! He said my dad had an arrhythmia - which I think basically means irregular heartbeat - but not a good thing to have... so they gave him some medication to help with it, told us to make an appointment with the cardiologist on Monday and at 12:30am sent us on our merry way...

So we drove down the street to the Motel 6 to spend the night. He was still feeling dizzy - which is a problem he has had for years and has to do with some kind of crystals that form in his inner ear or something - but he wanted to just lay down and sleep - and he certainly did sleep - which was good for him - me - not so much - whenever he would get quiet - I kept looking over to make sure he was still breathing. By the morning he was feeling better so I went out to get us breakfast (neither of us had eaten since lunch the day before) while we waited for the pharmacy to open. And between the hotel clerk and the waitress, I've never been called sweetheart, honey or darling so many times in my life!

He was in much better spirits when we left - we stopped by the pharmacy - and picked up his prescription from the ER - and the pharmacist - another cute dorky type - maybe I need to move to Boise! Drove home in the snow and made it home around 11:30am - but it has just seemed like the longest day ever! He slept most of the afternoon and I even got in a bit of a nap. Making baked chicken and green beans for dinner - and then I think I will make it an early night...

My next post will be the more spiritual journey of the day - because God is SO good and I want to share how I really saw the entire day unfolding... stay tuned...

Day 5 - Back to His Feisty Old Self

So where did I leave off yesterday - I think I was blogging from the Portland airport. And I thought the flight from Portland to Boise was on a jet - nope - puddle jumping turbo prop - which I don't have a problem with - it was just cramped. And I really felt sorry for the woman in back of me - she ended up next to some guy that talked the ENTIRE way - he took incessant chatter to a whole new level! It was crazy! Every once in a while she would get a one word answer in and on occasion two words... Apparently he is some kind of performer and was going to be the best thing going on in Boise tonight - when the plane landed he was holding everyone up because he had to put his jacket on so he could look 'cool and badass' since his people would be meeting him - I was curious what 'his people' would look like - they didn't meet him at baggage claim though so I'll never know - oh well!

So on the way back from the airport - Sheila and I went to the grocery store to stock up - we called my dad when we first arrived at the store to let him know where we were and how long it would take. Unfortunately, we didn't call him when we left the store and when we got up to the house all the lights were off. He was sitting here in the dark all worried about us because we didn't call and was convinced that Sheila wouldn't turn the lights on in the car.

We walk in and he immediately started chewing on my stepmom for not answering her cell phone - the cell phone that he had accidentally put on silent the day before! Just like old times. Here he is checking his email with the dog who wanted to be as close to him as possible!

All has calmed down although he must be feeling better - he is back to his feisty old self - he just tires out pretty easily! It is beautiful up here although has started to rain today - expecting snow tonight which will probably not make for a fun trip to Boise tomorrow to drop my stepmom off at the airport. Am looking forward to making Thanksgiving dinner and doing all the cooking - love to cook even though I don't do it too often! Have been helping Sheila cook today - my dad wanted to have a dinner party for the neighbors tonight so there are 6 others coming for dinner - good times!

Day 4 - Catching up

I know it has been a couple of days - but give me a break - have been getting ready for my trip to Boise to take care of my dad - am sitting in the Portland airport right now - waiting for my flight that has been delayed an hour - good times! And I'm near the outside door so it is a bit chilly - maybe it will keep me awake...

Let's see what has been going on the last couple of days - I had to teach safe business driving class at work - I call it traffic school for AC employees - which I find amusing that I'm teaching it since I'm due for a visit with the Transportation Committee to explain why people keep running into the back of my car. It was a good class and I think it made a difference with several of my students - one talked about not realizing that his 5 year old daughter was picking up driving habits even at that young age!

On Monday night, I was talking to my friend J and I was telling her about starting blogging again and she said that my face just lit up when I started talking about it - I told her that I enjoy sitting back at the end of the day and thinking about how things have gone and try to find the silver lining and fun parts of the day - I'm sure no one would want to read a blog just about all the bad things - and there are definitely things that make me laugh every single day!

Yesterday I was treated to quite the sight of seeing this woman walk this miniature horse sized dog - I swear the dog came up to her boobs when standing on all four feet - she could have ridden the dog! But to top off the situation - she wasn't only walking that dog but walking a dog smaller than Sadie! It was quite the sight! If I'd had my phone handy I might have had to break the law and get a picture of it - hilarious!

It was quite the pleasant day yesterday and I enjoyed the errands I had to run - including going up to see the acupuncturist - which is very cool - if you ever had a need for it - I highly recommend it. They forgot about me though and instead of 20 minutes I got 45 - which was fine with me.

And I have decided that I must have some form of ADD or something - I was joking with the Network class that I get distracted easily - 'bright shiny lights' - and when Diana and I were putting together the Advent devotional I was having the same problem - wandering around looking at everything - everything but what I was supposed to be doing - driving her crazy! And then last night when I was packing and cleaning and getting everything ready it was the same thing - I'd start one thing and then get distracted and start something else and so on and so on! God Bless Me!

Well - its' almost time to board now - so will save you all from this entry and turn off my computer - stay tuned for more - perhaps this evening - with a photo of my travel companion.

Day 3 - I Am Thankful

It's been a long day - a blessed day - but also an emotional day. Life is hard and at times I feel very alone - I know that God is with me - ALWAYS - but sometimes I still feel very alone. But I am so amazingly blessed also - I even got prayer delivered to me today. In this month of Thanksgiving - I am thankful for the amazing friends that God has put in my path to help me along this long and overwhelming journey. Friends that love me and support me - no matter what - even when I wear my polka dot socks with my plaid shoes. Friends that have taken the place of my family that seems to be falling apart - and friends that will remind me to be nice to myself because I am doing the best I can - I thank you all for that - your love and friendship and prayers mean more to me than I could ever express in words - God Bless You All!

PS - Jan - this picture is for you - Sadie says hello!

Day 2 - Making a Moment

Today was a day of fellowship - and hard work. A group of us from church went up to the Neighborhood UMC in Long Beach to help them make some renovations to their sanctuary - like taking out the pews and pulling up the carpet - here are Rachel and I taking a break... The end of the day included our annual Fellowship IX Thanksgiving dinner - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the fixings! As I sit and type this evening, thought, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed - by the things I'm trying to get done before I leave for Idaho - including cleaning the house a bit - and a bit nervous about seeing and taking care of my dad - God, Please Help! I just need to let go and live moment by moment and trust that God is taking care of it all - because I know he is! Speaking of moments, I think my favorite moment of the day was when I was driving up to Long Beach - I was behind a school bus and this girl was waving out the back window - I happened to see her and smile and waved back and she got so excited - the smile on her face was huge and she looked so pleased - it was fun to make her moment.

Day 1 - Bringing Back the Blog

It's been a long time! I started this blog as a way to cope with my mom and Alzheimer's - it seemed like there was always some fun story to tell - unfortunately, it has only gotten worse over the last 10 months and it is harder now to find those fun stories - but whether I tell fun stories about her or tell other fun stories - I do enjoy to journal - so - I'm trying to bring back the blog... isn't it 21 days to form a habit? Well - here is day one... and speaking of my mom - I did go to visit her today - she was in the living room watching TV - and at one point some fun music came on the TV so I started to move to the music on the couch next to her - she went ahead and got into the beat as well... I miss her! For now, though, it is time for bed - am up early tomorrow for a work day at a church in Long Beach... stayed tuned for more...

Blessings...

Goodness... where do I start? How 'bout with how amazingly awesome our God is! All praise and honor and glory go to Him - I AM. I truly don't know how to thank God enough for the blessings he has bestowed upon me - as tough as life has been this year - I can look back and truly see the Holy Spirit at work in my life - and now... to find a board and care residential home for my mom to live - in Lake Forest and within my budget - miracles do happen. The Lord has blessed me in ways I never imagined would be possible. I know I sound like a broken record - but I just can't help it! My mom will be living 5 minutes away by the end of the month - in a nice home setting where she can get more of the care that she needs - I can't wait to move her! Of course I should probably show the place to her first! :) We'll see how that goes on Friday - but I suspect all I will need to say to her is - you'll be closer to me and I can come visit more often and she will be good with it! Thank you God! Thank you God!! Thank you God!!!

Can't Leave It Laying Around Just Anywhere

I learned something the other night... I can get over the fence at my condo complex if needed and can parallel park Clara the Company Car. And how exactly did I discover these truths... well...

Monday night I got a call that my friend T had gone into the ER - so after work, I headed down to Mission Hospital so she wouldn't have to be by herself. After a couple of hours in the ER, they finally admitted her for gall bladder surgery the next day (she is fine and now home)... well, I didn't get out of there until after 1am and when I got home I couldn't get into my complex - the gate was broken in the closed position! Needless to say I was more than a bit unhappy. So I parked the car right outside the gate and decided to hop the fence - it wasn't too bad - but all I could think is - great - someone is going to see me doing this at 1:30am and call the cops - but then decided that might not be so bad - maybe THEY could the gate open - and they might be cute! So I get over the gate - but I still have to figure out what to do with the car...

I go up to my condo to pick up the key to the pedestrian entrance and call the emergency number for the association - the dispatcher said the problem had already been called in - I asked her about an ETA of when it would be fixed and she had no idea - again - not very happy! At that point, I decided to try looking for a parking spot outside the complex - there is a lot of street parking there by my complex - hopefully there will be something open... so I drive up the street - and then down the street - and dang it - there isn't anything open! Now I'm really getting frustrated - if I had been in my car - I would have just parked it in the Target lot and be done with it - but I had the company car - and I can't leave the mobile billboard laying around just anywhere! I considered going over to my friend T's condo and sleeping there - I'm sure she wouldn't mind since she was in the hospital and the cats would probably love it - but it was late - I was tired and I really wanted to sleep in my own bed with my Sadie Kitty! So I decided to see if there is any other street parking around - and realize there is one more area I can check (it was about 1/4 mile away - but at that point I would have taken anything) - and by the Grace of God - there was one spot left! I kept looking around to make sure there wasn't a fire hydrant or sign restricting parking since the spot was open - but there was nothing - it was a bit tight - but I got Clara in there - I was so proud of myself - I'd never tried to parallel park her before.

Needless to say - although I had originally intended to go jogging the next morning - I decided to sleep in instead!

And Lynne... I hope to be a little more regular with my posting - have a couple of 10K stories to share also... stay tuned!

Peace In Unexpected Places

I found Peace in some unexpected places this weekend.

First was in the car. Had a kid who was a nervous driver anyway - and we were going on the freeway. As we were heading toward the freeway I just offered up a quick prayer and was overcome with peace and calm - and thought - ok, it's going to be fine. And it was. She did a nice job - of course when her mom asked her if she wanted to drive home after the lesson, she quickly declined - I think she was spent.

Speaking of spent - I've been getting to know a little about that lately. I went to my mom's this afternoon and when I got there - it was quiet in the hall and she wasn't in her room. I suspect she was at worship in the activity room, so I unloaded her laundry and then decided to just sit in her rocking chair for a bit. The rocking chair that I remember so fondly sitting in her lap in when I was a kid - when I was afraid or I couldn't sleep, she would hold me, rock me and sing to me. God Bless Her - I miss her. So I'm sitting rocking myself in that same rocking chair and I close my eyes and just sense a feeling of peace - even the musack they play in the hallway was peaceful. I probably spent a good 20 minutes just rocking in her chair - trying to be in the moment and not think about the future... trying not to worry about anything and praying about everything (Phil 4:6 - paraphrase mine of NLT).

The Blessings Of God

I have a story to tell... about the Blessings of God - I have been overwhelmingly blessed in what has been a really tough week!

It started off pretty status quo - getting used to the new job - getting ready for my first class - a parent/teen orientation - which I was really looking forward to - I'll be teaching the entire class so I was excited about making it mine.

Got up on Tuesday morning - didn't have to be to work until 12:30pm - was excited and ready for class that evening - when I got a call that would change the flow of the day completely. It was the home my mom lives in (by home I mean Assisted Living facility) and she has had a cough for a while and they felt she needed to be taken into the ER for treatment since she was coughing so much and was so severely congested. So I went up and took her into the ER - when I was getting her into my car - she started coughing so bad that I thought she was going to pass out - it was scary! It was a crappy day at the ER - it was crazy busy and we had a bitch of a nurse - but after being there most of the day - a friend called to see if I wanted her to bring me something to eat - being optimistic I thought we would be released soon and turned her down - in hindsight - I should have taken her up on her offer - but the offer itself was such a blessing! They did finally release my mom to go home with prescriptions and inhaler treatment in hand. Little did I know that the next day would go downhill even more!

The next morning, I missed a call from the home - crap - has she gotten worse? Do I need to take her back to the emergency room? Unfortunately - it was worse than that - the call I have been dreading - the resident director left a message that she needed to talk to me about increasing the amount of care that my mom needs - translation - more money. When I called her back - I just asked - what the money would be - when she told me - I burst into tears - I can't afford that... she told me to come in so we could all talk about it and see how they could work with me since they didn't want to lose my mom as a resident. I made an appointment to go meet with them and was blessed with a friend that offered to go with me. Not only that - but God gave me such peace to continue on with the rest of my day - which really helped in my new line of work - work has actually become a blessing as well.

I told another friend about what was going on and she was concerned about me going to the meeting by myself and wanted to make sure I had support - another friend kicked me in the butt (figuratively, of course) about taking care of myself. This morning yet another friend sent me a devotional about God's blessings and favor. But the best is yet to come...

So I met up with my buddy at the church this morning to go to the home for the meeting -another friend showed up to pray for me during the meeting and before we left - we went into the office and we had a group prayer. We get up there and are walking into the office for the meeting and I feel like I'm going to be sick... I sit down and the resident director doesn't beat around the bush... she went to bat for me with the rest of management and they are going to keep my mom where she is with extra attention for the same amount that I'm paying. God is so good! I never imagined that would be the outcome! Of course, it's not over - it just buys some time to look at other options and figure out what to do - but I'll take it. I'm just overwhelmed with the blessings of friends, the power of prayer and the goodness of God.