May 29, 2020 - 259 - "Life: You Stinker, You!"

My Plans for Life: 

     Remember back when my Covid-induced leave began?  

     I made all sorts of plans and challenges for myself.  I didn't want to waste my time off.

     I didn't want the months to go by without something to show for them.  

     At the time I didn't have a lot going on (well...other than work and a house project in Mexico and...). But those things were gone for a while, so it seemed like a good idea to implement some structure.  

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    I know, hilarious, right?  Like I get the final say in how this big ol' world decides to turn around.  

Life's Plans For Me:

     As if to exert its will, Life said:  "Uh, yeah.  I gave you this time off because you were gonna need it."  

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     In rapid succession, my mom broke her leg, my dad's mobility decreased dramatically, and my father-in-law went into a rapid decline in health.  

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     Suddenly the concern wasn't that Michael and I might lounge around the house all day getting nothing done.  Nope.  That wasn't part of the equation.  Now we had to rally all of our energy and focus - one in Ohio, one in Texas - and try to just get through each day. 

     I still use my goals as a little bit of a framework for my days...but mainly, I just want to put one foot in front of the other.  Make sure everyone has what they need, is getting to the appointments they need to get to, are safe and well, and all the usual household and life necessities get done in the best way possible.  

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Daily Hits of Happy
(And, yes, they are still there...maybe this is the lesson?  Thanks, Life.)

-Mom came home today!

-Dad's getting around better.

-They have great neighbors who cheered mom in, brought cake, and shared in the celebration of the moment.

-I have time off to help with all of their appointments and arrangements and prescriptions and meals and household stuff and...

-Michael's dad got into a top-notch rehab center today 

-I'm calling today's post 'done.'  Why can't I just let this go for a few days?  It's too much.  Anyway:  Day 259 officially DONE.

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"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change."

-Paulo Coelho

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