I have always endeavored to learn what
I can from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes. Also, I have
tried to learn from the other stuff Life throws my way.
Sometimes, the lessons have been profound, learned at an early age; "Don't chew gum found on the underside of theater seats."
Sometimes, the lessons are less profound, yet equally impactful; "Darn! I should have paid attention to the weather forecast! It is pouring, and I don't have a jacket!."
Regardless, I do try to find a nugget, however small, in each occurrence in my life. With that in mind, allow me to proceed....
-I hate coming home to an empty house. Even with two dogs to greet me, it is an empty house.
-I hate leaving her at the rehabilitation facility at night.
-Had LB and I taken an hour with an attorney to have prepared Powers of Attorney documents, it would have been a lot simpler, cheaper, and significantly less stressful than dealing with courts.
-Buying groceries for one is a pain. A gallon of milk becomes yogurt before it is used up. A loaf of bread becomes bird food, and a dozen eggs wind up being cooked in the micro-wave for dog-food add-ins.
-After more than 42 years of marriage, you don't ever get used to going to bed alone, and waking up alone.
-Our children and in-law children are indispensable. They have been absolutely fantastic during this time.
-Our grandchildren truly are deserving of the term “great". They have been supportive and caring toward their Grandma from the beginning.
-It is true. Don't sweat the small stuff. And, the vast majority of things are small stuff.
-While man can live on frozen waffles alone, it isn't the best dietary choice. Even with justifying butter as getting one's dairy requirements.
-I will no longer get irritated when I can once again receive a text message from LB. Not even when I am in an “important meeting”. No meeting is that important.
-I miss hearing the silly, goofy things of her day. Now, it is therapy, therapy, and more therapy.
-We have all had those day-dreams about how wonderful it would be on our own. We can do what we want, when we want; and no one to tell us the difference.
Well, it isn't wonderful
It completely stinks.
-True friends have been, and will be, there through it all.
-Some friends have vanished like the morning mist after the sun rises.
-When some people say “We'll pray for you”; they don't
-When some people say “We'll pray for you”; they don't stop praying.
-Don't put too much stock in the dire predictions of the medical experts. LB has been proving them utterly wrong. Daily.
-Don't sell yourself short. There is a vast reserve of strength deep within.
-Remember to water the flowers and plants. Unless you enjoy replacing the ones which have died.
-Each day holds a promise of hope. Don't allow it to be obscured by temporary clouds.
-LB is an incredibly strong, determined, tough woman---much more so than I have ever thought.
-The Lord was right. He won't leave you, or forsake you.
-Regardless of the outcome, LB and I have made this journey together.
-1 Corinthians 13:15 is right. “And now these three remain; Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love.
