The town of Plymouth has a marathon going on this morning. I have to say, I am not sure who set up the course, but it's crazy as they did not stop the traffic. So here are these hot participants running on the sides of the roads or trying to cross the road while cars (including myself) drive by them at slow speeds. I felt horrible when I had to pull over a bit because a siren blaring fire engine was coming down behind us. I think the planners may have to re-think for next year. It was fun to see the supporters with their noisemakers and signs (I was silently cheering for those that I could see were definitely tired at mile 9). I was definitely nostalgic and felt tears in my eyes as I drove by them, although I have not run a marathon I have walked two half marathons. I could feel their exhaustion from the run and the heat (especially the heat). I did see a water station and I do hope there are a lot more as they need it today. I hope they are proud of themselves and their accomplishments. I know how I felt when I was done.
I had the most wonderful text message last night from a friend. She wrote me about how her son told his girlfriend about me. I have known him since he was a baby and he moved away from the area many years ago. We have always kept in touch and I am a big fan of his. I don't get to see him as often I would like. Don't get me wrong he is not perfect and as you know neither am I. He knows when I am disappointed in his actions or behaviors. He also understands that I love him any way, I don't have to like what he's doing, but that does not stop my love. I have tried to provide support (not monetary, but emotionally, spiritually, morally, etc.). I was in awe last night to think of the way I may have impacted his life although I am not in it physically all the time. What an awesome learning experience for me. I always try to think about the impact we have on others, but that was a lesson that was a long time coming and I still learn something every day. Have you thought about you impact others? Has any one ever taken a moment to let you know? Have you taken a moment to tell someone else? I am going to work more at that.
I was in church this morning and my mind was wandering as it does on occasion. Thoughts in my head this morning centered on my faith and spirituality, but how I don't always want to be sitting in mass. I have visited and prayed at many facilities of my faith and others in many places in the world and I always feel connected. As I've said before I believe I can pray and talk to God any where. I actually sat in church this morning thinking: how many of us are here out of obligation and how many are here because we are really feeling it? I can't answer that question of course and I'm not sure why it popped into my head this morning. Any way, just something to think about.
My mom/mema had a fairly good week which means my dad/papa had a good week. I had a decent week at the nursing home. I only truly went off one night over the food being served and I guess I got everyone running because the manager of the kitchen showed up to talk with me. I really laid it out as professionally as I could without sinking down to the cursing level. Oh how I wanted to get down and dirty with my language, but I held it together. I even mouthed off a little at the two nurses who were not doing much to help any one that night. I did apologize to the same nurse the next day and said it's not personal. I have told the staff when I start getting angry it is not personal, it is that I'm upset that they are not being professional or something is not going right. I have told them if I was really angry at them personally, I would not be writing recommendations for nursing school or providing gifts of appreciation with food. I do appreciate all they have to put up with between the patients and families involved. I told a CNA last evening that she needs to teach her methods to others. She is so good handling this one patient that the patient never gets upset or yells out as she does with the others. The CNA was surprised that I noticed, but I said you have a gift and I wish others would learn from it.
I published a few OLD pictures on FB this past week and they brought back so many memories for me. It was good to publish some pictures to people of their family that perhaps they have not seen. I showed a picture of me from 1976 and joked about the red hair I had. Wait until next week as I have a couple of different ones. I have to say what I love about FB is the ability to connect with some people that I have not connected with in a while. It still scares me a bit, but I have been having fun.
I am going to leave it here for today. I need to get a few things going here. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon.
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." - Mark Twain
"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." - Robert H. Schuller
"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll