I want to start by saying "thank you" to those that reached out to me over the past few days as the one year anniversary of my father's death was yesterday. Whether it's cards, phone calls, or text messages, it is so appreciated. I don't always respond, but please know I am grateful. I have to say, I tried not to dwell on the date too much as I wanted to be sure my mom got through the time. She has been in bed a bit more and resting/sleeping. Yesterday morning she was super feistry. The afternoon was quiet, but last evening she livened up and kept the aid and I going for a while. Mom decided she wanted to get up and head out (she does not always remember her legs don't work too well). We got her up into her chair and she sat for a while in the living room watching TV (Shania Twain concert) and talking away. The aid got a little scare (I was at Market Basket) when apparently the lights dimmed, Lady ran around like a whirling dervish and my mom tried moving out of her chair and asked who's there? By the time I got home, it was all calm again, but mom was exhausted. She had her ice cream and headed back to bed. She slept somewhat through the night, but we had some time together for a while between 2 and 4.
I spent much of the week focused on John McCain's services. For a man I did not know and never had the privilege of meeting, I shed quite a few tears. Military ceremonies will bring out the tears in me every time. Politics aside, to be honored and remembered by colleagues, family, friends and people he never met...WOW. I know not the right word, but I can not think of another at the moment. I recorded some of the funeral as I was in/out for a while yesterday and watched last night. The speakers made him even more real to me when they talked about his accomplishments and failures as a man and politician. I did not realize that he was the last Vietnam Veteran in the Senate..seems almost impossible. I am in awe of a family that can endure over a week of public and I mean public mourning and scrutiny in some cases. Perhaps, this also kept me from thinking about my own sorrow.
I feel that I grieve for my dad in my own ways and I also pre-grieve my mom in many ways. There are days I sit, holding my mom's hand and my eyes will leak a little. She does not always catch me so to speak. I sing to her daily (believe me when I say I'm not that good), but it does seem to bring her some comfort. I changed the words to a couple of songs and I just hold her hand and sing. It brings me comfort as well. When mom's behavior is not the greatest, I always ask...what are you trying to teach me today? I can't always figure it out, but I know I will someday.
Now to move onto different subjects. I love fresh tomato sandwiches (I know I've said this before). Well, the other night, Kate (aid) brought me a half bag of fresh picked tomatoes (all sizes) from her neighbor's yard. OMG..happy dance!! I've been eating tomatoes in sandwiches for three days (even had one for breakfast on Friday). I bought fresh mozzarella last night and I have a balsamic dipping sauce waiting to be opened - I guess you can tell what I'm eating later...YUM!!!
For those of you that know me personally on FB, glad I was able to lighten your day with a funny story about the bank and the pneumatic tubes. I still laugh about it when I think about what happened. I had to go to a different bank yesterday and I drove directly up to the window (without tubes) so I could place the deposit onto the tray myself. I'll be avoiding those pneumatic tubes for a while.
I read yesterday, that the community pool finally had water added on Friday. I so wanted to laugh out loud as it still needs inspection and such and most pools close Labor Day. I know many in the community are not happy about the pool fiasco, especially with the really hot water we've had in August. I don't blame them, but I did not get involved in any discussions about it ... minding my own business after all...LOL!
Awesome meditation session this past week. I feel the time flies by when our group is together. We have wonderful conversations about our lives and energy and intentions, which, to me, makes the meditation even more powerful. Awesome group of ladies that I so appreciate being part of.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
Included the Month stuff today:
Month:
- Baby Safety Month
- Chicken Month
- Better Breakfast Month
- Classical Music Month
- Fall Hat Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Honey Month
- International Square Dancing Month
- Little League Month
- National Blueberry Popsicle Month
- National Courtesy Month
- National Piano Month
- Self Improvement Month
For the week:
2 International Bacon Day -
2 VJ Day, WWII
3 Labor Day First Monday of month
3 Skyscraper Day
4 Newspaper Carrier Day
5 Be Late for Something Day
5 Cheese Pizza Day
6 Fight Procrastination Day
6 Read a Book Day
7 National Salami Day
7 Neither Rain nor Snow Day
8 International Literacy Day
8 National Date Nut Bread Day - or December 22!?
8 Pardon Day
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a wonderful week and sprinkle a little cheer during your days. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“There is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”- Winnie the Pooh
“If I can see pain in your eyes, then share with me your tears. If I can see joy in your eyes, then share with me your smile.” – Santosh Kalwar
“When your fear touches someone’s pain, it becomes pity. When your love touches someone’s pain, it becomes compassion.” – Stephen Levine