My prayers are with the victims and families in the areas impacted by the tornadoes. My mind can't comprehend the power and destruction of the storms.
I had a good week. I worked every day and got as much walking in as I could with my client's dog. I think the dog has a bit of hound in her as she sniffs and sniffs (sometimes her nose is practically buried into the ground). As I walk I check out the decorations in the neighborhood. It's awesome to see many of the balconies decorated. It's also amazing to see so many delivery trucks along the way - every service, multiple times a day at every building. It's interesting to see people in development do NOT believe in STOP signs - it's bad enough people glide on through, but it's amazing how many do NOT even slow down. Keeps me on my toes.
My client and I talked quite a bit about family, expectations and disappointment. She has spent the last several years alone at the holidays (because of her health she does not travel). This year her family came for Thanksgiving with plans come for Christmas. Her expectations and excitement were visible. Now those plans are changing a bit and I can see/hear/feel her disappointment. I'm hoping for her sake it all works out. It's difficult sometimes as a caregiver to keep my mouth shut and not address the family outright (especially when they are not local), but it's not my place. I just take a deep breath and listen to the client with an open heart.
Do you have any traditions related the holidays? I had a lovely dinner with friends the other evening and we talked a bit about traditions and how they are passed on from generation to generation. From the general discussion it seems most traditions are passed on through the daughters vice sons. Do you find this to be true? Did your family bake cookies; decorate the tree/house; see the Nutcracker/concert; have/attend a party; play games; etc.? The one passed on from my mom was the Baby Jesus never went into the manger until Christmas morning (which I carry on).
This past week I finished reading: "FEAR NO EVIL" by James Patterson - part of the Alex Cross series.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
December 12
International Children's Day - Second Sunday in December
National Ding-a-Ling Day
Poinsettia Day
December 13
Ice Cream Day
Violin Day
December 14
International Monkey Day
National Bouillabaisse Day
Roast Chestnuts Day
U.K. National Postal Worker Day
December 15
Bill of Rights Day
National Lemon Cupcake Day
December 16
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
December 17
National Maple Syrup Day
December 18
Bake Cookies Day
National Roast Suckling Pig Day
I'm leaving it here for today. I hope you have a good week and you get everything accomplished you need/want to. Share a smile as you never know who needs it. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you’re giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.” — Caroline Kennedy
“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran
“Take a break and chill because this is the time of the year to rejoice, celebrate and also feel rewarded.” - Author Unknown