September 6, 2012
And, a good morning to you, Readers. Last night the Cowboys beat the Giants and I would imagine the talk around the water cooler this morning will be a play by play recap of the game. I image my daughter in Florida is about worn out from doing her whoopee dance (she runs around the house whooping it up with each touchdown!). The "boys" looked good (truthfully, they always look good in those uniforms! he he) and gave us fans some hope for the upcoming season of football. I lift my cup of coffee to them and say, "Job well done."
Michael roused me from a sound sleep this morning with a cup of hot coffee. After a few sips, I decided to water my garden. Oh my goodness, it looks so pitiful. Our triple digit heat really did a number on my plants when my body couldn't manage a water hose. Some cities in North Texas have been spraying for mosquitoes because of the West Nile Virus epidemic - 25 have died from those bites! I emptied the bird baths, the fountain, and any other pots with standing water hoping to discourage those critters from breeding. It was late enough that I thought I could water without being pestered but "No!" the minute I turned on the hose, they started buzzing. I swatted and sprayed them with the hose to no avail. I finally called "Uncle" and went inside. I am looking at my legs and feet and praying that none of those pesky mosquitoes had the virus cause they got me good. Now, where did I put my mosquito repellent?! Itch itch ... scratch scratch!!
I am hoping that temperatures will drop soon so I can weed out dead plants and see what can be salvaged in the garden. I am learning by trial and error what grows in this crazy part of the world. I've been trying my best to work the garden around this old tree in the backyard. I looked at it this morning and am wondering if I am trying to beat a dead horse back to life! We tried having it trimmed and what a fiasco that was. The guy nearly fell out of the tree, one of the branches landed on the patio cover and on and on... The young man doing the trimming was giving it his best shot but in the meantime, he was giving Michael and I a heart attack. I think there is a reason the arborist wanted so much to trim and/or get rid of the tree!
My neck has been giving me some challenges the past couple weeks. When my neck acts up, the Fibro acts up ... a vicious circle. Michael has been after me to go to the doctor and I have been stubbornly avoiding it like the plague. I've seen enough doctors to know what the diagnosis is and what can be done ... or not done. I get rest at night so morning is my best time ... from noon on, I struggle as long as I can then put my head on a pillow to ease the throbbing. As I struggle trying to keep life somewhat normal, I realize what a struggle it is for everyone with chronic illnesses and pain.
There are days when just getting dressed is an effort ... when brushing my teeth wears me out ... when folding a load of clothes is a huge accomplishment. Like my friend who is bound to a wheelchair and hospital bed, I would like to get out and run. I would like to gather up the energy I had not that long ago and conquer the world. There are times when hot tears run down my face and I throw myself a pity party, "Why me?" Then, I realize that I have a job to do. As long as I have breath in me, I can educate and encourage. I can pray and love ... I can do what I can then push a little more. I can be kind to myself knowing that I still have purpose no matter what.
Yesterday was my oldest grandson's 9th birthday. I talked with him late afternoon and he was so excited about his day. Zachary is filled with energy and spunk. I was wishing that I was there to give him a hug and a high five ... to watch him ride his new bike down the street. It seems like yesterday, that I was sitting in a hospital room at Presbyterian in Plano, Texas looking down at this newborn cherib ... my first grandson!
Tomorrow is Grandparent's Day at Zachary's and Nicholas's school. The past three years, Michael and I have joined other grandparents as we oohed and aahed over our grandchildren in their classroom, admiring their work, and nibbling on the treats provided. I was worried that I might not be able to make the drive but am going to give it a go. My time at school will be short and I can rest the remainder of the day. It's going to be doable!!
It is so quiet in the cottage ... the sun is pouring through the french doors making shadows on the painted floor. I looked down a moment ago, watching the sunlight dance -- leaves were falling from the big old tree casting tiny dark spots in the light. For a moment, I smiled thinking that it was God's artistry at work ... just for me! Toby had been sleeping in front of the fireplace and the flickering on the floor caught his eye ... he jumped up trying to catch the spots. Entertainment at it's best!
My friend, Beverly, came over yesterday and asked me to go to Dress Barn with her. It felt good to get out of the house and to see some smiling faces -- and, new Fall clothes as well! Dress Barn is one of the very few places to shop for clothes here and does a booming business. They wrote Beverly's name and my name on our dressing room doors and kept coming with new outfits for us to try on. Beverly is tall and thin and the new skinny jean styles look great on her. She LOVES clothes and lives for her weekly shopping trips to find great bargains. I am short and as much as I like the skinny jeans, they look ridiculous on me ... it's a good thing that I have a sense of humor.
This is Thursday ... this day is God's gift to me to use as I see fit. To appease my husband, I have been looking up neurologists in the Waco area that deal with cervical spine issues. To aid in my wellness, I have taken my medications and vitamins and exercised by watering the garden. I have read some passages in the Psalms and sent love texts to my family. Now, it's time for my morning snack and rest ... this afternoon, I will head northward. I think I am spending my time wisely, making the most of each moment. How about you?
Until we chat again, always know that I love you and am praying for you.
Miss Dottie
I hate to hear when you aren't feeling well, yet glad your blog gives you a venue to share your struggles as I am sure there are many out there who feel the same way. I love how the internet, facebook, instant messaging, email, etc. lend way to finding and giving support. I know someone whose husband recently had a strange medical event occur. It was serious and many don't survive, yet low and behold there is a facebook group to those who suffer from the condition. It offers so many things-- education, support, relief that you aren't alone, etc.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
XXOO - Jane