Yeah, It's Funny

My mom was in the hospital when our wedding anniversary took place last October. Before she went in, she made an anniversary card for us, but wasn't able to actually mail it until weeks later. Well, it was worth the wait.

A girl, a boy, and a dog

I was looking through pictures on my hard drive today and found this one. I am guessing it was around 1960-1961. That's me, my brother, Andy, and our dog Trinket. Trinket was a great dog who lovingly welcomed each child into the family. Oh, and Andy turned out to be a pretty good brother, too. :-)

Finding Strength in Adversity

I was never happier to see a new year than I was this year. 2010 was not nice to me or to most members of my family. I know a lot of people who have suffered through the recession, had health problems, or lost someone close to them. Some people suffered through all three.

My hope for 2011 is that we can all crawl out of the hole we have found ourselves in and have a great year. Things can't stay bad forever can they?

Another Christmas Come and Gone

Miss Margot Cat really got into Christmas this year. She loves bows. Every one ended up with teeth marks. She played in the wrapping paper and jumped in boxes. That was a first for her. Christmas never really interested her before. Kacey, who usually gets into Christmas, was more laid back this year. And, Greta, she slept through the whole thing!

January is usually kind of a downer for me. Nothing to look forward to but more winter. I guess I will have to throw a few bows on the floor and let Margot entertain me.

Oh Boy!

Okay, what do you do when you have a writing assignment staring you in the face, but you just can't get motivated? I know! Post on the blog you have neglected for so long, that's what!

It looks like it has been two months since I posted on my blog. At least I have a good reason. I have been writing for money and that's always good.

My mother recovered from her illness, briefly, but is now suffering again. It looks like it may be time to think about moving her to some kind of assisted living facility. She will not be happy and will likely have to give up her cat. None of us wants to make this decision, but we may be forced to make it.

The leaves were still on the trees when I last wrote. Now I look out and see 2' of snow on the ground. At least it looks like Christmas now.

Parents

Most of us go through a good part of our lives thinking our parents are always going to be with us. Or, maybe, it's not that as much as it is an inability to think of them not being there. There are two reasons for that. The first, of course, is that we love them and can't bear to think of losing them. The other is that nagging realization that, after our parents are gone, we are next in line to complete the circle of life. Time seems to have gone by at warp speed and our own mortality is staring us in the face.

After Dad died, both of those feelings hit pretty hard. But, Mom was still here. Always the healthier of the two and five years older than Dad, she had ups and downs with her health, but has been living in her own apartment and taking care of herself. Now, however, she is in the hospital suffering from what could be the beginning of the end. It's a strange feeling to think I will be "parent-less" after we lose Mom. How can I, a 54 year old woman, feel abandoned? It is a bit unnerving.

There is, of course, the fact that I need more time with Mom. Old hurts and misunderstandings don't seem as important now. I hope we get the chance to talk again. I don't want her to suffer or live the rest of her life hooked up to machines. She doesn't want that, either. None of her kids is selfish enough to prolong her life by artificial means because we can't say goodbye. If she is strong enough to recover and live a useful life for awhile longer, though, the time we have will be precious.

The Dances of Leaves

Every day, weather permitting, my dog, Libby, and I take a walk down Eureka Road. Surrounded by trees, there are no sidewalks so we walk along the side, waving at drivers as they pass. We often see deer, sometimes with a fawn or two, cottontail rabbits, and squirrels on our daily jaunts. If we are very quiet, we see possums and wild turkeys.

Last week, Libby and I stopped at the spot where I let her take time to sniff around and explore. I think this is Libby's favorite time. Imagine all the scents you could experience if your nose was as close to the ground!

There was no wind, the trees were still. Still, that is, except for three little leaves hanging from a branch directly over my head. These leaves were dancing! None of the other leaves were moving, just these three. Spinning, moving in circles, arching, and stretching, the leaves seemed happy to be alive. Scientists, I am sure, have an explanation for why three leaves among many were the only ones to move in such a way. I believe, however, that the leaves felt the coming of fall and knew their time would come to an end. They decided to dance while they could.