Don't Worry, Be Happy

Several years ago our apartment complex moved from a grassy yard to a rock yard.  No more daily watering was the thought.  Tons of rocks were spread across the areas where the grass once grew.  The workmen planted an extensive number of drought-hardy plants.  As the men were working, one noticed a patch of daylilies and a patch of Stella D'ora lilies.  The young man smiled and me and nodded.  Pointing at the plants, he let me know he was leaving them.    

           

Unfortunately, the manager of the complex did not know the first thing about gardening.  Instead of continuing to water the new plants, she stopped the watering.  The plants were never able to establish roots that would allow them to survive the hot, dry Texas summers.  There were a few hardy types that did survive in the shaded areas.  Mostly now the yards are a sea of rocks.  That's not bad as it still conserves the precious water supply.

Recently I have allowed concerns to develop into full-fledged worries.  Sister #1 continues to suffer increased pain.  More pain pills are needed.  There is absolutely nothing I can do about this except post funnies for her to laugh at.  I did enjoy a good visit with her last weekend.  I have lost count of the number of friends and cousins we have lost to mostly the ravages of old age.  This is if you call a 67-year-old person an old person.  Only two friends passed from covid.  

In addition to these things that were on my mind, it appears our apartment rent will be increasing up close to $250 a month at the next lease renewal.  That is a budget buster.  My car needs shocks.  Another $800 most likely.  The car is 8 years old and has 80,000 + miles.  We have always driven our cars until they have at least 150,000.  Some over 200,000 miles.  I did a bit of simple math and figured in about 8 years we will need to be replacing our Icie hybrid.  It hit me that I would be 83 and Hubby would be 90.  A replacement car may not happen in this lifetime.  Yep, worried.

If you know me, you know I am a person of faith.  I have made vain attempts to not worry about all the above-mentioned things.  I would give the worry to the Creator but I take it back.  I looked out my window this morning and saw the daylilies in bloom.  

From the book of Matthew:

…28 And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. 30 If that is how The Creator clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will The Creator not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?…

Berean Study Bible

Peace,

Janice

As Promised

It has been too long since my last post.  Life continues to go on for Sis #1.  I visited with her this past weekend.  The previous week, May 5,  she had to be taken by ambulance to the hospice center in the hospital.  Fortunately, antibiotics fought back the life-threatening infection that was causing extreme fever and pain.  Sis was able to return home on May 10.  Sis #2 came from Oklahoma to visit for a short time with Sis #1 at her home.  Sis #3 lives in the area so she visits often and keeps us two that live 200 miles away apprised of Sis #1's condition.

Sis and I had time alone on Sunday, May 15.  We had that deep discussion about how we are feeling about the prognosis following the hospital time.  The timeline due to the probable recurring infection is maybe 4 more weeks.  Of course, no one knows for sure.  Sis #1 told me she puts on the best face possible for everyone.  When alone in the night she lets herself feel her emotions.  Some are extreme anger, others are deep sadness, and sometimes it is just sobbing and worrying about her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. 

The next day I had the opportunity to speak to my niece in private about the general plan for a service.  Sis #1 wishes to be cremated and her memorial at the Chambersville United Methodist Church.  Our Mom was on the cradle roll of that church.  All four of us sisters were baptized in that church.  The building was built the year after I was born.  The 75-year-old building is being renovated due to wind damage as well as the ravages of time.  Completion is expected this summer.

Enough of this talk.  Here is the promised Video of my son's and DIL's gift to their Aunt MakMak.

I did not edit this in any way.  That is Hubby at the beginning.  Mr. Stripper came as a policeman to be a set up pretending another oops 911 call from Sis #4's phone.  Sis #4, Hubby, and I were the only ones that knew what was happening.  Sis #1 had started defending Sis #4 and Mr. Fake policeman took her by the shoulders and made her sit in the chair.  Sisters 1 and 2 were clueless until music and clothing started.  Just listen to Sis #2 squeal like a little girl when she realizes what is happening.  

So there you have our March Sister Time in all its glory.  Mr. Stripper gave back $60 to Sis #4 and told her to buy Sis #1 flowers.  "She is the sweetest person I have ever danced for."  Once he left Sis #1 returned from a bathroom time and told us she had asked God for just one more dance.  None of us knew this.  So the two dances with Mr. Stripper were an answered prayer.  Now go get your hankies.

Y'all all take care.  Enjoy every day of your life and the lives of those around you.

Janice