Wishing

"May your life be as you wish it.  May you wish it as it is. " A quote from Katherine Wright's yearbook. 

There is a considerable amount of wisdom in these words, especially today.  Sometimes we spend so much time wishing things were different, we waste our life on regret. 

Instead, we can look at what we have and appreciate what we do have.  Simple but mighty.  Life is too short to waste on regret.  We can live today and hope that the future, although very different, may in many ways be better than what we had before the virus.  

I am finding that my computer skills are increasing as I attempt to live my life as much as possible from home.  I am connecting with family and friends in unusual ways.  I have time to think about why I am here and what I hope to accomplish with my life.  I thought about all of the men and women who have lost their lives in the military service.  We must make their sacrifices worth something by living our lives fully in the moment.  

There are many heroes both in and out of the military.  People in the medical field such as doctors, nurses, chaplains, nurse aids, housekeeping staff, emergency medical staff, employees in gas stations, stores, pharmacists, cab drivers, nursing home workers, food bank and other volunteers, school teachers, flight attendants, pilots, bus drivers, etc.  The list is endless and the kindness of others silently takes away the fear and isolation. 

Remember to bring hope to others.  Pray for those who are ill or working many hours to keep us going.  Remember, a mask worn by us can protect others around us if we are carriers of the virus.  It may protect us, especially to remember not to touch our face unnecessarily.  

Life is a journey.  Let us help each other so that the journey is easier and safer.  

Check out my book, e book and audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and my art gallery. 

Mother's Day Has Changed!

It was a mother's day of mixed blessings.  I went to visit my mother who is in a nursing home on hospice care and experiencing dementia. She probably had a stroke earlier last week and I wasn't sure if she would come out of the lethargy, extreme confusion and lack of appetite.  After three days, she was back to herself! Amazing for a ninety-four year old! 

I have been visiting with her through the efforts of the staff of the nursing facility who help her to Face Time family.  I also went on mother's day and saw her through the window.  She doesn't understand why I can't visit  in person or hug her.  At first she thought I was mad at her. It was so different since I have been her caregiver for almost fifteen years.  I am so grateful that mom is in a home with people who care about her.  She always says, "I am happy here.  They take good care of me."  It helps so much to know that she is comfortable, clean and has loving caregivers. 

I've found out that I can count my blessings and be thankful that I placed her in a safe place before the virus lock down.  The staff are trying very hard to protect their clients and themselves.  They are heroes in my estimation because they literally risk their lives every day and work long hours. 

I am thankful for my current health and pray for those who are ill.  I am happy my mother recognized me on mother's day.  I appreciate my family and friends who stay in touch and provide encouragement.  Some day this will be just a memory and our lives will return to "normal" for this time frame in the world.  I hope we remember the blessings also!  Remember your faith is a wonderful refuge and try to find ways to help others who are also having a difficult time.  We are all in this together!  I'm keeping all of you in my prayers! Enjoy the family and friends you can visit with!  Life is so precious and it has become more valuable in the pandemic.