Joy

Unwrapped Gift

A few years ago, I met a woman who has had many struggles in her life. She had every reason to be bitter and angry. Yet, she became a youth minister and shares her deep faith and her challenges with those she works with and all those she comes in contact with. I was inspired […]

A Recorder Group

Tonight my parents and I watched my grandson performing at his school holiday concert. I saw him and his brother in as many of their concerts as I could when I lived close by. I was always impressed with their school music program. Tonight we viewed it via video. It wasn’t quite the same as being […]

Festive Feeling

I went to the grocery store this morning to get the last few things I need for Thanksgiving dinner. I actually got there pretty early so the crowd was not too big. There was a festive feeling in the air and people were generally in a good mood. The employees were super friendly as they […]

Cubs Win

I like baseball, but I wouldn’t say I am a huge fan. But I did hear about the Chicago Cubs “miraculously” making it to play in the World Series this year. I saw the highlights from each game. When I found that they were playing the 7th game of the series tonight, I just had […]

Counteracting Stinking Thinking

I have been meeting with a priest on a somewhat regular basis as he helps me along with spiritual guidance. We talked about things that have happened recently. I told him about the caregiver’s support group that I started to attend. I explained how wonderful it was to listen and talk in this group of […]

Uplifting Affirmation

Today when I went to visit my mom, I was met in the hall by her CNA of the day. She told me that my mom was doing great. This particular woman was the one who greeted us when we arrived. My mom was in a much different state at that time. The CNA talked […]

Washing Feet

There are a few amenities at my mom’s rehab facility. One of them is the opportunity to receive a manicure and a pedicure. I asked my mom if she wanted to get an appointment and she said that sounded very nice, so I got it set up for her. When my dad and I arrived […]

Dinner and a Show

The rehab facility where my mom is staying has different activities going on every day. My dad and I saw that there was harp music this evening, so we hoped that my mom would be able to go down to the dining room for dinner and to enjoy the music. She has been having difficulty […]

Surprise Garden

There is an elementary school close to the house that is sometimes on my walking route. In between the school building and the playground is a dirt area that has been slowly progressing into a garden. I took a walk this evening after dinner to get some exercise and clear my head a little. I […]

First Birthday

Today is my granddaughter’s first birthday. She has brought – and continues to bring – so much joy to the family. Our side of the family waited for a little girl for a couple of generations as there have been only boys. Honestly, we didn’t think it was possible. Watching my son with his daughter […]