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The Eyes Have It

My dad had another eye doctor appointment today – the one that took hours the last time. When we made the appointment, the scheduler told us that right after lunch would be the best time, so that’s what we did. She was right. We waited for about 5 minutes for the first test, then didn’t even have time to sit down when it was time for the next test. Before we knew it, we were in the doctor’s office awaiting his diagnosis. When we were there 6 weeks ago, the doctor saw signs of macular degeneration. He wanted to assess how rapidly the disease may be progressing. After comparing the tests, the doctor told us that there had been no change at all. That was great news. What’s more, we were in and out in less than an hour. After anticipating a 3-hour event, it felt very freeing. To celebrate, I took an extra long walk in the beautiful sunshine.

I Found God today in good news at a doctor appointment and having extra time.

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Shipped Out

My nephew joined the Navy via the Delayed Entry Program several months ago. Since then, he has been working hard to get ready and has questioned his decision from time to time. He has been heavy on my mind and in my prayers. He stuck with it and saw it through. He reported to his recruiter yesterday and went through the final medical exam and swearing-in today. Then he “shipped out”. We talked to my sister – his mom – this evening. It has been a roller coaster ride raising her only child on her own and now seeing him off to the military. She was, of course, very emotional. I was weepy also when she told us that as he was leaving for the plane, he turned around and said, “Bye, Mom!” A heart tug probably all mothers can understand. I sent him a final text of encouragement that I hoped he would read before they confiscated his phone and was elated when he called tonight. His plane had landed and he was in the USO awaiting the bus to take he and 20 of his new closest friends to the base. It was a 30 second conversation, but it was so good to hear the confidence in his voice as he begins his new adventure. He made my heart happy.

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Back to Therapy

We have been trying for months to get my mom back into physical therapy. She has had some physical setbacks and we have been having problems getting a referral from a doctor. We finally got the appointment and made it in today. We went back to the same place that she was a year ago. Our favorite therapist was no longer there, but a young woman that worked with my mom before met with us and remembered my mom. She went through the usual strength and balance tests. We were able to get additional appointments scheduled for the next few weeks. My mom has been feeling rather week and while she is pretty good at doing exercises at home, she is looking forward to getting the extra help she needs to regain some endurance. I have said it before – she is amazing.

I Found God today getting my mom back into therapy and knowing that she will be getting more help.

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Returned Lost Rosary

A while ago, I decided I wanted some kind of hobby. I don’t really have a lot of free time, but I wanted to do something creative and easy that I could spend a little time on or a lot. I remembered a friend of mine that I would see waiting in church tying knots in a cord. She was making rosaries. I looked into it and found directions and different colored cords on the internet – of course. It took a little practice, but I finally got the hang of it. I put cords in my bags and purses so I can work on them as I take my parents to doctor appointments and such. Today I took my mom to an appointment and started working on a new rosary. After a few minutes, a woman came and sat down near us. She asked what I was doing, so I showed her and explained. She said that when she was travelling, she found a set of rosary beads and was able to get them back to the woman who lost it. The woman was very grateful and said that the rosary had been in her family for many years. I told her how lucky the woman was that she found them and returned them to her. That was a nice story for her to share. I think this may be a new conversation starter.

I Found God today in a woman who shared her story of returning a lost rosary.

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Similar Photos

Today my daughter-in-law’s sister shared a picture of my older grandson lying down with his little sister. It was very cute. A while into the day, I realized that I have a picture of my 2 sons that is very similar taken about 23 years ago. At that time they were also very close to the same age as my grandkids are now. I actually had the picture on my dresser as it is one of my favorites. I had to share it so others could see it too. It brought back many wonderful memories.

I Found God today seeing my grandkids and remembering my own kids at the same age.

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Song in my Head

As I’m sitting here trying to decide what to blog about, I find myself humming a tune – “Don’t worry. . . be happy”. In one of the scripture readings at church today, Jesus talked about how God is always with us and always watching out for us. We don’t need to worry about what we should wear, or eat, or even about the future. God takes care of the tiniest plants and animals and He will take care of us, if we allow Him to. The priest talked about some of his own experiences with worrying and how debilitating that can be. At the end of his homily, he played a bit of the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Everyone sang along. He said he wanted it to get into our heads and whenever we start to worry about things, the song will pop up and remind us that God is in charge. Well played.

I Found God today in an effective song suggestion.

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Ready For the Navy

My nephew was sworn into the Navy a few months ago, and has been working hard at getting ready for his departure ever since. He is scheduled to ship out this week, so today we had a family get together. Yesterday, my mom and I went to the party store to see if we could find some decorations. We came across a whole wall of nautical themed decor, which we were thrilled about. Then we had to decide what not to buy because once you see it all, you want it all. My sister got the place all decorated this morning before he arrived. We prepared his dinner request – crab legs and salmon. I made some cupcakes with the Navy symbols and motto. My nephew read the cards and we all got a little teary-eyed. It was a combination of pride, sorrow, and excitement. I mean, I know kids are supposed to grow up and go their own way, and we are so happy for them, but it is always difficult. We talked to both my brothers via Facetime before my sister and nephew headed home. It was a great day to celebrate the young man he has become, the good decision he has made, and the future he has ahead of him.

I Found God today celebrating the young man that my nephew is and looking towards the future he has.

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Good Test Review

We received a call from my dad’s cardiologist office today. The doctor already reviewed the stress test from yesterday and wanted to let my dad know that everything looked fine. They will review the details at his next appointment in a couple of weeks, and didn’t want my dad to worry. That was great news and a great relief for my dad. We continue to be grateful.

I Found God today in good health news for my dad.

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Coincidences Help the Day

I took my dad down to the hospital today for a stress test. The cardiologist just wanted to check things out. My mom hasn’t been feeling well, so instead of waiting with my dad, I dropped him off and went back home for the couple of hours it took to do the test. It snowed when I got home and I was wondering how the roads were going to be when it came time to pick him up. Fortunately, it was a passing shower and after a while, the sun came out and melted all the snow off the roads. I was very happy about that. When I picked my dad up, he told me all about the procedure and the very nice nurses who narrated each step of the test. At one point they even offered him a drink and cookies, which he accepted happily since he had to skip his regular breakfast. He got to talking with one of the nurses and found out that they originally grew up in the same town. The nurse even remembered that her father used to buy doughnuts from my mother’s family owned bakery. She had actually been with my dad for a previous test and they recalled the conversation. It really is a small world. At the end of the day, my dad said the test wasn’t bad at all and my mom was feeling a bit better.

I Found God today in “coincidences” that made the day easier.

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Great Treasure

Today I read a reflection that said, “You’re ability to pray is a greater treasure than all the riches in the world.” Gary Zimak taken from Stop Worrying and Start Living. I thought about how true this statement is. No matter what is going on in my day, I can pray and connect with God. I can thank Him for good things as they come. I can ask Him to be with people who are going through a hard time. I can ask for what I need at the time. The more I am able to do this, the less I worry or let other emotions bring me down a discouraging path. I am more peaceful and joyful. I was happy to see this reminder to help me practice to be more prayerful.

I Found God today in the ability to talk with Him at any time.