The last twelve hours have not been the easiest here in overcast Denver, NC. After hitting the pillows at 10 pm last night (very early for me, I'm usually just getting started) I awoke at 12:15 a.m. because I heard something strange outside. Checked if the muskrat was on the turtle float eating his clams (long story that I'll save for another day) -- he wasn't, in case you're wondering, and proceeded to try to get back to sleep. Maggie (our golden) had other plans, however. Apparently a storm was moving in, and dogs' hearing being what it is, she heard it LONG before we did. The panting started at about 1-ish, as did the obligatory paw rubbing (she has a foot fetish, what can I say?!) By 2:30, the thunder, lightning and rain was at full pitch and I gave up trying to sleep and moved into the room that has a trifecta of uses -- Christopher's bedroom / Steve's office / the Guest Room. Maggie likes to hide during a storm under his newly created desk (also another story for another day) but only if she is kept company. Being fully awake now, I did what any fully awake person would do at 2:30 in the morning -- check my email (c'mon, you know you would). That is how I found out that my brother-in-law Rich had suffered another stroke (his third in all, since February). My sister had tried to reach me by phone, but upon not getting me (cause I was asleep), sent an email. After replying to her, and sending out a prayer request to the wonderful folks at New Beginnings Moravian Church and some friends, I proceeded to do research on recurring strokes -- the causes, and the treatments. At approximately 3:30, Steve joined us and I brought him up-to-date on Rich's stroke. By 4:30, the worst of the storm had passed and we moved back to our bed; Maggie had other ideas however, so the panting continued for quite some time. I think I fell asleep about 7:15 and woke at 8:15 thinking I had dreamt the whole stroke thing, and that Rich was fine. Shortly thereafter, my sister called to catch me up on the details. What could I do but listen! No words of wisdom, no clever sayings, no helpful suggestions, AND I'm 700 miles away! If you have relatives that live a distance from you, you understand how frustrating it is to be so far away! Went through this back in January when my dad took ill, and it nearly drove me crazy.
If you know me at all, you know I am a fixer -- that's what I do, I fix things for people -- all sorts of things, but considering I do not have a medical degree, and the law frowns upon practicing medicine without it, other than doing internet research, there isn't a whole lot I can do for my family from this distance. Now, please don't tell me that God is in control...I know that, but I was raised Catholic and our mantra was "God helps those who help themselves" the idea being that you do what you can and THEN God steps in (at least that's how I always interpreted it until the good people of various protestant faiths enlightened me). So.... I did what I've done my whole life when faced with a frustrating, worrisome situation -- I made a meal, in this case, Breakfast! Eating is good for the soul -- someone said that, not sure who, but who am I to argue with a saying that has stood the test of time? (I think it may have been someone in my Italian-Irish-American family) Then I cleaned a bit (just a bit, mind you), and pondered my next move. That's when I came up with another saying that I heard growing up ----- When the going gets tough, the tough get . . . . WALKING . . . three + miles. Did it solve anything for my family -- not a thing, but I did get my training in for the day, got rid of some of my frustration, AND was able to watch "What Not to Wear" from beginning to end! Don't you just love that show? Please keep Rich and my sis in your prayers. Oh, and just so you know...everytime I see Maggie looking comfortable and dozing off today, I nudge her awake -- you know what they say about payback!
No comments:
Post a Comment