Wednesday, 16 May 2012
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A man occupied the bench adjacent to mine today at lunchtime. He sat straight up, with a hand on each knee, palm up. His eyes were closed and he had angled his body and his face toward the sun.
Soaking up some rays, I supposeJ.
And speaking of soaking up rays, one of my doctors has me on prescription strength vitamin D. I take one pill once a week. This doctor told me that she could count on one hand the number of her patients who have enough vitamin D in their system. According to her, it’s at least partially due to the fact that no one gets outside in the sun anymore, and when they do, they wear sunscreen.
Twenty minutes a day in the sun, without sunscreen – I’ve heard that’s all the time you need for your body to create enough vitamin D.
The guy on the bench only lasted ten.
Saturday, 21 April 2012
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My Dad died two days ago. My sweet and tender hearted Daddy. No one loved life more than my father; I challenge you to find someone who did. Oh, there may be some who equal his passion, but I don’t think you could find anyone who surpassed it. So he hung on, much longer than expected.
Over a month ago I received a phone call from Tete, the hospice nurse who managed his care. Dad had taken a turn for the worse and she wanted to prepare me. She said it could be very soon. I was able to call everyone, all the family, and they all got to see him at least one last time.
But wait! He rallied, began to eat again, a little bit of the light returned to his eyes and he had somehow found the strength to live a few more weeks.
Then last Monday I had another call from Tete. Again he was failing and she was ordering around-the-clock hospice care for him. His breathing had changed, he rarely responded, couldn’t eat or drink anything…it could be any time.
He held on for 3 more days, breathing his last on Thursday in the early morning hours. He passed peacefully from this life to the next and I was fortunate to be there along with his nurse and Christina, the manager of the home he lived in. For over an hour, his last hour, we sat in his room with him, talking and laughing quietly, reminiscing and telling stories about Dad. I have no doubt he loved the fact that we were there.
Do you think that people so often die early on a new day because they want a fresh start? Maybe they wait till then to let go because, as the new day dawns in heaven, they will be ready to go, rested, refreshed and eager to see what their new life will be like. That’s what I think. I think Dad is there now loving and embracing every single detail of his rich new life, just as much as he loved and embraced every second of this one.
Rest in peace my sweet, sweet Daddy. I love you very much and I will see you again.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
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I’ve wanted to write for so long. It’s been like an ache deep within my being; not crazy-painful, just enough to remind me that it’s there. I’ll be going about my day and notice something or reflect on an event and then I’ll think, “Gosh! I’d like to write about that.” But it’s always a wistful thought, accompanied by the knowledge and understanding that I don’t have the luxury of taking the time to write it down. Writing is hard work for me and I already have a family, a job, a house, a dog and a yard that all require my attention. How can I add one more task?
But the ache won’t go away. Is it my Muse, I wonder? And if it is, how long will it remain and continue to gently nudge me, reminding me that it is there and it wants some attention? How long until it retreats, discouraged and disappointed by my lack of response?
Monday, 02 May 2011
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The direction my thoughts took this morning upon hearing that Osama Bin Laden had been killed:
Are there people who are completely evil? People who are motivated solely by hatred and a desire to hurt, maim, kill, destroy? People who are so depraved that they have not even a glimmer of light in their being?
Was Osama Bin Laden such a person? He certainly hated the US and the western culture. Is it a good thing that he is dead? Will it change anything? Improve anything? Is it a step toward winning the War on Terror?
Of course, nobody knows the answers to those questions. Only God. Only God knows the beginning from the end. Only God sees people’s hearts. Only God knows who is truly evil, completely depraved and beyond hope.
I wonder, was there any hope for Osama Bin Laden?
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
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The X Factor
If only things were as simple as the sign I saw on the road the other day. The word “solutions” is what caught my eye because that is what I’ve been asking God for in regard to Albert, me, Dallas, jobs and the dilemma we find ourselves in at this time. It’s like an equation: X + Y = ?What exactly is the solution to Albert having a good job that he loves in Dallas and me, here in Houston, with our home and an equally good job, not to mention the responsibilities of my father? How do Albert and Karen get together?
Albert + Karen + X = a life together
I’m asking God to supply the X.
I’m asking the Creator for a creative means to solve our problem.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
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Conversation on the front porch this afternoon, as we were painting:
Karen: Are we crazy for doing this ourselves and not hiring someone to do it for us?
Albert: We're not exactly stimulating the economy, are we?
Sunday, 10 April 2011
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Albert and I are taking the week off from work for a “stacation.” This will be the longest we’ve been together in over a year – since our vacation to St. Lucia in March of 2010. We’re going to paint the house. Will we complete the job? Doubt it, but we’ll make a good start at least.
Today is Day 2 and so far I feel as though I’ve been living in the lap of luxury. I got up on Saturday, had a lovely time with my bible and journal on the patio, did the laundry, made a grocery list, went shopping, visited Dad, picked out paint colors and cooked; all luxuries because I was able to do everything without feeling pressed for time. This morning was more of the same: patio time, writing a letter and cooking; tonight I have my book/foodie club.
Of course, I haven’t done any painting yet but, as Albert is fond of saying, “I’m backing up for a good start.” The food is all planned and a lot of it is prepared for the week so kitchen time will be streamlined from here on out.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Angus Beef Sliders
Cedar Planked Steelhead Trout
Grilled Pizza
Slow Cooker Lemon Tarragon Chicken
Marinated Flank Steak
Assorted Salads and Greens
Wine, Beer, Sangria and Rum Punch (we are on vacation after all!)Cost of groceries for the week: $287.09
Albert’s trip to Spec’s (the liquor store): $65.57
Having 9 uninterrupted days together: Priceless
Thursday, 07 April 2011
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Rigby and Amos got a hold on one of my flip flops this morning. They had carried it to the back door and were settling in on the rug to have a nice little chew fest when I caught them.
“NO!”
Firmly and emphatically accompanied by my pointing finger.
Thud...
Followed by two little sets of eyes staring up at me.
I turn away and smile.
They’re learning.
Tuesday, 05 April 2011
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A Quiet Moment
We just installed new window shades in our bedroom - the type that roll up from the bottom or down from the top. The windows they cover are tall, reaching about 18 inches from our 10-foot high ceilings so I’ve been leaving the top portion of the window uncovered at night when I sleep. I can lie in bed and actually see a few stars in the Houston night sky. I love that moment of quiet, which is often the only one I’ve had all day; I just wish I could keep my eyes open and make it last a little longer.
agardengal
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- Name: Karen
- Location: Houston, Texas, United States
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 6/3/2004
About Me
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The best ice cream on earth? Haagen Daz Coffee. It's smooth and creamy, cold and sweet, and it gives you a lift. What more could one ask of ice cream?
