Random Acts of "Kindness"

OLYMPICS

March 3, 2018

I really don’t watch a lot of sports — some football in the winter, ice skating and hockey. But I LOVE to watch the Olympics. Especially the opening and closing ceremonies. This year I was prepared to watch the opening ceremonies. EXCEPT I was TIRED. I had only gotten 4 hours of sleep the night before and my body decided sleep was more important than television. I saw a few minutes when the ceremonies began. Children were leading the way. When I woke, the USA athletes were entering the arena. I saw a couple of countries then fell back to sleep. I missed the lighting of the flame. I have to admit that I wasn’t very happy that I had missed so much of the opening.

Strong winds delayed the skiing. I was able to watch the team ice skating, both days. I enjoyed it, I was able to stay awake. That has not continued. Because of coughing, I’m not getting enough rest. I watch the Olympics in our bedroom, upstairs. Lights off, under the covers. It doesn’t seem to matter if the lights are on and I’m on top of the blankets. I’ll still fall asleep.

What amazes me is that so far I have been awake to watch both the first and second gold medal won by the USA. The first was snow boarding, a 17 year new participant, one of seven children — all family members attending. He was so excited. It was a joy to watch. His first two runs hadn’t been exceptional but his third was unbelievable. And then the wait, will the last runs beat his score.

The second was also snow boarding. I’ll admit that I have no idea what the description of each jump (?) is. The announcer gets very excited. Has almost lost his voice. I slept through most of the runs for the second gold medal. I found myself awake in time to watch the final run.

Hopefully I will be awake for the ice skating. At least I understand the descriptions, even if I can’t tell one jump from another. I have enjoyed watching some of the cultural bits from the country. I was awake for the story of a group of aged women who dive for abalone from the bottom. The story goes that the men went to war and the women took over the diving. Sadly, I didn’t have my glasses on so I missed most of their ages and story.

It is also lovely to watch both the North and South Korean people competing as one nation. My prayer continues to be for world peace.

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COUGHING

February 24, 2018

I did my best. When my son started coughing, I did my best to NOT CATCH whatever he had that was causing the problem. I was already coughing — admittedly it was a different cough — dry. I knew the cause — it was the blood pressure medicine I was taking. A friend of mine told me it made her cough too. At first the dry cough wasn’t too bad. Then since my blood pressure wasn’t decreasing, my doctor doubled the dose. My cough also increased. I was coughing so much my back started hurting.

Then my husband started coughing. The cough sounded similar to our son’s. My husband has emphysema, which often evolves into pneumonia. I didn’t like his color, I didn’t like the way he sounded. He didn’t think he needed to go to the doctor. Thankfully I had a well being doctor’s appointment scheduled for that week. He wasn’t better so he accompanied me. Meanwhile I didn’t like the way my cough sounded. It was no longer dry. Thankfully my husband’s lungs were clear but the doctor prescribed medicine for him anyway. My lungs were also clear — I got a new prescription for blood pressure medicine. I picked up the new medicine. The pills for my husband immediately worked to improve his condition. Sadly I was correct about the sound of my cough. It deepened and intensified. The weather in our area became much colder and snow was predicted. I thought the cough was just a cold and if I took care of it, drank plenty of fluids, stayed inside, it would soon be gone. I WAS WRONG.

Each evening the news announced the status of the flu — increasing in intensity, more people, especially children were dying. Both my husband and myself had gotten a flu shot in October. Neither one of us was running a fever. We were confident we didn’t have the flu. Normally I don’t take cough syrup but I went through ALL of the cough syrup in the house, even stuff I had for our grandchildren. For many reasons, I didn’t want to go outside — below zero temperatures and snow didn’t beckon. Except for coming downstairs for food or to cook I stayed on the second floor where it was warmer. Our Christmas tree remained up. When I was feeling better, I didn’t take it down because it occupied the space my son’s chair rested in. I didn’t want him by the windows. Then the tree stayed up because I didn’t have the energy to take it down.

Nine days of snow. Thankfully our son did most of the shoveling. My husband was feeling better, at 5:30 AM I was woken my the sound of shoveling. My husband wasn’t in bed. When I looked outside, I saw the top of his coat, dealing with the fresh snow. Under normal conditions, my husband LOVES to use the snow blower on the whole block. These weren’t normal conditions. But he took pity on our neighbors and didn’t start the machine. Both myself and our son expressed our opinion on his being outside shoveling. Our neighbors took pity on us. A few times our walk was shoveled. Once our front stairs were included. When all was said and done, we had more than 10 inches of snow. Normally I sweep the stairs. This wasn’t a normal time.

My back still hurt. I decided that Tai Chi — the gentle stretching would help it. Other than that — most days I got in less than 3,000 steps. I tried to get more sleep. Coughing didn’t help. Except for one day between the snow storms, I hadn’t been outside. When another big storm was predicted we traveled to the store for supplies — milk, bread ,and vegetables. Finally a littler bit of my energy returned. Enough to take off the ornaments and lights. To take down our Christmas tree. It was February — time for the tree to come down. I even got the stuff together to prepare for income tax.

I hadn’t been outside except for the store run in 10 days. I walked to our accountant — 7000 steps when I returned. I couldn’t believe how tired I was. His office was close to our church, a distance I normally walked. Both my back and knees HURT.

Caught — I was outside cleaning up the yard before the rain came. Working on the icy steps, shoveling a tiny bit of snow off our cellar doors. My son caught me. He had warned me not to go outside when the back was icy. Now he told me to put the shovel down. He would take care of the snow.

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REPRIEVED

February 17, 2018

When I wrote my first book: “To Pap, With Love” — I had high hopes. I thought I would sell many copies myself. I applied for an Illinois Sales Tax number, so that I would be legal, and able to report my income. I hate to admit that I was mistaken. Since the book was of limited interest, the sales were also limited. I have learned that it has helped many people and has a life of its own, moving from place to place. It is still available on line. As is my second book, “Journey With Me.” Although of wider interest, it didn’t generate income.

For over five years I have filled out the State Sales tax form. Some years I have had no problems. Other years, a phone call was needed. I was happy last year when I noticed the number was expiring. Then I received a new license. It was renewed! WHY? I’m not making any money, no sales to report, no tax to share. I wrote another reminder and put it in my calendar.

The first week of January, I went on line to fill out the form. I had limited success. I found the correct form. But I was unsuccessful in filling it out. Then the page closed and I couldn’t get it back. It was the weekend. I decided a phone call was in order.

Today was the day to fill out the form. I found the page to log in. My name and the password didn’t match. I wasn’t sure where the problem lay. Did I use capitals in my name? How about spaces? I requested that my user name be verified. On to the password. Still no luck. I asked for a new password. Then I found a note where I had changed my password. By this time, the computer locked me out. Too many attempts had been made.

Thankfully I had a phone number to call. The recorded announcement said my call would be answered in two minutes. Sounded good, didn’t live up to the message. But I stayed on the line. Thankfully I did. When I explained my problem to the live person on the phone, she asked if I wanted to cancel my license.
DID I? You bet. She cancelled it as of 2016. No forms to fill out this year, or next year. YEAH!

Terry helped me with my query. I had high hopes when she answered the phone. And I was RIGHT! I ALWAYS ENJOY “HELP”!

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REMEMBERING

February 10, 2018

A thaw was promised. After weeks of frozen temperatures, snow and ice — a couple of days of sunshine and warmer temperatures. Perfect day to go downtown and hand deliver the paperwork for our senior freeze. Of course, first I had to fill in the numbers. I was confused by one of the numbers on the form. I had filled it out in previous years. I had confidence in my abilities — every time I looked at the previous years, the numbers didn’t make sense. Thankfully I saved the paperwork and was able to figure it out.

Heading downtown, I planned on staying on the elevated train. Then I remembered the ped-way that stretched underground to city hall. I hadn’t traveled downtown in months. Even though the weather was good, I decided to refresh my memory on the underground path and switched trains for the subway. And totally confused myself. I had no trouble finding the ped-way but that is when things changed. A new building — many new shops and restaurants shared the path. Signage was different, so different that I was confused and asked directions. Thankfully I was headed in the right direction. And leaving the new building, I saw signs showing the way.

Not only did we have warming temperatures, but the day was the anniversary of the fire. I decide that I would stop in at St. Peters, for Mass or just a few prayers. I was too early for Mass, so I decided to say my version of the rosary — thanks for my family, help in my life, help in the world, ending with prayers for continuing help with my path in life. I was on the fifth decade — path in life. The decade is comprised of ten beads or fingers if beads aren’t available. I reached number five when bells announced the beginning of Mass. I finished the decade on the train back home.

While I was at St. Peter’s, I remembered my quest. My granddaughter was experienceing too many headaches and I wanted to know if there was a patron saint to petition. Three people were in the gift shop , with access to a computer. They found St. Teresa of Avila — patron of headaches, bodily ills, sick people, and loss of parents. A holy card wasn’t available but they had a pamphlet with more information on the saint. I learned that she experienced mystical prayer accompanied by visions and voices. I also learned that she passed over on my birthdate in 1582. I didn’t realize that she was the patron of lost parents until the next day. The date of the fire was the anniversary of the passing of both my mother and brother.

I noted the various synchronicities that I had experienced during the day. I wasn’t done. I stopped in our neighborhood for a bowl of Poke. A Japanese dish that I had enjoyed in Hawaii. The number of my order was the year of my birth.

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MISSING

February 3, 2018

It started as a normal day — that is I woke up, brushed my teeth and washed my face. Then I got dressed and went downstairs. I even started the coffee. Normal day — then things changed.

I put the code in to cancel our house alarm. It didn’t work. I put the code in again with the same results. I got my glasses to make sure I was pressing the right numbers. Oops, Nope!

I drink 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar in warm water with honey every morning. I don’t know what happened — the glass spilled, contents all over everywhere — countertop, open dishwasher, floor. MESS!

I had thought about going to a funeral that morning. I was concerned about the weather conditions, the church was a few miles from our home. After the fun I was already having, I thought I would stay safely at home.

I needed to make an appointment for a fasting blood test and phoned for an appointment. After listening to their recorded announcement, I was referred to another phone number. I called the next number. After listening to their recorded announcement, I learned their computer system was down for repairs.

I had received a bill from our mortgage company and was concerned that we weren’t getting full credit for our payments. I phoned, the recorded message stated they had a high volume of calls, it would be a 10 minute wait or I could ask for a return call. I put our number in for a return phone call. A professional woman returned my call whose voice I could understand. I explained my problem and she tried to access our account on her computer. That is when I learned that their computer system was having problems. She suggested I wait until later in the day and phone again. After the fun I was having that morning, I really didn’t think so.

The day proceeded normally. It was cold outside. Our second floor was warmer than the first so I went upstairs. I returned at 4:00 and sat down on the couch to watch a program. I felt cold, even though I was dressed warmer for downstairs. My feet felt cold even though I had on socks and slippers. That is when I realized my ears and nose felt cold. In our downstairs bathroom, exposed pipes push the hot water upstairs. The pipes were cold. I looked at the thermostat and saw a message I couldn’t read. Yelling for help from my husband and son, I learned the message was low battery. Batteries replaced. The furnace started. The temperature read 62 degrees.

We were having chicken soup for supper that was already made. Hat on my head, I returned upstairs to wait for the house to warm up.

When I had learned of the passing of our friend who was 98. I was sad — I wouldn’t hear anymore of her stories. I wonder if “my friends in high places” were joined by many others to celebrate a life well lived. I sent a card remarking on her legacy. I think there was a lot of rejoicing, celebrating her life at that funeral that day.

When I wrote about the challenges I faced that Saturday to our children, I had forgotten the spilled apple cider vinegar. I was reminded on Sunday morning when the same thing happened again!.

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PARTY

January 27, 2018

My sister-in-law’s husband passed in December. His death was expected. He had battled with health issues for many years and was ready to go home. In the hospital again, he mentioned to his family that he was tired of living. They listened to his request and disconnected his breathing apparatus.

January brought another death in the family. This time it was another sister-in-law’s husband who passed. He was in his 80’s, battled diabetes and other health issues for years. Problems intensified suddenly, leading to hospitalization and a passing. Both of the deaths were back East. Weather conditions made it difficult for us to travel.

Death usually comes to our family in threes. When we came home from visiting our youngest daughter, a friend phoned. She is 84, and in the hospital. A blood clot in her lungs after Christmas required medical attention. She told me that there were no open beds in her hospital. She asked me if I knew her husband was in the hospital also. I had to admit the I was unaware. No one had phoned me. Her husband had a touch of the flu, and possibly either a stroke or a heart attack. Because of their advanced age and health conditions, they have a health care worker who didn’t like the color on his face and phoned their daughter. My friend was hoping to come home on Sunday. She will be on an expensive blood thinner for a year. Her husband had an artery opened to improve his blood flow. I’m not sure when he will be released.

About that time I realized that there had been two recent deaths in the family. I can’t say I was waiting for number three, but I wasn’t surprised when my phone rang and announced another passing. This time it was a friend from the camper. She was 98 years young. Even though she had lost some of her vision, she was active at Light House for the Blind, listened to books, exercised and remained as active as she could.

A fall caused a rapid decline in her health. She didn’t want to go to a hospital so her family arranged for 24 hour hospice in their home. Even though her funeral was closer, our unpredictable weather dictated a card sent rather than a trip.

Since the last two deaths were within two days, I told someone that they were having a party in heaven. I don’t want to admit that I’m getting older too. But I’m paying more attention to weather conditions than I used too.

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WARNING

January 20, 2018

Since I neither see nor hear “my friends in high places” — I try to pay attention. When I opened the bible to Isaiah 47:11 and read “Disaster shall befall you which you cannot allay,” I was worried. My youngest daughter and family were on the road, going to visit her sister. I wrapped the family in my prayers. I should have wrapped myself.

Late in the afternoon — both hands full — I headed upstairs, only to have my foot slide off the stair, causing me to fall backwards. I couldn’t stop the fall and landed on my back on the first floor. It was only a couple of steps up, somehow I turned the corner and sprawled on the floor. I aged my husband by 10 years and also my son. I was glad the disaster predicted was for myself instead of my daughter and her family. I wasn’t glad that I had caused concern not only to them but to myself.

THANK YOU LORD — I wasn’t seriously injured. No broken bones — slight injury to various body parts. I was lucky. Reviewing the fall, I surmised that wearing the slipper socks wasn’t in my best interest. They don’t have the traction needed for the steps.

This was the second time that I fell in December. The first was heading down the basement stairs, both hands full. I surmised at that time that I was too weighed down — out of balance. Thankfully that time I landed standing on my feet, injuring my side but no broken bones.

Two falls in one month, thankfully no bones broken but I didn’t like the direction I was going in. Was a message trying to get through and I wasn’t paying attention? My son, who lives in our home, had recently purchased a new blood pressure machine. I checked my blood pressure and was surprised at the reading. Extremely high. When the news was shared with the rest of my family, they were very concerned. Some thought I should go to the emergency room immediately. I determined to monitor the situation.

My readings over the next few days decreased but not into a zone that I liked. I promised I would go to the doctor. When I phoned for an appointment, mentioned my problem and gave my current reading, the person on the phone said it was too high, to come in that afternoon.

When my blood pressure readings were examined on the computer, I learned that they had been in the high range for some time. Even though I didn’t have headaches or other high blood pressure problems, meds were prescribed. Since I remember a time when my aunt had a serious stroke, I’m not against taking medicine. After all, I’m no longer young.

Making my children happy, I signed up for a well being check next month. I had promised my youngest daughter that I would schedule a doctors visit this year. A visit was arranged as well as a few other tests.

Heading for the pharmacy, I reviewed the past month. “My friends” listen to my problems, and often help. I’m hoping this was the action I needed to take. I really don’t want another fall. The next one might be more dangerous.

I’m taking other positive steps. I need to improve my balance and strength. Exercise is in my daily plan.

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DAILY HELP

January 13, 2018

If you read my thought rambles on a regular basis you know a few things about me. First, you know that I am aware of “friends in high places” who help me with my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t notice their involvement if I am paying attention. Second, I have mentioned many times that I neither see nor hear them. Their messages get through in many different ways. I randomly open the bible each morning — eyes closed, pick a verse. I’ll admit that I’m not pleased when I open to Job, or to Daniel “in the furnace”. That usually means that there is trouble ahead or that I’m experiencing difficulties at the moment. Sometimes I open to one of the verses that remind me I have a job to do. Isaiah 42: “Here is my servant whom I uphold.” I don’t memorize verses so I can’t quote others that pop up regularly . But “Whom shall I send” or “I’ve known you before you were born,” are often in my sight. They usually are reminders that I have work to do, a thought ramble to write or — pay attention, someone needs your help.

My second book of the morning is Queen Of Angels by Janice T. Connell. I don’t remember the year I acquired it, it was after my father passed over. I attended a book signing at Transitions, met the author, listened to her stories and bought the book. I am often reminded that I am doing too much: “Cure For Overwork, or Suffering Turned to Joy — hello pain. Sometimes I’m reminded that I have “help”. “Angels Turned to Playmates and Confidants.”

My third practice of the morning is to open my Inner Reflections calendar randomly. It is comprised of 52 photographs with writing by Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual teacher of the 20th century. I also first acquired the calendar at Transitions and even though the store is closed, I regularly order a new calendar each year. Looking through it, I was amazed at the number of times I have opened to different photos with their words of wisdom. I always date the photo on the day it is picked. Some have many dates noted, others have only one or two.

Just for the fun of it I have just finished flipping through the calendar and noting the number of times I have visited each page. Of 52 photographs I have visited 14 photos a number of 214 times. I have many favorites, but I can state that they are not usually the ones I pick for the day. The highest total was 28, the day after my mother’s birthday. It is a photo of a glasswinged butterfly on oleander flowers. The message is: “Love only what is beautiful and pure … See, hear, smell, taste, and touch only what is good …..” Most of the messages revolve around LOVE or follow the path or helping others.

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ARTIST

January 6, 2018

I really didn’t think I could draw, let alone paint. Growing up, I wasn’t often found with a pen or pencil in my hand, sketching something or doodling. I don’t think that I took time to play. I knew that an uncle attended the Art Institute in Chicago, an uncle in Sweden painted as did one of my cousins. I knew there was artistic talent in my family, I just didn’t know that I had some. Then our campground had a bring your body and we will provide materials and instruction to paint a picture. I had the time and signed up for the experience. I was amazed at the painting that was produced. It still hangs in our room addition at the camper. I also realized that I had fun and wanted to explore painting in oil.

I purchased many books, containing pictures that I liked — with instructions, and produced many canvases. At the time I was working. I was so pleased with some of them that I took them to work and sold a few. A fellow worker liked a painting I did of Moonlit waves against the rocks. She planned to take it to Sweden with her. After a few years, life became busy and I stopped painting. My family has been suggesting that I take up a paint brush again.

Times have changed. My husband has emphysema and the scent of oil and turpentine would not be beneficial. I thought acrylic paint might be an option. Years ago I knew how to mix oil paint and how to blend colors. I had a good idea of how to accomplish a painting. Acrylic is different. First, it dries quickly. That can be an advantage, but not when the paint dries on the pallet or on the canvas too quickly.

Since I have remembered how I taught myself to paint before, I have picked up a couple of books. Maybe I haven’t spent enough time investigating the artists information or they don’t have what I need. My first concern is how to keep the paint usable on the pallet. The various books haven’t dwelt on that subject.

Thankfully, I have “friends in high places.” They might be involved in my picking up a paint brush again. Yesterday I stopped at Half Price Books for a cup of coffee. I wanted to check books on a writer I’m enjoying at the moment. Did they have any of her books? No! But entering the store, a display on painting caught my interest and I found a book on Acrylic painting that might have the information that I’m looking for. The date on the price tag shows that it is a recent acquire. The book looks promising and came home with me. I’m hoping to begin reading it soon. I have paints, I have canvas — now I have a book that might help me with the task. Once I have the basics, I might be ready for the more advanced books.

Two last thoughts — Christmas presents — I have TWO new paintings to put up on our walls. The artists were both my granddaughter and grandson. Our grandson read a story he is writing. I was impressed not only by the story, but also his imagination. It was well written! Perfect gifts for a proud gramma!

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IT IS THE ICE

December 30, 2017

I like snow — I like the frosting on the trees, and the houses. The air seems fresher, maybe because it has been washed by the snow. When I was younger, I enjoyed many activities outside — ice skating, cross country skiing. Even younger it included sledding, making snowman and forts. Snowball fights.

Sadly, now — for the most part, I just enjoy looking at it, staying inside where it is warm or if I’m really adventurous — wandering the neighborhood — camera in hand — taking photos. As I write this I’m thinking of a photo I took of a garage roof, where the snow reminded me of a nun’s veil.

After a day, the snow begins to darken, reflecting the life of the city. As much as I like the snow — I DISLIKE THE ICE. This year, so far, we have had less than an inch of snow on two separate occasions. Both times, the snow had just fallen, when the warmth of the city turned it into ice. I would love to stay inside and wait for the ice to melt. But our dog Robin, DOES NOT agree. It would be lovely if we could open the door to the back yard and leave her out to do her business. She does not think that is what a backyard is for. She has to be out in the neighborhood, looking for squirrels or the treasures they leave behind.

As I have gotten older, I pay more attention to the soles of my shoes and boots. They have to have a good tread that will navigate the snow and ice. I also pay more attention to where I am walking. I’ll chose the north side of a street because it gets more sun. I’ll change where I walk because I know the paths will have been shoveled. I’ll walk in the snow covered grass if it is safer. Or if I don’t have Robin with me, I might walk on the side of the street, close to the cars.

I don’t remember having these concerns when I was younger. Then I just dressed appropriately, kept warm and went out to play in the snow. Last night I stopped in a store and noticed a much younger woman with her hand in bandages. I asked if she tangled with the ice. Sadly she did and broke her wrist. Snow is predicted. This time they are actually talking inches. We have just experienced a very warm week. The ground will be warm. Hopefully I will stay upright, on two feet.

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