Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘HEALTH’

WISDOM

A friend of mine keeps remarking that I lead on interesting life. AND I DO. Thankfully when my father passed in 1995, he sent me a sign that he was alright. AND SO, HE IS! After his passing I went to school to learn how to recognize HELP from the other side. Both stories are in print. TO PAP WITH LOVE, is the story of my life with a father whose memory deteriorated because of Alzheimer’s. JOURNEY WITH ME is the story I wrote of my classes. Both books are still available. I HAVE NOT GRADUATED. I AM STILL LEARNING. Now my husband has joined my family topside, and he adds to my education.

Since I’m home, I’m able to attend Mass on television. Yesterday the homily was WISDOM. The priest summed up his talk by suggesting that we remember the things we have learned and pass them on to others. And it made me think. Often, I take things at face value and don’t see the deeper meaning behind the events.

I have to admit that just happened. My youngest daughter’s birthday is this week. She was going to stop by our house before going home. She mentioned that she was thinking of trying to make gluten free bread in her bread machine. I’m aware that I often have help from the other side. I was not surprised that a gluten free bread book was posted at Amazon. Also posted was an anthology – Mrs. Jeffries Sallies Forth. I am a fan of Mrs. Jeffries and will admit that I have read ALL 41 of her books. I have been retreating to OLD ENGLAND to escape our world. Having 3 stories in one book sounded good to me. And I placed my order. I had been thinking of getting the first book in the series for my daughter.

Thursday night I received the bread book, I also received Mrs. Jeffries GHOST, the third book in the series. WHAT? HOW? WHY? That was not what I ordered. I checked the order, somehow it changed from the book I order to GHOST! To say that I wasn’t happy is an understatement. I WAS NOT QUIET about the mistake. Thankfully a phone call the next morning got me the book I wanted. I decided to keep GHOST, read it and give it to my daughter. I’m not a fast reader, I don’t skim but I finished the book by Friday night, all 11 chapters. The last sentence gave me laugh.

I planned to wrap it for my daughter’s birthday. But I had the bread book too. I also had a digital scale so that she could weigh the ingredients. Then the Anthology arrived and the packaging was big enough to hold all three items. Sunday morning, I attended Mass. Sunday afternoon one and one made two. I wrote a note to my daughter telling her that GHOST was a gift from her DAD. He was able to change the book from the one I ordered to GHOST. Her father is very TALENTED.

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CLOSING TRAILER 2023

I thought I had learned a lesson last year when I hoped to leave before noon and ended staying until three. I realized last year that I didn’t have the energy I used to have, and things took longer. This year I made a plan. I thought I had things under control. I WAS WRONG!

My son came out over the weekend and easily did all the things that were on my list for him. He loaded up his car with the bags I had packed. I decided that instead of leaving on Monday, I would wait until Tuesday. Take advantage of the beautiful weather one more day and drive home without needing to wear my coat. I neglected to inform the person who was going to winterize my trailer that I was staying another day.

I took Robin with me to the lauder mat to wash clothes. Since I had bags everywhere, she knew something was up. I didn’t want here to think that I had left without her. While we were gone, my trailer was winterized. WATER SHUT OFF. I thought something was different when we returned. I didn’t remember closing the curtain on the door. I was right. A note told me that the trailer was winterized. My oil furnace was unplugged. The trailer furnace was shut off.

Thankfully I didn’t have many dishes to wash. A friend suggested we go out to eat and I had agreed. I had been without running water many times over the years. I knew how to deal with it. I just had the food to pack — freezer and frig. Batteries to take out, things to turn off, or unplug. I had my list.

I hadn’t planned on my knees yelling and my back doing the same. I had to rest more than I planned. Even though I had the vacuuming done, I still had to defrost the frig. It had frozen again after I defrosted it. No problem if I had hot water. Microwave gave me a cup of hot water. I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN THE TRAILER TO FLUSH THE TOILET. I had to get a pail of water from the outside pump. EASY WHEN I WAS YOUNG. NOT SO EASY NOW. BUT I DID IT. I had antifreeze available to pour into the toilet once it flushed.

FINALLY got the bags loaded into the car. It was already after two. I needed gas for the car and decided that I would get gas on property. It was a shorter walk. I could toss out the remaining bag of garbage on the way. When I was getting gas, I remembered that I hadn’t unplugged the microwave. The gas station is close to our trailer, driving back wasn’t a problem. THE TIME ON THE MICROWAVE WAS 3:00. OOPS! I HAD NOT UNPLUGGED THE MICROWAVE. Thankfully I remembered. One year the microwave had run FOREVER. I did not want that to happen again.

Finally leaving at 3:30. I would be home during rush hour. I changed my plan — once in the city, I would take the streets. Rewarded — driving on a street close to home I totally enjoyed the Halloween decorations — skeletons, dragons — OH MY! I wished I could take some photos.

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ROSES

It started simply. I wandered into a bookstore in Dixon. Although I have camped in the area for many years, I did not know the bookstore was there. Entering I saw Sister Jean’s book “Wake Up With Purpose.” I knew it was mine. I decided that instead of reading Sister Jean from cover to cover, I would save a chapter for dessert. I recognized the name immediately. I had seen her on television many times over the years. I knew I would enjoy her thoughts. I was right. One serving and I knew I would need a place to write her thoughts or my comments.

The very next day I found the perfect journal, “Blessings Among the Roses”. There was plenty of pages waiting for comments enlivened by artwork and quotes. That inspired me to write today. Through the years I have received many roses but a few stand out in my memory.

I have written about many of them. I remember the fragrance of the roses when the blessed Virgin Mary was present at the Queen Of Heaven cemetery in Hillside. Heading out the door for Mass I found roses on the porch. I thought they were real, left by my neighbor. Only to discover that they are silk, identity of presenter unknown. They have a place in my kitchen. I wrote “Roses with the Morning Paper” in Journey with Me.

After my husband passed, we got a landscaper to enhance our front yard. I asked for stones and Hosta’s because our front yard is all shade. They brought 2 rose bushes. I knew my husband was involved. He knows I love roses. I asked the landscapers to move the roses to the sunshine in the back and Hosta’s to the front. Putting in a garden at the camper I asked for two rose bushes. The varieties the nursery chose blooms all summer.

Having both books surface this week is timely. I had been wrestling with questions about my age. Will I be healthy enough to continue to enjoy the camper? Articles about the accomplishments of people of advanced age are often in my sight. I decided to do what Sr. Jean is doing –Start the day with purpose.

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DISCOVERY

We have had smoke in the air from the fires in Canada. I haven’t noticed a problem breathing but I wondered if the smoke wasn’t affecting my body. My knees and fingers are experiencing problems. I wondered if the poor air quality is causing the issues.

Monday, I did not feel well. I made chicken noodle soup on Friday, more noodles spilled into the soup than I planned. I froze three pkgs and put the remainder in the frig. After I finished the soup in the frig, I raided the freezer.

Sitting outside, taking it easy, I watched 5 bunnies run in a line past me. A butterfly hovered around my head. It stayed long enough for me to talk to it. The hummingbirds visited the feeder and the petunias many times. In the evening the bunnies were back, running in a straight line. I watched a group of deer cross the road, headed to the corn field. It was an unusual day. The air quality seemed better.

Tuesday, I had energy. I was determined to do something. I pulled out the step stool and investigated a corner cabinet. I’m shrinking and so are my arms. The top shelf had something hidden in the back. I couldn’t reach it. Thankfully a fly swatter was on the sink. I used it to retrieve a large 2 qtr. plastic pitcher with a smaller one inside. I was going to leave it on the shelf where I could reach it. But then I realized I wouldn’t be able to get it down without a stool.

Since I had the stool, I cleaned off the top of the refrigerator. It had not been touched since my husband passed. It was LOADED with MICE droppings. Also loaded with cardboard tubes used to keep the frig doors open during the winter. I found a bunch of notes written many years ago. I DID NOT LOOK AT THEM. Bunching the mess up, I dropped it into the sink to be dealt with later. I was able to reach disinfectant kept in the sink cabinet. After putting stuff back, I continued with the small shelf in the corner cabinet. I found plastic storage bins with no tops. I planned to recycle them but plans hanged when with the help of the fly swatter I FOUND THE TOPS. Since I like to cook, they would be helpful in storing leftovers. I seldom make a one serving meal.

I decided I had done enough work for the day. Gathering up the trash, I threw it into a bag. I didn’t tie the bag because I had more stuff outside that I wanted to add to it. Tossing the bag down the stairs, a piece of paper escaped. It was a lovely note from Tom telling me he had gone fishing. Before dropping off the garbage bag, I searched for more notes. Most of them detailed life, shopping, church, etc. I found one in which Tom was taking our Lab, Mabel, to the lake.

I THINK TOM WANTED THE NOTES FOUND. THAT IS WHY ONE ESCAPED.

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ANNIVERSARY?

On Facebook this morning I saw a memory “Push, Prodded, I started writing a BLOG.” I had wondered when I had started writing it. I had the answer — 11 years ago — my oldest daughter’s birthday.

I’m still pestered and prodded to write. DAILY! The message can come over the air — television, radio, a song or a friend’s voice. It can come in written material. Lorretta Lynn wrote in her book A SONG AND A PRAYER . “You have to be patient with memories. Bad memories hurt but good memories hurt worse because you start wanting those times back.” Maybe that is why I’m haunted by bad memories. “Trials build character, but only if you want your character built.”

My phone has been acting up today. Texting has been confused. I had trouble using my fingers so I used the microphone to talk. It wasn’t as confused.

I wrote in DO YOU HEAR ME GRUMBLING? the problem and solution I had for my misjudgment on Nerve and Feet Pills. An update — I have been back home for a week and taking the normal dosage of 4 pills a day. I’m happy to report that although my hands still wake me at night — not as often, my knees still protest my standing too long or walking up and down the stairs. The pain I had in my shoulders and back has lessened. I ordered three more bottles of the pills and I’m taking 2 of those bottles with me to the camper. I’m not sure how long I’m going to stay. MY GARDEN will be planted soon. I’ve learned my lesson regarding pills and I’m taking all of them with me. My prescriptions were renewed so I won’t run out. I’m hoping that my fingers continue to improve. Of course, I’m hoping that my knees do also.

And so I continue to share my story. I’m aware that I walk to a different drummer. Two days ago, a memory popped up on Facebook of my grandchildren roasting marshmallows at the camper. My husband and dog were both in the photo. I posted something regarding their growth and my husband’s spirit still being with us. Today a memory popped up on Facebook that I’m not remembering. It is a picture of my husband wearing his yellow shirt. The photo is not clear, sort of fuzzy. It reminded me of a photo that has popped up on my phone in which he is singing. I found that video on my phone –it confirmed my feeling that he was singing. It posted July 9, 2021. I’m planning to head for the camper tomorrow. I think he is excited. Thankfully, My life continues to be INTERESTING!

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NUDGED AGAIN

My father passed in 1995. His spirit continues to HELP me. (My introduction to his HELP is in my book JOURNEY WITH ME.)

I remembered his birthday this year and posted his picture on Facebook. In October I closed our camper for the year and signed up to have it winterized. I have used that company for YEARS. His father set up our new trailer in 1984. His son winterized my trailer the same day I closed. He tried to turn off the gas but the knob just turned. Although I just had the gas tank filled, I called the gas company with the problem.

Long story shortened, a problem was discovered in my gas stove making it unusable. I called a local company and ordered a new one over the phone. Josh was at my camper when the new one was installed. After the stove was hooked up, he checked that the gas was shut off. He noticed the guage read ZERO. I had paid over $300 for a gas fill up. Many phone calls to the company to discuss the problem. Thankfully the problem was resolved on my father’s birthday. My account was credited and plans for a fill was set up.

During the summer my hands lost feeling, becoming numb. During October I got cortisone shots in both wrists for carpal tunnel. The morning of my father’s birthday, my right hand started losing feeling, became hot. I wear braces on my hands at night while sleeping. I was concerned.

The evening of my father’s birthday, I received a phone call from a promoter who wanted to republish Journey With Me.

The night before the promoter’s second phone call — my right hand became hot again. I wondered if it was a warning from my father to be careful.

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TIMING

The last time I posted was August 26, 2020 — Titled IN THE TIMING. I won’t bore you with the long story of why I stopped or why I’ve decided to write again.

Again, the title is TIMING. On the anniversary of my mother’s and brother’s passing, Jan. 19, 2023, I got a severe cold. Then a tooth that needed repair hurt, making eating on that side impossible. My cold improved and the tooth was removed, and my gum became infected. Three weeks of medication before the gum finally healed– on the anniversary of my father’s passing, Feb 19. I spent over a month sitting on the couch resting, praying.

I’m normally a busy person. I’m active, enjoy shopping, seldom watch television. I did NOT have energy to do anything but sit. My son went shopping more often in one month than he had in years. I cooked — BARELY. I watched our dog’s fur cover the house without the energy to do anything about it. DEPRESSED? I don’t know!

Before the infection healed, I reached the conclusion that I still had work to do and better regain my health. The dentists worried that because of my age I would have trouble breathing. Thankfully that did not happen.

The last time I wrote, I posted EVERY WEEK. This time I will try for once a month. More often if I’m inspired. I have a team on the other side who HELP me with my life. Interesting things have happened since my husband has joined the team. I have MORE STORIES to share.

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JOB

I am EXTREMELY LUCKY. I am retired, live in my own house and thankfully have enough money to pay our bills. My health is reasonably good. Thankfully my children are also doing well. We have food to eat. We have a roof over our heads. In this time of a raging pandemic, as long as we are careful, stay home, wear masks and gloves when going out and wash hands and surfaces — with God’s help — we will be all right.

Sadly the places I like to wander to are closed. Both zoos in our city, the museums and the Botanic Garden are not open to visitors. Many of the stores are not open either. The sheriff in the county our campground is located in prefers we stay home. I attend Mass on television.

If our state opened up today I don’t know how ready I would be to wander. This disease is running rampant. The county our campground is located in — had NO DISEASE until last week. Then 7 cases arose from a meat packing plant. This disease is claiming the lives of many people. At first, they announced that the elderly were most at risk but it seems as time is going on that all ages are fair game.

My husband was 80 years young when he passed. He had emphysema and diabetes. He WOULD NOT have handled this virus well. Although I wasn’t at the hospital when he passed, my children where. Many people are passing from this virus without their loved ones being at their side.

And I guess that is the reason that I’m supposed to continue writing these thought rambles. I AM EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT FIRST, I KNOW THERE IS LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE AND SECOND, THAT THEY ARE WELL. I don’t have any idea of what they do or what they look like but I know that I often receive “help” when I need it.

I self-published JOURNEY WITH ME in 2007. The date is printed in the book. I don’t know if it is still available on line. TO PAP, WITH LOVE IS. I had a reason to look recently.

I don’t know when I first started writing these thought rambles and published on Word Press. I think it is more than eight years ago. This month is my anniversary and evidently I’m supposed to continue.

EVERYONE NEEDS A JOB — EVIDENTLY THIS IS MINE.

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INDIA

When my father passed over, he had not learned how to use a computer. But he was very comfortable with a typewriter. It did not take him long to learn how to mess with my writing. My father was a very intelligent man. He was an inventor and a printer. It did not take him long to STOP computers from working or to stop the printer from printing. It did not take him long to figure out how to erase some of the words that I was writing. Soon after my father passed, I began a new learning. Some things I understood quickly, others took a MUCH LONGER TIME.

When my husband passed, he had the advantage of knowing how computers worked. Also cell phones. He has made his presence known in a way that is uniquely his. He stops the TV from working. He prevents my changing the channels. He is having a GRAND TIME MESSING with my text messages on the cell phone. Since my father did not include those things in his “help” I’m reasonably certain that it is my husband.

Then India started appearing on my cell phone when I was checking the weather. I was CONFUSED. It took a bit of time before I figured out where the 102 temperature was coming from. I knew it wasn’t in my back yard. Finally I learned it was in Rajasthan, India. Exactly where that city is India I have no idea. Why is it important? Another good question. The first time it occurred I thought since I was going shopping, it might be a message to wear a mask. I DID.

The temperature has popped up a few more times. I wasn’t planning on going out. I wasn’t planning on going shopping. After a few days, and help from the news paper, I realized that Ramadan was beginning. That is a month long religious celebration in which the people fast from sunrise to sundown. They don’t even drink water or smoke. They will have a harder time during this pandemic. Since I realized that — India only pops up when I’m going shopping.

As I was writing this thought ramble, the thought popped up that it might be interesting to see if there is really a message on the cell phone. It will be interesting to test out the theory.

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PURPOSE

I hate to admit it but my zest for life is hiding. I can easily sit in a chair or lay on the couch and watch the world go by. Many people are using this “stay at home time” to clean their house. Get rid of clutter. Catch up on projects. I AM NOT ONE OF THEM! I used to enjoy cooking — always looking for new recipes to make. That is another task that is on the side. I know it would be in my best interest to paint. I have the supplies but not the desire. A friend has counseled me to have patience with myself. This month will make 6 months since my husband passed. AND I VERY COMFORTABLY SIT HERE AND WATCHED THE WORLD GO BY!

I know that I want to spend time at the camper. I’m not afraid to stay out there by myself. Cleaning up the back yard, walking on the uneven terrain was challenging. It reminded me of the uneven terrain at the camper. Will I be able to walk out there? The last time I cleaned up the back yard, I took a cane. IT HELPED.

Staying home, not shopping uses up the stock of food in the house. The day finally came when I had to go to Wal-Mart. I have been putting off that shopping trip because of the virus. I made my list — it was lengthy. I wanted to go early, before the store got too crowded. I looked at the temperature on my phone and it registered 27. I forgot to check a detail and looked at the temperature again –102. WHAT? HOW? WHERE? I must admit it stopped my thinking IMMEDIATELY. DEFINITELY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. Researched revealed it was the temperature in Rajasthan, India? That reading bubbled in my mind for a while. Then I remembered that I had thought of checking my temperature before I went to the store. It was normal. Was I being reminded to do that before I left?

I wore a mask and had plastic gloves on my hands. Thankfully there was NO LINE waiting to get into the store. There were long lines in the cashiers waiting to get out. I headed for pharmacy, shoes and dog food and the rest of the groceries. My cart was LOADED. My KNEES were YELLING. I WANTED TO SIT DOWN and luckily I found a chair. I took the opportunity to check the list on my phone and discovered one forgotten item. THANKFULLY there was no line waiting to check out. I told the cashier she was going to get a break because it would take me awhile. IT DID.

LESSON LEARNED: I have to regain my stamina if I wanted to SAFELY STAY BY MYSELF at the camper. Sitting and watching the world go by was NOT IN MY BEST INTEREST.

I have a collection of exercise DVD’S and picked a Classical Stretch to begin working on my body. The exercises were EASY but the next day my knees as well as my back hurt. DETERMINED — I was going to exercise anyway. The DVD player WOULD NOT WORK. My son managed to get it working but I decided to take the day off. On the other side — My MAN IS STILL LOOKING OUT FOR ME.

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