Ordinary Moments - Sacred Memories

 

As Jimmy sleeps later into this morning, I am beginning the day leisurely with a cup of jasmine tea I brought with me from Willowbrook Manor in Sedro Woolley, Washington.  Writing is a luxury I can afford myself now with all of the boxes emptied in my "office/hobby room/bedroom" as I call it.  Clothes are hung, my computer desk has open spaces, some cloth storage boxes in my closet are even sorted, and I can literally walk about my room on an empty floor.  That is a relief when order versus chaos starts to fill what must be my "need for order" psyche.  I am truly amazed I managed to fit the contents of two former large rooms into one small bedroom, but it is working!  With the sound of the birds singing outside my window, and quiet instrumental music playing, this is a long awaited, very pleasant start to the day.

Snoopy has made a great recovery with the anti-inflammatory medication combined with a glucosamine chondroitin supplement recommended by the veterinarian.  He's back to all of his usual behaviors and routines that endear him to us, and that is a huge relief.  It's almost like he's smiling about his recovery.

 

On the other hand, it has been a stressful week as my brother had heart surgery Tuesday, and I just learned on Wednesday another friend (who has been like a brother to me for most of my adult life) was diagnosed with cancer.  I measure the meaning of life in being surrounded by those I love for eternity.  I know that's not realistic, but I don't like change nor loss.  These two circumstances are a challenge for both of the patients, as well as  myself.  Praying and emotional support with lots of cards, texts, and perhaps phone calls are my planned response for both of them.  When you love someone deeply, their presence via any of the forms above is a blessing beyond description.  I don't want to waste even a moment of potential interaction time.  As Deacon Brian from my church wrote to me in an email today, "None of us knows when ordinary moments will suddenly become sacred memories."  I choose to make ordinary special for every moment that I am given with those I love.

Jimmy is awake, and now it is our coffee time.