Interesting question, don’t you think? As an
exercise I was supposed to watch these people in various parts of the country
answer that question. The exercise was to focus on the
characteristics of the people, but I was really into their answers. It was a bit
difficult to hear everything because the filmographer had music riddled through
it…an aggravating practice in my opinion.
But the answers I did
hear varied tremendously on the scale from personal to altruistic; from instant
gratification to long term effects. From “have more sex, money, etc…to world
peace. So I just thought I would rattle on about that for a minute and then
pose to you that thought.
Since it is only what I
would want to see before the end of the day, I do consider it a person question,
not one posed at the world to experience, so I’ll leave World Peace for another
day. Instant gratification would be that
I would like that my cold…and my dear hubby’s cold to instantly vanish. Neither
of us can comfort the other because we feel so lousy ourselves. It’s when I’m
down like this that I think of all the things I could be doing if I felt
better. When the cold gradually disappears, I’m back to taking it for granted.
An instant release would really jump my
guns, and I might begin doing all I wished to do. I know we could face the next day brighter
and sharper. On a selfish note, sure I think a Publisher’s Clearing House bus
should arrive at my curb…do they still do that anyway?
Then what comes to mind… at the end of this day, I would
hope that all the decisions regarding my husband’s mother could be cleared up.
She has been hospitalized for 4 months and the Medicare has run out and her
mental state is deteriorating. My dear husband is having to deal with this heartache
completely alone as his half-sister is incompetent and incapable of having any
empathy. His mother is 600 miles away so
the distance is making it even harder. I have seen him go from a fairly jovial,
carefee individual to an inward, grumpy and angry man. I hurt for him and wish
by the end of the day his pain would be over. Then comes the thought…be careful
what you ask for... Ever read the short story by W.W. Jacobs “The Monkey’s Paw” when the mother wished that
her dead son would be alive again? Well, it’s not a good thing.
So the bottom line is that by the end of the day, I hope
that all whom I know can have the same thing I wish for – my loved one comes
home and gives me a hug and looks me in the eye and says, “Hi, Love how was
your day, I want to hear all about it.”
How about you?
Most people our age have dealt with these things. It is gut wrenching. I will always regret that I was not available to an aging parent. So often, it comes down to one person who carries the burden of the caring for a dying parent. Just this week, we have had unsettling tax information and medical issues with more limited funds because of our government incompetence. Of course, the list goes on for all of us. As I read your post today, I think of you and your story. When I read your writing over the months, I admire your many accomplishments and ability to observe things around you with such a keen eye - particularly nature, including animals. Some of them I wish I could relate to more. I always wanted to be an English teacher! You've also with courage and generosity shared about the most tender losses in your life. I can only feel right now that your husband is so fortunate to have you. I am sorry about how alone he must feel regarding his sister's inadequacies. Maybe, you're better off without her fine hand. In one of your other posts, you shared about the things you've gone through and how they've caused an even stronger bond between you and your husband. I will keep all of you in my prayers right up at the front of the list. Bless you.
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ReplyDeleteI've also experienced what you have going on...on both accounts... and for you to reach out to me in such a loving and tender way during your trials touches my heart. I really needed to hear your comment just when I opened it and I do believe you are an angel. Thank you for your thoughts and I will keep you in my prayers as well as we both journey through the lives we have been given. You certainly make these stops along the way a refreshing respite. Blessinsg to you and yours, Suzanne
"The Monkey's Paw". What a story full of so many lessons. I once worked in an office where each morning the Fundamentalist doctors prayed each morning for plenty of patients and patients who paid to bout. When it was my turn one morning to pray, I asked for a red bicycle. No laughter. A few weeks later though, my husband gave me a bike. Horsing around, I fell off and sustained a nasty injury! As usual, your posts are inspiring. I forget sometimes to just ask for "Thy Will Be Done, Not Mine." It's hard, especially when we are wanting blessings on someone else. It seems like one thing after another for your family at times. You aren't alone and I will also keep you in my prayers. Your bottom line of sharing about one's day and hugs is perfect - sometimes all that is needed! Along with PCH bus. Of course, I am old enough to remember Queen for a Day and whatever the program was about the millionaire.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question. I've been on a quest to put my house in order in the truest sense. A lifetime of papers, keepsakes, boxes of things that I cannot figure out how they ended up together and on and on. At 60 years old I am petrified that if something happens to me, people will come in and wonder what in the heck was going on in my life. It's not as bad as the show about hoarders but by my standards, it's bad. So, my end of the day goal is spread out over several weeks. By the end of each day, I need to have taken care of 4 boxes - completely. Purging, mailing things, filing in the proper place and preparing keepsake boxes for the kids. My goal is to have this all done by Thanksgiving and be able to enjoy the rest of the holidays. So, it will take many days of hoping for some progress at the end of the day! It is all very emotional. I could use a hug. I'll text my husband and tell him I am expecting one and will give one in return. Happy Blogging.
ReplyDeleteI love the thought: "If you want God to laugh, tell Him your plans." I will anyway. I am sure He'll forgive me. I would like for everyone who annoyed me on the highway yesterday have your cold.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the day, I would like to lose 25 pounds and be rushed by every major fashion magazine for a layout. Seriously, this evening after I floss my teeth, I would simply like to look into the mirror and be able to say, "Job well done, Honey. You're a winner today." Thanks for the exercize!
ReplyDeleteWish, wish, wishes. Hoping by the end of the year, I will know where I'll be living. During this drought, I think of leaving the Southwest and going to the Northeast and then I just hear that for over a week the area we may be transferred to has been without power for over a week. I've often abhorred where we live and wanted to get away. Now, close to retirement and the unsteady - dire - economy, our area looks better all the time - even though our air conditioner went out three times this year. Two of the times, 90 degrees inside the house for 2 days! Living in today is easier some days than others. By the end of the day, I hope to be graciously accepting of being powerless and ask for strength to have integrity and a sense of humor. To be grateful my husband has work he loves and that I have him - a person of faith.
ReplyDeletePerhaps not really related to this post but I just read that Jack the Cat, lost at JKF, for over 2 months was finally put to sleep after a terrible ordeal. My wish today is that his owner finally be at peace and know this wasn't her fault and that thousands of people have shed a tear for her Jack. Of course, my dear, developmentally disabled son said today, "I miss our kitties." I asked him where they are now. He replied, "They are in heaven playing cards and getting hammered." Verbatim. (This isn't an example we set at home, so I don't know where it came from but some days sounds good when chocolate doesn't help.) But, why not? I'm old enough to remember Art Linkletter and his interviews with kids and "Kids do say the darnest things." I'll bet your students said some priceless things over the years. Looking forward to next assignment!
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