I had 2 txt messages from two of my children’s friends growing up wishing me a Happy Mother’s day. One is a long time friend of my daughter’s who also told me she loved me and one is a friend of my son’s who thanked me for always being so kind and for having his best friend (my son). I thought that was so sweet and totally unexpected.
I’ve been thinking about today’s question all day at various moments. What’s surprised me recently, and credit, for it goes largely to this community, is that I have finally surrendered to the circumstances and reality of my own very special one of a kind, auto immune disease! (Attempt at humor here… then spell check tried to correct “humor” to the medication, Humira, which is something I am taking actually!) I had been saying for two years or more that my intention and dealing with this new reality is that, “ I want to do as much as I can for as long as I can for as many as I can,” which I know is a worthwhile goal but not realistic, of course. I realize that that approach is the Quaker minister in me. But somewhere over the last few weeks a bell rang, with a combination of our daily questions and the people here who respond in various ways, helped me to turn a corner and embrace the idea that surrendering to the reality of my circumstances does not mean giving up. lots more on that I could say, but I need to set the table for dinner and the dog also wants to be fed , so thank you, friends, and good night!
I appreciate your thoughts. I am on the other side of that coin. My husband has a rare blood disorder. I don’t want to give up nor do I want him to give up. His doctor keeps empathizes quality of life. So we keep trucking with daily activities but keep the facts of reality in place. My definition of his “quality of life” is not always his definition. Clarity also comes into play here.
Thanks for your honest sharing.
Thanks Kevin, because your answer helps me too.
It is the best way to deal with chronic issues. I join you in thanking this community, I have learned a lot here.
However this reminder is useful, every day brings its own story, and I, a fragile creature, sometimes forget…
Seeing two beautiful red cardinals in the backyard. I grew up on Long Island, and we used to have lots of them – and blue jays, They had all but thanks to over-development they had all but disappeared. Thanks to our local environmentalists, they are coming back. I am very grateful for their hard work and dedication.
hi Dolores, I live in southern New England alongside Buzzards Bay and not far from Cape Cod. I enjoy feeding the birds, all kinds of birds, and we regularly have cardinals at the feeders and on the ground nearby. A lot of people think the Cardinals are not around, but they prefer to be in open spaces shortly after sunrise and well after sunset, as ornithologists believe that their bright color makes them more Leary of being spotted and being at risk.
Completely unexpected, my Godson and I were invited to a Flamenco dance event by a dear friend, performed by wonderful musicians and tree females of a gipsy tribe in a classical Flamenco bar where hardly tourists find their way to. Music and dance in perfect presence, full of passion and joy, and more. In the end, one of the dancers brought as well her Baby on stage, dancing with it on her arms. Although about approx. 6-7 months old, it was already slightly moving to the music also. You could sense the music in its blood so to say. So cute, natural and touching it was performed by all of the little group and a vivacious and wonderfully playing guitar player. At the end my friends and I were invited by the female owner of the bar to visit the Patio where she shows us about the history of this place and the most famous Flamenco dancers of former times was interwoven with her life. It was an honor to have had the chance to experience some of this to me completely unknown extremely vivacious way of being in the moment, kindness and full presence. So touching and a beautiful surprise it was to having had the chance to share this evening all together and to be allowed for a moment to get a kind of authentic feeling for them and their world.
I was surprised on Mother’s Day at the people, who are not my children, who chose to reach out to me with a wish of well being. You never know whose life you may be impacting.
Mother Nature and all her glory. A big thunderstorm with lightning last night & this morning birds all around singing their little hearts out. Green, green meadows as far as I can see. This view from my terrace is absolutely delightful & peaceful. I feel very blessed & fortunate.🙏🏻❤️
Yesterday I rode my first rollercoaster ever – the Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Orlando, which is apparently considered one of the top coasters in the country – I’m 43 – no clue how I’d react – did it anyways and ended up having a blast.
I am continually surprised by people
in my life, who are able to step up and
perform in a way that was not possible
in the recent past. I see how hard it is
and how much they have had to overcome.
From the outside it may just look like
another day at work, or something simple,
like going food shopping. But I see what a
struggle it has been and how much effort
they have summoned.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. This is
probably a reflection of my own limited
abilities and vision.
When I was in New Orleans for a conference last week I had Saturday to spend just being a tourist before getting on a plane around dinner time. At the Louisiana State Museum there was a group playing music outside (because there are *always* people playing music everywhere in New Orleans it seems!). The docent, without me asking, said, “If you want to hear the real music go a couple blocks up Royal and listen to the woman at the corner. She’s a classically trained clarinetist.” After going through the museum, which had some really striking works by Hunt Slonem–an artist I’d never heard of so that was a pleasant surprise too–I went up the street and sure enough that woman could play! New Orleans is so full of music but she was something extra special. I hadn’t asked for the recommendation so that was the pleasant surprise. Her name is Doreen Ketchens and she’s phenomenal. Hearing her hold a high note on the clarinet for an impossibly long time, standing in sunshine that wasn’t too blazing hot with others all smiling and listening, was a beautiful moment. https://www.doreensjazz.org/
Once in New Orleans we went out early on a foggy morning. There was a saxophone just echoing off the buildings. I went in search of the sound. It was a great moment; NO, fog and a saxophone player before the tourists.
My blood sugar was a 186 yesterday morning. This morning, it was a 147 despite having some cake yesterday. I had cake in the afternoon. I knew my blood sugar was going to drop for this morning after a light dinner, but I was very surprised in a good way that it dropped by 39.
I cannot say that I have any surprises lately. I did receive two beautiful cards from two of my nieces for Mother’s Day and that was very nice. Oh…well I did get a surprise yesterday…but not in a good way. My husband was mowing and weeding (weed whacking with the gas weeder)…and it was time for breakfast. I had called him on his cell phone and texted without a response. I went flying out of the house to get him…and when I got to our driveway there was a vegetable matter growing. We do not know what it is- but it is slippery. Next thing! I was flying …landed on my hands and knees..Ka…Boom!!! Skinned knee…blood running down…me screaming…and sitting in water! It had rained all day Friday and Saturday and our land is just saturated. My morning did not turn out the way I expected and my husband did not come in for another 35 minutes…and I had put everything away!! I was hurt and angry. But…I am OK and after an hour or so…we had our breakfast. My husband took the blade of our tractor and skuffed up the ground to get rid of this invasive slime!! I am sure that it is not the end of it. Hopefully, some natural weed killer will get rid of it. I did learn to watch where I am walking…Thankfully, I am old…but can withstand a fall!! Wishing everyone a good day on their two feet!!
The worst thing for me after wiping out, Nannette, is the immediate looking around to see if anyone saw me. 99% of the time it is just the dog, but I still look around!
Yesterday my family had unexpectedly planned a full day of celebration for me for Mother’s Day. The weather was beautiful, so we walked downtown, shared a lovely meal, and I received many unexpected gifts from both my daughters and their families. A wonderful surprise! My heart is full.
I was surprised at the number of folks that can up and talked to me when I was planting.
I was surprised when my son hadn’t sent a mother’s day card but then read it to me on Marco Polo. Very cute!
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I had 2 txt messages from two of my children’s friends growing up wishing me a Happy Mother’s day. One is a long time friend of my daughter’s who also told me she loved me and one is a friend of my son’s who thanked me for always being so kind and for having his best friend (my son). I thought that was so sweet and totally unexpected.
That speaks highly to your energy/caring and the lasting impact you have had with these two people. I am glad for you Robin Ann.
Awe, thank you Joseph
I’ve been thinking about today’s question all day at various moments. What’s surprised me recently, and credit, for it goes largely to this community, is that I have finally surrendered to the circumstances and reality of my own very special one of a kind, auto immune disease! (Attempt at humor here… then spell check tried to correct “humor” to the medication, Humira, which is something I am taking actually!) I had been saying for two years or more that my intention and dealing with this new reality is that, “ I want to do as much as I can for as long as I can for as many as I can,” which I know is a worthwhile goal but not realistic, of course. I realize that that approach is the Quaker minister in me. But somewhere over the last few weeks a bell rang, with a combination of our daily questions and the people here who respond in various ways, helped me to turn a corner and embrace the idea that surrendering to the reality of my circumstances does not mean giving up. lots more on that I could say, but I need to set the table for dinner and the dog also wants to be fed , so thank you, friends, and good night!
I appreciate your thoughts. I am on the other side of that coin. My husband has a rare blood disorder. I don’t want to give up nor do I want him to give up. His doctor keeps empathizes quality of life. So we keep trucking with daily activities but keep the facts of reality in place. My definition of his “quality of life” is not always his definition. Clarity also comes into play here.
Thanks for your honest sharing.
Thanks Kevin, because your answer helps me too.
It is the best way to deal with chronic issues. I join you in thanking this community, I have learned a lot here.
However this reminder is useful, every day brings its own story, and I, a fragile creature, sometimes forget…
Thank you, friend Kevin, and a peaceful slumber to you.
Seeing two beautiful red cardinals in the backyard. I grew up on Long Island, and we used to have lots of them – and blue jays, They had all but thanks to over-development they had all but disappeared. Thanks to our local environmentalists, they are coming back. I am very grateful for their hard work and dedication.
I’m fortunate enough to see them everyday in my backyard – I call the male ‘my little man’, so vibrant and beautiful.
hi Dolores, I live in southern New England alongside Buzzards Bay and not far from Cape Cod. I enjoy feeding the birds, all kinds of birds, and we regularly have cardinals at the feeders and on the ground nearby. A lot of people think the Cardinals are not around, but they prefer to be in open spaces shortly after sunrise and well after sunset, as ornithologists believe that their bright color makes them more Leary of being spotted and being at risk.
That’s interesting Kevin. I’ll be on the lookout at dusk and dawn. You live in a beautiful area. Cape Cod is one of my favorite places to visit.
Completely unexpected, my Godson and I were invited to a Flamenco dance event by a dear friend, performed by wonderful musicians and tree females of a gipsy tribe in a classical Flamenco bar where hardly tourists find their way to. Music and dance in perfect presence, full of passion and joy, and more. In the end, one of the dancers brought as well her Baby on stage, dancing with it on her arms. Although about approx. 6-7 months old, it was already slightly moving to the music also. You could sense the music in its blood so to say. So cute, natural and touching it was performed by all of the little group and a vivacious and wonderfully playing guitar player. At the end my friends and I were invited by the female owner of the bar to visit the Patio where she shows us about the history of this place and the most famous Flamenco dancers of former times was interwoven with her life. It was an honor to have had the chance to experience some of this to me completely unknown extremely vivacious way of being in the moment, kindness and full presence. So touching and a beautiful surprise it was to having had the chance to share this evening all together and to be allowed for a moment to get a kind of authentic feeling for them and their world.
How special, my 4th grade teacher taught us many things about spain and I love it.
Dear O. Christina, wonderful flamenco! I am happy you could enjoy it.
O, Christina, I love flamenco!
I was surprised on Mother’s Day at the people, who are not my children, who chose to reach out to me with a wish of well being. You never know whose life you may be impacting.
Mother Nature and all her glory. A big thunderstorm with lightning last night & this morning birds all around singing their little hearts out. Green, green meadows as far as I can see. This view from my terrace is absolutely delightful & peaceful. I feel very blessed & fortunate.🙏🏻❤️
Yesterday I rode my first rollercoaster ever – the Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Orlando, which is apparently considered one of the top coasters in the country – I’m 43 – no clue how I’d react – did it anyways and ended up having a blast.
Nice. I love rollercoasters too. They have a lot of those at Valleyfaire in Minnesota.
I am continually surprised by people
in my life, who are able to step up and
perform in a way that was not possible
in the recent past. I see how hard it is
and how much they have had to overcome.
From the outside it may just look like
another day at work, or something simple,
like going food shopping. But I see what a
struggle it has been and how much effort
they have summoned.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. This is
probably a reflection of my own limited
abilities and vision.
When I was in New Orleans for a conference last week I had Saturday to spend just being a tourist before getting on a plane around dinner time. At the Louisiana State Museum there was a group playing music outside (because there are *always* people playing music everywhere in New Orleans it seems!). The docent, without me asking, said, “If you want to hear the real music go a couple blocks up Royal and listen to the woman at the corner. She’s a classically trained clarinetist.” After going through the museum, which had some really striking works by Hunt Slonem–an artist I’d never heard of so that was a pleasant surprise too–I went up the street and sure enough that woman could play! New Orleans is so full of music but she was something extra special. I hadn’t asked for the recommendation so that was the pleasant surprise. Her name is Doreen Ketchens and she’s phenomenal. Hearing her hold a high note on the clarinet for an impossibly long time, standing in sunshine that wasn’t too blazing hot with others all smiling and listening, was a beautiful moment. https://www.doreensjazz.org/
Once in New Orleans we went out early on a foggy morning. There was a saxophone just echoing off the buildings. I went in search of the sound. It was a great moment; NO, fog and a saxophone player before the tourists.
I believe she was on an episode of Queer Eye. It was very sweet and she’s amazing.
My blood sugar was a 186 yesterday morning. This morning, it was a 147 despite having some cake yesterday. I had cake in the afternoon. I knew my blood sugar was going to drop for this morning after a light dinner, but I was very surprised in a good way that it dropped by 39.
I used to be an introvert. What has surprised me is that I actually enjoy making new friends and getting to know people.
I cannot say that I have any surprises lately. I did receive two beautiful cards from two of my nieces for Mother’s Day and that was very nice. Oh…well I did get a surprise yesterday…but not in a good way. My husband was mowing and weeding (weed whacking with the gas weeder)…and it was time for breakfast. I had called him on his cell phone and texted without a response. I went flying out of the house to get him…and when I got to our driveway there was a vegetable matter growing. We do not know what it is- but it is slippery. Next thing! I was flying …landed on my hands and knees..Ka…Boom!!! Skinned knee…blood running down…me screaming…and sitting in water! It had rained all day Friday and Saturday and our land is just saturated. My morning did not turn out the way I expected and my husband did not come in for another 35 minutes…and I had put everything away!! I was hurt and angry. But…I am OK and after an hour or so…we had our breakfast. My husband took the blade of our tractor and skuffed up the ground to get rid of this invasive slime!! I am sure that it is not the end of it. Hopefully, some natural weed killer will get rid of it. I did learn to watch where I am walking…Thankfully, I am old…but can withstand a fall!! Wishing everyone a good day on their two feet!!
Heal thoroughly and quickly. Didn’t you just have a recent fall prior to this?
Like Barb said, hopefully you’re not feeling the brunt of it today.
The worst thing for me after wiping out, Nannette, is the immediate looking around to see if anyone saw me. 99% of the time it is just the dog, but I still look around!
I’m sorry this happened.
So sorry you took a tumble! I hope you’re not too sore from it today.
Yesterday my family had unexpectedly planned a full day of celebration for me for Mother’s Day. The weather was beautiful, so we walked downtown, shared a lovely meal, and I received many unexpected gifts from both my daughters and their families. A wonderful surprise! My heart is full.
My grandchildren and my sons.
I was surprised at the number of folks that can up and talked to me when I was planting.
I was surprised when my son hadn’t sent a mother’s day card but then read it to me on Marco Polo. Very cute!