The temperature has been well below freezing for a week and is forecast to get worse this weekend. A temperature above freezing is not soon to come…they predict. Today the snow fell and fell and fell. Tonight the snow is falling faster.
My car has been in and out of the shop the past 10 days. It occasionally makes loud pops and grinding noises during turns. Since it was only occasionally happening, it was hard to pinpoint the problem. The shop eventually discovered that the right front brake plate was bent and was rubbing against the brake pad. They’ve pounded the brake plate back to flat, but I haven’t driven enough to know if that’s corrected the issue.
Reggie is limping really badly and might have a soft tissue injury around the right shoulder, but it could be a neck or spinal problem. He’s doing better, but if the issue is in the neck or spine it will continue to be a problem. Some evenings he’s barely been able to walk and all I can give him is extra prednisone to reduce swelling. The vet wanted to keep Reg off pain medication because he’s on prednisone and has a liver problem.
A family member is having a pain-related health problem that hasn’t been diagnosed. We’re talking crippling pain, sobbing in pain…and having to wait the results of blood tests before much else can be done. Fortunately, she can take pain medications.
And then today, a long-time family friend died. S.S. had been suffering and we knew the end was coming, but we will miss him. He was a Christ-loving, teaching, dear, kind, gracious man. Today he is in Heaven and we’re so thankful that we knew him. S.S. had six seven children; four five older than me, two younger. I went to the same college as S.S., and he was thrilled about that. We had a good laugh that one of my teachers had also been one of his teachers…she taught for something like 50 years. I’ll miss his knowledge and kindness, but celebrate that he is with his Lord.
I’m afraid poor Reggie has had to put up with me being in a less than stellar mood. Not too bad I think, just tiredness leading to irritability. He’s come and sat in my lap several times, which is actually an indication of how poorly he’s felt because he hates sitting in anyone’s lap or snuggling. But he’s doing better, and my mood didn’t damage our relationship. And I don’t think anyone else has been exposed to my irritability, because I controlled it…I hope…and tonight was more mellow sadness. The year has hardly started…I need to focus on the good.
I’m thankful my car is running and is hopefully ok now. I’m thankful the shop didn’t charge me anything (I think they felt guilty it took so long and I’d previously suggested the brakes were seizing). I’m thankful Reggie is improving. I’m thankful the pain medications are helping M.
I thankful that S.S. improved the lives of everyone around him. I’m thankful S.S. is in Heaven. I’m thankful I know his family and they have each other and their faith.
I’m thankful that I have a roof over my head and a working furnace during this ugly cold and heavy snow. The temperatures are supposed to get dangerously low this weekend and I’m praying for safety for all. I saw a cat outside during a cold spell before Christmas, but it ran away. Another night I heard it crying, but I couldn’t find it. Neighbor’s and I have seen its footprints in the snow…so I’m worried about the little thing. I’m thankful Reggie has a home with me. I’m thankful none of my friends make their pets stay out at night. (I’m assuming the cat is a stray, or I might have to harm the owner if located.)
I’m thankful for my family and friends. What would life be without them? I’m thankful that one day I’ll see S.S. again…but he’ll forgive me if I say not too soon, I hope.
I bet your thankful I’m quitting now to go to bed. It’s only 2:00 A.M., but this will probably be timestamped when I started the post around 11:30. And I’m sorry I’m behind in replying to emails.