First of all, my dad passed away, unexpectedly, on July 1st. I had gone over to check on him when I couldn't reach him by phone and ended up finding him. He was already gone due to cardiac arrest. It has nearly done me in. He and I were the last two of our little family of four and we knew, no matter what, we always had each other's backs. Now... well, he's gone and a big part of me is gone with him. We've been through so much throughout my life and it is only by a miracle that forgiveness took place and our relationship was restored to better than before. I am thankful for the last five years we had. It was, by far, the best and I will treasure those last years with my daddy.
Whew... that was tough to type! Moving on...
Due to my dad's passing, I've been left with all the business details to wrap up. If it weren't for my husband, I would have jumped ship a long time ago! He has been the one to get the ball rolling with the lawyers, financial advisors, utilities, etc. I can't remember when I've had to sign my name so much!
Today, for instance, I spent an hour working with the lady at the DMV to change my dad's vehicles into my name. Yes, an hour and that was with NO waiting! It's days like today, when I have to go take care of business and be reminded, once again, that he is not coming back that I find to be the hardest.
Moving on again...
Before my whole world was turned upside down, we had been trying to decide where to go for vacation. After the turn of events, it was just assumed we would not be going anywhere. I was in no way, shape or form able or willing to commit to a solid decision about anything. Half the time, it felt like (and still does) I didn't know which end was up.
However, after having a particularly bad evening about three weeks after my dad's passing, my husband decided it was time for us to go ahead with the vacation and told me to start planning. After much thought and debate, we decided to go ahead with it since nothing I did here was going to change anything. We decided to use our passports we had just gotten and head off to the Bahamas. Atlantis, on Paradise Island, to be exact.
It was beautiful and so peaceful. Even though the tears still found their way out from time to time while there, I was able to take in the sights and just 'get away' from the heartache that waited at home. It was the trip of a lifetime and I am thankful we were able to go.
As far as my health is concerned, the stress of the last few months has tried to take its toll by causing some digestive issues. Not to mention that my daughter and I brought home a Bahamian bug that was one wicked little sucker! He hung on for almost two weeks and it was one of the worst two weeks of our lives. Once I thought I was finally over it, something started up again with me unable to keep anything on my stomach and landing me in the Emergency Room getting fluids and pain meds for stomach cramps! Doctor had mentioned he thought I might have to stay the night, but, thankfully, I managed to talk my way out of it.
Today was pretty much the first day I'd gotten out and done anything in about two weeks and, even though it was about 105 degrees out, it was nice to get out.
Tomorrow, I'll be having a couple of friends out to swim and soak up the last of the hot, summer days and just enjoying each other's company. I look forward to doing nothing, even though there is plenty I should be doing!
School has started and our youngest is a Sophomore this year. I am so proud of my daughter. Mostly, because she is nothing and I mean NOTHING like I was at that age! She has been through more in the last few years than most adults and I so admire her faith and strength. Needless to say, she has gotten ME through some rough moments. So thankful for her!
What's next? Hmmm... We're gearing up to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday! Wow. 50. I'll save my thoughts on that for another post. Just let me say that I teared up as I picked out a birthday card for him today.
As for celebrations... the 3rd Anniversary of the Heart Attack/quitting smoking has come and gone. I decided to celebrate by going out and making it a Random Act of Kindness Day with my kid. I won't go into detail on what all took place that day, but it was one of the most moving and heartwarming days I've had in such a long time. I want to do another in the near future! By the way, if you've never performed a RAoK, I highly recommend it. You'll not only touch someone elses life, you'll find that your own life will be affected, too.
There. All caught up, I think. Well, with the major stuff, anyway.
'Til next time...
XO
No comments:
Post a Comment