Recent weeks have found me in four different states, three different homes, and two different hotels. I've logged hundreds of miles in my car and hundreds more in a friend's car. I've brewed many, many pots of coffee and steeped several cups of tea.
I have not done a single load of laundry.
Just over a week ago, Gran fell and broke both her left hip and her left shoulder. Life came to a halt, as I frantically headed to the emergency room. Thus began a week of fracturing speed limit laws almost every time I got into the car. A week ago yesterday, Gran had hip replacement surgery. She's had a bout with pneumonia, but is doing much better. How do I know? She was mocking me last night for buying more books and we were able to play the entire game of Jeopardy. (It's my understanding that some people merely watch the show. Gran and I have played along--keeping score--for about as long as I can remember.) After a stint in rehab, she should be as good as new.
There were a few moments during all of this that I thought I might go crazy. I was worried about Gran, trying to stay on top of things at work, and dealing with graduate school assignments. My to-do list was daunting. I felt myself sinking.
I didn't sink, though.
Why? Because a neighbor called to see how Gran was getting along. Because my boss's husband made trays of snacks and delivered them to me. Because my students could tell I was having a hard time and they stepped up to help out. Because Mom is the most selfless person I know. Because a friend reminded me to see the beauty in ordinary things. Because another friend drove 5 hours, one way, to have lunch with me.
I might get buried under the mountain of dirty laundry at my apartment, but I have learned that I can handle what life throws my way because I have good people around me. I don't know why it's easier to focus on the negative things that happen, but we should all be spending more time on the positive things in our lives. How have I practiced that this week? Well, I started by trying to let go of some of my anger. It's not something that will happen over night, but it's a start. I've also sent cards. You know--those things you write by hand, put a stamp on, and take to the post office. Some have been cards of thanks, some cards to just say hello, and other cards to remind people that they rock. A handwritten message has a way of brightening a day, but I also felt pretty good after posting them. I also stopped to look at the daffodils that blanket sections of campus. Something about the sunny flower always makes me smile.
It's been a bit of a battle--this focusing on the good and not snapping at people out of frustration and lack of sleep. I think it's one worth fighting, though.
Here's your assignment. Yeah, you read that correctly. I'm giving you an assignment. Go outside today and see what nature has to offer you. Maybe you'll spot a daffodil. Maybe you'll hear birds chirping. Maybe you'll find something that makes you smile. Whatever you find, I bet it makes your day.
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