26. R22, C32 -Thursday, July 18, 2024

Yesterday, Owen and I had a two hour appointment with the VA. This was the start of assessing Owen’s ability to self-sustain in the community. This was a difficult discussion.

My eyes were opened to a lot yesterday.

1.) I really got to thinking about medical professionals, our military, and our VA professionals. I think that when you are married to one, you don’t focus on the gift that they have: a desire to help and to do good. I do think that there must be so much more of a demand than there is a supply of these types of personnel (well, I actually know this to be true just in my line of work). I think it’s exasperated in the military. And so it is a blessing, a massive one, that we are constantly in touch with people who love their job and who haven’t made us feel like we are a number. I can’t imagine working in Oncology. Or working as a social worker. Or as a Chaplain. Constantly hearing about and working with patients and clients who are suffering. It takes a big heart to do what they do.

2.) I realized how special people are. In this day in age, where there is so much anger about how the country is ran or who is running for what, the world has forgotten to agree to disagree and move on. We also take for granted the time we have had with our parents, our grandparents, our kids, our other family member and friends. They all play a huge role in our lives and at times, we give more attention to the rocks and boulders that we encounter. I see how important it is to spend the time to talk with others. I was reminded that nothing is new under the sun. And I was reminded of how powerful it is to know you aren’t alone.

I am always so amazed at how much joy the Muffin brings, all 22 pounds of her. Just seeing her dance ir smile just brightens every room. It’s so crazy the power she wields!!! She doesn’t even know it.

3.) I realized that all of us have challenges in life. All of us have unspoken struggles. A very smart woman once told me “we aren’t designed to carry our burdens by ourselves.” I was reminded yesterday that I can’t be everything. I can’t operate at 150% everyday. Although I believe I can…. It just can’t work that way.

4.) Life is way too short to be angry.

And THAT is a segway to our ride home yesterday. A lady killed her tires and wheels trying to pass us from a right turn only lane. Tsk tsk tsk. Her 30 second lapse of judgement will cost her a couple grand in replacements. This is her in the grass after her stunt:

You know Owen and I had to turn back and get a license plate….

This afternoon, I am seeing a doctor about a skin concern that I have. I’m scared.