Freedom

Yes, each of us has the freedom to decide to be vaccinated or not, however, with each decision we make, there is a consequence.  Sometimes, the risk to get the shot is greater than the rewards, of course, and this has to be weighed, especially those who are advised against it for medical reasons. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

I just got home from trying to visit my husband in a local facility, only to be met by others leaving explaining it was just shut down because of covid...an employee who was not vaccinated.

Then I think of the number of residents in that facility who now, once again, cannot have visitors.  How many residents are there? I don't even know. But I do know that about half of the employees are not vaccinated.  They also have the upper hand over management because of the shortage of workers.    

Now, because of  ONE PERSON, one person mind you, MY FREEDOM to visit, to support a family member, has been taken away from me! I am not alone.  There are others in different situations, perhaps waiting to transfer there, who may be blocked because the facility may not be able to take new admissions because of lockdown.  I'm not sure. 

There is a ripple effect to how freedom works.  It is not a single thing but it reaches all shores like a bolder thrown into the middle of a pond!  Yes, not a pebble in the ocean, but a boulder into a pond.  This is a huge repercussion...huge! 

What will it take to encourage others to get vaccinated?  I don't know.  They do have the freedom to decline but I wish they would think about others that are harmed and their freedom is denied because of this one decision! 

"Thinking of You!"

Courtesy of Pixabay

"I'm thinking of you!" This statement has brought me wonderful feelings, coming from callers on the other end of the phone.  I have learned to say it too, which opens the conversation to whatever the other person wants to talk about.

There are many times in our lives that questions and probing is too invasive, plus there just might not be time to really share what's going on in one's life. Timing may be poor.

This reality is not something I have always been conscious of but in the past several years it got my attention especially when one day got worse than the next and there were times I couldn't keep up with myself, let alone update caring friends. 

And indeed, friends and acquaintances alike were concerned, caring and meant well; this was obvious.  Sometimes, a single meal, a card, a kind gesture of shoveling snow or mowing grass is what's needed...and so appreciated.

However, thank goodness for answering machines to  take a message when the phone can't be answered, to hear that warm sound that says, "I was just thinking of you!" These are words that warm the cockles of my heart!!

 

"Thanks a Million!"

This past week has been extraordinary. Many "God stories" have occurred ;too many details to share here but yesterday and today two folks stopped me in my tracks as I thanked them for something very special they did for me. I simply said, "Thanks a million!"

I bought a handicap van yesterday and the salesman said that in the course of our time together I had thanked him 3 times with this phrase saying, "it must be the phrase of the day!" And this afternoon I said it while picking up my husband's birthday cake from a friend who gifted him with it! 

 I chuckle as I looked up it's origin, finding that it is an Irish saying.  Yup, got some Irish in me, as well as a lot of Ohio, too! Then, seeing all the birthday cards you have sent him, my heart overflows a million times at your kindness, generosity and willingness to send a card. 

In the movie, "Dances with wolves" the old Indian, at one point exclaimed, "my heart soars like a hawk" but for me when my heart overflows, the first thing that comes out is, Thanks a million!" 

Courtesy of Google.com

So, rather than replying to each comment on Facebook, collectively, allow me to repeat myself again..."Thanks a million!" Jerry has enjoyed reading all your cards, comments and well-wishing, so much.  You made OUR day! 

Bird nests

Tis the season for bird nests.  This next month the yards will be teaming with birds coming north for the season.  I love this time of year, as do many of you.

The sky is even filled with wonderful sites as the Canadian geese fly north in formation; it's as awesome a site in spring as it is in fall. 

However, I heard something at a meeting recently that really caught my ear: "You can't keep the birds from flying overhead but you can keep them from nesting in your hair!" I don't know about you but lately I have had lots of birds flying overhead, trying to nest in my hair! 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Yes, this is a metaphor for all that gets to us, things that worry us, crises that occur, days that are filled with one challenge after another. Your life ever look like this? 

Well, as I was sharing some things with my sister she said, "well, you're doing it...taking one day at a time."  Mainly, I think, is that  most turmoil is in our minds, those thoughts that swirl and grow and become mountains of boogy-man scenes. Continuing this pattern are the nests that can turn us upside down. 

So, for today, I am just watching those beautiful creatures flying overhead, hearing their voices sqaucking their presence, looking for their mates and nesting sites.  Some fly low, checking me out, but none have nested in my hair lately!  Hope not yours, either!