Tomorrow is my turn to take my mother to the Salvation Army. My three daughters and I each do it once a month. We all find the service painful, not because we don't have faith in a power greater than ourselves, but because it is not the church we are used to, grew up in, feel comfortable with.
But we do it, because we love her. Of course, this is not enough for her.
She knows that we are not smitten like she is, but still she tries to engage us in conversation after the fact. She actually tries to get us to say how great it is, even though she knows better. I think what she really wants is for us to admit that we hate it, so she can argue why it is wonderful, and convince us of the error of our ways.
It is a painful dance.
There is, however, lunch afterwards, her treat. And that can be quite enjoyable. Then the grocery store.
She looks forward to this all week, and love makes it happen.
I think, though, that I am holding out for a tambourine. Or else.
I only wish I had the nerve to curl up on the bench, and take a nap right through it all. Noone would notice, but her.
If this headache is because of the barometric pressure, I am doomed. If it is ragweed, I pray for a heavy frost. Now.
Yesterday I saw this video, about a soldier, Tyler Southern, doing rehab, after losing both legs and one arm in Afghanistan.......does anyone know why we are there? But I digress.
His good arm works, though it is severely damaged.
During the entire interview, there were clips of him working out, walking on his mew metal legs, getting married, planning his life. Smiling.
He said, "I didn't feel that me crying about it would help the situation at all, and I know it won't. Crying ain't gonna grow anything back."
And then, "I'm chronically happy, It's kinda hard to get me off the happy horse."
The sparkle in his eyes testified to that truth.
I am humbled, not by his service......I don't think he should have been there to begin with. But I am humbled by his spirit, and his gumption, and his courage. That is the real deal.
American Idol, really.
You can read all about it
HERE
Sydney says: Looks like you still got that headache.
I made a caterpillar rug for a shop in Vermont. You can't help but feel cheery when you are making one of these.
Then I prepped socks of one color scheme, for two more rugs for the same shop.
This is the rug I was working on the other day, the one you asked me about.
Hola, chica.......maybe you need to go to the doctor.
Says Sydney with a wink.