Sunday, August 19, 2007



"I'll give you something to whine about...."

I am sure many of you who are in my age range recognize this phrase--actually, it was more of an "I'll give you something to cry about" back then. And it evidently still holds true for me. In the midst of my self-pity I got sick--nothing serious, but enough to make me stay in bed for an evening when I wanted to go out and have fun. Fortunately I am better now. Lesson # 298--when you are exhausted, don't push it. You WILL find time to rest, one way or another. Anyway, after about 14 hours of sleep I am a new person. Still a bit worn down, but better over all. And this morning it was cooler--hopefully it will be under 100 today!

I made a "house call" today for a friend--her baby is sick, and I just felt better eyeballing him and taking over some medicine after talking to her on the phone a few times. She is an amazing person--perhaps the most positive person I know. She has had an unimaginable year--discovered that her husband had a horrible drug habit (which explained a lot) and sent him to rehab while she maintained her house and her job while taking care of her 18 month old and her newborn. Her longtime constant companion, a great dane, died a tragic death which she witnessed, and this morning, after being up all night with a sick baby her 10 year old cat got out and was literally torn apart by a pack of dogs. Through it all she maintains a gentle spirit of grace and forgiveness. She is someone whom I have never heard utter a negative statement, about anyone. I watched her today, bathing a two year old and juggling an 8 month old who was burning up with fever--after burying her cat and with only a couple of hours of restless sleep and all I could see was calm, kindness, and peace. And I had the audacity to complain about my troubles. The universe constantly has a way of humbling me; eventually, hopefully, I will get it.

9 comments:

Vickie said...

That was one phrase I have heard many times and one I understand. It is always nice to find others that inspire us to recognize the truly important things in life.

I know you friend appreciates all you did for her. So often it is these acts of love that make the many difficult times in life bearable.

You are a caring and loving person and your friends are blessed to have you in their life.

I hope this next week will be a good one for you.

lu said...

You are a great friend indeed.

Now, as for being humbled. You are due your bouts of blue, I hope you don't beat yourself up for whining, then I'd start worrying about a pod invasion.

Susanne said...

Well, you probably whined because you didn't feel good. Just like our children we too might not be at our best when becoming sick.

I don't know how people like your friend do it. But it's good to be reminded and I'm still learning.

meno said...

My parents were fond of that lovely little phrase too. Yuck.

But sometimes the soul just needs a little bitchin'. And then it's time to move on.

thailandchani said...

We all have to gripe occasionally and I have one or two people I can gripe to.. then it's time to put it behind me.

That's how it seems to work for most of us.



Peace,

~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com

ms chica said...

The universe has away of humbling ALL of us sooner or later. Few have the fortitude to be that strong all the time. We all deserve to have our moments, it prevents us from spontaneously combusting.

Sorry you weren't feeling well this weekend. I would have enjoyed meeting you. Take care of yourself.

crazymumma said...

The universe.

the humbling.

It never really stops does it?

Then there are these moment you know. of absolute beauty.

amusing said...

oh my god! Your poor friend! Is she still sane?

heartinsanfrancisco said...

It sounds as if your friend is having a lifetime of bad luck all at the same time.

I'm glad she has you to help by lending a shoulder. We all need that, probably more than we realize.