Friday, February 21, 2014

Seashells and Snowstorms

I’m still here.  I know I haven’t posted lately, it’s just this snowstorm weather is making me a bit stir crazy, but all things considered….I’m doing just fine!

I'm not the only one with the winter drabs....Britt has been checking in pretty often.   She has become a kind of crazy cat lady with her new kitten. He gives her something to take care of, entertains her and loves her.   We skyped yesterday and I must admit, he’s pretty adorable.
Stephi is STRESSED!!!!  These days she’s in that strange place where she’s excited to go to college, but has tons of studying to do before graduation.  One moment her smile is wide, the next she is in full teenage drama mode!

Two weeks ago we headed down to UNC Wilmington to check things out, and meet with our neighbor Emma who is a  student there,  Stephi was such a happy girl!   

Snow on the Beach-Stephi grabbing some great photos!
 We had plenty of free time, so we did one my favorite things....walk on the beach  a mere 7 minutes from campus.   All of Wilmington was covered in snow following a rare snowstorm which gave the beach a surreal feel.    It was extra special for me since the last time I was on this beach I was with my bestie, and all 6 of our kids.  Happy memories mingled with new ones as Stephi ran ahead taking some stunning photos while Brad and I walked along gathering shells.  There's nothing quite like the peace and wonder that comes from watching crashing waves.


Beach Selfie!

A few short days later we were back in DC under 14 inches of snow; I snuggled in my comfy chair next to the fireplace where I read a little, wrote notes of encouragement to newly bereaved parents, slept a little, and watched some Olympics. 

I won’t lie, there’s more to the story and my need to hide on the couch….life has been a bit of stressful following abnormal blood work from Brad’s quarterly post cancer treatment regimen since his 2011 surgery.   Long story short, his blood work came back abnormal and there were two weeks of “what ifs” as we awaited his cat scan appt. and doctor followup.

I was prayin sooooo hard!  I couldn’t imagine what we possibly faced ahead of us, and terror struck my mind and heart more than once.   I gotta tell ya,  I gave out a  loud Thank You Jesus when the doctor called back with the clean results.  They are following up with another blood test but it looks like a false positive.

Now that I am free of worry (fake it till you make it) I'm watching Stealth Kitty chase stink bugs, and bump his head against walls when he tries to cuddle up…he keeps missing our leg and hits walls!   OUCH!  Hmmm I don't think he is a natural cuddler, but he’s willing to learn!
 I am appreciating and embracing the quiet normal of our everyday.

Oh, guess what? I  began Congregational Care Training this week to learn how to better help those in crisis.   I’m really looking forward to the training, as it helps heal my heart after losing Josh, but with all this cold weather I am tempted to just keep snuggling and sip hot cocoa.

I hope you are staying safe and warm this winter season.  P.S. Britt  the meteorology students says more snow is ahead.  Sigh.......

Hugs!
Sherri

1 comment:

  1. Winter's gray and cold is hard to get through. A warm cozy spot to read and snuggle helps. A clean cancer report helps too. And helping others also brings sunshine. You are making good use of your own loss. Wishing you all sunny days soon.

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