It was a good weekend! 

randon acts of kindness

Last week I found myself at the Broadway production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat".  (a fun surprise!)  Before it started I had time to dash to the women's room to wash my hands.  Public restrooms are not on my list of favorite places to visit; oh, the strategies . . .   The line was long and winding, with many shapes and sizes of waiting women.  When I walked to the front of the line, pleading I only needed to wash my hands, I wasn't sure if that would be a believable  enough excuse to "cut" ahead.  But surprisingly, some nice little ladies let me through, and I purposely found a sink they could see me at, to let them know I was legit.  Every sink was full, and then of course, everyone needed paper towels.  When I was through, I turned to the machine to pump the little knob for paper towel roll out.  I tied with a woman who beat me to the machine, and while my hands dripped in the air, she took her turn first.  When she finished, I was pleasantly surprised again.  She kept her spot in front of the machine, but instead, continued to pump the little knob for a sufficient amount of dry paper.  Then she stepped aside and nodded  for me to retrieve it.  I didn't have to work the knob.  She set it up for me. (She had no idea how relieved I was to not have to touch that germy knob!) A couple of tiny random acts of kindness   It felt good.  And definitely, I'll not forget it.  I will be that fast little knob control lady next time, for the people behind me.  I'm really good at pumping it with my elbow!

Angels in the Temple

There were angels in the temple;

Right before my eyes.

When the elevator opened,

Much to my surprise -

He stood in radiating white;

To another one he faced.

My hand reached out to clutch his arm,

Then wrapped around his waist.

With a stuttering introduction;
Glad tidings we both had.

I smoothed the greeting over

While explaining, "He's my Dad!"

He went his way on errand.

I continued on my own.

Then another angel beckoned.

Dad was not alone.

My eyes drew toward a staircase,

And sitting in a chair

Sat my angelic Mother

Peacefully awaiting there.

My heart began to flutter

As I drifted to her side.

She held her hand out gracefully

And I reached for it with pride.

We whispered thoughts of happiness,

Of perfect days like this.

We talked of loved ones gone before,

And this coincidence of bliss.

I saw angels in the temple.

What a blessed day!

My own angels right in front of me.

It took my breath away.

(With Love, Jody)

Thank heaven for little . . . blossoms

Oh April showers
May come your way.
They bring the flowers
That bloom in . . . September!

(to be continued . . !)

:)

Life is a blessing.

Love / Hate relationship with the skin Dr.

Last Monday I had a skin appointment . . . again.  It had been on the calendar for a while.  When the Dr. said she wanted me back in 3 months, I was a little relieved.  She was knowledgeable to the signs of trouble sooner than I.  Having three surgeries on my neck in one summer a couple of years ago, it was obvious I needed more attention than just my own diagnosis.

I was actually counting the days until my appointment, not because I loved going so much, but I had developed one for sure spot on the back of my calf that seemed to pop up overnight.   When I pointed it out, she kept saying, "Oooooo".  Then she turned toward her new ipad technology and scribbled away saying, "How about we do a biopsy?"  She continued to go over skin I could not see, until she got to the back of my thigh, and again I heard, "Oooooo".. (she really does have ex ray eyes!).  Then before I knew it she was taking photos of my marks and had me down for two biopsies; one on each leg.  If I could have run away I would have.  Is there a violation for that?  Oh, the times like this when I wished I could have run.  But I stayed, and they "doctored me up".

On the way out, she told me it would probably take two weeks for the results.  Great. That'll be fun.  Right during our cruise.  Does it get any more fun than that?

It's been a week.  I have babied my little abrasions.  All the while remembering flawless skin in days of yore.  I cringed to think what was in store. . . The phone rang a few minutes ago.  I was surprised to hear the voice of the nurse, since I thought I had another uninterrupted week to go.  In that split second, my worries kicked in and I convinced myself that my flaws were so bad, another week would be too late!  But I swallowed hard, composed myself, and tried to sound unfrazzled.

 "The results from both of the biopsies are benign", she said. (If I was a nurse or doctor, delivering that kind of news would be the favorite part of my job!)  I stuttered as I tried to tell her I had expected the worst.  "Did I make your day?"  she laughed.  I replied with emotion, "Definitely!"  She has no idea the new life line she threw me! 

Today I am a new person with a couple of healable imperfections.  And a sweet gratitude for blessings I don't deserve. 

memorable movie quote

(I just didn't want to forget this.  I think about it a lot.  From  "God is Not Dead")

Mark: You prayed and believed your whole life. Never done anything wrong. And here you are. You're the nicest person I know. I am the meanest. You have dementia. My life is perfect. Explain that to me!
Mina's Mother: Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn't want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy and there doesn't seem to be any reason to leave. The door's wide open. Till one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it's too late.