It is hard to believe the adventures and lessons of the last two or so weeks. I am thankful for each new day and birthdays make me thankful for each year and I have made it to another year. God knows how many more I have, but for now I am responsible for making the most of my time here.
My birthday fell on good Friday this year (the first time I can remember that happening) and another first was a funeral on my birthday. God knew about this long before any of us did...my aunt that retired to Tennessee was sent to ICU in Knoxville after several tests at their local hospital, and only a week later they had exhausted all of the treatment options and my uncle had to make the hard decision to remove life support. She was admitted with an awful migraine and had leukemia that wasn't found until the first hospital did blood work. Migraines were a usual thing for her and none of us imagined there was clot on her brain causing the headache. At UT Knoxville they were treating her for the leukemia and watching the clot to see if it was going down. Unfortunately it was not, and a neurosurgeon had to perform surgery in hopes of relieving the pressure. The low white count and platelet count was made worse by the chemo and surgery was not advisable, but the only option. Sadly she came out of surgery on life support and was gone shortly after it was removed.
None of us know the number of our days and my aunt lived life to the fullest and enjoyed life. My uncle is my mother's younger brother. They have always been close and we spent several Christmases that I remember with him in Florida before he married. My mother is able to remain composed in just about any situation and this was no different. She was there to help my uncle through this and get through the first few days alone.
I was able to drive myself up there the next day with minimal pain, even though I am still recovering from my surgery. God has blessed me with a servant's heart and I am fulfilled when I can serve others. I spent the next day getting all of the photographs together and ready for the funeral on Friday. What a blessing for me to be able to use my talents for others. After everything was over and the 20 or so people had left the house, mom and I began the work of cleaning out and trying to organize things to help my uncle ease into this new chapter (Several times we talked about the chapters he has already closed in his life and this is the start of something new). It gave me peace knowing that he will be alright, and getting to know his neighbors that live on the mountain are there to help with anything he needs. They are a great 'family' that all live there because they are retired and enjoy the mountains. (many of them also retired from Florida and from law enforcement, just like my aunt and uncle) I was able to call and make changes to the wireless bill and get a higher speed internet up and running for my uncle. I am blessed to have this time without the burden of work where I can absorb God's lessons and be a help.
I have also gained a new four legged friend named Lily. I was able to rescue her from the Newport animal shelter in TN. Her owner couldn't keep her where they moved to in TN. She is a white, four year old, miniature poodle that had some matting and fleas that were taken care of at the groomer. She is leash trained, house trained, crate trained and loves to ride in the car. Her temperament is mild and sweet. She is an excellent guard dog and follows me around wherever I go. We have been walking around the complex a lot and I am in love with her. I am so thankful that we met up when we did and she has a forever home now.
I continue to be thankful for the blessings in my life and His continued healing.
