My day started out like any other; dishes, bed, breakfast, bus… I came home from driving my route and changed my favorite shoes for some rubber boots that could withstand the mud that resides at the doorway of the barn. The pigs chickens and cows (oh my) were fed and watered. I stopped on my way home from the bus and grabbed a bag of horse feed for senior horses and left a scoop for Ranger and Hotrod by the gate. They chewed with appreciation as I drove my beat up ‘04 Chevy back out of the barn yard and up the hill to the house. It’s Tuesday, that’s a Mama day. I sat down for ten minutes to rest before grabbing a big glass of unsweet tea and heading for the door. She was waiting for me.
I had called her from my perch at the kitchen table before I left. My phone calls to warn her I’m coming serve two purposes. First, I like to hear how excited she gets that I’m on my way. It gives her something to look forward to and that’s a good thing. Those happy chemicals in her brain do wonderful things so I make a point to give her happy thoughts every day but especially when I’m coming. Second, I check her mood and warn her when it’s a hair washing day. Some days she argues with me that she doesn’t need a shower even though I know better. On days when she doesn’t want to cooperate she tells me she doesn’t stink (!) and I remind her that showers help keep it that way. She always feels so much better when we finish our shower time but most days she’s not looking forward to it. We all know that’s the dementia talking so I work around it as much as possible. Before I left her today she was beautifully groomed and in high spirits as she headed off to lunch with her friends. The ladies at the table complimented me on how great she looked. Of course mama smiled so big. I kissed her cheek and squeezed her, then promised to be back soon for a girls fun day. Another big smile from mama and I hit the road for home.
Half way between mama and home my truck warned me that the oil needed to changed. I pulled in at my regular spot and dropped the old girl off for some r and r and walked off to find a little for myself. I got my nails done. I haven’t done that in a very long time, and when I did I chewed them off in three days because I could feel them touching me. Ha! I warned Andy that he may get tired of doing repairs between now and Easter. He and his wife Tracy run a small shop in town. They are such precious people! I used to be a regular so of course we had to catch up on how our families were doing. It’s was so fun to laugh and talk with them. I think I needed it more than I realized. When I was buffed and polished and the truck reclaimed and paid for, it was time for the bus run.
The rest of my week is pretty packed already. Nothing too strenuous if you don’t count running a hot wire fence tomorrow, but I do have things waiting for me each day this week. It’s nice to be busy but to still have time for myself, and a little time to talk with you. All day long I think of things to share with you only to lose the moment in a blur of activities. I and up here, writing long letters as if to a long lost friend. I guess in many ways, that’s exactly what you are.
The bus is parked in my yard. The animals have been fed their evening meals. I’m alone with my thoughts out behind the house grilling pork chops and chicken while I contemplate my future. Our future. Will Chris continue to fight the good fight for 20 more years? Will I ever get to retire him? How on earth will I support myself if I lose him? What about mama? These thoughts may sometimes shift to the back of my mind but they are never far away. I know God will be with me no matter what. It’s the what that I can’t stop thinking about. Perhaps I’ve thought enough for one day and it’s time to eat and rest my mind on something else for a while. I hope you have a restful and peaceful night. I’ll check back in tomorrow.
Chris, mama, and I think I’ve got shingles. That’s all I needed. A tornado, and a hurricane, right in the middle of a hailstorm. I’ll see the doctor tomorrow and find out for sure.
Y’all be sweet,
Bena ❤️🐝
17 responses to “Tornados, hurricanes, and hail storms”
Oh sweet friend I had shingles once they are painful
It does sound like you had a busy day and a really good day praying for you and Chris
Trust The Heavenly Father Chris will be completely healed keep putting our Heavenly Father First In Your Life
WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SWEET FRIEND
I HAD UNSWEET TEA TODAY ALSO SO YUMMY
Be sure and get checked ASAP for shingles, you can be treated medically but it has to be right after you have symptoms.
Lookin’ Good, Mama! Those open ended Whats will get you every time – If You Let Them. We each go through our own challenges over our lifetimes, and it’s never easy. During mine, all I could do was rest in God’s promises. He wants us worry-free as His children, trusting in Him and not leaning on our own understanding of how WE see things. Let not your heart be worried, neither let it be afraid. Praying it is NOT shingles, and whatever it is clears quickly and easily for you! 🙏
Bless your sweet heart! Prayers that you don’t have shingles!❤️🙏🏻
Mama looks so happy! Our family dealt with similar issues for almost 35 years and it does take a toll. Give yourself some loving care as often as you can!
Sweet Bena, I loved what you said about writing to an old friend because that is exactly what we are. I read about your days, your family, the cleaning and cooking, the animals, your dreams, your worries etc. and I enjoy everything you write. I hope you don’t have the shingles, will be praying for you. Sending love and hugs your way. 🌿🌷🌼
Oh,my word. A tornado in a hail storm for sure. Bless you and the family. Sending you love.
Hey Bena! I love your messages telling us about your life and everything that you are doing. You certainly have a lot on your BUSY BEE plate. I love hearing about your Momma, Chris. and things on the farm. Y’all are in my prayers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻. I’m glad you are taking some time for yourself too. ❤️🌹I’m so thankful to hear that you are depending on the Lord. He has definitely brought me through many trials through my life. He will do the same for you and your family. Love and blessings ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hoping to read today that it isn’t shingles! I had them when I was sixteen, but Glory to God, the doctor immediately put me on steroids and they weren’t bad. If you do have shingles, I pray for quick healing!!
I’m praying you just got an allergic reaction to chicken feed or something. Shingles are NO fun, so I hear. I pray I never ever get them. I know plenty who have. I love how you take such time and care of your sweet momma. I miss mine so very much! Cling to those moments, Bena. Cling to them! Now, can we talk about The Cage for a second? I check it almost everyday to see if you’ve posted another chapter. I think you’re just too busy these days. I get it! But it’s a cliffhanger and I’m hanging. 🙂
Just left the doctor. It’s shingles lol
Oh no!! They can be so painful,as I’m sure you know by now. Sorry 😞
Hope you feel better soon.
Thankfully it’s mild so it’s not that bad
Hugs to you for all you do…. God bless
I SO hope you don’t have Shingles poor girl 😟 You work so hard that just wouldn’t be fair!! You are an inspiration for me❣️
That’s very kind of you but unfortunately I do have shingles. Cleaning out my mother’s property last week broke my heart and apparently shingles pop out with heavy stress. Luckily it’s a mild case so I’m very functional. ❤️
Praying for you Busy Bee.