I miss packing up my story-quilt, books and puppets and heading to the Women's Shelter. Entertaining the kids, is as fun for me, as them. But even 2 weeks after surgery, I wasn't up for doing a real program. So, I just grabbed my puppet and headed over for just a visit. When I arrived, I didn't recognize any of the kids since it had been a while. They were mostly little ones, curious and energetic and incredibly delighted to sing to the puppet. I had a doctor's appointment later and I hadn't planned on staying long. But their giggles were addicting. We sat down on the colorful floor and it seemed like sitting on the quilt, playing games and singing about all the planets and stars and colors that were printed on the carpet. When it was time to go the kids lunged at me with hugs and I was reminded why I'd held off. "Careful!" I laughed. "Ouch!" I thought. But it was worth every bump! I drove home feeling surrounded by the warmth of those kids. I kept wondering about my treatment plan, hoping it involved no chemo... which would keep me away from these kids a long time. Then my focus shifted to the small houses I passed. Many were worn, with cluttered, dirt yards and others were decorated proudly. I wondered how many of the families in these homes were dealing with cancer, while juggling jobs and daycare and financial worries. It was sobering. At one point I slowed down and grinned, when I spotted 2 children splashing in a metal tub. Grandpa watched from a chair nearby as the kids hosed each other and squealed. I just had to turn the car around. The grandpa didn't act like it was a bit odd that I stepped out of my car to tell him how delighted I was to see the kids having fun. We both laughed about our now grown kids, once playing with the hose on summer days. He admitted it was a lot more fun playing grandpa than dad. He had been too busy to enjoy watching his kids back when he was working. He smiled and added, "This wears them out good, too!" Grandpa said it was fine to take a photo. The kids obviously were happy to share their fun. I drove away feeling energized by so many sweet little faces.
1 Comment
Lorrie
7/23/2016 09:36:23 am
This is darling! I'm so glad you were allowed to take a picture of these two cuties.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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