Has your October been liberally
sprinkled with surprises like mine? Thankfully, the treats outweigh the tricks
by far.
A
Nasty Trick
A follow-up visit to my lung doc
confirmed that the three-drug cocktail I’ve been taking for the past year has
not yet succeeded in evicting the persistent atypical bacteria called MAC from
my lungs. Do you think I should consult a bug exterminator instead?
Best
Treat Ever!
 |
| Photo Credit: Let There Be Light Photography |
On October 7, I flew to Calgary where I
spent a glorious 11 days with my daughter, son-in-law, and their brand new son,
Linus (my sweet babboo). I’ve never been one of those infant-crazy people who
needs to hold a baby, any baby, every chance they find. But when they’re your
own, that’s something else, isn’t it? I couldn’t get my fill of snuggling that
little peanut and it tore my heart out to say good-bye. He, of course, took it
all in stride.
It’s not difficult to make yourself
useful in a household with a newborn, so between cuddles I prepared meals, folded
laundry, and cleaned things—and still consider it one of the best vacations
ever! I felt so blessed to observe Linus’s newborn photo shoot in progress, attend
a baby shower at his mommy’s workplace, and hold him through his first church service.
And
for my next trick...
Descending the stairs at my daughter’s
house carrying a laundry basket in one hand and a ceramic cereal bowl in the
other, my feet suddenly slipped. I felt my priceless, antique tailbone go
“thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk” and heard the bowl shatter on the floor below.
“Mom?” I could hear the panic in Mindy’s
voice, but needed to think hard before my tongue could respond.
“I’m OK,” I moaned. And I was, for the
most part. The chiropractor who checked me over that afternoon agreed I’d done a
number on myself. But no breaks or fractures—only scrapes, bruises, and humiliation.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I wasn’t carrying the baby!
Another
Special Treat
While in Calgary, I received word that Portage
la Prairie’s City Council had nominated me for the Chamber of Commerce “Arts/Cultural
Person of the Year” award and that two complimentary gala tickets awaited me back
home.
Huh?
Whatever for? I wondered. Oh well. I knew I
wouldn’t win. “Always the bridesmaid” seems to have become my theme for
anything the least bit competitive in recent years. But I thanked Council for
the nomination, and Jon and I looked forward to a fancy dinner.
Lo and behold.
When it came time for the Arts/Cultural
award, MC Preston Meier started reading a list of achievements that sounded
suspiciously like some of my own shenanigans of the past 25 years. I began to
sweat. Not so much about not having a speech prepared, but about whether I’d
trip up the stairs at the front of the stage in my spikey high-heels.
If I had prepared an acceptance speech,
I might have told the citizens of Portage la Prairie how truly blessed I feel
to live in this community. How thankful I am for those who have mentored and
encouraged me along my journey, and what a privilege it is to give back with
the abilities God has granted. He gifted each of us uniquely, and there is no
higher calling than to serve him and others in collaboration and harmony,
bringing his kingdom a little closer to earth each time we do. I would have said
thank you, Portage, for being the kind of community that is worth the
investment of one’s life and art. God bless you!
I didn’t say all that. But at least I
didn’t fall down.
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