Unexpected Gift of a Family Visit

What a wonderful night it was having Ron’s cousin Anna and Uncle Al here for the evening. It was awesome introducing Beth to them and listening as they explain the family connections. Her great grandmother was Ron’s grandfather’s sister. Simple, they are cousins in some degree. The stories and laughter made them family. I love these people and found myself wallowing in the laughter and connections that were around our table. Sitting at the table sharing coffee and food reminded me of all the times we had at Ron’s parents table. They always sat there for coffee and an abundant spread of food that always included Mary’s infamous beans. Oh how I miss them.

The best part of the night was Uncle Al’s story of how he had to fire a lady from his construction crew because she refused to wear underpants. He got sued. In court he told the judge that it just wasn’t safe when she went up the ladder in her too baggy shorts with no underwear. His other workers all would fight to hold the ladder. Nothing was getting done and the ones who were working were distracted. Uncle Al was afraid someone would end up cutting their hand off. We roared at his story and so many others he shared. What a character he is at 81 years young.

Later in the evening Uncle Al gave my Mom a lesson in using her walker and we almost convinced them to have a walker race. Anna was so great to listen to me about Mom’s care and share with me about taking care of her dad. Their visit was an answered prayer. I feel like I am better equipped to take care of mom while taking care of myself after talking to this cousin I love. She has motivated me to get mom to the senior center and look for more help with showers. Anna and I are going to stay in closer touch to share the caregiver’s moments with each other.

Their visit was unexpected. Yesterday morning we didn’t even know they were in New Mexico. What a wonderful gift to have them come and spend an evening with us. I will be sad to see them head out for Phoenix and their home in the morning. My prayers were answered to have someone just stop by. Who knew it would be family from another state no less.

In Him,
Joyful
2-5-19