Virginia Bluebells
I'm sure happy that Spring is here! I am so hopeful for a renewal time especially after recent family health challenges during the worst political atmosphere in my life. My faith has kept me uplifted so far but everyday I have to find the strength to keep it. So far, so good!
I do this by mentally detaching from the world in prayer and positive thoughts. It has been especially hard since my husband's stroke last October. I can only escape for a short while since my caregiving is necessary and I must be available. It is not possible for me to ignore the many negative political issues caused directly by a bad administration. I can, however, limit my viewing attention but there is something seriously outrageous happening most everyday that pulls me in because it directly affects my life and people I care about.
I am realizing that I cannot separate my husband's health issues from the negativity brought on by the current administration. That makes me very sad. I'm not sure exactly when my husband changed from the liberal democrate I married over 50 years ago but I do know he voted for Trump the first two times much to my disappointment. I have always been a liberal Democrat and always will be. He says he didn't vote for him in 2024 but until recent months, he appeared to support all Republican policies. I don't think he is checking all sources for correct and true information as I do with several unbiased news organizations. It is very difficult for me to connect with him in many ways. I cannot argue with him because now his heart is weak. Stress has always been the biggest issue that affects my health with diabetes. I have to take care of myself so I can stay healthy and also be his caretaker now. Thankfully, I am in a good place with my health the past couple years but it is hard work to manage and maintain.
I am challenged after a tough winter to stay healthy, find something positive in each day, and attend to my husband's health needs.
So I have made a Top Ten List of Getting Through Each Day:
10. Be attentive and prioritized household needs by paying bills on time, keeping good food available, addressing any house or yard maintenance or repair.
9. Keeping track of both mine and Keith's medicine and appointments. In the past few months, he has had a stroke, esophagus blockage which included emergency surgery and corrective surgery later, many AFib episodes passing out a couple times with one head injury from a fall, a body sore needing medical care, and shingles which did not surface. There has also been issues with both our hearing aids which was recently resolved. He was to have cataract surgery but he chose to cancel at this time. There's his possible sleep disorder that will be addressed soon.
8. Make effort to stay in touch with relatives and friends who are few and far between in our Golden Years.
7. Keep regular social activities together such as going to Mass each week either in Hermitage or Bolivar.
6. Attend my social meetings each month such as Friends of the Library, Sisters in Christ, and Master Gardeners.
5. Keep regular exercise schedules. For me, that includes Silver Sneakers classes 4-5 days a week. I have recently started back to swimming and plan to do some bicycling again. For Keith, I keep track of his time away from home alone to exercise. We both have Lifeline alert devices. He must be inactive on AFib days. Together we walk or do some yard work. He is currently learning to live with his condition which has had two EMT calls in the past three weeks.
4. Eat and sleep regularly making good food choices. We both have different sleep needs, diets, and hunger times. We each take care of our own food needs but I will fix enough for two now and then. Eat out at least once a week together when we have our "date day" which includes a movie and shopping. He is addressing his sleep issues soon by going to a sleep disorder professional.
3. Go with Keith to his medical appointments as well as the six trips to the hospital so far since his October 2025 stroke; 5 emergencies.
2. Ask God every day to guide me to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. Think positive thoughts. Give my sorrows to Christ. Cry when needed.
1. Pray for myself and family every morning and night for good health, happiness, and prosperity. Look for joy and expect it!
Early Spring at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park Spring
