Take Care of My People

Last fall, I decided that I thought my grandparents needed a little more help. Of course, they didn't think so and I wasn't in a very good position to be more available. So, I called my aunt and told her what I thought. She told me that they didn't really want more help. I told her she could just use my name in vain and say that I made her do it.

So, last week, she rearranged her schedule to take my Grandpa to see his new cardiologist. I was dating my husband when my Grandpa had his first heart attack and he drove me to the airport to catch the first plan from Indy to Fargo. I have no interest in reliving that experience. So, I have a very vested interest in making sure that my charming Grandpa's ticker keeps up with him. The cardiologist made some plans for him that he is not at all excited about but he is going to go anyway. I told him it was okay to say that his bossy granddaughter made him do it.

The point is that sometimes you aren't in a position to help people the way that you really want to so you have to improvise. I am very thankful for my aunt who not only goes to the doctor with my grandparents but also calls me to reassure me that she went along and has the plan for their long, healthy life under control. Sometimes the best way to help someone is to help their people.

I have another favorite relative who has been sick this winter and not able to travel. I can tell that it is making her crazy as she keeps sending me email to make sure that I am still ticking. She is among my most faithful fans. One of the best ways to help is also to just take care of yourself and your body. I am really good about worrying about other people so this gives me a little less reason to worry.

Today I am thankful for my friends who indulged my request to get a pedicure yesterday. A little self care goes a long way in feeling better about life. I am also thankful to my aunt who brought my grandparents to visit for lunch today and encouraged my cousin's wife to bring her cute baby too. I told her that holding him is a lot like therapy without having to leave the house. My husband is traveling today so I am thankful for all the distractions that will keep us busy until my daughter realizes that Dad won't be home for dinner. I have managed so far to save that news for later. Lastly, I am thankful for my daughter's insistence about signing up for ice skating lessons. It really was a lot of fun to watch and we are still working on having more fun.

Blessings,

Cindy