What's Happening

It's been one of those weeks.

First, no sooner was I starting to get over one cold than I came down with another, this time losing my voice for several days. The timing couldn't have been worse, as my husband and son were out of town for a chess tournament and my mom took a surprise trip to the hospital. It's hard to converse with one's family on the phone or have discussions with doctors and nurses when one has no voice.

The reason for my mom's hospital trip was numbness in her hand and face. When she told me of her symptoms Saturday morning I called her doctor, who said to get her to the ER immediately. She was admitted for observation and tests. The working diagnosis is a small stroke, although we can't be sure because there are no obvious traces of one. She is still in the hospital, as the doctors wait for her blood pressure to go down, but we are hoping she will go home today.

We are about to wrap up Solo & Ensemble season for the year. My church's day school is hosting its own event this week because the area school event conflicted with our Lutheran school system's basketball schedule. I was supposed to serve as one of the accompanists, but due to my mom's hospitalization and my laryngitis my dear husband offered to take over my portion of the accompanying. So he now has about three days to work in two rehearsals with each of about 15 instrumentalists. Thank you, honey.

Speaking of my husband, Sunday was our 22nd wedding anniversary! Circumstances prevented our spending it together. We are hoping to make up for it by getting away for an overnight in a few weeks.

There is still much to do with regard to my father-in-law's sudden death several weeks ago: legal matters, resolving my mother-in-law's long-term care plan, and more. There are many complicating factors. Our family has taken great strength from the support of our sisters and brothers in Christ these past few weeks. There have been cards, food, monetary gifts, acts of love, and many caring words and prayers. I have taken great personal encouragement from my online Lutheran homeschooling friends, who always seem to be "there."

Note to Elephant's Child and Boots on the Ground: the house is getting a little messy again. When can you come back? (JUST KIDDING!) By the way, it's been two weeks and the flowers you left still look gorgeous!