A Tumultuous July

 

July 2024 was roller coaster ride in this household.

July 1 - we discovered ice had accumulated in the refrigerator’s freezer section. We began working on it. A technician told us what was wrong, and we ordered the part. However, he was mistaken. When the device arrived, he installed it, but the gadget wasn’t the problem, so the ice is still accumulating. 

 

July 3 - we visited Shelley. I told her my birthday was the next day, and I sang the Birthday Song to me for her. Did she understand? I don’t know. I sang more tunes for her and told her it was also America’s birthday. Before we left, we quoted her favorite Scripture and prayed with her.

July 4, I visited my dear friend, Mary, in the hospital.  Mary had been ill for a short time, and we thought she was getting better.

While I was there, Mary and I joked with each other. As I left, I told her I’d bring our favorite sandwich on the next visit. She said, “And don’t forget the French fries.”  Then she said, “I love you.” I said, “I love you too,” and we left.

Paul then took me to dinner at the Texas De Brazil. It is in Town and Country, in Houston and parking is a challenge. We finally found a place in a garage and walked a good distance to the restaurant. I would never have found the car again, but Paul knows how to do those things.

This restaurant brings all kinds of meats on a skewer. I liked the lamb chops. Their salad bar was yummy, too. Those little cheese bread rolls were also delicious.  The lady’s restroom was interesting. Mirrors were everywhere.

July 7 - My son-in-law’s father passed away in New Orleans.

July 8 - Hurricane Beryl decided to visit the Houston area. The eye of the storm went over our house. Tree limbs came down in our yard, and it was a colossal mess, but none in our yard were uprooted. Many trees in our neighborhood were literally taken up by the roots and lay in a sad, disheveled heap.

Our daughter and family had just returned from New Orleans and came to stay with us because they had no power. We have a generator, and boy, were we grateful for it!

My son-in-law called his sister in New Orleans and helped plan their father's funeral while sitting at our table.

Death doesn’t wait for perfect weather, and there are no ideal times to experience grief.

July 12 – A church member passed, and we attended his funeral. We worried about the flooded streets, but we made it without too much difficulty.

July 18 - Shelley’s daughter, hubby, and baby arrived from New Hampshire. We met them for dinner. On the way home—devastating news.

Shelley's grandbaby. My greatgrand.,

Shelley’s hospice nurse called, and we spoke by phone for the thirty-minute drive home.  She told us Shelley wasn’t doing well, and she expected her to pass at any time. When we arrived home, Paul and I stood in the kitchen, put our heads on each other’s shoulders and cried our hearts out.  We’d been expecting such a call, but when it came, we found ourselves not ready.

July 19 - Shelley’s daughter and family, Shelley’s sister, and us went to see Shelley the next day. The sadness was profound. The family said their goodbyes.

July 20 - Paul and I went to see Shelley. She was in her dark room in bed. One of the caregivers sat with her. I didn’t see him at first, but he arose from a straight-back chair to say hello. He didn’t say, but I instinctively knew he was there to be with our daughter if she went to heaven.

Over the next few days, Shelley plateaued at this new level. Her hospice nurse said, “she’s a survivor.”  I replied, “She always has been. As a full-term baby, she weighed a whopping 4 pounds and 4 ounces at birth. The hospital nurses didn’t think she’d make it, but she did. I nicknamed her Tiny Tuffy.”

July 24 - We attended a late afternoon meeting with a hospice company and again visited Shelley. We ate leftovers at home and began watching television.

That’s when I collapsed. I told Paul, “I’m sick.” He caught me as I was fainting. After checking my blood pressure and heart rate, I decided to go to the ER. They admitted me, and I took an ambulance ride to the Methodist hospital.

July 25 - The day of my friend Mary’s funeral, and I couldn’t go. The rain kept people away, but at the 11:00 hour, the funeral time, I was in the OR having a pacemaker implanted.

July 26 - I came home. Yay!

July 28 - Lightning struck our home with a sonic boom. We were grateful the telephone was the only thing damaged.

July 30 - Doctor follow ups

July 31- More doctor follow ups.

Hallelujah July is over.