A Year to Change…

I had it all planned out. My day off—the last day of 2021.

After leaving work the previous day on a rainy afternoon, I went by the drugstore to pick up my mom and dad’s meds. I even decided to brave the grocery store to get a few things my mom asked me to get for her—notably, bananas, strawberry jelly and orange juice. Of course, while I was there, other items found their way into my cart. (They’re both a little spoiled.)

You see, this time last year, my dad reached out to get some much-needed help for him and my mom. He is eighty-six years old, and my mom is eighty-three. He’s always been the strong one—my hero—my Superman. My siblings and I had no idea he was struggling. It’s a shame we didn’t pick up on that before he had to ask, yet here we are. It’s a blessing to have them both still living independently. They just need for us to physically check in on them on a daily basis. Once he reached out, that set a plan in motion that actually changes on a day-by-day basis. It’s sometimes good, sometimes bad, and it’s often exhausting. I’m thankful for my siblings that help make it all happen.

Oh—my plans for today? N-O-T-H-I-N-G! I even remembered to turn off my alarm clock before falling asleep on the couch the night before. It’s been quite a week. Come to think of it, it’s been quite a year! To have a complete day off with nothing planned was secretly exciting to me.

I woke up a little after 9:00 a.m. A fresh pot of coffee was calling my name. I actually had a hot date today—a date with my couch! Once I poured my coffee and sat down on “my date,” I pulled my fuzzy blanket over my body and savored not only the coffee, but the moment.

I mentioned to my husband how happy it made me to have worked so hard to get everything done for mom and dad so I could “do nothing” today. My parents have been pretty good (health wise) this past month, so today was MINE—or so I thought.

Around 10:30 a.m., my phone rang. It was my sweet mama. She asked if I was working. Of course, my answer was “no ma’am,” and proceeded to ask her what was wrong. I could hear it in her voice. She said she didn’t feel good and needed me to come over.

So I did…

I had on an oversized gray t-shirt, leggings with little guitars on them, and absolutely no make-up. My hair was in a messy bun, but it didn’t matter. I called my dad when I was on my way over and told him to go ahead and unlock the front door. I shared with him I wouldn’t be “made up” or dressed properly, but he didn’t care. You could just see the relief on his face when I got there. That alone made me happy. Forget about me. To be there for them? I’ll do it over and over.

I am so glad mom called me. I stayed with them until about 3:30 p.m. They are both doing well. My sister followed up with their nighttime routine so I came home and spent the afternoon on “my date.”

This past year has taught me it’s not all about me. Make this year about those who are important in your life. It’ll change your life for the better.

Happy New Year everyone! May God bless you in 2022.