Confession Time: Memories on April 27th

Facebook has a funny way of reminding you of events in your life, right when you need to remember them. A "memory" popped up today from six years ago.  I  had posted as we sat in a waiting room at UAB after my bother's wreck.  It mentioned how ironic that a year later we were all right back in practically the same place.




Time is a funny thing. It softens the blow on the most painful memory and heightens the emotions of others.




Seven years ago today, was the deadliest tornado in our most recent history.


The ex has supposedly fell off our roof and had gone by ambulance to UAB. I say supposedly because where he fell did not match the "injuries" the doctors were looking at. While I had believed him. everyone else felt that there was something that did not quite add up in his story.  The doctor had asked me out in the hall if he was an alcoholic. Looking back, I should have known.  He had a flair for the dramatic. Love makes one blind to so many things, especially deception.


 In that post, I also mention my lifelong friend, Leigh, an only child who lost both her parents to this storm. Being around her the last few weeks, at our weekly gathering at the local Mexican restaurant, she reminds me to cherish the time I have left  with my parents.  When we all complain how crazy our parents make us, she quietly reminds us that one day, they will no longer be there to complain about.




Six years ago today, my brother was in the trauma unit at UAB, recovering from a motorcycle accident. I am reminded of how fragile life is and how we shouldn't take anyone for granted. As my mother and I tried to steer Julz through last minute details of her upcoming graduation and the frustration of not being able to impress on her how important these details are, I remember that life is short and in five years, they may not even matter.  That we should look for the opportunities to be with those we love rather than slogging through the mundane. So when I had the opportunity to either cut my grass, or go celebrate a friend's birthday, I immediately chose the birthday.






Tomorrow I will be at UAB yet again. to watch my daughter graduate. Whether we sent out "proper" announcements or not, those who love her will be in attendance. Whether we got the cake with the dragon on it or not, we will gather to fellowship in her honor.




Lastly, I am thankful to God, for allowing me these memories, that my stroke could have easily stolen from me. I am reminded that everything under Heaven, good, bad, otherwise, He uses for His glory. I have no doubt that I have walked through everything I have walked through on April 27th o that I can appreciate the 364 other days. 




I reposted my memory, an added the thought:


 " Much like a boat, Life rises and falls with the waves, but my Anchor has me firmly in place still."


~EnJOY

He Is Risen!!

I have heard the Gaithers sing this or the more popular version made famous by Don Francisco. 

Many may be surprised that the late Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant was a co-writer.

But this is my favorite version of this song. I know Dolly is a Believer. You can hear it in her voice.

He's Alive and I'm Forgiven!!
Happy Easter y'all
EnJOY!

Happy (belated) Birthday Kit Kat!

Happy (belated) Birthday baby girl!

Thank you for still considering me as family1

Rough Night

Well Monday night was kinda rough. So rough, they closed my office early. Not April 27th rough but pretty close. Sending out prayers to those who suffered damage from the storms that came through.

When Your Week Starts Out Like This...

...things can only look up!

Glad to be over the hump, not under it!

~EnJOY

Where have I been?!?

Hard to believe that it has been two months since my last post!


I kinda thought I posted something back in January after my first date with The Umpire, but I guess I didn't.  Subsequent dates have been just as pleasant. But if  one thinks the five year age gap was hard to over come, try eleven years! I swear there are things that he has no concept of!


I wanted to post after Kit-Kat's Miss Alabama prelim, but I can't get the pictures from the official photographer to post. She did awesome and everyone around us agreed that she would have been a much better choice. There was some minor drama with folks that she said probably wouldn't bother to show up (mainly because one had to pay to attend), but I thought I handled it well. 




Despite being on track to be smokin' hot come summer, my bikini body is on temporary hold due to an abdominal injury. The searing pain from my belly button to my left hip suggested a hernia or torn ab muscle. Initial testing has ruled out an umbilical hernia (by the belly button). As I go through all the testing to determine the injury, I am having to sit out from the gym. It is killing me.


I have new "neighbors" as of Sunday.  Keelan and his girlfriend are boarding their horses in the pasture next door. I have only seen them once since they arrived but look forward to getting to know them.


I feel like there is something else I was supposed to mention today. but can't think of it.
That is gonna bug me all day long.
Oh well


EnJOY your day!

Happy Birthday Tigger!

I really miss you buddy.

~Love Mom