Two Sides to EVERY Story!

Today, as I was driving home from Louisville, I had many things on my mind for today’s post.  But as I sat down to write, I chose a something totally different.

On Friday, work wasn’t great!  There were situations every where I looked and it was one of those days when I was not worn out physically but rather mentally.  It was a tough day, but I wasn’t alone.  My co-workers were feeling it too.   During the day, I reminded myself that there are two sides to every story so I took a deep breath and gratefully left a little early, when my boss said…let’s go home!

I had to make a stop at Kroger to get things I needed so I could prepare some food items to take to Louisville for a family visit.  My trips to Louisville have been more meaningful recently after my parents had a fall (about 3-4 weeks ago).   Mom is always in pain due to a multitude of issues, but this fall did not help.  This week, she got a diagnosis about two fractures in her back.   Fortunately, they will heal (4-6 weeks for most!) but in the meantime, she has a cause for this pain that has increased over the past couple of weeks and with the support of a great pain management doctor, she will have physical and occupational therapy, at home, for two or three times a week, beginning this week.  

Before this, she felt hopeless, thinking that she would have to learn to live with this increased pain.   She is pretty good about “faking” it around us, but this was bad and it was hard to “fake” it!  When friends would see her, she’d be all smiles and doing fine. (that’s what she was saying) Then, when she was home, she could let her guard down, and we’d know what was really going on.  Yes, to others, she appeared frail, but fine.   To us, we knew, she was not fine…Two sides to every story!

Because I live in Cincinnati, I can’t help as much with her care.  I’m blessed to have three siblings there to help manage things.   Sometimes, my Dad is grumpy.  Well, let me tell you, I will do my best to overlook his grumpiness.   After this weekend, I saw him in a different light.  He is Mom’s primary caretaker and for those of you who have been in this role, you know how hard it is.   Honestly, I’m not sure how he is keeping it together.

I’ll spare you the details of what he does EVERY day, but after just a day or two of stepping into the caretaker role, I know he is entitled to be grumpy now and then…it happens when you are tired.   Again, I’ve been thinking of him as a grumpy old man…he’s an exhausted caretaker and lives with the fear of losing the love of his life.  Okay…so yes, there are two sides to every story!

I don’t cook for myself much…it’s not fun, it’s lonely and it’s too much work/mess for one person.   Some people think I don’t like to cook.   Well, I do like to cook…especially when I have the time.  So these past two weekends, I’ve taken meals to Louisville.   It gives my family a break and I get to enjoy cooking for others.  My Mom says…”just come to visit” and my brother says, “we look forward to your pot roast.”  They each have their own perspective on this visit…two sides to every story! 

Finally, when I got home, I approached the door to my apartment and I heard that annoying “chirp” from my smoke detector!   Now, to me…correcting this is high priority.  Unfortunately, in my apartment, I have no way to reach the detector.  To the apartment complex, this does not even make the list of important issues.  I listed it as critical, though not an emergency.  Now, what does that mean?  Will I be a mad woman by morning, as this is right outside of my bedroom door?   Will I be pleasantly surprised with a maintenance person knocking on my door at any minute?  Who knows?  

Since I’m trying to be kind, I won’t say how I really feel, but this is just one of the things I’m still trying to adjust to with my life as a divorced woman!  UGH!

My message today is to continue to count your blessings this month and every month.   I’m really grateful to have the time to be able to go to Louisville as often as possible…even if it puts me a little behind now and then.  My parents won't be here forever, my "lists" can wait!

When you see someone who may not be smiling or appears to be doing something you don't agree with, remember not to jump to a conclusion... there are two sides to every story!