Our Drinking Liberally group the week before was huge...everyone was atwitter with the prospects of the Confederate flag coming down from our state capitol. We really don't know how to behave when our governor actually does something humane and caring. We're just accustomed to her fighting Obamacare so those who really need health care can't get it. My thought was that we finally know what it takes to get empathy from her/them......nine deaths, one of whom she actually knew! Otherwise, as Stephen Colbert would say, there is no hunger in the world because I just had breakfast! Anyway, it's been an exciting couple of weeks and my faith in our political system has been renewed. The real example was set by those who lost family members at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Their strength and belief transformed the usual reaction of violence, looting, etc. into something beautiful and transcendent. And the fact that the Charleston community followed their lead and supported them so magnificently....it was beautiful to see. And the President's eulogy at Sen. Pinckney's funeral was one of his best. As I said, a lot for liberals to take in.....thank you, Lord, we like it!!
Tuesday, June 23rd, was my mother's 94th birthday. Laney and Julious came from NC and charmed everyone at Bloom. We added a table to our usual "Lunch Bunch" group and included them. I don't know whether it was having new faces around, having something to celebrate, or just the alignment of the moon and stars, but it was wonderful to see everyone in good spirits and their best selves. We could see the elements of their former selves come alive and it was wonderful. There were two ladies celebrating birthdays on that day so we had one cake at lunch and Mama's at ice cream time (3PM). While it was a little too much stimulation for Mama, she hung in all day (not taking her usual afternoon nap) and made the most of it. The party went on all day and everyone had a good time. I'm so glad Laney and Julious came.
When Laney and Julious left, we said that they (those at Bloom) may not remember a thing about it tomorrow, but today they all had a good day.....and that's pretty much how it turned out. When I came in the next day, Helen had her head flat down on the table and I couldn't awaken Mama for lunch. The second day after, Mama was eating, but with her eyes closed. The third day she was awake, alert and talking (which is not always easy for her). After three days of that, she has been less talkative, less alert and more agitated. That's the way it goes, so we make the most of the good days and June 23rd was one of the best in a long time.
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Tonight is actually July 4th, Independence Day. My plans were to meet Sun City friends outside the Ale House for a concert and fireworks. Mother nature wasn't having any of that! As we sat under a shaded tent enjoying an occasional breeze, the dark clouds began gathering and lightening flashing. As we saw the band packing up, we decided to disperse. It seemed like a good plan to go inside the Ale House and wait it out, but when we got there we learned they had no electricity, along with a large part of Sun City. So, we said our goodbyes and headed home. I drove into rain and signs of a more serious storm....debris and limbs in the road. So, I'll watch the patriotic programs that I had planned to record...and be thankful for the blessings of the last few weeks. It's wonderful to see things come together for good.
It is with great sadness that I send my heartfelt condolences to Eileen and the whole Henderson family on the passing of Tom. It's another one of those things that happened so quickly that it's difficult to comprehend. I saw them in September, when Tom was in his element, organizing the UK Aramco reunion, taking care of all the details to make it special for everyone. That is how I will remember him, a major player in one of my fondest memories.
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