What do you do when a bunch of unexpected things-not so nice things-happen?
Go with the flow.
If there's one thing life has taught me, among many others, it is this. Go with the flow. And that's what I've been doing all this month...and probably will be, for the coming weeks.
By November 10, we had news of two deaths and even as we grappled with that shocking news, along came a third. On November 13, my father-in-law passed away.
I have tried my best to stay calm, stick to the routine and yes, go with the flow. Because doing familiar things when we have to deal with shocking news absolutely helps. It helps stay focused.
So I did exactly that, while grieving, reminiscing about good times, treasuring the memories.
Here are some of the things I am grateful for this month.
Cleaned fridge
Such a routine thing. And when you put it off, so time-consuming. The "clean fridge" that was sitting on my to-do list for a couple of weeks and raising my guilt meter was precipitated thanks to a leaky milk sachet. It is crazy how a tiny hole can steadily leak and not be visible for a while-until it starts seeping around the bottoms of everything else on the shelf. Ugh! Talk about deciding to go with the flow, literally! Well, I dropped everything else to attend to this and decided now was as good a time as any to get to the cleaning.
Don't know if it is just me-but do you have certain jars at the back of the shelf in the fridge that have been around for a while? I mean-I know what's in them but they're like-just there, you know. In my case it is pickle jars-of pickles I want to last forever. Some jars with just a wee bit in them.
Oh well, I pulled those out and made it my mission to finish them, quite joyously, as I cherished the memories associated with some of the jars. I think even Nestle must have forgotten that they offered these jars-we've had them for more than 40 years. Oh, the nostalgia.
Grateful to discover some lovely things in my freezer, too.
Resumed morning walks
What is it about death news that nudges us to take better care of ourselves? One of my neighbors came over for a pep talk and in the course of conversation we reminisced over how we had walked all over our area looking for a yoga class this time last year. We found plenty, some were even free. However, we never did get around to enrolling, what with various things getting in the way. I suggested we at least start going for a walk in the morning like we used to and she agreed.
Well, barely two weeks and she's not able to make it due to some issues. But * adjusting the halo around my head* I've been consistently keeping it up and feel kind of proud of myself. More so because I also go for my evening walk, chalking up the steps and the miles which is so good for my blood sugar control.
Exercise is a non-negotiable with diabetes and besides that benefit, it has also kept me sane getting me out of the house twice a day. Makes it easier to go with the flow, manage the mind, too, you know. I am grateful to live in an area where it is possible to walk.
Final goodbyes
As I said earlier, by November 15, we had a tally of three deaths. The hardest blow was the death of my my father-in-law-a shock to the family. We rushed to Chennai as soon as we heard the news. He was versatile and brilliant. Tributes were published in several leading newspapers. It warmed our hearts to see the condolences pouring in from people who'd known him and had wonderful memories to share about him.
He was 87 and lived a rich life, but when is it ever easy to lose a parent? I am just grateful I had the privilege to know him, care for him and share a beautiful rapport with him. Grateful for the relationships I've built in my life.
Received a gift from Google
As a regular contributor and local guide on Google maps, I have received some perks in the past that I have not been able to use or even gift away. But last month, they emailed me to ask me to claim a "gift" - a pair of socks. It may not be a big deal but I am so touched by the reward.
Of course, I had doubts about whether it would actually reach me since most things from abroad are lost in transit. But this one arrived in a week. And it is so cute! Knowing me, I will hoard it for as long as I possibly can before I actually wear it. Because if I wear it, won't it become old? Sigh.
It was my son's birthday last week. The fifth he's been away from home. Yes, as his Mom, I get to sulk before I smile at the thought of him coming home for the December break. I am grateful for the lovely people on his campus who, at my request, bought him sweets which he distributed to his friends. And his classmates celebrated his birthday at midnight and also cut a cake. I am grateful that he had a nice day.
So, the gift I ordered for him on Amazon that was supposed to reach on his birthday didn't. But he is cool with that because it's just a delay. Way to go with the flow! Grateful that he's my son. I went through some of his writings and came across a letter he wrote when he was 8 years old. He used to write letters all the time! So, amusing then, and I treasure them now. Memories are so soothing!
Last week, I came across this tree. It has been around for as long as I've known but had to be cut down during a recent storm as it was on the verge of collapsing. It's amazing how the roots still look strong in spite of the hollow. What stories it must have, to tell.
About the pedestrian who took shelter under its branches. About the two people who probably cuddled behind the trunk as the sun set in the evening. Or the weary travelers who sat resting their backs against the trunk. Kids who walked by, jumping up and trying to pull its branches. People living nearby, watching its branches swing with the breeze.
Can you see the tiny signs of life? That made me emotional. Perhaps trees also learn to go with the flow. I am joining Parul for ThursdayTreeLove with this tree.
Grateful for my community
No gratitude post of mine would be complete without mentioning my loving community at LadyBloggersEngage - an exclusive group for women bloggers where they can connect, engage and grow. Join LadyBloggersEngage, today.
Isn't it lovely that the Gratitude Circle blog hop coincides with Thanksgiving? How was November for you?
Welcome to the November 2019 Gratitude Circle Blog Hop.
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