Just When You Think.....

Time is a precious thing.  You can measure it, live by it and  watch it go by, but you can't stop it.  

When I was younger, I felt more in control of time.  I had time to develop my career, I was in the "desirable time" age group--translation--no poochy stomach, great legs and a firm butt! And, the days of my life seemed to stretch endlessly into the future.  But, just when you think you are in the "sweet" spot of life, you begin to age.

I am older now.  My life of late has been a flurry of doctor's appointments, working, being short of breath and  feeling tired all of the time.  

I went to a new heart doctor last week.  Dr. McCrispin is Tony's heart doctor and I really like him.  He was with us during my appointment for more than a half an hour.  I didn't feel rushed or like I was less important than his time or next patient.  

He ordered a breathing test for me--what a killer that was.  When you hear "breathing test," you think, "how hard could that be?  You just breathe."  Wrong.  

For the test to be read accurately, you have to establish a baseline breathing pattern.  That equates to three "readings" that are similar.   My readings were all over the place and the computer mocked me by flashing red "failing" messages over and over again.  It took awhile to go from flashing red to "you're almost there" yellow to a weak, "OK, I"m green," reading.  As silly as it sounds, the test was a real workout.  I found that out when it was over and I stood up to leave.  The room started to spin and my legs were weak.  Geez, am I really that old? 

But, I survived!   The next thing on the list of medical mysteries that have to be solved is a 6 millimeter spot on my lung that I was surprised to find out I have had for 6 months.  I have a CT scan scheduled for Monday to find out what it is and frankly, there is a part of my brain that really doesn't want to know.  But, I guess I will find out after Monday.  

On brighter notes, Sarah's wedding is coming up in less than a week and Owen will be baptized.    I am so looking forward to both events.  It will be good to be in Cleveland because, unfortunately, for me, it will always be "home."  Leland, North Carolina is the place where our home is, but, Cleveland is home.  From Cleveland, we go to Charlotte for the baptism--another important spot on the map of our family.    

We are going to see Jenna and Jon's kids and I am super excited about that.  I'm guessing that Ben is almost as tall as Tony and I are and that tickling him and telling him that he was not supposed to grow, is going to be difficult.  But, I will try.  Ben was our first grandchild and will always hold a special place in our hearts.  To me, he will always be that baby with the tubes all over him that looked straight at Tony for his first photo-op before going to the Pediatric Neo-natal Unit in the hospital.  I value that picture.    

We are a bit worried about leaving Dixie (OK, maybe I am) because she has been reacting to thunder and lightening all of a sudden. July has been a really rainy..no, major thunder storm, month down here.  We have only had 6 or 7 days of sunshine during the entire month.  She trembles terribly and cowers in corners and closets when the storms come rolling in.  Maybe 12 days with Aunt Jan and Uncle Stu will help with that.  I hope so, we hate to see her be so afraid.  

And so, just when you think that your life is falling into a routine place,  stuff happens.  Happy stuff for our children and extended family.  Happy memories.   The beginning of a new married unit that will happily endure.  Happy photo ops and happiness in seeing our "old" grandchildren.  I can't wait.  

Cleveland....here we come!!