Disposition

Today is one of those days where I am struggling to find something to write about. When this happens, I look through quotes that I collect in a folder that I call, “unused but still inspiring…”  These sometimes help me get motivated.  I came across this one in the folder and decided that it fits.

It has been a rough few weeks with dad in the hospital.  It has caused a lot of stress and disagreements among our family.  I know this happens often when a loved one is sick.  Bickering, arguing not all getting along….I know it isn’t uncommon.  Tonight, he is home and although our schedules are crazy and hectic, Dave and I made dinner at his house for my sister’s family, my older brother and my dad.  We all ate at his house and made sure that he was settled, fed and comfortable.  He seems to be doing fine and with very few restrictions, he is sure to be out and about in a few days.

We had planned something small just the four of us and dad, but it turned into something bigger when my dad called and invited the rest of the family.  At first I was frustrated, not thinking there would be enough for everyone, and knowing that now I was cooking for ten rather than five, but Dave assured me that he’d bought enough for us all and not to worry about it.  My sister offered to go and buy more food to contribute to the meal, but it wasn’t even necessary.  Even if there hadn’t been enough, we would have made it work.  We always do.  Her kids, who are far less picky eaters than my own, wound up eating more than mine did and they enjoyed it.  That was a nice bonus!

At the end of dinner, Kathi, Dave and I did the cleanup and I was able to continue with purging his pantry that sadly is filled with expired cans and boxes of food.  Since he doesn’t do any cooking on his own, a lot of it has passed its expiration date.  It aches me to throw it away when I know how many starving people there are, but no one can use it past the dates so it has to be trashed.  I do a little bit each time I go.  My mom used to cook for a crowd and always over ordered in her grocery orders. They have a very big pantry and it will take some time to go through it all since we do it little by little.

Although I don’t show it much in public, (I reserve it for my family,) I often need reminders to appreciate what I have and to be less pessimistic.  We are all healthy, I have a job that I love, I am married to my best friend, have really great kids and amazing friends.  Yes, Dave needs a job, we could use more money, a bigger house, a cleaning lady…(my list goes on and on.) But in the end, rather than dwelling on the things I don’t have, I will try my best to see the bright side of situations and look for more positives.  A challenge I give to myself.

Tagged: family stress, inspired, look on the bright side, loved one sick causes tension, martha washington quote, out of the hospital, picky eaters, positivity