The Glad Game

I admit it.  I love this movie.



I'm taking my cue from the wise Miss Haley Mills, and finding a lot of things to be glad about over the past week:

1. A sister who gave me strength in a moment of weakness.
2. A hospice team that has saved my sanity, and mom's dignity.
3. That my mother's family truly becomes magnificent in a crisis.  These people are in their element, I'm telling you.
4. Bacon.
5. Distractions and busy work and normal things like soccer practices and analyzing spreadsheets and making birthday party goody bags and cooking dinner.  Walking the dog and knocking the living daylights out of the punching bag at kickboxing.
6. That mom is still exactly herself, just lying in an adjustable bed with a lot of covers.  Today she balanced her checkbook, did the crossword, told me she knows what Barack is going through (they both cut their lips, you see), and informed me that she had a stash of quarters in her apartment that the kids could split since she won't have to pay to do her laundry anymore.  Then she asked if I could bring her some yogurt (just the strawberry flavor) and individually wrapped packets of graham crackers.  She really liked the kind they had at the hospital.  Oh, and milk would be good, too.   
7. Each and every message and call and email and good wish and warm thought.  From long ago neighbors and brand new colleagues, from dear friends and perfect strangers who read this blog.    All the prayers and hope and kindess and love are coming through clear and strong.   It's tangible and it's working and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

She's still here.

And for that, above all, I am glad.