God has a plan

And somehow my name has been scratched off of the "God's memos' list!

So my friend in from out of town has had a setback....after having hernia surgery, he broke his foot a few days later.

He will be in town for 4-6 more weeks.

Yes, God has a plan. All I can do is trust He knows what He's doing.

With this unfortunate incident, I personally am gearing more toward the "he needs to spend some more time with his 86, soon-to-be 87-year-old mother" theory.

But remember, I've been 'whited out' of the memo list.

I know that since he's been in town, my life has been a train wreck. I need to get this derailed train back on the tracks. Though I'd love to take advantage and spend quality time with him while he is stranded in town, I have to stay focused on my Lenten goals, my nutrition program, my personal obligations, and taking care of me.

I'm conflicted. Mom taught me to help friends, to take care of those who need, and hence, I always neglect myself. I have to pull back a bit and start taking care of me. It's the airplane rescue theory. Pull down the oxygen mask and place it on yourself first and then help your neighbor.

Now, I'm so blessed. Each day has hills and valleys. In the midst of the chaos, I was brought to tears over the weekend as I received a text from a dear grade school friend. All she said was 'what a nice surprise....' attached to a picture of my sister and 2 nieces. Sheila's daughter is in a wedding on the same day my niece is getting married. No, they are not in the same wedding but they WERE at the same dress store and all met each other. Kind of funny. Sheila's daughters call me Aunt Dani...and when the girls were talking about me, I think my real nieces were amazed to hear that!!

The entire meeting story warmed my heart and showed me, yet again, what a very small world we frequent. After the text picture I was fortunate to share a lovely night with Sheila and her entire family over the weekend. Her son's meal to die for! I feel like I am part of the family and at home when I spend time with these friends!

Again, in the midst of the craziness, God helps me through as my Aunt and I head to Mass for my Uncle...on St. Patrick's day! What a terrific way to begin this holiday/holy day! And then to breakfast! Yes, though I'm on my nutrition kick, I could not pass up the Soda Bread & Corned Beef tradition! Come on! You only live once and some don't even get the full use out of their warranty.

I think I've gotten a few derailed cars back on the track, but I've a loooong, loooong way to go!