You have no idea

I'm blessed to have 'guardian angels' interspersed in my daily life on a regular basis.

One that God unexpectedly plopped into my life is the nice man and I believe forever friend that sold me my car after the awful mishap way back when....

Of course, he immediately hit it off with and just loved Mom, but who didn't!

And, because of his tutelage and amazing treatment from day 1, not a visit to the dealership goes by without me popping in to say hello to all the guys, bringing treats, and my pal nicely blocking out time from his busy schedule to visit with his friend!

I think, at times, I know more about the man who sold me my car than some of my friends I've known for nearly a lifetime. It's that one-on-one speaking that we set aside for 1/2 hour or so every time I visit. It's NOT an email, it's NOT a text. It's what I love most -- speaking in person to a friend and visiting, catching up, or making new memories.

I simply can not believe what he did for me the last time I had my car serviced. Needless to say, he went above and beyond the call of duty for me since I needed to leave my car overnight in order to get to work on time. For a fleeting moment, I actually felt like I imagine movie stars and athletes are treated regularly.....I walked into the rental car store and was greeted like royalty. They had my car ready, bent over backwards for me, and could not do enough to make sure I had everything I needed.

I used to get that treatment when accompanying Mom, but never on my own.

Until today. And this may be my one and only time I feel like this! ha ha.

I realize it's a business transaction and if the customer is happy, they may come back for more.

But there is something with my agent, Kenny, who really does go above and beyond. If that means he's the best salesman around, then he is and he does his job like no other. But, there is that human side, that compassionate friend which most sales people really don't have (at least sales people I've run into who give you their scripted pitch, day in day out).

I'm blessed to have run into this person during the course of my lifetime. God knows exactly what he is doing every minute of every day. Every move has a meaning and a reason. We can waste valuable time trying to figure it out, can actually fight some of God's moves or sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

I love being a passenger in God's delicious sportscar traveling those back country roads, top down, Sirius Radio blaring!

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!