I AM NOT AFRAID OF BREAKING A NAIL

Let’s take a poll. How many woman out there (widowed or not) when they’re driving along and their car starts to make a funny noise, so they pull over – only to discover a flat tire – think ‘no problem’? Then you quickly start the process of changing a tire.

How many of you? OK, yes, I know there are plenty of women who are schooled in this – and are perfectly capable. But, do you really WANT to do it? Yes, I am sure there are those of you out there that would even want to – and enjoy it.

We have discussed this before….. I am not cut out for being a widow. This is one of many things I just don’t like to deal with. Don’t get me wrong. I really am not afraid of breaking a nail or getting dirty. I just don’t like the hassle… or the pressure of having to do something right. ‘Cause think of it. If you don’t put the tire on tightly enough… that is just all bad! Too much pressure. Not to mention even just trying to get the tire off. I have inherited WEAK upper body strength. Can’t do it.

AAA was on the list of first things to get after my husband passed. I never worried about that type of thing before – because no matter where I was… I would make a phone call and wait – and my husband would be along to take care of me. Now, I am a proud Premiere member of AAA. I certainly get my money’s worth out of my membership. Aside from having a great AAA lady to help me every time I go to travel (shameless plug for Debbie – if you want to be set up with someone great – let me know… I love her), I also have this handy dandy card that I pull out anytime I have car trouble.

Let me illustrate for you the benefits….

Sunday, October 25, 2009

I am in the car driving to church about 45 minutes from our home with two kids and a dog (why the dog was with us is another story). It is about 9am. I am dressed in heels and a suit. Church is scheduled to begin at 10am and I am on the program to speak. I hear a strange noise and feel the car driving differently. I pull over on the side of the road. I have, of course, taken the back roads to where I was headed… not a soul in sight. I pull out my AAA card, dial the number and request the assistance of changing a flat tire. They inquire as to where I am… thank goodness for GPS – I provide the address.

I make a phone call to the church to let them know I will be late. They assure me it will be no problem – as I am scheduled later in the service. We pull out the movie Black Beauty pop it in the DVD player and begin watching it.

Some time later I see a AAA van pulling up behind me. I couldn’t tell you how long it was – because quite frankly I was perfectly content sitting in the car with my kids watching a movie with them. No stress. No big deal. Within 15 minutes (not kidding) of the AAA guy’s arrival my tire is changed and I am back on the road.

I arrived at church right before the intermediate hymn. During the hymn I walk up and assume my position on the stand. Immediately after the hymn they announce I will be speaking.

I have no dirt on me. My hands are clean. I don’t have a broken heel on my shoe or even a broken nail. My hair looks almost as good as it did when I left and I don’t even have a run in my nylons. I don’t feel the least bit stressed, because quite honestly it was a bit relaxing!

Yes, with some things I have learned to be proactive!

Lesson Manual: How to be a widow:
7. Think of everything you hate to do and sign up for any memberships that will get you out of doing it! i.e. AAA = no changing flat tires, no worries if you run out of gas, and someone else can come jump your battery!

A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

Last year, after my oldest son had gone to live with my brother-in-law, and we were in the process of 'repairing his wrath' around the home... my kids started to pester me constantly about getting a dog. I heard about it every day.

A conversation would go like this:

**mom at work, receives a call from the children**
"Hello"
"Hi Mom"
"Hi Sweetie"
"So, what time are you going to be home"
"I shouldn't be too late tonight"
"OK, I'll see you later"
"Bye sweetie"
"Bye" *** "Wait, Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I want a dog"

"I want a dog" was the ending to almost every conversation. Let me clarify that I don't dislike animals... I just don't want to have any of my own to care for. Really, do you think I have time for one more thing? But, the children were insistent. And I would come home after work to a house that was once filled with the anger and chaos of my oldest child to a home that felt empty. That was silent.

I started to keep my ears and eyes open for a small dog. Maybe. Just maybe. But, there was no way I was going to go to the pet store and pay hundreds of dollars for a dog.

I was walking with my girlfriend one evening and she mentioned there was a lady at her work that had puppy that was considering giving it away. It was a complicated situation - but it was a pure breed miniature schnauzer. I didn't know what that was - but it was a miniature - so that sounded good. I told her to let me know, I might be interested.

As it turned out her friend was interested in giving the puppy away to a good home. Unsure that "a good home" described us, I asked if we could "dog-sit" for a week. I was at their home a couple days later to get "Ace". He fit in. He was crazy and wild. He brought the life, that my oldest son's departure had taken, back into the house. He would run around and never stop. He greeted the children with jumps and kisses the minute they walked in the door. The minute that their mom should have been there to do it... but since I was at work - call me crazy but there was something comforting about knowing my kids were being greeted with excitement.

At the end of the week I was watching the kids play with him... and I just knew. I knew I wasn't giving him back. He was as crazy and wild as the rest of us and he belonged right here with us.