This past week was book-ended on both sides… one with a life saved and the other with a life lost. In between were lessons and reminders about life in general. It was NOT a bad week. Just weird… and heavy. In it, though, I practiced fortitude, transitioned to heart-healthy eating, leaned on my God, stood strong for my husband, became a better mom, and recognized the strength and support I have in my close friends and family. I am a lucky woman.
On Monday, my father-in-law received two titanium stents in his heart after showing signs of an impending heart attack. The surgery was none too soon because one artery was blocked 99% and the other 90%. The doctors called those arteries “widow-makers.” They said he would not have made it to Wednesday. He’s one lucky man who’s bounced back in less than a week. His life was saved. Monday was a difficult and exhilarating day.
Tuesday and Wednesday I learned a hard but important lesson about monetizing my business and communicating clearly with clients. I made a mistake, took responsibility for it, and made it right the best I could. It was an uncomfortable 24 hours for me that turned out for the best. I have an amazing and understanding client. I made a new friend in her. Wednesday was a great day.
Thursday I invoiced my first paying client for Pen to Paper Communications, (which means I accomplished my 2012 business goal). I had a wonderful morning at MOPS where I “hostess-ed” the speaker for our group. Our moms were thrilled and enlightened from the speaker’s presentation. I rounded out the day by going to a “kindergarten roundup” meeting for my son’s school next year. I felt like such a mom, and it was wonderful! Thursday was an excellent day.
Friday morning we learned my husband’s grandmother passed away. At 93, she’d been fighting stage-four uterine cancer for several months. There was no shock at her passing, but a gentle sadness that she was gone mixed with a tender joy that she was no longer suffering. We were all close to her, but my husband had an especially close bond with Gamie, so I was sad for Andrew. Later in the day I got a call from Andrew informing me he was seconds away from having to fire his assistant at work. Ugh. Can you imagine losing a dear family member and then several hours later having to confront an employee to let them go? Terrible day for my husband. Friday was a tough day.
Like I said. Weird week, but not a bad week. I imagine I’ll reflect on it for a few weeks. I’m certain I have not yet grasped all the lessons wrapped into these last seven days. Some I may not connect with for a while, but I’ll be thinking and contemplating. I came across a quote, today, I absolutely love (though I’m not necessarily a fan of the man who said it!) because it is a great reminder for me as I contemplate and write my thoughts:
“Action is greater than writing. A good man is a nobler object of contemplation than a great author. There are but two things worth living for: to do what is worthy of being written; and to write what is worthy of being read.“
Ross Perot
Holy smokes, what a week! I love the way you contemplate things, Leanne. You see a lesson in everything, which I am pretty sure is how God intends our lives to be. I hope and pray that this week is a little more relaxing for you, though. Hugs.