Wednesday: Rain, Knee, Boots, Closet and Thoughts......

It was a stormy morning and all the way into the afternoon here in North Texas.

I had to wait for a lull in the action before I could run out to the car and head to my orthopedic doctor appointment. And I use the word 'run' figuratively. Like Provenzo says in The Closer - 'I don't run.'

I took a batch of Lemon Crack Cupcakes to the office - this time not for the doctor but for the office staff. I love all my doctors and that includes Dr. Steven Sanders. He gave me my 'new' right knee about 10 years ago and that changed my life. Still, Dr. Sanders intimidates me a little bit.

They took x-rays and put me in a room. 

I thought of my friend Sandra aka Mad Snapper as I looked around.

No magazines. No reading material. 

So I took a picture.

Turns out my right replaced knee is still doing really well. I thought so since it doesn't hurt!

Dr. Sanders said he's hoping it lasts many more years!

My left knee is not doing so well.

The cartilage on the right side is pretty much gone.

The problem is my Osteoarthritis.

He suggested a series of four Hyalgen injections - to replace the 'jelly' like cushion on that side.

I had my first injection within a few minutes and was back out in the rain heading home.

It felt magical to go in to the doctor with a problem and come out with a possible solution and one that did not require surgery. It's already better and I know this because I came home, did our reading and ate a bite of lunch with Louis Dean and went to bed for yet another one of those long 3 hour naps! I've only been able to sleep in one position for months and today I slept in a different one.

It felt so good!! The rain made for good sleeping weather!

Louis Dean had a show and tell when I finally woke up!

His new mud boots had arrived!

These are great because he can wear them over his shoes!

They.are.huge.

Rain is as much in the forecast down at the ranch as it is here - maybe more so.

We are all prepared to park the truck up at the gate and walk in when we go down there Sunday.

Sweet Lillian had been looking at all the rain coming down and called me to see if my house was wet.

Thankfully, no! Sump pumps are working and there's not even any wet spots in the carpet anywhere.

I am so grateful.

I've been working on my closet and it is a mess.

You can't tell I've made progress but I have.

The hall is lined with bags full of things to take to the Goodwill. 

I'm dropping them off tomorrow.

The bed is clear and I sent Louis Dean to the guest room so he won't trip and stagger over all this during the night because I am leaving it until I start in again tomorrow morning.

I don't know if it's the weather or what but I have been fighting with a headache all evening.

I finally took some Tylenol, rubbed a dollop of Ben Gay on my neck and used the 'wisk' on my head.

After I finish writing here, I am going to bed.

Linda has been on my mind and heart and in my prayers all day long.

This morning I added her name to my prayer list of widows and it brought tears to my eyes.

The list grows and one day it will be my turn.

I'm holding Louis Dean a little bit closer and checking on him when he sleeps.

The death of someone we know causes us to think about things.

While I knew Andy, I am closer to Linda, his wife, and to her circle of life long friends.

They have graciously included me in some of their gatherings and adventures and I have come to love them. Lisa, especially. They all rallied and came together for Linda and her house is full of lots of people comforting and encouraging her. I talked to Summer this evening and family, friends, neighbors and co-workers have streamed in with food and fellowship. I yearn to be there and hug Linda. Soon I hope to see her when we go down to the ranch. Linda lives in Waco and Summer will probably be staying on with her for a few days. Maybe Lisa, too.

I will be 71 years old this year. By this time in my life, I can look back and see patterns, stages and seasons. I'm proud of the growth God has seen me through over the years. I'm humbled at all that God has redeemed for me. I'm grateful for the friends and family I have.

I've been leafing through the pages of my life story in my mind's eye today.

We are all writing a book. Not necessarily with pen and paper but with the words we have spoken, deeds we have done. Decisions we have made. Choices. Our life has been lived before a live audience. Our influence has fallen on a multitude of people. Such is my life and such is yours. And such was Andy's.

It's been good to check Facebook today and see all the photos of Andy. His Life has unfolded before my very eyes.....pictures of him with Linda, his daughter, friends, children, projects, pets. Pictures of him at home and in the yard. Pictures of him out with friends and family. Childhood pictures.

Andy's life is spread right out there and it was a beautiful thing. It was a good life.

Summer told me Andy was a Christian. A believer. He knew he was going to heaven.

That knowledge gives comfort.

Andy and his beloved daughter.