There is no promise for tomorrow, but you do have today

A sobering event in our community has impacted just about everyone here. A wonderful Eugene Police Officer was killed in the line of duty. From all reports, he was a wonderful human being and leaves behind a young family and many loved ones. He was also my neighbor's grandson. My neighbor, Ed. He's 86 and his health has been questionable over the past few months. I took him and his lady friend to breakfast a few weeks ago and I could see the concern in her face for him. He didn't seem to be quite the same to me, either. I've known Ed since I moved here over six years so. I'm sure this tragedy has impacted him, too. I'm waiting to go visit until things settle a little bit, but I won't wait too long.

This event impacted me, too. My internship is tied to the City of Eugene and my supervisor is the Community Relations Director, so she has been completely consumed with the arrangements for a memorial which is happening right now at Mathew Knight Arena. This stacks on top of the fact that last week her father-in-law passed away suddenly and she spent that week consumed with those arrangements and family time. I think I'll bring her some flowers next week. She's been very kind to me with my internship and I can only imagine that she's in need of at least a little TLC. I'll do what I can to let her know I care, too.

I received a call from my "estranged" father's wife about a month ago, asking me to help! Apparently it's time for them to consider moving into an assisted living facility from their own home so he can receive the kind of regular care he needs and she won't have to be separated from him in the process. How could I refuse? She told me there are no suitable facilities in Alabama, so I suggested that I look at facilities in Memphis. She said OK. This will be a very taxing effort for me. Relationship-wise, energy-wise, time-wise, all the way around. I'm doing as much research and planning as I can now, so I can hopefully find a suitable solution for them.

My dog, Poncho, is now in mid to late stage congestive heart failure. He's on 3 different medications and additional supplements. I now cook for him so he is assured of a low sodium diet. He seems to be doing better after about two weeks on the new diet & medications. Still so sad to consider the day is coming soon when a tough decision will have to be made. I won't make it alone. I know my daughters will be there with me on that. He was our family pet before the divorce and I ended up taking him with me after that. He'll be 15 years old in September, if he lives that long.

I've conceded to take a scuba diving class, because my youngest daughter is pretty much insisting I do it. She is finishing up her 2nd scuba class. Loves it. She really wants me to do something fun with her. I tried snow skiing...oh my, but I did try. I found a friend who will take the scuba lessons with me, so I'm going to register for it in the summer term. I'm sure it will be fun, but I'm just a little bit nervous.

Some days I feel like a towel that destiny just keeps shaking to see what else will fall out. Wow, that was profound. Those Rege-isms just keep coming, don't they.

I think it's time for a little self-induced TLC this weekend. Who knows about tomorrow. I just know that today I can do something and I'm trying to make each something meaningful. Some days "meaningful" means taking several naps. That's my body's way of coping with the multitudes of stress lately. I think I need to try something a little different, or a lot different. Looks like it might be a sunny weekend, finally. Perhaps I'll see if I can ride my bicycle to the bike trails tomorrow and take a nice ride.

Hoping there's a rainbow in the sky today. They make me feel good inside.