When Bad Days Suddenly Turn Good

Today was one of those interesting days where you wonder what on earth could happen next. It started with the puking episode and calling the school over the lack of a doctor's note. The school suggested we have a doctor's note faxed to them and thankfully the doctor did that for us without seeing Josh. I'm loving my doctor, but not so much the school.

I tried scrubbing the several hours old barf off the carpet and since it was tainted with chocolate you can imagine that the results are less than spectacular. The good (?) thing is that with time that'll fade. How wrong is it of me to even think that?

I went to the greenhouse to buy my annual Mother's Day truckload of flowers to brighten the place up a bit. I also got hanging baskets for gifts for our mothers because it's easy and I'm cheap like that.

As I was planting all afternoon (and in my spring-time planting frenzy glory) my mom called to tell me that my very best friend from elementary school passed away. How's that for a shocker? I'm still taken aback. How does one deal with news like that? She was a month older than I am. It's too young to die. She's survived by both of her parents and half of her grandparents. That's just not right. She died from a brain aneurysm. At the age of 37. I'm just having a hard time letting it sink in. She's my age. And it was so sudden.

And yet life goes on. The kids had soccer and drum lessons tonight. And they're working on their science fair projects for tomorrow. And in the midst of all this Micah found yet another permanent marker and drew large circles on the floor. He was spinning around on his hands and knees drawing around himself kind of large. I immediately tackled that with Oxy Clean but permanent means just that. I'm thinking that when I'm in town tomorrow I'll be renting the carpet cleaner. Barf and marker in one day are more than I'm willing to live with. And it's not like I don't have anything else to do, you know.

But today I'm grateful that life goes on. I'm so very glad that I have children to write on carpets and throw up in the middle of the night. I'm glad that although it's been a horrible year battling every germ and bug that is known to mankind, we are all healthy. I have a lot to be thankful for including barfing kids, school policies that suck, and ruined carpets.

24 comments:

Lori said...

how to deal with the loss of someone you are/were close to and is your age... you don't! you appreciate what you have. you hug your kids and your hubby a bit tighter. you call your other friends to say hi

you realize that life is worth living and somethings aren't worth getting upset over!

Pam said...

I am so sorry to hear about your friend and so proud of you attitude and passion for trying to look at the positives. My friend's husband had brain surgery last year and it was the scariest thing ever - and it wasn't even me going through it. I'll be praying for you and your friend's family!

Madame Queen said...

I hear you. I lost a friend from high school late last year. She left behind four children and thinking about that really helped me put those annoying things that happen into perspective.

Leanne said...

Oh, I'm sorry. Yep this sort of stuff puts everything else into perspective. It's tough though. Hugs.

And good luck with the carpet cleaner. Sigh.

just jamie said...

Oh, so sorry to hear about your friend. That is far too young. Reminds us to live each day more purposefully, which I regret that today, I did not. :(

Wineplz said...

I'm so sorry. :( I lost my cousin to a brain aneurysm 6 years ago...and he was about the same age as your friend. Very scary thing to hear. I also lost my best friend to leukemia when I was in grade school...losing someone the same age as you is even scarier. Give those kids and Sam extra tight hugs tonight. That should help you get through the next few day.

Anonymous said...

I knew you would come out with positives today. You inspire me! And, you are totally invited to the wedding, of course.

Laski said...

I'm sorry about your friend--so young and so sudden. Events like this always put life in a new perspective.

Flea said...

I am so sorry about your friend. Thirty seven IS too young. I'm so glad, though, that you're alive, that you have the perspective you do. Barfing kids will get better. Carpets were made for cleaning. You definitely have much to be thankful for.

Shellie said...

I'm sorry your friend left everyone behind at such a young age. Sort of changes your perspective.

Becoming Mommy said...

I've never had that kind of loss. My condolences. My big shock was at my highschool reunion to find out that my friend "Tammy" was now "Ted".
A bit easier to deal with.

As for being bad about thinking "eh, it'll fade"? Nah. Our carpets will seriously need to be replaced before we ever think of selling, but till then they are staying. Chewed, stained, lumpy and torn.

kimmy said...

I am sorry to hear about your friend. A sudden loss can be so difficult. I hope you find peace.

Kimmy

Andrea said...

That is so sad about your friend from elementary school! I am so sorry! Sometimes sad and bad things have a way of reminding us of all the good happy things. Sorry about your bad day! I hope the carpet cleaner gets out the marker and the chocolate!!

Andrea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kellan said...

I'm grateful too - but, I don't want my kids writing on anything they're not supposed to be writing on - ya know! I am going out today to get me some flowers for my yard - YIPPIE!

Have a good day Karen - I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. Kellan

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

It's sad that it takes something like the loss of a friend to realize just how wonderful life is and to remember to appreciate it. Thank you for the reminder. I'm sorry for your loss.

ALF said...

Very sorry to hear about your friend. That is too young to die. It's great that you're being positive about all the things there are to be thankful for while we're here.

jessica said...

karen, so sorry about your friend. so young! my thoughts are with her family. your perspective really changes, doesn't it. thanks for the post, even though i know it had to be hard for you. i needed that.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and rough day!! I hope things are looking sunnier!! Enjoy your flowers!!

Paula Lynn Johnson said...

Sometimes I wish there was a better way to get "perspective." Sorry for your news.

If it makes you feel better, I'm renting a Rug Doctor this week, since our dog has become incontinent and our carpet reeks of pee.

Oh - and give me your address!

Karen MEG said...

Sorry to hear about your friend, that must have been such a shock! Aneurysms happen so quickly often to people who are just too young.

Good for you for having a positive outlook on life.

Cecily R said...

Have I ever told you how much I love the way you look at things? Well I do.

I'm so sorry about your friend.

imbeingheldhostage said...

I wish that the makers of that wonderful Magic Eraser could come up with something for a carpet...
I'm sorry about your friend. That would be a terrible shock.

caramama said...

I'm so sorry about your friend! That must be such a hard thing.

You do have a lot to be thankful for, and it's great you can appreciate it through the barf and marker mess.