What a day!
People around me are falling apart. I’ve been awake for 3 hours now… here’s what I’ve learned.
My close friend Tim (as opposed to my pbf Tim) called to tell me his cat of 17 years died last night and how his little boys are dealing with it (not well). And that his mother was told that she has 3 to 6 months to live, maximum. Hugely long story here, but suffice it to say, there is no mistaking this eventuality. It’s just overwhelming to have a countdown to contend with.
My friend Cheryl IM’d me. Her father was readmitted to the hospital - congenital heart failure and a whole host of other issues. He lost 14 pounds of water overnight thanks to the diuretic they put him on. That situation is a nightmare - it’s been going on forever and it’s not getting better. Ever. Then about 30 minutes ago she IM’d me to say that her Aunt Ruth died. Unreal.
My friend Michael in Canada emailed me this morning. He was called in for a meeting at work. They canned him. He’s in the process of adopting a child and he’s the major breadwinner of the family and they fired him. He’s saying laid off, but it’s just a ridiculous situation where he’s being made the scapegoat. BTW I know Michael from my first job in publishing - this is the state of the industry I was in. I’m just horrified.
Essentially I could be brought down by all these things. Believe me, I have the tendency… I’m a true extrovert so when the world around me is feeling low, I’m very down as well. But I’ve decided instead to celebrate all that is going right in my world:
1. I have my health. I am in control of it and I am getting fitter, stronger, and healthier every day. My parents are in good health too. And my cousin who was so sick is doing very well. So all in all, I have things to celebrate here.
2. I have great friends. I know all these things about people in my life because I’m the first one they call when something happens. That’s amazing to know. And in turn I am reminded that when I need them, they are 100% there for me.
3. I have already gone through the drama of leaving a job - mine was a bit more voluntary than Michael’s but not tons more. And I’ve already come to understand that this is a huge blessing for me to have this time to devote to myself, my happiness, my life. I was also financially prepared for the period of unemployment and have little stress related to it other than the need to forgo some of life’s extras.
4. I have a very full life. I have a crazy busy day today: lunch with my best friend Rhonda today (thai food… saving up calories!). Then I’m getting my hair cut and colored (finally) this afternoon. And then Tim (the pbf, not the good friend) is coming over tonight for dinner (I’m making my famous sloppy joes… such a simple man… I can’t believe how excited he is about them!)
There have been a lot of posts lately about attitude and perserverance and loving yourself and being true to your goals. I am glad for them. I don’t know that I would have the same approach to today without them. You are all amazing people and I feel genuinely blessed to have your insights, your encouragement, your friendship in my life.
Ellen
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Sorry to hear that people close to your are having hard times and it shows in your words how much you care for them. I’m glad you looked at the good things that are going on in your life because there is plenty there. More than alot of people can say they have. I hope things work out for everyone although I know that sounds like an easy way of putting it. All you can do is be a friend and a shoulder to lean on for your friends. Wishing you all the best and a better day from here on end.
-Jeanette
I must be emotional today because the sappiness is doing me in today worse than a Hallmark commercial! I’m glad you are doing well, Ellen. It is so sad that your friends are having such a rough time though! Stay strong. It doesn’t do them any good if you fall apart too! Great job remembering everything that you have to be thankful for right now!
Wow that is crazy Ellen. When it rains it pours I guess. It is great that you are not getting lost in it all. It is easy too, especially with close friends. You are doing awesome…Good luck with Sloppy Joe Night
You are always so interesting to read. You know I am living vicariously through this romance of yours. I am always so happy to hear things are going well for you. (In the romance department) I just have my crush on Leonard Cohen to get me through the day. Leonard, why haven’t you found me yet? Hugs, Marge
What a GREAT testament of counting your blessing in the face of struggles and sadness.
Thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much. I needed this today Ellen.
Signed,
Sappy right along with BeeBee and I’m not even pregnant. LOL
I’m so sorry to hear of your friends and family troubles. Way to go in counting your blessings in the face of it! Very proud of you!
So sorry for all that you have going on. It is a really good time for us all to count our blessings. Thank you for your blog.
Thats the Ellen we know and love. Always seeing the glass half full and finding the positive in a dark time.
wow Ellen I was just going to ask how things were for you. I guess you have to be a great friend for all these friends to come to in a time of need. Glad you are staying postive about all this.
Take care.
Good job!!! Great attitude despite all the bad news. I’ll keep you and your friends and family in my prayers/11
You’re an incredible person, Ellen. Life stinks sometimes, and sometimes it’s all we can do to try and stay positive and happy through it all. I know how you feel, I’ve been in that sort of position before. But it helps to know that God loves you, it’s all a part of His plan, and that things will all work out for the best, for everyone. Hang in there, and know that you have friends here in cyberspace who LOVE and adore you, and your cheerful spirit. Keep up the good work. Take care, my buddy!
Peace… Jen