Saturday, June 27, 2015

Lemons, Lemonade and Life

I’ve been gone for a bit and I know you understand.  Life has been filled with things that needed my attention.  Family needs always come first and the routines of daily life must continue if we are to survive at home. 
Lemons Someone once said, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’.  Maybe some of what we’ve been doing lately has been like making lemonade.  Tough times can tear us apart or they can make us stronger.  As you know, our family recently had to deal with the loss of our little born-too-early grandson.  We have held each other close.  We have grieved and we have cried – but we are healing.  Our daughter is moving forward in the middle of her loss and we are very proud of the way she faces each day.  Thank you to each of you for your kind words, your prayers and the cards we’ve received.  You have encouraged our hearts more than you know with your love.

In the middle of the ‘lemons’ of life, my dear, little ninety-two-year-old mother fell again.  She fell backwards in her kitchen and landed hard on her tiny backside.  The amazing thing is – and this is a miracle – she didn’t break anything.  She is so tiny and frail.  She has no padding on her little bones but she got herself up, went to the phone and called us.  She was quite bruised and extremely shaken up by the fall but able to go on with life as before.  At first my sweetheart and I thought this would be a major turning point in her living at home, but we have come to realize that she is where she belongs.  For now.  Even though she didn’t break anything, this fall was a wake-up call for all of us, including her.  We are at a new place in her situation, but we’re not sure what that means.  It may be that there needs to be more involvement in some of her daily activities.  We don’t know, so we are praying for wisdom and direction. 

Not long after she fell her doctor of many years retired and it was necessary for her to find a new doctor.  She chose to see my doctor – and my sweet mother loves her!  She is very glad with the choice she made.  The process has been time consuming.  We had to be sure we had everything in place without a moment of lapse in her medical situation.  To exit one doctor at the same time you enter another required many phone calls and much paperwork.  I had to be sure there was nothing left undone incase she needed the services of the new doctor soon.   It was a big relief when everything went smoothly and the task was accomplished.

My sweetheart and I were able to go out of town for his fiftieth (ooh, that sounds like a long time!) high school reunion.  As we arrived at the venue for the first activity, one of my sweetheart's high school buddies saw us and gave advice:  'Don't go in there - that room is full of old people!'  It was a wonderful weekend.  To watch him enjoy his long-ago friends and listen to their reminiscences of past doings brought such joy to my heart.  And - in the middle of it all - I was able to have lunch and do a bit of antiquing with a dear friend who lives near where we stayed.  She and her husband met us for lunch after church on Sunday just before we headed home again.  Our time away was relaxing and we realized we need to do that more often.  

During a routine appointment with my doctor this week she gave me, shall I say, an assignment!  Walk twenty minutes every day!  So, I have been up and out early these last mornings because we’re having a hot spell and I like to breathe while I walk!  My sweetheart decided he would walk with me and we enjoy that time together.  It's good for both of us!  We have walked in different directions from our home each day and it’s amazing what we see when we’re walking.  Early yesterday morning we weren’t far from home when I rounded the corner – and stopped!  Couldn’t go on.  Had to take photos to share this darling sight with you. What stopped me in my tracks?  The cutest, little lemonade stand I ever saw.  Somebody’s daddy or grandpa must love Savannah very much!  What a work of art.  And it’s yellow, of course!
Lemonade Stand She has two choices – regular or berry.  Isn’t that cute? 
Lemonade Stand 2 She wasn’t open for business.  It was quite early and I wouldn't be surprised if she was still sleeping.   I think she must be quite the business 'woman' - she wanted to be sure passers-by would know that she would return - with lemonade – soon.Lemonade Stand 3I found this cute sign on Pinterest.  It’s something to remember when life hands us 'lemons'. 
It’s a cute sign but when hard times come the answer for me isn’t lemonade – although it’s a good idea to take a break and stay calm.  Through these past weeks a Scripture verse has come to mind many times.  The words of King Solomon are true:

‘Don’t brag about tomorrow,
since you don’t know what the day will bring.’
Proverbs 27:1 NLT

I’m not afraid of the days ahead.  Whatever life brings, my faith will remain strong.  I will be calm because God has done good things in the past.  And I know He will do it again!

8 comments:

  1. I love your update and that sweet lemonade stand!

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  2. I am sorry that your mother fell again. But relived to hear she is ok. Glad to also hear that you and your family are healing. Cute lemonade stand!

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  3. Adrienne I can't imagine the depth of your grief but I know that our God holds you in His arms to comfort you and that His peace will sustain you. I'm so glad your mother didn't break anything! I love seeing your posts whenever they pop up. :) blessings, marlene

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  4. Awe...Adrienne, I have been praying for your family as I know there has been some rough days! God is holding each hand along the way of this journey. So glad your mama loves your doctor. That sure makes things easier for you. Very glad that you and your hubby was able to get away for a bit. Cute, cute, cute little lemonade stand! Love it! Years ago I hosted a party called When Life hands you lemons make lemonade. It was fun but also was so very fitting as the Lord opened up doors for women to share the lemons of life! Praying for you dear sweet friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy P.S. Did you say Savannah? I am about 3 hours away from Savannah!

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  5. Life is certainly full of surprises and some aren't good ones! But God keeps us going. Blessings on your family and continued prayer as you deal with the emotions of losing your little grandson. I pray for wisdom for you and your mother in knowing the best way to proceed to make sure she stays well and has the help she needs. It isn't easy for anyone when those circumstances come!
    The darling lemonade stand is so cute, thank you for sharing. Even with "lemons" in life, there are still sweet surprises waiting around the corner :)

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  6. Oh, I love the lemonade stand and I may have to borrow that sign about keeping calm. I am thankful your mother was fine, what a blessing! I pray your family continues to heal.
    Have a blessed 4th of July celebration!

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  7. Dear heart...so sorry about your mother's fall and so thankful she didn't hurt herself by breaking something. At her age, to be living alone is so awesome. We all want to stay in our homes as long as possible.
    So glad to know your daughter is moving on..bless her heart. I can't even come close to knowing the pain you all went thru.
    And, you are right, that is the CUTEST lemonade stand I've ever seen. It reminds me of when we had one for our grands. :)
    Take care of your family, dear one....and of yourself.
    xoxo

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  8. Will it be ok with you if I share your lemonade stand photo for an upcoming post of mine ? I will link it right back to you. :)
    xo

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.