Spring has sprung, and I’m as happy as the proverbial “bug in a rug.”
Personally, I’ve had one of the longest, hardest winters since my husband died in 1993. I diagnosed myself with some possible causes, but the doctor stemmed it up with one I had forgotten ó seasonal distress disorder.
The transportation limitations were difficult to contend with, the house hasn’t sold, and the physical pain was almost constant. It has been amazing how a couple days out in the sun has changed things. I have less pain, and I’m in a better mood about my limitations. The vitamin D from the sun is cheap medicine.
Everything started coming together when I got the proof copy of my new book. It arrived by Fed-Ex while I was toasting in the sun with a magnificent breeze, soaking up that tan that others often envy. I was so excited that I had finally finished the book, and I had to call some of my friends.
The following day was my RITA van service day and off I went, armed with my book and some of my handmade cards. I got the two doctor follow-up visits out of the way, and visited with all my friends who work at the hospital. These folks make me feel so positive about myself, and cheer me up when I am down.
I shared my book with one of the receptionists and she said, “I saw your article in the paper this morning, and it was about your book.” I had not seen the paper so she gave me a copy. The picture in the paper is the one that was taken by Steve Norman, a professional photographer, and is the same one that is on the back of the book. It’s one of the few photographs I have ever found flattering, and Steve has been very kind about getting the picture to the different locations where they were needed.
After I left the hospital, I met my sister downtown at Hap’s for lunch. I took the book and held it up so Greg could see it. I told him I had written something about Hap’s and it is in the book. He seemed surprised and pleased, and said he would love to have a signed copy; speaking of which is a cause for some excitement.
Book stores in Salisbury, China Grove, Lexington, Granite Quarry, and Albemarle are willing to sell the books on consignment and even have signing dates. I have been blessed with a couple of friends who will drive me to those places.
Everyone is telling me how proud they are of me, and I guess truthfully I am, too; but the glory goes to the Lord who had these plans for me.
(Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”)
I did think about my mother on her birthday in April. She would be 88 and would have been very proud and excited for me.
Well, I started cruising through town on my scooter, enjoying the flowers, the sun and the breeze. I went to the bridge on East Innes and started back on the other side of the street. Several blocks back toward the square, I realized I had dropped my jacket so I began to retrace my route. Sure enough, there was my white jacket on the walkway in the middle of the bridge. I said a prayer of thanks because all who know me realize I have to carry jackets ,even in the summer.
I visited several stores and talked to the owners about selling my books, and even my handmade cards. Excitement just kept mounting with the conversations, and I realized once again, things come together in God’s perfect timing for those who love him.
Some cards I have been making resemble the Red Hat Society Ladies and they have “sold like hot cakes.” I knew some money was waiting for me at the end of Lincolnton Road, so I decided I would ride down Fulton Street and enjoy the beautiful yards. I had already used two of my three RITA stops. I checked the charge indicator on my scooter; it was on full, so off I ventured.
Lots of folks think I take too many chances, but life is short, and my time is limited.
The further I got from West Innes street, the bumpier the sidewalks became. I had second thoughts, but kept going. Then when I got in front of the Wallace mansion at a very rough place, I ran off the sidewalk, and became stuck.
The wheels would spin, but the scooter would not move. I tried everything, but nothing would make the scooter move. There was no one walking around that I could ask for help. Cars were flying by, unaware of my dilemma.
Finally, I accepted the fact that I would have to call 911, since I had no directory with me. The nice lady dispatched me to the city police department.
When I explained my situation, the lady there said, “I know who you are. I read your story in the paper this morning. Where did you say you are?”
I replied, “The castle on Fulton Street.”
She laughed and said she has always called it that also. In a matter of minutes, a police officer arrived and got me back on the sidewalk; off I went again.
Several RITA vans passed me, and the drivers hollered to ask if I was OK. I was having a great time, and was even more pleased when Cathy paid me and kept the rest of the cards I had with me. My driver picked me up and took me to my last stop to get groceries. Food Lion had an employee help me, and I was out of there and on my way home shortly.
I covered a lot of territory on the scooter and the RITA van service this day.
I guess if I don’t have a vehicle to drive, the money to buy one, and can’t walk, this all sure beats staying home, or inside on a perfect spring day.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!