through the wringer

I guess you could say it's been one of those days! I guess I should have known when I was awakened at 3:15 with a migraine headache. But I was oblivious to the roller coaster that the day held for me. My husband, David left for Colorado today. He'll be gone for about a month. I'm accustomed to these types of trips, so under normal circumstances it wouldn't make a dent in my psyche. But today was not normal. David was taking Andrew, a young man whom I had encouraged David to hire, with him on this trip. Andrew was supposed to be at our house at 6:45 to share a car with David to the airport. He was 1/2 an hour late. I was disappointed and know that Andrew has perhaps "shot himself in the foot" as far as this job is concerned. I wish that wasn't so. He needs this job, but I can't control that.

About 9:30 this morning I received a call from my brother Dan. He lives in California and rarely calls. I was fearful when told it was him on the phone. He blessed my day with the good news that he and his wife are expecting their third child. The day was looking up.

About an hour later my mother came into my office. Also, someone who doesn't usually visit my office unless there's something wrong. I could see on her face immediately that something was wrong. then she told me that my 18 year old niece is pregnant. I held her while she cried. We talked and encouraged each other. She left me feeling like it was going to be ok and our family could and would rally. While my mother was in my office a friend and her children came in. They moved to China 6 months ago, and are in town for just a few days. I had seen Rebecca yesterday and had a wonderful brunch, but her 4 year old ran in, gave me a giant hug and told me how much she had missed me. It warmed my heart. After my mom left I joined the Rebecca's kids in the nursery and we played for an hour or so, then they left. I won't see them again for 6-12 months.

Shortly after lunch I was in the restroom and there was a woman visibly upset. She spent an hour or so in my office. I was unable to make her feel better about the things that upset her. When she left I felt powerless and sad.

Then I was off to the nursing home to see my grandmother. She was highly confused today. She thought I was there early in the morning. She asked me about people whom I do not know. She thought it was winter and wanted to know where her coat was.

I feel like I said good-bye to so much today. Good bye David. Good bye Rebecca. Good bye Andrew. Good bye Granny. Good bye to my niece's childhood. I feel like so much is unresolved. But this day was spiced with the good news of 2 new babies joining our family. This day had me relying on co-workers for mental and emotional support. This day reminded me of the beauty of my job. The people.

Today I cry out for a boring tomorrow! Please let it be!