There is a lot to be Thankful for.

I'm battling a bit of a cold. I've been sneezing quite a lot, but no fever, chills, or sweats -  I'm grateful it's just one of those pesky colds. The kind of colds, back when I was younger, I would still go to work. After a sneezing attack, my nose tends to get a bit runny, so I've developed quite a bond with my trusty box of tissues! I tend to cough mostly at night. I don't take anything for a cold. I have always found that when I did, I would get worse. I do suck on cough lozenges. I’ve been feeling pretty sleepy, but on the bright side, I still managed to take a quick walk outside today! Plus, I tackled some laundry—changed the sheets and blankets, all that good stuff.

 I do feel a bit lazy, but I'm hanging in there! I won't be leading Bible study tomorrow. I think it's best if I hold off on sharing my cooties with others for now.

Today, my husband decided to check in at the VA Urgent Care because he's still feeling some soreness in his lower back, right where the left kidney is. I'm really glad that he's taking his health seriously now! They ran all the necessary tests and even did a quick nose swab—no Covid, and his kidneys are all clear of any infection. 

One thing in life is certain - death will come for each of us. 

Jerry was always the one on the right. 

1. 

I learned from my cousin Brenda, the only one who keeps in touch, that her sister passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness. 

2. 

Then she told me Jerry passed away just 12 hours later. I don't know the details, but I heard he was trying to travel from Pasay City in the Philippines to Bangkok, Thailand. He sent a text saying he was tired but felt he had to keep going; flying was becoming increasingly difficult for him.

I was aware that he had been living in Myanmar. About four years ago, a coup occurred, leading to a civil war. He worked as a rock promoter in Asia.

He was 61. His brother and three sisters are trying to bring him home, and facing various challenges.

I don't mean to sound mean or anything, but I have no feelings whatsoever because I never had any relationship with them. I do feel for their loved ones. I will remember Jerry as he was - a cute little boy. As far as I know, Jerry was getting back to God through a Christian recovery program he was going through. 

3. 

When there is a death in the extended family, I often find comfort in exploring Ancestry and looking through the family tree. Recently, I discovered that another cousin on my mother's side had passed away in 2019, which I was unaware of until a couple of days ago. I received news of all three cousins within 24 hours.

It's surreal to be a part of a large family of cousins while feeling like an outsider.

Onward and Upward ☝

Because of this cold, I’m feeling quite bored and low on energy. I'm only doing the bare minimum right now. I'm going to give it one more day, and then on Thursday I will force the issue—by taking a drive. A change of scenery would be nice, especially since there’s no rain in the forecast. Maybe go out for lunch and, most importantly - (and it ALWAYS works), a dose of my favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream! Yeah yeah, that will do nicely. 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5;18

1. “Being sick feels like you’re wearing someone else’s glasses.” — Megan Boyle

Until next time,

Debby