Thunderstorms blew through last night. Heavy storms that reminded me more of spring than winter. I was going to write a post about the weather and why it is so changeable, but a better breakdown of Oklahoma climatology can be found here. Before we went to bed, we opened the French doors letting in cooler air. The high yesterday was seventy-nine degrees. This morning, after a night of sound effects, it was cold again with a low of twenty-eight. Crazy weather that shouts Oklahoma, and part of what makes me love living here. A good stationary front makes my the small hairs on my arms tingle with excitement. I get chills when I see lightning snake across the sky. That’s why it was unusual for me to sleep the entire night through, but I did. It wasn’t restful sleep. I dreamed a lot. I’m still tired.
You see . . . my mother is very sick, and she has been up and down, down and out since she had back surgery a few days before Mother’s Day. She’s had four surgeries since. Now, she has another infection, and she is back in the hospital for the fourth or fifth time. I’ve lost count.
I just know this: when someone you love is ill, it clouds all your thinking. Bad metaphor, but it is true. My sis and I are experts at dealing with Mom’s surgeries. She had a car accident nineteen years ago, and she’s had innumerable operations since to repair the damage. She is one strong women, always beating the odds, but . . . .
The storms left these clouds behind. Fluffy, over-sized, looking like cotton candy, they danced through their blue background as I drove to the hospital. In spite of my dark thoughts, I had to smile because the sky was so beautiful. For a moment, I forgot to worry as I stopped the car to take a picture. I thank God for that.
The sun kept playing leapfrog with this cloud. Every moment, the scene changed, first light, then dark. This is where I’m supposed to write about the light shining through the darkness, about silver linings. I believe these things, but right now, I just see clouds.
My prayers are with your Mother.
Your photos make my heart skip a beat. Love the clouds and the fences up above too.
Corey, that means a lot coming from you of the fabulous photos, the amazing closeups of beautiful details. Gee. An update on my mom. She is back home, but still unwell. I appreciate all the prayers.~~Dee
When one counts all the warm days in Oklahoma in the wintertime. How many days of winter do we actually have?
Sorry to hear that your Mother is in the Hospital.
Curtis, so true in the last few years. I remember winter being longer when I was a child. Thanks for the thoughts about my Mom.~~Dee
Hi, Dee–I appreciate that you’ve shared your situation. I can only echo what has been said.
Find beauty where you find it (which you will; you are aimed in that direction). And trust that the highest good is unfolding. I know I’ve had to learn that God is just as much there for my family as God is there for me. You know? You don’t have to hold it all together on your own. And fill your own cup so you can help fill another’s. Cliche, but true. Blessings, Kathryn
Ah, Kathryn, how true are your words. I did go outside the other day and take some pictures. That always fills my cup, as does writing this blog. I’m grateful for this form of expression, and the friendships I’ve made with lovely people like you.~~Dee
I miss the prairie. Thanks for the pictures.
Lennye, you are so welcome. Thank you for visiting and always leaving comments.~~Dee
Dearest Friend, what beautiful pictures! And yes, worry does so cloud our thoughts. I’m glad you could take a minute to refresh with the beauty around you, and your generosity to so give to others. I find myself being grateful for your mother, who gave us all you.
Love and prayers,
Curtiss Ann
Rosebud, you know how much I love you too. Thank you for continuing to inspire me with your thoughts, both written and spoken.~~Dee
The cloud photo is beautiful, Dee – and our weather also zooms from warm to cold and back again, another thing Austin and OK have in common.
I sure hope the lengthening days will mean a return to health for your mom- when someone in a family is suffering it does change the world for all those within the circle of love.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hi Annie, Mom isn’t in as much danger today. However, she has a long road ahead. Thank you for such kind thoughts.~~Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for stopping by my blog, so sorry about your mom, I hope things will improve for her soon.
I will have a word with my Thrift Fairy, see if see would like a trip to Oklahoma, I’ll make sure she takes plenty of thrift-dust!
best wishes,
Lucy x
Lucy, your comment made me smile on a day that wasn’t very joyful. Your blog is poetry for the senses. Thanks, Dee
It must be very hard on you & your family to be so helpless in the face of your mom’s illness. My thoughts, prayers & good wishes are will all of you.
MMD, yes it has been, but writing about it makes it better. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I loved your photo essay at your blog too.~~Dee
Wow, beautiful pictures!!
Sending healing thoughts to your mom and your family 🙂
Thank you, Mary, for those kind, healing thoughts, and thanks for the compliment~~Dee
Beautiful pictures! Very Inspiring.
I am sending prayers for your mom and for you, please take the time to take care of yourself. There are silver linings, but, remember that if everything was silver linings all the time you would never need to depend on and trust the Lord.
Thinking of you,
The Park Wife
PW2~~You’re absolutely right, and I needed to hear that right now. I do trust that the Lord will do what is best for all of us, as He has our best interests always in His heart.~~Dee
I’m sorry about your mother’s illness, Dee. Sending good wishes your (and her) way.
Thanks, Pam. I hesitated sharing, but her illnesses and hospitalizations have been constantly on my mind lately. I thought I should write something about them.~~Dee