Grateful

Bryan went out of town. But I am grateful he is safe. And I am grateful we are safe. And I am grateful I have a couple awesome friends for a support system while he is away.

Of course yesterday, while Bryan was out of town, the van broke down. But I am grateful we were in a safe place. And I am grateful that I had my cell phone and could call my knowledgeable dad. And I am grateful to the banker who offered help, knowledge, and skills. And I am grateful that my kids handled it so well. (I am grateful I packed water and snacks.) And I am grateful for my friend who stayed with me until the tow-truck came. And then paid for it. And I am grateful for another friend who left her kids with a neighbor so she could come and give Joseph and me a ride home (there wasn't space in the first friend's car for everyone and their car seats). And I am grateful that we arrived at the car repair shop twenty minutes before they closed so I could drop off the keys and make an appointment. I am grateful they could fit me in today.

My friend (the first one) had been planning to take me and the kids to dinner and a movie. But since we had to deal with the van, we didn't make it to the matinee. But after we dropped off the van, she took the two older kids to an early dinner and a later show time. Joseph and I went home. I am grateful Joseph ate his dinner. I am grateful I could bathe and take care of him without interruption. I am grateful he went to bed early.

Then Caleb and Savanna arrived home, a little after bedtime. I am grateful they had a good time after the whole ordeal. But then Caleb said his tummy was hurting because he ate too much popcorn. But I am grateful that he threw up in my bathroom sink and not on the floor.

But then the ickiness wouldn't go down the drain. But I am grateful that I had plenty of plumbing liquid on hand. And rubber gloves. And bleach. I was especially grateful when it finally drained and I could clean out the sink. I am grateful for the good ventilation in my room so that I could still sleep in my bed.

But then Caleb woke up early in the morning and threw up again, so maybe it wasn't just the popcorn. But I am grateful he made it to the toilet this time. And I am grateful that I could turn off my alarm because I knew Caleb would not be going to school. And I am grateful that I got a little more sleep than normal (unless you count the interruptions).

But then Savanna woke up with a sore throat and terrible cough. So while she was crying for a drink, Caleb was crying because we wouldn't be able to go his last swimming lesson, and Joseph was crying because he wanted breakfast. But I am grateful that within ten minutes everyone's needs were met and a sort of calmness ensued.

And I am grateful for TV. Specifically PBS Kids.

But then the car repair shop called and told me that an inevitable repair would cost $400+. But I am grateful that I had set aside an extra $400 for our student loan this month. Not too tricky to wait until February to pay off the loan completely, instead of January. I am grateful that while $400 hurts, it doesn't hurt as bad as it could.

But then the car repair shop called to tell me that my car was fixed. During nap time. All three kids are asleep. (I should be napping too. Oh, well.) But I am grateful that the car repair shop will come pick me up. And they will wait until I call them to tell them I'm ready. So I don't have to wake up the kids.

But I should have gotten flu shots for my kids. Shame on me. But I am grateful that I got my flu shot, so at least one of us is healthy. And I am grateful that I can take care of my kids.

And I am grateful that Bryan is returning tonight.

And I am grateful that sicknesses never last forever.

The end.