October 10,2024–Jennifer Churchill

With our mornings being darker and cooler –we slept in until 7a.m.

It is rare for my Dad, dog and I to wake up at this time.

We all needed the extra rest.

The past few mornings have been in the upper 30’s and low 40’s.

We have had some rain perhaps from Hurricane Helene and Milton.

We pray for our friends, family and those we do not know in the southeastern parts of the United States.

Some people have lost: loved ones, their homes, businesses, pets and so much more.

While others mourn their losses and plan to rebuild their lives,

we have grown and are blessed to have work done on our old home.

I am grateful for the back porch renovation and the painters painting the inside of our home.

We love our old homestead; however, change is good too.

It takes time, hard work, saving up and budgeting for home improvements.

We try and become closer during these changes and communicate better with our thankfulness to our family, friends and one another.

As I drive back and forth to run errands and pick-up my dog from day boarding at the vets–God gives me opportunities to dream and reflect.

Time passes so quickly. Being my Dad’s caregiver and a loving mother to my college son have both taught me to live and appreciate each day.

Our pace is slower together because although my Dad does his best, he is limited in his physical activities.

We get by with God’s grace and love.

My mind and body are screaming to share more on the page.

I think it is best to freewrite in my personal journals and keep my thoughts and feelings to myself. Nothing wrong–just need to get out of my head and read on the written pages.

Stay safe and respect one another and yourself.

Rest when needed.