Busy Agenda
This last week, I reminded myself that I was a bit short on what I had done thus far for Dennis’ great grandchildren. Luella, the youngest one and also the one born on Dennis’ birthday had not as yet gotten a blanket from my sewing studio.
Today, I got plunked, onto the studio’s floor, a tote that Luella’s grandmother brought back from Mankato when she went to see Oliver and Luella’s Halloween choices for their parties in school tomorrow. Within the tote is an assortment of Luella’s clothes from age birth to four years old. This blanket will be of various memories that were Luella’s favorite to wear. I did ask what would be Luella’s favorite color to pull this together . . . pink! There is no rush and it may well be a project that goes into the winter months. I do have fabrics that incorporate pinks for the sashings.
Some time ago, I had shared the fate of a friend. Judy had been the county assessor of Brown County. Her and I are the same age and we retired about the same time. Within two years of her retirement the news for her was that she would shortly be totally blind from macular. I have stayed in contact. It was also my opinion that she suffered abuse from her husband in regard to her wellbeing as she managed their home sightless. Judy did spend these late summer months in a healthcare center in Mankato recovering from hip surgery as a result of a fall in their home. She returned to their home in the early days of September. While she was recovering, her husband had purchased a home for them in Mankato that was one floor. No steps. She called me to share the news.
One short week later, Judy’s daughter called to let me know that things had changed. While navigating the new floor plan, Judy fell. Judy tried calling her husband who was not home. He wasn’t answering his phone. After some time laying on the floor she called 911. When her husband did get home, he was greeted by a social worker and a deputy sheriff. Judy was removed from their residence that very same day.
That day it all came tumbling out. Their four children could no more be taken in with what their father dished out as fact. I can see Judy’s point of feeling totally helpless as to what she endured. So much like an abused child not severing the ties with the abuser. Back in the late summer, her husband had been forcibly removed from the healthcare center when Judy was recovering from surgery. The residence’s nurse had witnessed Wayne striking Judy and at that time it was all glossed over. No more glossing.
Judy called me Friday. Judy is now a full time residence of the Mankato Lodge in Mankato on Adam’s Street. I was and am so thrilled for her that she is safe. When I shared this with Dennis he was happy for Judy. At work functions Dennis and I had gotten to know Wayne. Dennis would go out of his way to avoid Wayne as he was so easy to dislike. Judy is still settling in and I know I will visit her in time.
When and while I come to terms with my life, I have often tried to put myself in a situation similar to my friend’s. How fortunate I am to have my sweet ole cowboy and our forever home.
On a sunny warm note . . . this next week is going to be a great one.