My grandpa has still not been released from the hospital.  They have further tests on his kidneys because of some concerns with the labs.  Thoughts and prayers and our family are always appreciated.

I am taking care of my parents' cats while they are in Ohio.  The oldest, Rajah, has been around since I was in eighth grade.  He has seen me through a lot.  We have loved him dearly, even (maybe especially) in his final stages.  He has a large lump on his front leg that has grown back even more aggressively since it was removed in January.  Cancer.  Aggressive cancer.  So, I watch as our dear pet whittles to nothing as the lump grows larger and larger.  We feed him tuna and Ensure and anything that will put a little fat on his dwindling frame.  My dad says he cries loudly now to be held.  Rajah was never a holding kind of cat.

I tear up more than I used to as loved ones become sicker and sicker.  It is hard these days being so sensitive, no doubt a result of the Great Break.

I carry on, learning how great it is that I have a family who is so awesomely supportive of one another.  I learn that I am blessed beyond compare to have a family who will love one another and will go to the ends of the earth for each other.  The least I could do for them is take my dad's overnight on call shift so that he could stay in Ohio.

Onto my list...

444.  Unedited beauty

 

 

445.  Having the gas money for my parents to travel to Ohio

446.  Having the hospital set up and technology to assist my grandpa

447.  Skipping a morning run and bike ride, because I knew, I just knew, that I would be covering for my dad.

448.  Making no plans for my weekend, including a failed trip to Chicago (so that is why I couldn't participate in the Urban Warrior Dash)

449.  Having assistance in getting things set up for Sunday School (in case I am out all night)

450.  Breakfast in bed

451.  Doing whatever in Hades' name I wanted to this morning

452.  Getting a few light naps before my overnight shift

453.  Being able to naturally fall asleep

454.  That I didn't drink any coffee before I suggested to my dad about taking his shift

455.  That I had the flexibility to take his shift

456.  That I have the ability to do this for my dad (so this is why I am still with the same organization)

457.  That I got snuggle time with the cats