July
5, 2026
A Bit of Celebration
We
walked to church at the usual time.
Not
our home church, but here in Mesa.
With few
cars in the parking lot,
we
knew something was up.
We
went into the foyer half full of cupcakes,
Red,
white and blue, and a 250-years banner.
I
spoke to the lady at the desk.
The
three services had been combined.
We
missed it, but we could watch online.
We
thanked her and took cupcakes.
His
was red, mine blue, extremely sweet.
My
little bit of celebration of a great event.
July
4, 2026
Quiet Celebration
While
others played, picnicked,
and
watched fireworks,
I
stayed quietly inside,
listening
to music and stories,
recovering
after my hospital stay
and
thanking God for our country--
just
Him, my family and me.
Thank
You God for my country,
my
family and all that You provide.
July
3, 2026
Thankful
I’m
thankful for Lori taking care of me.
Taking
off work to spend time in the hospital.
Clarifying
what the doctors told me.
Playing
Canasta and helping me to the bathroom.
I’m
thankful that this didn’t happen
While I
was in the UK.
I’m thankful
I had a wonderful trip.
I’m
thankful that the stroke was small
And I’m
pretty much back to normal.
I’m
thankful that I was discharged.
I
chose a GIF,
a cute
white kitty
doing
the Macarena,
to
describe how I felt
being
released
from
the four-day stay
in the
hospital
that
ended my vacation.
July 2
Unexpected
Tour
We
went to Scotland
And
toured castles, some in ruins.
We
went to England’s Lake district
And
heard the ducks sing their tunes
In
Wales, we toured the gardens,
Rode a
train, ate some food.
I
avoided the blood pudding,
Though
they said it’s very good.
This
all was in the plans
For
the trip to the UK,
But
what I didn’t expect
Was at
Mesa for a stay.
I woke
up rather dizzy,
With
my head off kilter.
My
daughter said your pulse is low.
In the
hospital, you’ll get better.
So
there I was in an MRI
With a
board for a bed,
Listening
to the bangs and clangs
To
see if something’s in my head.
I was
poked and prodded
All
through my four-day stay
I’m
bruised like I’ve been fighting
An
evil enemy all day.
Then
I’m walking down the hallway
With
gown flapping in the breeze.
And
I’m sure that all that showed
Wasn’t
just my knobby knees.
Tomorrow
I’m headed home
And
then a new trip is in store
But I
pray next time I’ll skip
The hospital’s
four-day tour.
July 1
Sam
His
name was Sam
He was
an old man
Hobbling
along with his cane
He
gave me a gift
Gave
my spirit a lift
And
joy I could not contain
An
Afghan, crocheted
Volunteers
had made
With
loving kindness and prayer
Red,
white and blue
So
soft and new
I’m
glad they showed that they care
Enclosed
I woke
up at one AM
With
the room spinning around.
I
walked like the town drunk.
Bradycardia
was profound.
Admitted
to the hospital,
I was
ordered an MRI.
In a
cold room, on a stiff board,
They
were trying to find out why.
I
fought claustrophobia
As
they wheeled me in the tube.
They
played Despicable Me
As the
minions were pursued.
My
back was sore and hurting.
Didn’t
know how long I’d last.
The
MRI with all its noise
Certainly
wasn’t fast.
They
learned I had a small stroke,
But I
was not to fear.
The
problem I experienced
Was in
my inner ear.
So now
I am unenclosed
And
breathing and walking better.
I’m in
Phoenix at one hundred ten,
No
longer in need of a sweater.
June
29, 2026
First
Day Back in USA
Post-trip
laundry
One
hundred six, stay inside
Read
trip journal
