Obligations

When Dr. Allen gave me the choice of coming home for a few days then going back to the hospital for my surgery, I opted for coming home.  I had things to do.  I'm anxious to get the surgery out of the way, but there were/are things I need to do.  Thursday night was my chapter's monthly meeting.  My Associate Matron was prepared to preside for me and my son could have taken the things that needed to be gotten to the members there, but as long as I was ambulatory and not connected to anything, It was my obligation to be there and preside.  Just after I opened the meeting, I told everyone what was going on.  I wanted them all to hear the same story from me.  It was difficult, but I got through it.  I'm, obviously, not a very private person.  If People Magazine wants to know what's going on in my dreary little life, they are welcome to the information.  I would rather be open and up front than have people speculating.  Bless Glenn, he came with me to keep me company.  Elaine has to go next month--she's getting her 25-year member pin.  Lee and I got to initiate her when she was 18 and now I get to present her with her pin.  I don't know how much it will mean to her, but it will be very special for me.
I didn't have a whole lot on the agenda for yesterday--paid the bills, a little grocery shopping, filling the prescription for the bowel prep kit, and knitting circle.
Today was a very full day.  It started with a Lodge Installation in the morning.  The retiring Master was very special to Lee, and I've been saving Lee's Past Master's ring for him.  Presenting it was a very happy duty for me.  Glenn has no desire to ever be Master of a lodge, so he had no use for the ring.  Lee worked with Michael during the last few years of his life and was very fond of him.  I can think of no finer custodian of Lee's ring than Michael.  I'm smiling just remembering the morning.  I am also very fond of Michael and his wife.  Lee would have been so proud of the job Michael did.
I didn't stay for the luncheon after the installation--first, because I have to be very careful about what I eat this week.  The last thing I want is another obstruction.  The other reason I didn't stay was another obligation--a memorial service for one of our long time church members.  She had Alzheimer's for the last 10 years or so, but before that, she was a crackerjack--always cheerful, always up, and smart as a whip.  You never WANT to go to a funeral, but I was honored to know her and privileged to pay my respects.
I thought that was going to be it for the day--that I'd be too tired for one more outing.  I was wrong.  It is the third Saturday and therefore Open Mic night at our church.  I missed the last two--the night of the Thanksgiving Dinner--I was too tired and in too much pain--and the day after I got home from the hospital last month.  November's show, I heard, was really good.  No one except the committee was there last month.  It got close to 7 and I hadn't changed into my jammies yet, so I grabbed my knitting bag and decided "What the heck" and went to church.  There was the committee--well, part of it, and one young man who came just to check us out.  We talked him into staying and performing for us, and we're so glad we did,  He was just 18, but his voice was clear and true.  He sang and played the guitar.  He sings stuff from the 40's to the present, but prefers the old songs.  Frank Sinatra is his hero.  He sang several classics and one song he wrote that was absolutely charming.  I'm so glad I went out tonight.  I hope he comes back and I hope we can get a better audience for him the next time.  All in all, it has been a privilege to live this day.
So I'm still anxious.  I have full days ahead of me to take my mind off of things, but I'm anxious.
Keep praying.
xxooxx