Purple by Lynda F.
Is a Saturday morning post the same thing as a Friday post?
I crashed (on and off) after getting through the short Friday workday. When we arrived home at about 1:30, I made lunch for the kiddo and went to sleep. I woke up in time to make dinner and lounged and “liked” on IG until sleep overcame me again. My body is insisting on the sleep “they” say we can never catch up on.
Anyway, as promised (but several hours late), here’s another stunning piece of artwork by my Love Notes 26 partner, Lynda F. The final prompt was “No one ever told me…”
No one ever told me I’d be a caregiver and how challenging that is. But I’m strong–and have risen to the challenge.
Lynda’s husband suffered a stroke in 2017, and of course, life changed for them in an instant. As I struggled with which “no one ever told me” to share, Lynda’s response gave me pause. Late last year two of my uncles had strokes–my mom’s brother in New Orleans and my dad’s brother-in-love, who lives here in Northern Alabama.
Because I live here, I witnessed that moment when life changed for all our family here–and especially for my aunt. The battle between faith and fear when the doctors offered no hope. [Faith won]. The immediate shift in priorities. The action plan. The fight in all of us.
My aunt, who hadn’t driven in years, started driving again and picked up my uncle’s usual tasks. My dad’s other sisters, who also live here, adjusted their lives too.
Life changes.
And, like Lynda said, no one can ever tell us this is going to happen. There is no preparation. No training. No warning. This is life, and when we are living and walking in hope, faith, and love, we roll with it. We adjust. We rise to the challenge and accept our new normal(s).
Maybe, one day, I’ll share my uncle’s miraculous story, but for now, I wish you a happy and restful weekend and strength for this journey called life.
Pics and Posts 
Yes, Chandra, life has a way of presenting us with unexpected adversity. It helps us to find our own inner strength and those close to us. As you put it so well, we find “the fight in all of us.”
Blessings to you all ❤
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Amen! Blessings to you as well…
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Thank you for sharing your stroke story Chandra… special for me to read…
I truly believe life is a gift, although one with unexpected surprises… all the more reason for sharing words, blogs, art, and experiences… so we all take good care of ourselves and find strength from others as well. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs !
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Thank YOU for sharing yours and for dropping in. Now, I’ve found you in the blogosphere. I hope you will find your way back to blogging regularly. Your art is sooooooo beautiful. More of the world needs to see it and read your words. Hugs right back!
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We often dont ask for what we are given in life and adjusting isnt always an easy ride but we have to do it and in time with courage and hope it begibs to get easier. Great when family are there to support us too.
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Yes. Agreed. We have to have the right stuff–the right attitude–though. Otherwise, the “whole thing” can just apart.
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Wow. Great post. Caregiver reality and how hard it is, so true. Stroke’s and how they affect the family. No one ever told me how hard life can be.
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Indeed…
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Thanks for sharing. Life is uncertain. Look for the constant— It’s God for me. He’s the only one who knows the beginning from the end & all the in betweens. May he give you restorative rest .
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Amen, LV! Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
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Great post and beautuful card art.
PS: A Saturday can be a Friday if you posted from bed. 😁🤗
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Oh pooh! I didn’t. I’ll remember that next time! 😉
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