Only in my life.

I feel at times that I should have been blogging my whole life.  I honestly don't think people would really believe me when I tell them some of the things that happen to me....or that I allow to happen to me.

Today was one of those days.

I was feeling well enough to meet Kent for lunch.  We missed our Wednesday morning date and man are we spoiled.  It was apparent by Wednesday night that we had missed out on our one-on-one time.  Basically what I am telling you is I was grumpy.

So I met Kent for lunch and I can honestly tell you he is looking weary.  Today watching him I was longing for the times when he'd get up at the crack of dawn, steal away to the Okanagan Shoreline with his buddies, do a little skiing and prayer.  Those times of prayer and connection did so much for Kent.  His job has never been easy, his burdens never simple or uncomplicated.  Today as I stared into his face I realized the amazing burden he has been under.

He needs his friends.

I asked him about it and he simply stated, "too many problems, not enough life or time." (I think that was the quote).

I told him he could easily bump me off, then he'd been one more problem down....I smiled up at him--I know money would not cure what is ailing him.

I told him in 23 days he will be down 2 children, Melissa and Jonathan will be gone....He said he would miss them, which is true.

Nothing really lightened his load.

I kissed him and sent him back to work.  Really at a loss as to how to help him be unbridled from the burden he is tethered to.

I went to Safeway, I needed to grocery shop back on Monday--I haven't been keeping up my end of the house at all--part of he problem for Kent--I am just not sharing my part of the load.

I wander into Safeway and walk almost into a little old lady.  She is adorable, little, spirited and new to Victoria.  We immediately begin to talk.  She had just moved to Victoria, she's lived in Vancouver since 1948, near Point Grey, where Kent's family is from.  It was a beautiful conversation....and as she starts to walk away......

I hear the Titanic Movie Theme music.  Ahhhha ahhhha ahhhha!

I am not kidding and I am not making this up.

I literally grab my grocery cart for support as I am not sure if this is medication related, the lunch hitting my system and about to be rejected, sensory overload, or a co-incidence.  It could have been all of the above too..

My mouth hanging open I look at the lady at the floral department as Rose Dewitt-Bukater is 3 steps from me and I am panicked as I say, do you hear that music?

The Floral Designer looks up and is LAUGHING OUT LOUD AT ME.  Replete with tears and knee slapping.  

She had watched our whole exchange--when the music changed she didn't even think about it--I sure did!

So I start to gather the fruit and veggies I need--thankfully I didn't need a lot--because the next situation was hot on my heels.  Literally.

I seem to always find the one person who is in a hurry, frustrated, irritated and me and my cancer, we could shop all afternoon and we do!

Ok, so most days it's the same lady at Safeway.  (With about a 4 year old in tow....) I am starting to think I need to change the time I shop at....At least today, she only ran over the back of my feet once.  I asked her to go around me--if I am too slow, I am really sorry.  She bangs her cart back and forth around me until she makes it and she is off, like stink she is in a BIG hurry!

I head to the check out unload my cart, I chose a little line at the end, there's maybe 50 people in the whole store.

aaaaaaaaand who gets in line behind me?  Really???

I had all my stuff out, so I said, "Do you want to go ahead of me?"

She snaps, "NO, I can't find my ^&*() card."

I said, "You could give the cashier your phone number?"

"Not that ^&*()(*& card!  Why are there no express line ups?"

I said, "I don't know I don't work here.  :)   But you could use the self check out."  :)

She said, "Maybe you didn't hear me...I don't have my CARD!"

And just because it's me......I said, "you can punch in the number?"  I was just trying to be helpful and get her away from me--she was seriously angry.

She glared at me.  My bravery was momentarily impeded -- momentarily.

By that time, I am at the front of the line....and I am humming in my head...."have patience....have patience..."

The cashier and I slowed a little, she asked if I needed help out--I should say yes more often, but I don't, I can walk.  As I am waiting for my receipt....the woman behind me starts pushing her cart toward me.  I got out of the way of her cart and I turn and put my finger up and I calmly say, "Do not hit me with your cart.  If you break my skin, I could get a nasty infection."

She said, "Move!"

I said, "I am waiting for my groceries and my receipt."

She said, "You're useless."

There was a collective gasp in my area of the store.  I couldn't believe it if I had not experienced it myself.  I was completely at a loss as to what to say.

I stood there for a moment with tears in my eyes.  I looked up at her and said, "I may be completely useless to you, but I am never useless to those who know and love me best.  (Big Tears) I will get through this but unless you learn some big lessons you will always be rude.  (Big tears and sob...) I hope I was one of those lessons for you today."

I turned and walked right into Rose Dewitt-Bukater and her little friend.  They had finished having tea at the front of the store.

She waved at me and saw my face and said, "Are you ok?"

I said, "Yes, I just ran into a bully."

Rose said, with a big smile, "Let me at her!"

I love new friends. Rose and I will always be tight.