Grateful for Fun Memories

Happy Independence Day! We have a guest staying with us and my daughter’s family comes tomorrow. I feel like summer is flying by! I hope you will have a nice weekend. Our family usually watches the Boston Pops 4th on tv and enjoy the music and fireworks. I love to hear the piccolos play The Stars and Stripes Forever. I played it in the band when I was young. Fun memories.

We’ll have a typical picnic type of meal: hamburgers, fries, beans, mac-n-cheese, and s’mores. It’s not the healthiest menu, but there won’t be leftovers to tempt me. Since my knees are starting to hurt, I am focusing on quitting sugar and white flour. I need to get this weight off.

My joints hurt, but my right foot (that was broken) is feeling good. My left ankle has been feeling better, and the Ortho-feet shoes have made a huge difference. The mesh fabric is impossible to clean. I don’t like wearing dirty white shoes and don’t spend time outdoors, so I really don’t understand how they got dirty.

Very soon, I’ll be surrounded by grandchild love! I can’t wait for those little sweeties to arrive. I am so excited to help them enjoy Mimi’s house. Maybe we can make cookies together. I’ve purchased gluten free ingredients for my little Celiac grandchild.

Do you ever have plans to complete a task that’s extremely important to you? Me, too. I’ve found that I can sometimes finish this type of task if I put every bit of myself into the work and feel determined. I did that last month for a day and accomplished a great deal. The only problem is the pain and exhaustion the days after. Sometimes it’s just worth it.

Life is so short. Because I really feel this, I know that it’s worth it to hurt physically. To be a part of someone’s life, sacrifices always have to be made. The give and take of relationships is definitely work. When I look at my grandchildren I am convinced to do all I can to really be with them, listening to them and caring for their needs. I try to be proactive and see what would be best to do for them and with them.

Little children are so honest and full of love. They usually soak up the love we give them. I want them to feel the strong foundation of grandparents that love them and want to do all they can for them. Grandparents were a huge part of my childhood and a lifetime of memories are in my mind. They meant so much to me and I can’t imagine my life without their influence.

I want to be that for my grandchildren. I don’t live in the same state with two of them, but try to visit as often as I can. Each moment with them is truly precious. I have new ice packs to help me when I’m in a lot of pain. I also have stand-alone fans in the house to cool me down, because of this heat wave.

I feel so grateful today. There are so many warm and happy feelings today. It’s a beautiful day with 100 degree temperatures, and it makes me so thankful for air conditioner. Our unit hasn’t been able to keep up and our house has been 79 degrees. But, we have fans and got a temporary blind for the hottest window. I’m thankful to have a television and internet. Watching Wimbledon again brings back fond memories.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy. Phil. 1:3-4

There are so many things that are easy to take for granted. I spent many decades taking my health for granted. When my health became poor, I found myself longing for good health again. So now when I recognize a normal feeling, it’s like a pleasant de-ja-vu. I hope and pray that your holiday is one that brings you joy as you are with family and friends.

@2026, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.