An Unexpected Place

I find myself in an unexpected place.

Every night while in England, I got into bed, wondering “What does God have in store for me when I get back home?”

He had surprises.

Among them were these: a job opportunity and a totalled car, both offering the means by which to publish Doggie Devotionals.

And the unexpected continued to happen this week.

Monday morning, the last day of June, saw me taking Sammy to Hannah Pet Hospital.

Friday night I noticed that something was seriously wrong with my little friend. Every two or three steps that he took, his hind quarters would collapse. It took him a few seconds to recover, and then he would repeat the process. Finally, I picked him up and carried him.

The next day I went to the storage room to retrieve Ed’s transport chair so that Sam could ride rather than walk. He had mobility without pain–just like some of the human residents here at Parkview Apartments.

When Hannah Pet Hospital opened on Monday at seven, I was there with Sam in my arms. The diagnosis was definite: “He has a slipped disc,” and I was told of two treatments.

“So,” I asked, “If repairing damage is too expensive, isn’t end of life an option?”

“Well, yes. But I know plenty of 56-year-old men who have bad backs but who have a lot of life left in them. That’s why I prescribe pain management.”

I left the hospital, carrying both Sammy and four new medications to add to the six other meds and supplements that he was already taking. Poor little creature now takes ten a day. I know some of you can relate.

Also, on the last day of June, Ease My Way Community Care Agency contacted me with the news that I was to go to the office for orientation on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. (However, Friday was cancelled because it was a holiday.)

That is how I learned that, in other words, I am employed! To be 78 and in the work force again was not something I expected!

And there are prospects of involvement with this agency beyond spending more time with my student. Because I am the first educator to join the forces at EMWCC, teaching life skills in the home and not assisting the disabled and elderly with daily activities, I will be setting precedent and likely writing a course for and training future at-home educators. Wow! How unexpected!!!

Then, there is the car. That bit of news in the last post garnered more comments (on line and in person) than any other that I have written.

My decision is to keep it, and use the settlement to pay for the necessary repairs. It’s still in fine running condition, and it even looks good–all things considered.

I trust the auto-body a shop that has proven its excellence of service and integrity in the past. So, I believe there will be enough money to pay down my bill at BookBaby.

Still, I am in the midst of working through the procedures for the car . . .

And I am in the midst of training and teaching in the employment of an agency not a school . . .

And wondering how to best care for Sammy when I must be away from him for several hours every day. (This background color here is much like Sam’s color.)

Meeting the unexpected on several fronts could be overwhelming, certainly an understandable feeling. But faith is not a feeling; it is more a choice, which is a matter of will. And I choose to believe that God has a plan for me, that He is present with me, and that He is leading me and providing for me.

Thanks for reading and sharing the journey with me.

Linda Highman

9 Responses

  1. Good Morning, Linda,
    It is an honor and a pleasure to be one of those who travels alongside you as God is revealing one step at a time in your daily walk with Him. May His light continually be reflected in you / from you through this journey.
    Blessings!

  2. I always enjoy reading your blogs. So well-written! Thank you for the updates! Yes, God’s orchestrating your life JUST as He planned and in His timing!

  4. Dear Linda, Your home coming is extremely eventful! Looking forward to visiting with you when this all settles down. ♥️ Sara Zimmerman

  5. Oh shaw, many would crumble at the onslaught of the ‘Welcome Home’ predicaments presented you! It seems you’ve tackled each new demand with immense faith in Jesus’ promise to always be with you and help you in every circumstance! In fact, the Lord’s testing and your consistent faithful following is a beautiful testimony to others!

    I’m rooting for Sammy’s renewed health, successful repairs on your wounded car, the challenge of new employment, teaching with EMWCC and writing the first curriculum source for teaching homebound life skills! What an exciting path Our Lord has designed just for you!

    And, I do indeed welcome you back to the states and an amazingly easy readjustment with all of these numerous, unpredictable, exciting surprises! : )

  6. P.S.
    Since I neglected (due to our travels) my email messages (please forgive me), I’ve found that I’m no longer invited to respond to the last several postings you sent. So briefly…

    How satisfying to have Sammy so joyful to see you once again and how nice of his caretakers to love-on-him during his stay with them while you were in the UK. I’m sorry his health was somehow compromised and you had to dutifully deal with it. I loved your expression, “transport chair” – a little England came home with you!

    I do adore and greatly admire the splendid castles and palaces of yor, with their striking architecture and fanciful additions – such character and charm! However, I’ve not equated those gorgeous structures with the comfortability of actually living in those cold, damp, hard edifices (many being strongholds). And I’m not necessarily impressed with most of the lords and ladies who ‘once upon a time’ lived there either (far from our ‘happy-ever-after’ Disney characters!

    There, I was able to share some of my impressions of your writings (if I remembered them correctly).

    1. You took time and effort to comment on my posts. I appreciate that, Sherri, I really do! My post this week will feature another doggy devotional and an update on my working relationship with BookBaby. ‘My goal is to finish my on-line training by Monday; so, I don’t have time to write much this week.

    1. In the midst of the uncertainty to move now or later, it is so thoughtful of you to let me know that you read my latest posts. With medications, Sammy feels quite spiffy, but he tires more quickly and likes to lie abed longer in the morning–just like a human encountering old age. He makes the third male in three years that I’ve closely seen go through serious aging: Ed, Ian, and Sam.
      Have a good Sunday.