I love the term “pocket of joy.” I first heard it on a Netflix reality show when one of the main stars, speaking of his difficult growing-up years, also spoke of the pockets of joy that sustained him through those difficult times.
We’ve had a difficult two weeks. My husband had another stroke, what we thought was his second, but the MRI done at the hospital showed an additional stroke that must have happened between the first one and this most recent one. He has become very feeble and frail and is prone to falls. I am his caregiver, and I also try to help out my dad who is 91 years old. And at this very moment, my younger sister who lives with Dad is in the emergency room a 45-minute drive away from us, having fallen face-down onto a brick walkway. She is being released in the next few minutes, but I was upset that I couldn’t be there for her.
So my pocket of joy today is my yellow begonia which is blooming for the first time in four years. I bought it as an outdoor plant four years ago and brought it inside at the end of that summer. It has stayed inside since then with only a brief sojourn on the back deck this August and September. And now in November it’s blooming, and its yellow flowers have brightened my day.
Unexpected in common hours 
So sorry to read of your tribulations, Deb, and praying with you for your husband’s and sister’s recovery
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Thank you, Dries! I appreciate your prayers.
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I am so very sorry you are going through all of this.
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Thank you. Life is what it is. At least I’m learning not to panic so much! 🙂
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🙂 learning to panic less is a great thing.
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Hi, Debby, l am sorry that life is challenging for all of you right now but actually all of you are strong. I am proud you are my wonderful family! I am thrilled with Bob’s tenacity and inspired by your strength! I am amazed and encouraged by Jack’s ability to roll with the punches and Becky’s resiliency ! And in your home, a plant blooms at Thanksgiving. Thanks! We all are truly blessed. I love you.
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Thank you! Yes, we are blessed. And all of us truly are strong. You are an inspiration to me, and you are one of the strongest and most determined people I know. I love you, too!
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So sorry things are so difficult for you. I know being a full-time caregiver is difficult! One of my pockets-of-joy is the neighbor who comes in to take care of Harry every Tuesday morning so I can grocery shop and do errands. I hope you have someone to relieve you on a regular basis. Prayers for all of you!
Lucy
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Thank you, Lucy! I don’t have anyone to relieve me at all, but Bob can get out and into the car and go with me on errands. He sits and waits for me while I’m in the bank or post office or pharmacy. I make out my grocery list by aisle so that I can hurry through the store, and he won’t have to wait too long. He enjoys getting out but does tire easily. I guess if it becomes too difficult for him to go with me, I’ll have to find someone to relieve me. I’m glad you have a neighbor who can help out with Harry. That IS a pocket-of-joy. Prayers for both of you, too!
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