Smoke Signals and other news
Thanksgiving week has arrived. Some of the grandkids are here for a week of no school and spending precious time with Grammie. I may share them with other family members a bit. Some of us went to dinner as soon as the family arrived. Olivia ordered her own food, which for most ten-year-olds would not be a big deal, but for her it is something she has had to work hard to be able to do. She has a condition called “selective mutism” which causes her brain to not allow her to talk to people she does not know. Now when there are no strangers around, she can talk nonstop and is learning to talk to those she does not know or does not know well. We actually were happy when she came home from school with a note that said she talked too much in class.
The process of restoring my floors has begun. What an adventure this will be. The badly damaged floors are being torn out. I have plywood and nails for starters. I have looked at flooring multiple times. The choices are overwhelming. I plan for this to be the last time these floors are replaced so I have to be sure I like the one I pick out. Two of my kids have been with me to look and I will probably get the third one involved today.
Who among you has been or know someone who has been affected by domestic violence? I don’t mean the occasional argument, but the mental, emotional, or physical abuse that can be involved. Recently, I have been involved with two different women who were/are being violently abused. I know this can happen with men also, but these victims are women. One of these women has gotten out of her situation before she was hurt badly. She and her cat escaped after a violent attack. She will not be going back. She has had enough and will be able to move on with her life after a while. The other woman is in the process of getting out of the abusive situation. I worry for her safety daily. As with many victims, many excuses were given explaining the many bruises and such on her body before she was able to admit the true cause. Please know there is a way out. There are those who will help you. Don’t stay where you are physically, mentally, or emotionally abused. Find help from a counselor, a minister, or a friend.
My grass has been cut for hopefully the last time this year. The old mower had to have a few repairs before the last cut could be made. Hopefully, those repairs will get it through another season. Much work has been done in the yard – bushes cut back, holes filled, stumps dug out, and debris removed. Next seasons cutting should be easier.
As we enjoy this Thanksgiving season and prepare for the Christmas season, remember the meaning of Christmas. It is not the hustle and bustle, the buying of presents, the rush to get everything done. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus without whom we would live in a very dark place.
I would love to report your news, activities, etc. Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.