Respite

Yesterday was our 21st wedding anniversary. Four months ago, I wasn’t sure we were going to have our 21st anniversary, but God pulled Laurel through, and we made it. That’s what he does; he pulls us through, and we make it.

Because Laurel had a medical appointment in the middle of the day, I used some of my Family Medical Leave time to stay home for the day and drive her to it. The respite from my normal responsibilities was greatly needed and appreciated.

We went to Umami Noodle Bar in downtown Bangor for lunch before her doctor’s appointment. What a delicious meal that was! We want to go back soon. We had to park on Franklin Street and walk a little ways to get there, but the sun was shining and the air was warm, so it was a treat to be together like that.

At the doctor’s office, Laurel learned that when OT and PT sign off that she is “good to go,” she’ll be cleared to resume driving; she’s eager for that. My car is in the shop, hopefully getting repaired so that when she can resume driving I’ll have a car to use and she’ll have her van back.

We had a couple of propane companies send representatives to the house at different times yesterday to assess our home for possible switchover from oil heat/water to propane heat/water system. We’re facing the needs for updating of our heating system and a new roof this spring/summer, as well as getting my Honda Civic back on the road, so we’re looking for the best deal that we can find.

A church friend provided a midweek meal of grilled chicken strips, potatoes, green beans, and peach cobbler, so that was our anniversary supper. It was fabulous! Following that, we enjoyed our son’s Little League game in the damp and chill, before heading home to our warm house.

I was amazed to end the day more refreshed in spirit than I’ve felt in a very long time. That feeling has continued well into today, and I’m eager for the long holiday weekend to have time away from work again. My work remains rewarding–don’t get me wrong! But the strain of the last four months wore me down, and it took my wife’s doctor’s appointment to give me a day off to get some respite. However it had to happen, I got it, and I’m thankful to God for it.

Thank you, Lord, for 21 years with Laurel as my wife. Here’s to 21 more (or more)!