scream for ice cream. it's good stuff after all.

This morning I was totally dreading coming to my parents' house. I was even dreading visiting Grandma, something I usually love despite her many many many many many complaints. I grudgingly left the house around 12:30pm. Arrived late at Grandma's, no big deal. I got things done that we'd talked about and then we sat down and talked for awhile....well, she talked. Her eyesight is getting worse and worse and worse. It really really frustrates her. And I don't know what to say. There's nothing to reverse the process, nothing to slow it even. So as I was sitting there listening to her, I got really sad. It seems she's not happy, though she has lots of people around who love her and visit her quite often. And she has friends where she's at. But it's not enough, I guess. And she's slowing down, she can't walk as far as she used to. I know, I know, that's what happens. Believe me, in my line of work, I KNOW. It still gets me and at times makes me feel guilty that I left. But....I know it was the right thing to do, for me. How can I be helpful to others, make their lives easier, if I'm unhealthy and unhappy? Anyway....I was sad listening to her. And then she started talking about Dad and that made me even sadder....I'd already thought too much about that this morning. Thus the dreading coming "home" (it's not my home....I don't know what to call it). So there I was, sitting on Grandma's old loveseat, close to tears. And then she says to me, "July is ice cream month. I'd like to have some ice cream." I've never heard of July being ice cream month, but I guess if any month would be that, July would qualify. It's HOT! So I said, "Yeah, let's go get some ice cream." I called Dad to let him know I'd be later and he actually sounded good on the phone! My mood lightened. Grandma and I had ice cream at McDonald's (shudder...I know) and it was actually quite good. And very, very cheap! Grandma was happy, I was happy. Ice cream cures all.

I took Grandma back to her place, finished one last task for her and then went to my parents' house. Dad was actually talking to me, about things OTHER THAN HIS DEPRESSION!!! Totally amazing, totally not what I was expecting! God is good! Dad's been in a pretty good mood since I've been here. I'm so happy about it, you have no idea. Mom says he's actually not like this too often, but I don't care. I was dreading coming out here because I'm tired of listening to the circles Dad's mind runs. Today I didn't have to listen to it. Amazing. Dad even played a game of Skip-Bo with Mom and I....VOLUNTEERED to play! He never does that! Ahhhhhh, I hope this lasts!

I know tomorrow morning most likely will not be like this afternoon. But I don't care. I can handle a bad morning since this afternoon/evening has been so great. Maybe things aren't so bad.....after all.