The death of my friend, Karen changed my outlook-or at least spurred me into acting on feelings already present. Before her death, I already felt as if life was passing me by and I was stuck in one place, which was in front of my computer. I spent so much time at my computer because I created publications for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They won awards and my skills were recognized at national level, but it was my entire life with room for nothing else. My life revolved around submission and publication deadlines, chasing down photographs, editing articles and laying out issues as beautiful as I could make them given the subject matter; men and women of the Auxiliary assisting the Coast Guard in their tasks.
That was before… Now, I am resolved to visiting family and seeing people that are important in my heart. I have mended fences with my sisters in Indianapolis and I’m truly enjoying being with them. I am so proud of all of them. My niece, Johanna and her husband, Gerome, have a beautiful home and three gorgeous grandchildren. Years ago, I was sincerely concerned because her daughter, Taylor, I thought married too young. I had hoped that she would attend college but she married soon after high school to her high school sweetheart, Demone. Turns out they are terribly happy, have three children and just last year, bought a beautiful home. Demone graduated college and is working on his Masters degree- all while working full time to support his family. Did I mention that he is a very likable guy to boot?
I am concerned that while I am the oldest, I am in better health than my two younger sisters. Marie, Taylor’s grandmother and the middle sister, has undergone numerous back surgeries while Rickey, five years my junior, is a physical wreck. I am not prepared to deal with another loss.
My sister, Rickey (Erika) lives in a house I bought twelve years ago. Marie once lived there too and while she was there, the house was well maintained. Now, it needs thousands in maintenance and repairs. Rickey and her friend that she shares the house with can’t keep up with basic yard work and cleaning due to both their disabilities and because they have never owned a home and cannot connect the dots between property neglect and home value. It is frustrating to me because they could easily call plumbers, electricians, etc., but they don’t. I pay for all repairs so that is not the issue. I know they are both impoverished but it seems I may have to hire a property manager to keep up with maintenance. Yes, the house is a problem but it is still good to see everyone.
My next trip will have to be to see my son and grandsons.
dottieriley 