It’s been a busy few weeks here at Braley Manor. Spring has sprung and my wife, Priscilla, has decided to spruce things up.
We had a carpenter in to do some work, then we took out a wood stove, decided we needed to redo the hardwood floors once the stove was out and treated everything to a fresh coat (or two) of paint. Full disclosure: Priscilla, my son, son-in-law and daughter have done all the work. I cook the meals, play with the dog and do the Walmart runs for more brushes or anything else we forgot.
No, I’m not happy about it, but I am realizing that it is what it is.
I never really considered myself a handyman around the house but I did my share of projects over the years. I think any homeowner tries to learn how to do some things to save a little money. Since my stroke I’ve pretty much been limited to cheerleader. “Hey! Great job everybody! It looks amazing! I think you missed a spot.”
Can you relate? Whether it’s a major health issue, a bad back or just the years catching up to you… there comes a time when you just have to step back and admit that you can’t do it anymore. I’ll admit, it’s been a bit of a struggle. You may not want to acknowledge it or you may even fight it and refuse to give in but soon enough, reality will slap you upside the head.
I can remember building the shed in our backyard (It’s been there over 30 years), painting rooms and moving furniture. Not some of my favorite things to do on weekends but once you can’t do it anymore you miss it. Or at least I do. I used to love working in my yard but now I watch. I’m very thankful that my son does it for me but what I wouldn’t give to spend an afternoon out there. It was always a good feeling to put the mower away, grab a cold beer and look at how the job came out.
I know that I shouldn’t focus on what I can’t do and focus on the things that I CAN do but I would be lying to you if I said it doesn’t bother me at times. When I mentioned this on my podcast Friday someone commented, “We do what we can with what we have. It is challenging sometimes to feel productive in ways we are accustomed to feeling. Your contributions do matter Pete.” We have the best listeners/viewers!
One of the hardest things I have ever done in my life is trying to keep a positive attitude with whatever life throws at you. It is tempting some mornings to just pull the covers up over your head and declare, “Nope! Not doin’ it today!” If you’re one of those people that always has a smile and a positive thing to say..,. “You’re amazing!” I hope to grow up to be just like you!
Funny story: We live in a beach cottage and when we refinished the floor in the living room/dining room we moved everything (including the three of us and the dog) into the small front room. We had to let the floor dry so we couldn’t walk on it to go from the front room to the kitchen or bathroom. When it was time for dinner I had to go out the front door, around the house and in the back door to get to the kitchen. We all made a plate, then walked (with our plates) out the back door and around the house to go in the front door again. I can just imagine what the neighbors were thinking.
By the way, the house looks great and everyone is doing a great job! In the meantime I guess I’ll continue to be supportive (“No, really, you missed a spot”). Maybe it’s time to re-read “The Power Of Positive Thinking.”
Miss any precious Sunday Columns? Catch up by clicking here.
Leave a Reply