Well, that was a week. Our younger dog died. Fire threatened to wipe us out. A flood and wind damage. If it’s true that these things come in three’s we are due for some relief.
One of my family members has a go-to response when people complain of having a bad day. He just tells them, “Well, they can’t all be diamonds.” From what little I know about diamond mining, its killer work, but I decided to see what could be dug up.
We had Ruby for five years of love and laughter. She didn’t get old and crippled. Within an hour of her death, lightning struck less than a mile from our house and started a fire. By the time we prepared to evacuate and got over the hill, rain began and continued long enough to alleviate the danger.
Returning from a gathering a few days later, we found ourselves in the midst of a storm. Drove home in blinding rain on flooded roads. Unable to see more than a foot or two ahead, we hit something that had floated into the road which, we learned later, was an old power pole. We soon became aware that a tire was flat but, with such dangerous lightning, knew it would be foolish to try changing it. Drove the last two miles on it. New tire, of course, but the rim was okay. We put in a day piling branches before Bruce had to be away at meetings. Our good neighbors showed up without telling us and did all the cleanup.
August is a lean month. License renewal is due on my vehicle. Second half of property tax takes a huge chunk out of the savings account. And, of course, veterinary expenses for Ruby.
But our wonderful vet cared lovingly for Ruby at the end.
We got to meet up with family members on the trip to Valentine to pay taxes, and hit the farmer’s market. Stopped for ice cream in Rushville on the way home, and someone paid it forward for our treats.
The youngster who waited on me at the farmer’s market was probably six or seven; so polite and proud to be helping. We met 3 young men who attend the local power line school who had perfect manners and made interesting conversation. The world is in good hands.
Other family members came to spend a Sunday and attend church with us. We attended a fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration for good friends, and met up for lunch with distant relatives. Our same good neighbors brought flowers and a box of peaches. Within a week, we had nearly 5 inches of rain and the burn is green again. Sweet corn is in season!
You know, this diamond mining takes some work but, really, they aren’t buried all that deep. We all have our share of discouraging days but there are diamonds sparkling in a corner somewhere. The more your eyes get used to seeing them the more you’ll find.
Meet me here next week, and meanwhile do your best. Someone might like it.