State of the Fred report

Thought I would just give an update on how I think I am doing. Use the comment feature to let me know how you are doing as well.

Praise the Lord for sleep - 2 good nights in a row. It helped that I was so tired from not having slept Saturday night! I am learning that too much computer or TV time late at night is not helpful. Too much stimulation and too much light.

I made supper last night for myself and sat down at the table to eat it - first time I've done that! Now, if I buy some fruit today and actually eat it, I will start to have a healthy lifestyle again. I still need to bump up my exercise level. I have an annual physical scheduled for January.

My 11-7pm work schedule seems to fit my life and sleep cycle very well. At work, I am becoming more involved, more proactive, less needing to talk about my grief and more about other matters. I probably wouldn't have done as much personal sharing as I have except that everyone at work has been so kind and wanting to know.

Still, periods, moments of grief come and go unannounced and I understand that will always be the case.

I am going to Tulsa this weekend to visit my (step) grandson, Brandon; Paulette's oldest. For Thanksgiving I am going to Pennsylvania. I'll have dinner and visit with old friends with Wycliffe, Aaron and Marlene and their family. On Friday, on my way over to Tim and Gayle's I plan to visit briefly with Jackie's sister, Winifred. Then with Tim and Gayle's and the boys for a few days. Paulette and I talk or text frequently and have dinner together every couple of weeks. It has been a blessing to continue and broaden the relationship that was forged during the days at the hospital caring for Jackie. At Christmas, Tim and Gayle are coming to Texas. They also plan to visit friends Gayle has known for years (since she spent her teenage years here in Texas).

I talk to my Mom (age 85) in Virginia on the phone nearly everyday and talk or text my sister Nancy almost daily. She has been wonderful and checks up on me regularly.

I've been on activities with the men of my adult Sunday School class and participated in class socials. This almost daily blog writing has been a therapeutic outlet for me and has touched a few others along the way. I have not stayed isolated, though it was a temptation for awhile. I call people on the phone if I need support or prayer or just to catch up with what is going on in their lives.

Hope for the Heart, where I work, has been a wonderful place for me. Everyone from administration to co-workers have been encouraging and supportive. I like what I do and like being part of something that furthers the kingdom of God.

My goals are simple right now. Simplify the house, put my unique stamp on it. I am motivated to keep working on that. My other goal is to have a healthy lifestyle.

I am content wearing my wedding ring and remaining single.

I look eagerly forward to being with the Lord but do not have a morbid fascination about heaven or death nor do I lack desire to press forward in my life. I am taking care of financial matters. I am blessed that I have no debts except a small mortgage and the normal monthly expenses.

I thank God for His comforting presence in my life. I miss Jackie everyday but am moving forward.