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It Is What It Is

 


Eight and one half months later, we are finally able to move back into our home.  Never did I imagine back then that the water that was seeping up through the ceramic tile in our kitchen spelled such disaster and repair. It turned out to be a leaky sink drain that over time caused such damage.  The front rooms along with the kitchen have all been gutted, dried out and repaired.  New cabinets and counter tops, along with a kitchen island have been installed.  I am finally rid of the dark wood paneling that seemed to enclose our family room way too much.  Yesterday I spent time lining my cabinets, and being ever grateful for improved cabinet space.  It's been quite a journey, living out of our guest room and bathroom for several months, before we could at least use the kitchen sink.  You always hear of these "remodeling" projects taking forever, but of course, you don't expect that to happen to you.  But it is what it is . . .


If I would have known in the beginning, the outcome of this project, I think I would have been overwhelmed.  After all, I had just started a new job at the time, feeling stress with all of the new learning to obtain.  My job too was at a new site, and continues in the process of "still moving in."  Things are not all in order there, and coming home didn't always feel like a comfortable refuge.  I could only do so much.  So it has been microwavable meals, more eating out, and no ability to even have a family gathering or have few friends over, just to hang out.  Only recently, with warmer weather have I been able to grill vegetables and meat, which have at least seemed a little more homemade for my husband's lunches.  It is what it is . . .


Gypsy Rose has been a trooper through this all.  She learned the different spots where she was able to find her food dish, and adjusted to the confinement of our living space.  She did pretty well with checking out all the renovations, but her curious "puppy-ness" did get her in trouble at times, as she pulled out insulation being installed,  or found  the freshly placed netting to complete the outside stucco an object of fun to tug at.  She always defended her home with all of the workmen coming, barking at their presence.  I'm sure she wondered at times, what the heck was going on? Yet, she grew up, now at the ripe old age of two, and still has maintained her fascination with being the true "Ball Queen." All I have to say to her is "find a ball," when we're at our favorite park, and out she comes with another tennis ball.  I think we have collected at least 40 balls!  She loves them all and especially enjoys playing ball, and is quite a good catch! Oh, it is what it is . . . 


Here we are now on Juneteenth.  Able to look back over the past few months, and realize we are still standing.  I never knew the history of Juneteenth until a couple of years ago.  I have become so much more familiar with Black history through reading and intentionally listening to Black podcasts.  I am married to the love of my life, a Black man for 35 plus years.  Reflecting on the years past, I was very ignorant and naive to his history at the beginning of our relationship, at least compared to what I know now.  I wish I could have been better aware.  But that's life experience, and I hope that the beam in my eye has been removed and I am better at listening and appreciating our differences.  Yes, it is a blessing to just let it be what it is!


 


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