Today our nation laid Jimmy Carter to rest. I had gone to pay my respects last Sunday with Jay and Crystal at the Carter Center. It was easy, no long lines, no crowds, shuttle buses between King Memorial Station and the Carter Center. It was very well attended and at the same time, so peaceful. I felt honored to be there as Jimmy Carter was, and always will be, one of my heroes. I wrote in the guest book, I nominate Jimmy Carter to be the patron saint of the United States. And while we’re on the topic of patron saints, I also nominate John Lewis and Elijah Cummings as the patron saints of Congress.
Earlier that very morning, my hearing aid gave out, something that Charlie often warned would eventually happen. I knew he was right, I just never got around to doing anything about it. So I attended the event unable to hear anything. It was an odd feeling, I was strangely comfortable in the silence among the crowds. Almost as if that was the way it was supposed to be. The way it used to be a long time ago. When I was a child, on the other hand, I felt apart and outside from everyone and everything, a feeling I still struggle with today. I didn’t know what I was missing. Jay and Crystal did their best to communicate, which was sweet, but almost pointless. And laughable. The following morning, my very reliable hearing aid guy loaned me a new one until mine is fixed. And yes, I bought a brand new spare.
I still have dizzy spells, especially first thing in the morning. My doctor thinks I would be a good candidate for vestibular therapy and referred me to an ENT. It will be interesting to see what the ENT thinks of my unique hearing situation and…if he /she can still do anything about the dizziness? My BP and cholesterol are still high and I am making some dietary changes, too.
The aftermath of Ashley’s visit hit me really hard, I was alone for too many days in a row. I reached out to others but everyone was either sick or out of town. It was brutal. Also very cold so I didn’t get out of the house much. I tried to keep busy with post Christmas chores. While it was all necessary, it wasn’t enough. I needed human interaction more than anything. Texts/emails didn’t help either, argh.
Bought another heater for the lemon tree enclosure today as it’s going to get even colder tonight. i don’t want the lemon tree to freeze, as it already has buds all over it! Amy came over and helped me set up the heater and give all the plants a drink. I couldn’t have managed without her. And the few minutes with her helped me, too.
I received a very heartwarming gift from Brad today. It was a donation to the Carter Center made in Charlie’s honor. So thoughtful, so meaningful. Very touching.
