I got up and got going this morning around 8:00. I got the iced tea made and the car loaded for the day. Stopped and picked up some ice and then headed up to the Old School.
Met the person that rents the place out and signed the papers and was given instructions on how to lock up, etc. The lady generously gave Love in Action a donation. Nice way to start the day.
Kathy and I got the car unloaded and set up the room where we had the party. We were done with lots of time left to spare. Guests started arriving around 11:15 and there was a steady flow for a bit. We ended up with around 25 – 30 people.
I got nervous when the food hadn’t showed up by 11:40 as it was to have been there at 11:30. I called to check on it and was told they were on their way. They got there around 11:45. Everything was as ordered and delicious as always.
We didn’t get started eating until 12:20. I had everyone fill their plates and then while they were eating I did my presentation of our history. Several questions were asked and the audience was very attentive and interested.
The Lieutenant from the Center came bearing gifts. She had the Detainees write on two different poster boards words of appreciation for Love in Action. One of the Detainees wrote “The best jail experience I’ve ever had. Thank you.” We all had to smile at that one – bet there is a fascinating story behind that comment. The other comments were touching.
After I was done talking we served cake and ice cream while Elexa set up. She entertained up with her beautiful music and soul until 2:00. I was moved to tears a couple times during her music.
Two dear friends stayed and helped us clean up and get my car loaded back up. I so appreciated their help. I was running on fumes by then.
We got home and only unloaded the food items. The rest can wait till tomorrow. We had lots of food left over. I sent a text to a friend that has lots of extra company here and to my delight she agreed to come over and take the remaining leftovers home. Kathy and I each got what we wanted and I was done with the rest of it. Now it won’t go to waste.
I woke up with blood in my urine again today. I did my best to drink as much as I could possibly get down. I felt a bit nauseous and wasn’t able to eat anything today. I still had some blood showing when I got home today so went to Urgent Care. My kidney area is very tender as is my abdomen.
I had the best ever experience with the PA that saw me and the nurse that helped. I told the PA when I left she is better than the doctors in the ER and I wish she could be my regular physician.
I have “dirty’ urine. They are running cultures and will call when they get any results. We had a long discussion about how to treat me. My drug allergies and my C-Diff history make taking antibiotics complicated for me. She is treating me for a UTI infection but I may have some kidney involvement. She played it conservative with my approval. If I start running a temperature or have increased pain I am to return ASAP. Not sure what they will be able to prescribe but we may have to risk the side effects if I do have a kidney infection.
Went to Walmart to pick up the scripts she sent in. She gave me a five day dose of the antibiotic that is used to treat C-Diff as a preventative measure. The first sign of diarrhea I am also to return.
Hoping this antibiotic and lots of fluids will do the trick and it won’t progress any further.
I had my breath taken away a couple times today. The lady that made the patches she sold as a fundraiser for Love in Action brought me a quilt she had made. The note she put with it and the work that went into the quilt is beyond amazing. I shall treasure the quilt and the note forever. I rarely get caught off guard with a surprise but that one got me today.
The Lieutenant that came today also spoke for a bit to thank the donors for the work that is being done within the jail by Love in Action. She shared how the mood of the Center has been changed because of Love in Action and how their job is easier and safer. She and the Sergeant that hands out the cards to the Detainees gave me a gift and a card. That took my breath away too.
Elexa’s first song she sang reduced me to tears and took my breath away. I don’t know the name of the song but it is about Detainees being deported without anyone naming their names. It so stated what is happening in the US these days and moved me deeply.
Seeing the friends I have show up and be present today took my breath away too. They have been with me supporting this program from the very beginning and their support means the world to me. One of the couples called me this afternoon and shared their positive thoughts about the day. I get to take all the credit when it is the donors that make it all possible.
There were four donors that came from all over the state. Three of them I had never met before. I so appreciate them taking the time to make the drive and effort to attend.
What a roller coaster of a day. I am grateful for all that came today and how each person added to the event. I am grateful that I had a wonderful PA this evening and have meds to help.
I’m sure more will come to me when I have had a day or two to process the day. It was one of the best days I have had in a long time and the love and support of old and new friends made it special.
Grateful for Urgent Care and very competent care from a PA that really heard me, grateful for today and all the breath stopping moments that happened, and grateful tomorrow is a rest day.