Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Sometimes two minuses make a plus.
--Edith Shannon

What appears to be a problem sometimes turns out to be a most beneficial circumstance. We live only in the present, and it generally takes the perspective of hindsight to get the full meaning of an event. Over the years, we have learned that some of our best lessons actually caused us pain while we were in their clutches. What a relief to be able to see, now, that they had their silver lining. This principle still holds true.

We have had a lot of years to learn to take our experiences in stride, giving them no more weight than they deserve. But it's easy to forget that it's the accumulation of them all that defines who we are. The lost jobs, the friends who left, the hurdles in a marriage all played their part in the people we've become today. We are who we need to be right now.

I can't let a setback set me back today. I am evolving right on schedule.
From: Keepers of the Wisdom by Karen Casey


I went to see Mom yesterday. She looked better. Barry didn't go with me as he was napping on my couch.

I've been thinking about this family stuff. It occurred to me that, in true Chapman fashion, my aunts and uncle were more interested in me covering up my family's problems rather than actually helping them. In other words, as long as they didn't have to do anything or hear about it, they were okay. It's sad really. But I had to step completely out of the picture, let Mom hit bottom before any services came.
According to today's reading this horrible experience that nearly ran me out of my mind, is a blessing in disguise. Hope it shows itself soon.

Today is filled with activity. Picking up a paycheck. Got to beat written checks to the bank before the bounce sky high. Taking cats to vet. Bug bombing apartment for fleas. Going to Brentwood to shop for New Balance shoes for myself and Mom. Going to the book store to buy children's books to complete door prizes for upcoming workshop. Taking Barry to lunch. And that's just in the hours before 1:00. After I return home I've got a mountain of laundry to do. I won't get in to see Mom until 6:00 tonight. Hopefully she will remember that I told her that.