Handy Helper!

Little miss Keila (Claudia's 13 year old daughter who I've watched grow up and actually adore and wish I were best friends with) came to work today! She didn't want to go to school I guess. So Claudia put her to work. And by that I mean she said Keila was my help for the day. And what a help she was! Oh my goodness. I'm sure she found it all boring and tedious. 'Cause like, it is, that's my job description. But she helped me so so much, I can't even tell you. Considering I wasn't there on Friday and I'm helping out with Alba's work while she's away for a week, having Keila there today made a real difference. Plus I just enjoy her company. She's a cool lady. And I really liked having someone who sings along to the radio just as much as I do.

Today was absolutely gorgeous. I didn't get to go outside for long but wow were those few moments in the sun so needed. So brilliant. I felt like a whole different person. I almost enjoyed driving.

By the by, homeboy never messaged me back, so I guess plans for today were cancelled. Almost all my plans for this whole week have been cancelled actually. Which means more time for PUNISHERRRR I'm gonna binge this show all weeeeeekkkk. Judge me, I'm actually way too excited about that and need someone to put me in my place.

July 15-20

I really don't write in here enough

I've been kinda worried about the month of July. I knew I'd be busy. I didn't think I'd be busy enough to distract myself from the fact that July 17th would be one year since the crappiest homecoming and the crappiest phone call ever. And yeah. It was on my mind. But I was wrong. I was very very busy. And it's going to be blogged about in parts. And on different days because I'm lazy.

The first part is the easy one. Long story short, mommy wasn't feeling well so she decided to go to the hospital and get some meds. Turned out to be a minor skin infection and at no point was it terrifyingly serious, but she did have a ten minute surgery and she was given lots of antibiotics that kept her in the hospital a total of three nights. We knew she would be okay. But I'll admit, sleeping in an empty house is a lot less fun when the reason is because your mom is in pain. It was a tough time for her. But I'm grateful.

I'm glad we found the infection when we did, and that a quick surgery was all it took for my mom to feel some relief. I'm glad my mom was actually willing to go in the first place, since usually it's a big argument. I'm glad that Nestor stepped up as my knight in shining armor and drove all the way to my house just so he could give me a ride to the hospital so I could drop blankets and toiletries off to my mom - even though it was close to midnight. I'm glad that her coworkers, our family, family friends, church members, and even my friends who didn't know her gave an outpouring of support - it warmed her heart and actually really got me through the icky, lonely period. I'm mostly glad that when I felt alone and scared and stressed, Karla knew that her mom needed her and that she would be of more help than someone stressed about missing work could hope to be. Karla, along with her whole family, drove up from North Carolina and stayed with us for the week. It was probably the best surprise my mother could have asked for. And the immediate relief I felt once I had my big sister there was beyond expression. It was the part of the movie where the music changes and you hear the theater audience collectively breathe because the tension is gone and things are definitely going to be okay now. I can't thank the Bowens enough for being willing to make the trip.

Mommy is feeling a million times better now and life resumes as normal. We are a very blessed family to have a God and a community looking out for us at all times.

Love. Pure Love.

Jaroll had a special today at church. He played his trumpet, as he so often does. But he dedicated it to us. The college kids. The four people who are leaving throughout this month. He thanked God for the impacts we had in his life. And one by one, he said how we made a difference. He thanked me for helping him find joy in every day. I was already crying. And then he got to his sisters, and it took absolutely everything for me not to let those tears run. Today was the wrong day to wear eye liner. He played three songs. The last was my mother's favorite hymn slash one of my favorites to sing. My heart was already so full.

When we left, Amaris (little girl about 9 years old) said "They want you to go to the classroom". Who is they and which classroom? I asked several people but eventually figured it out. Bryan taught class that day for the kids about six to eight. And they made cards for the four students who were heading to school. And all the itty bitties signed it. Everyone just wants to make me cry today.

We were making plans to decorate our classrooms for VBS in the afternoon and I had been at peace about it all week because KARLA WAS HELPING ME HALLELU! Nothing can go wrong with my sister by my side. All week she had helped me brainstorm how to make the room look awesome and she went shopping with me so we could have all the perfect materials. We were set. Except they told me she wasn't allowed to come. They said, "We told people from church that they couldn't come. It's only those directly involved with VBS. So she probably shouldn't come either". I panicked. My heart sank. I had so much joy and they shot it down with a couple of sentences. I called her and she of course was hurt and confused. But it didn't matter. She rushed over to my house to explain how everything should be done. She made some of the crafts before getting there. And she stayed IN THE CAR OUTSIDE THE CHURCH to help make more and even advise me should I need anything. My mom told her to leave because the situation made her uncomfortable, but Karla was there. Because of her love of God and of me, she wanted to help so badly. I am grateful for that lady every single day.

Eventful Evenings

So it's September! I completed my August challenge! Good thing, too, 'cause I had absolutely no clue what to blog about today. A big thing did happen but that was more scary than anything (long story short: we passed a motorcycle accident and the lady was unconscious and bleeding, so I called 911 for the first time in my life. Not 100% sure what happened but help did get to her). So I thought, hey, I just won't blog today, since nothing happened. Until just now!

Adam texted me asking me to meet him in the library. Blessed Adam, he goes through a new problem every week. But I'm always happy to help of course because he's someone I ultimately care about and want to see happy. This was probably the first time, however, that he just held me and cried. So I knew this was a big deal to him and I needed to be there. He told me his stories and why he felt awful. And I completely understood why he felt so hurt and broken because I have been there! But, because I've been there and because I've learned, the answers felt so simple to me. So I advised him as best I could. I tackled each issue one by one until we found solutions that worked. I reassured him that, as long as he truly tried his best, it would all work itself out. And I even made him smile. We left each other on a joke! I actually made this kid feel better. He even called me smart :) It means a lot when you're able to help a friend. It also made me feel a lot better about this Peer Mentor job. I haven't really needed to have any heart-to-heart with them just yet. But should the time come, I think I'll be ready for it.

Then I went to the convenience store on campus and was attended to by a really nice gentleman who, despite being tired, was super friendly and helpful. And how can you not be happy about that?!

On my way back to my dorm I ran into Mirna. This was the part where my conversation with Adam (about working on yourself for your friends and then sometimes letting people go from your life if that's what is best) came full circle. We greeted each other and talked pleasantly about her lovely semester in Spain. I was actually caught up on some of the stuff going on in her life. And I am actually really glad we could talk because even if we're not super close anymore, and even though we disagree on a lot of things, I know that she is doing fine. She has found things in life to keep her happy and driven, and that is really satisfying to know. I'm happy for her. And I'm happy we can still talk every now and again. (sidenote you might find interesting, she's apparently dating Carlos! Little Carlousy! From our childhoods - more so mine cause I remember him from the Power Rangers pajama days -. How times have changed. LuzKarime would probably squeal if she saw him now haha. I don't talk to him really but he's always polite and says hi when he sees me. I'm sure if you were still here, you'd be good friends with him)

Job Well Done

Reason 223: Being told that you did well by some of the people you admire most? It's such a good feeling. Even if they don't fully understand the play you're in hehe. Also, bonding with people you admire. That's pretty amazing, too.

Merp. Stage crush.

ALSO

Someone teach me to get a Yoshi. I'm addicted and can't solve my problems. SECRET LEVELS ARE SO DIFFICULT. Merp, gamer who is really bad at video games. Help.