Finances

One of the principles on finances that my parents drilled into me throughout my childhood was "Never, ever co-sign a loan with anyone." 

Hubby and I have followed that advice to our benefit.

In my teen years their admonitions of "Don't co-sign on loans" also included examples of the tribulations of friends and relatives who struggled financially when the individual they "helped out" couldn't make their monthly payments.

Those examples stayed with me.

But only when I was an adult did I realize that their financial principle passed down to me was from the Bible. 

Eventually two verses related to my parents' financial admonitions caught my attention.

Proverbs 11:15 NIV Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. Proverbs 11:15 NIV 

As I started reading the Bible through each year, I found more of my parents' pithy sayings that came from the Bible.

Another verse of wisdom that has guided our decisions:

Romans 13:8 ESV Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 ESV 

And our parents' stance on co-signing did not mean they ignored the financial or health challenges that friends and relatives faced.They found other ways of helping rather than totally assuming someone else's debt.

I am thankful for the firm foundation that our parents gave us.

 

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Creative Camping

July 4, 2019, in the Smokies was a hoot.

That summer for the first time, Hubby and I joined a coastal Mississippi contingent of more than 40 relatives and friends. 

We all booked campsites at Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for July 4th week.

A nephew and his fellow firemen whipped up delicious breakfasts and suppers with others in the group contributing tasty sides and desserts.

The Independence Day rule that year was to join the group costumed as an American icon, whether real, fictional or non-human. 

Lady Liberty, Hollywood stars, fast-food items and well-known TV characters were among costumed campers gathered for breakfast, photos and a morning parade through the campground. 

Son Walt as the wrestler Rick Flair

Marilyn Monroe, AKA daughter-in-law Sarah, works on

our grandaughter Stella's braid for her Wizard of Oz character Dorothy. 

Nephew Ryan (right), as exercise guru Richard Simmons, leads the parade of campers.

Sister-in-law Anita with her husband and offspring

Anita came as a Brownie complete with the authentic beanie. Her costume choice triggered memories of days in the second grade when my mother and other moms volunteered to lead me and my friends in crafts and adventures. 

Eagle Scout and Rosie the Riveter

That's me as Rosie the Riveter next to my Eagle Scout. Never did get Rosie's polka dot head gear tied right!

Hubby joined his sister in the Scouting theme. He actually is an Eagle Scout. He earned all those merit badges on his sash during his youthful scouting years. 

When 2020 rolled around, everyone congregated in Elkmont again. With COVID uncertainties, plans were fluid. That held for the 2021 Smoky's gathering, too.

Several things didn't change, though--good food, good fellowship and good fun!

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Post Surgery

It has been a week since I had what had been discussed as  "minor" surgery with assurances that after a morning surgery and an overnight hospital stay I would likely be up and about.

Today is exactly one week post surgery. I am just now beginning to get past my zombie state. The hour drive home from the hospital was a clue that I was not likely to be up and about as quickly as I had anticipated. 

When I partially surfaced from a drugged sleep upon our arrival home, Hubby was faced with a wife with the strength of a cooked spaghetti noodle. I do recall him getting me into my transporter and into our house then into bed.

I am finally mostly off of pain pills. I am back to using my rollater to walk a little more each day. And my trusty iPhone has recorded my mileage from 0.11 mile Thursday to today's count of one mile.

Hubby has been a wonderful caregiver, helping me meet personal needs, safely move about a bit and tempting my mostly nonexistent appetite.

And finally the brain fog has mostly lifted! 

I'm thinking my surgeon had rarely, if ever, operated on a patient with disabilities from stroke similar to mine. But through it all, every individual we encountered was great--helpful, friendly, caring. That held true whether they were medical or clerical or the guy who pushed me in the wheelchair out to our vehicle.

And before I went into surgery, my surgeon asked if he could pray. Of course I said yes. I had already been praying for him, his team, Hubby and me.

That was a welcomed first for me. I would love to know if others have had that experience with a doctor!

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