The week has been loaded with lots going on–a good portion of which has added unwelcome stress to my life. But that’s okay. Things could be worse.

My sister, Jean, certainly has it worse right now. She went back to the hospital on Tuesday because she was having trouble breathing. Her lungs and heart were filled with fluid. They drained the fluid with catheters and put her on oxygen. Unfortunately, the tumors in her lungs are growing and they can’t start her on the interferon therapy until she is stronger. She has developed a hernia at the site of the incision from the kidney removal that also can’t be fixed at this point since it requires surgery. She was transferred from the cardiac ICU to a regular room on Friday morning, but we don’t know how long she’ll be in the hospital. Nothing I can do at this point but offer support and pray.

Speaking of praying, tomorrow I get to spend the morning at All Saints. It’s the day they “commission” the staff for the program year ahead. Usually I only go for one of the two morning services, but this year Ed wants us to be there for both. So I’ll be there from 9 am until around noon. Oh well, I’m probably going to wind up getting in late on Monday, so I can’t complain too much about spending Sunday morning there.

The workers started tearing out my damaged retaining wall last Monday. They worked all day Monday and Tuesday, not at all on Wednesday and Thursday, and about 3 hours on Friday. I’m totally frustrated! They don’t speak English and it’s impossible to communicate with them. They’ve got most of the wall torn out, but still need to do a lot of cleanup, digging of the footers, and bringing in materials. And this was supposed to only take 1-1/2 weeks…no way! I’m going to try to convince Javier, the buildings and grounds head at All Saints, to meet me here at the house on Monday to talk with these guys and get this project going. Javier owes me one, so I don’t think it will take much convincing for him to do this.

Still waiting to hear from the insurance company regarding my colonoscopy. Good thing I’m not still having any internal problems. Let’s hope it stays that way until they finally decide to authorize the test!

Last week was also extremely stressful at work with lots and lots going on. This week will probably be a lot calmer–a very welcome change! Let’s hope things at home are calm as well.