Need to research and know what to expect

Last June, my best friend was seriously injured when her taxi hit the back of a flat bed truck. She was on a ventilator, had several operations including repair to broken bones in her thighs and a graft for a burn. She had a concussion. I visited her several times, but she was on pain meds and didn't recognize me. I decided to forgo the visits for a while and send her cards. She wrote to me and during the last couple weeks and left a phone message. Finally, we arranged to get together yesterday. I was worried about finding her at the facility for brain injured where she lives. Fortunately, a staff member was in the parking lot and walked with me to the dining room. I had misconceptions, so the visit was stressful. My friend is immobile, in a wheelchair, and has edema. She did converse with me and introduce me to other residents and staff. she felt hemmed in and was preoccupied with the logistics of getting out of the dining room, mentioning this multiple times while I was eating. I wasn't prepared for the number of brain injured people in heavy wheelchairs, the degree of injury, the smells. My friend had a doctor appointment, and I was glad because after a short time, I was overwhelmed and wanted to go home. In order to prepare myself for new situations, I need to research and know what to expect.

Unconditional friendship

I play toys with my 4 month old baby granddaughter. We read board books together. She has her favorites, Peekaboo Baby, Little Lost Sheep and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. She plays on her tummy until she becomes frustrated. She likes to watch the mobile of colorful fall leaves and the cars, buses and motorcycles roaring down the street. When she falls asleep, I hold her and try to situate her in her bassinet or pack and play, but more often than not, she awakens and I lull her back to sleep. I enjoy her company and she smiles at me. One day, I strapped her in her stroller and we took the dogs for a walk. Usually, the dogs and I walk after the baby has gone home. Sometimes, the middle school students will be playing soccer and field hockey. Occasionally a man will fly his model plane. The dogs are good company too. When I am reading, Mickey the black and white kitty snuggles into w warm little ball on my lap. Such a friend. On Tuesday, I drive to the farm and ride Hope, the horse. We work together and share apples and carrots. Her neck is warm from the sun as she looks at me with her soft brown eyes. On Wednesday evening, my husband and I drive to my Dad's house to cook dinner and visit. I feel happy when we've had a good visit. My friend called from the traumatic brain injury center where she is in rehab and invited me to lunch this week. I hope the baby and I can go. I am so very grateful for these people and animals in my life. They offer unconditional friendship and loyalty. Though not friends, I enjoy the interesting encounters with the people that come into the shop. We chat while I wrap their flowers. So tired today. I fell right asleep but after one hour woke and couldn't settle. Quite possibly the small chocolate candy I ate, kept me awake. I drove downtown, parked in a parking structure and walked to the jewelry store. I pulled on the door twice before it hit me that the door had to be unlocked from the inside. I am having my rings sized and soddered together so that the stems don't rub together and thin. The jeweler will also check the prongs as years ago, I was sitting in church and realized that the diamond had fallen out of the ring.