Know that you're not alone

It couldn't last forever, could it?

Everything has been sailing along so smoothly in my life, until yesterday when life decided to test me again. It does that occasionally. I'm a very optimistic person. If there is something good in a person, thing, situation or thought, I'll spot it. I'm don't try to fool myself into thinking everything is wonderful. Occasionally, however, I have to remind myself not to get into a pity party because there are a lot of people worse off than me... in the Gaza strip, for instance, or on our very own Market Street where a 51-year-old restaurant burned up this past weekend and now the family has to start from scratch to rebuild.

Yesterday I lost it! My control, I mean. Found out some paperwork had gotten lost and free meds I normally receive would be my financial responsibility for at least two weeks. My doctor's nurse was pretty sure he wouldn't prescribe a generic version of this pricy med. The pharmacy said it was going to cost me $68 for the two weeks worth. I can afford it. No problem. It's only one time, and I'm on a careful budget and have a bit extra available.

It's just that I moved in October and have finally paid off all the moving costs, plus I didn't incur any big expenses for Christmas. Things are looking good. Well, they were. I've had my eye on a 17-inch computer monitor. Then along comes this extra cost.

I ranted and raved. My daughter happened to be in the line of fire, and bless her heart, she just turned in my direction and listened. Made me feel so safe. Good to have someone in my life who will listen.

I forgot my luck. The Read luck, I call it. (Read is my maiden name.) Whenever things have gone bad for our family, they seem to turn themselves around. Particularly in the area of finances.

I picked up the prescription this morning. Seems the doctor did prescribe the generic version, and it only cost me $7. Then I felt like crying -- with relief.

The other thing is that for the past couple of days, I've been going through a writing slump. I've done okay with the blog, but haven't been able to get a grip on my writing for Helium.com. Couldn't even work up an interest in reading, my other love. Spent a lot of time playing computer Solitaire. Yuck!

Yesterday I received an email from another Helium writer. I'd mention the many articles she'd recently posted to a Helium contest. She responded that sometimes she could put out lots of articles. Other times, she's totally stuck and can't write a thing. Along with reassuring me that what I'd been going through is quite normal, her words broke the dam for me. I'm writing again.

It's always good to know we're not alone. I mean, we know that, but just hearing it seems to make a difference. It's also good to know there's always someone listening to us.