H is for house and heat. As winter approaches, items that seem to be basic necessities to me are often luxuries in other parts of the world. When we went to Indonesia after the tsunami of 2004, we saw so many roofs and walls and entire homes that had been washed away. They were still rebuilding when we were there a year and a half later. Money and a lack of supplies, let alone time to work, delayed the process.
I grew up in San Diego two miles north of the border of Mexico. Houses made of cardboard dotted the tiny hills next to the chain link fence that formed the boundary between the countries. These tiny shelters were formed from refrigerator and washer-dryer boxes. Every time it rained, they disintegrated and slid down into the metal barrier. It was heartbreaking.
Our house in a rare snow storm – February 2010
H is also for hugs. I like hugs. They make me all warm inside. Tomorrow (Saturday) I’m leaving for San Diego to visit my brother and sister. I saw them each for just a few hours this summer when we visited California, but I haven’t spent much time with either of them in years. I’ve never gone to visit them all by myself, only on vacation with my family. My brother, who’s ten years younger than I am, just finished a brutal round of chemo and I’m especially looking forward to spending time with him. My sister is two years younger and we’re incredibly different but we always have a blast. My kids say they can tell when I’m on the phone with either of them because I laugh so much. Needless to say, I’m anticipating a LOT of hugs.
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How wonderful that you are getting to visit your siblings! Have a blessed safe trip!
My “H”: hearing. I suffered partial hearing loss after having scarlet fever when I was 6 years old, and have always struggled with being able to hear conversations in crowded noisy places. I also am much more of a visual processor than auditory, so I tend to like to read things rather than watch videos. I really came to appreciate hearing even more after working in pediatrics and helping with screenings and ABR testing to fit infants and children with hearing aids. To see the wonder on a kiddo’s face when they can hear is just an awesome experience!
Happy holidays to you and your family Carole. I am sure I don’t need to tell you how precious those days become as we get older – and as loved ones struggle with harsh treatments in their battles against illnesses.
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Shauna » I had scarlet fever as well, but the only thing that happened was my hair went totally straight for a few months. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
That is interesting about your hair going straight after the fever!
Hope your brother is feeling better. Thankful for my home and heat too. Those images you shared from Indonesia are so sad. A good reminder for me to be thankful for heat and and my home, though it is outdated, worn carpet, and cracked ceilings. There are lots of good things about my home too! The owner of a window company used to live here so it has great windows and keeps us warm!!!