It used to annoy me when my mother would say, “you’ve got to take the bitter with sweet,” when I’d have a bad day.

“What does the heck does that mean,” I’d think. Yesterday, her point was never more clear to me.

I ran two errands before my car decided it wouldn’t start. This was peculiar since three weeks earlier I’d purchased a new starter. All I could do is sit and watch the ice in my backseat, purchased for a family birthday bbq, melt. I gave up and called triple A. 15 minutes later, I got a call to clarify my address so I thought the “cavalry” was coming. But, 45 minutes passed. So, I called again only to learn that help was still 20 minutes away. After nearly two hours in my car, I was on the verge of having a fit when I turned the key again. This time my car started.

I drove home and told the tow truck driver to meet there. While I waited, I made a rental car reservation and called for an Uber to take me to it.

At 2:45, I arrived at Budget at Newark airport to find two reps and a line that looked like one for tickets to the hottest concert tickets. It took a half hour to get to the counter. By then, my back spasms were sending painful shocks down my legs to my feet. Still, I hobbled to the car. I went to leave only to find the wrong car was in the space I was given. I had no choice but to go back and swap it. Finally, I was on my way.

The usual 45 minute trek to my father’s home took and hour and 15 minutes. Yet, I was determined not to let my pain or the day’s event poison the mood. So I took a pain pills and got on with things.

The rest of the day went smoothly. My father, who has lost weigh during his recent health battles, sat outside taking, laughing and playing with his grandson and great grandson. The children hugged and played t-ball. The adults are, drank and told stories. And, the birthday boys, my father and fiancé, took a photo together. All these things helped the troubles of the day fade away. My joint and back pain returned but the sweet memories made overshadowed it.

#bbq #fathersanddaughters #happybirthday #blackfathers #family

#autoimmunedisease #invisibleillness #chronicillness #chronicpain #birthdays

#spoonie