LiviKnit

A prayer answered

Posted on March 2, 2014 by kokomeau

It had been a long time since I worked for someone besides myself. I was a freelance court reporter for over 15 years, then an independent shop owner for four. It’s not easy being self-employed, but it is fun. I’m a great self-starter (outside my home) and pretty disciplined. So when I took a job in the home health field here in Florida, I really looked forward to learning a whole new area. What I did not realize at the time was that not every company plays fair, and even if you go over and above your job description, you can’t expect to be appreciated by those in management who are not directly exposed to your efforts. And while I realize the economy hasn’t been the best, Florida is an at-will employment state which means there is no job security. None. You can quit at will, and they can fire you at will. Florida also has one of the lowest pay rates around. What I also learned at this company is that not everyone in the same position is compensated the same, even though hire dates are close. That unwanted discovery makes for some heavy resentment in the fairness field. Even with an excellent annual review and a letter to the owner, their refusal to acknowledge a good employee with a decent wage forced me to look elsewhere (which was suggested when I voiced my opinion).

Months of searching and several interviews later, I was asked to join Gentiva Hospice here in Palm Coast as their Patient Care Secretary. An interview with four of the staff convinced me immediately that this was a place I could work for a long, long time. And with my experience at my previous job, I was well-suited for their needs. Their offer included a very fair wage and a great benefit package. And even though I’m three miles from the office instead of one, I KNOW this is going to be a great place to work.

It was a tough decision leaving my wonderful friends at AmeriCare, and I plan on staying in touch with as many as I can. But I can truly say that this is a long-awaited answer to prayer.

Randomness

‘HE’ made my day.

Posted on February 22, 2014 by kokomeau

Occasionally while on my break at work I’ll check my email and Facebook to see what’s happening in the world. This past Thursday I was happy I did. There was a blurb from The Beanery that there was a whale sighting at N. 20th in Flagler Beach ‘about an hour ago.’ Knowing that they don’t move very quickly, I decided last minute to take an early lunch, text Thom about it, and head down there. He went one way and I went another, staying in touch via phone. Neither of us saw anything, so I said I was heading back to the office.

On my way north along the ocean, I kept my eyes peeled, and right where we typically go swimming, I saw dolphins.

Not just one or two, but LOTS of dolphins! I quickly pulled onto the shoulder, grabbed my binoculars, jumped out of the car and searched. I’ve never seen so many gannets, pelicans and dolphins in one place. Something had to be there! Thom pulled up behind me, and I motioned him to come quickly! He had his camera on its tripod in seconds and was snapping pictures when I saw her. I gasped.What a thrill!

With that dorsal fin, I’m not even sure what kind it was. Right whales are typically seen here this time of year, but they don’t have a dorsal fin. I’d love to know what she was. She stayed around for quite awhile along with the dolphins, fishing and playing.

I could barely tear myself away to go back to work. I finally went back to my car, which was still running with all the windows down and my phone and purse still on the seat! And I thanked God for this perfectly beautiful gift that made my day.

Drew and family visit Florida!

Posted on February 6, 2014 by kokomeau

Even though this is the sunshine state, one never knows for sure if the weather is going to cooperate when you have company; especially when that company involves small children. I did my best to arrange things we could do outdoors, and with the help of some great friends, I was able to procure two more bikes and a bike stroller. The ocean is always there, so now we just needed some sunshine and warmth. And God provided!

Drew and family arrived late Sunday night, so after a little adjustment, the kids went to bed without too much ado. Morning actually came later than expected, and after a MOTOWN BREAKFAAAAAST! we decided to try the bikes. Thom had to work, so it was left to Drew and I to prepare the tires, seat heights, etc. We had one glitch that we overcame with a little ingenuity on Drew’s part, and off we went, kids trailing happily behind their dad. Leading the way and with Kristin bringing up the rear, I looked back and couldn’t help myself grinning from ear to ear and saying a silent “thank you, God!” to the beautiful sunshine above.

Some time at the playground and a quick trip to show my kids off to my co-workers, and we were back home for lunch, naps, and finally a trip to the ocean. Thom was already there with the umbrella set up, in his wetsuit and in the chilly water. The waves were great but the water was COLD! Drew tried a couple times to go in, finally saying he couldn’t do it; he was already feeling “hypothermic.” But watching how much fun Thom was having and being ‘this close’ to the action, he resigned himself to becoming numb and took the plunge! Standing on the warmth of the shore we could NOT believe he went for it! After a few failed attempts to catch a wave, he timed it perfectly and caught right on. We watched for over half an hour as he and Thom fought and caught the huge breakers in that chilly Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the kids, especially Dez, enjoyed playing at the shoreline, running from the waves or jumping as they crashed. Dez was a slippery little thing, and he did have a couple scares, but all in all he had a ball. I was in heaven watching Drew in the water, Kris and the grandkids on the beach, and the pelicans and gannets soaring and diving, all creating wonderful entertainment!

The next couple days flew by with more biking, beaching, shelling, swinging, dancing, bubble-blowing, chalk-drawing, crying (yes) and laughing. Meals in and meals out were a great success with the kids behaving beautifully. Drew said the best part for him was it was the first time in four years he and Kristin were both able to sleep in after 7:00 am!

It was a perfect visit. Thom and I had a great time, and I think Kris, Drew, Dez and Evie did, too.

Gotta love the salt life!

More photos here: [portfolio-gallery include=2652]

Comp'ny, Family & Friends, Florida Fun

Welcome any time!

Posted on February 2, 2014 by kokomeau

It was so wonderful to have my mom spend last month with us. She’s 87 now, though if you ask her, she’d say she feels like she’s in her 60s or so. She likes to say that fish and company smell after three days, but I beg to differ. Perhaps some company smells after three days, but not my mother. She’s the easiest, most pleasant person to have in any home. Here’s how she spent her days:

She’d wake up around 9:00 a.m., laze a bit and then shuffle on out around 9:30-10:00 in her bathrobe and slippers for her morning coffee, her “Nectar of the gods!” She’d have a piece of raisin or peanut butter toast, a small glass of milk, and then she’d sit and read the paper, maybe start on a crossword puzzle. She’d then exclaim how lazy she is and how guilty she feels not being dressed yet.

If she spent more than an hour getting ready for the day, it was because she had to shower. When that was done, she’d come out to the living room and drop into the chair and bemoan how hard it is and what a pain it is to get all clean. (I was never sure if she was just kidding or if it really wore her out. I’m thinking it really wears her out! She’s 87!!)

She’d find her book that she’s read at least three times or a crossword puzzle or perhaps her knitting, settle herself in the chair, and then she would proceed to entertain herself. She’d glance at whatever was on tv, she’d visit with whomever was in the room, and she’d have to pat and talk to the dogs as they begged for her attention. She’d snack here and there but wouldn’t eat much. If you found the living room empty, it was because she was in front of her laptop playing – and winning – at bridge. If you asked if she wanted to go to the store or for a drive, she’d happily oblige saying, “Just point me where I’m going.” After dinner (God bless the cook!) she’d watch tv, do her crosswords, reminisce a bit, tell me I worked too hard.

Once she had her bedtime snack of peanut butter and honey toast with milk, and after she told you how spoiled she was, we would say our goodnights, and I would hear the echo of my childhood in her quiet, “God bless you.”

She’d tell you how lovely your home is, your town, your partner, your dogs, and how happy she is for you.

My mother has a gracious and joyful spirit. She remembers mostly the good and happy times, and she loves to relive them. She repeats herself often, forgets what you’ve told her and needs to be reminded of your grandkids’ names. But she is all the things I hope to be when I’m her age: Happy, grateful, kind, loving, non-judgmental, sweet.

And welcome any time. [portfolio-gallery include=2737]

Family & Friends

I sure do miss this guy…

Posted on December 9, 2013 by kokomeau

June 6, 1925 to December 9, 2007

[portfolio-gallery include=1449]

Family

The best feeling ever.

Posted on November 30, 2013November 20, 2019 by kokomeau

20160403193540_p I forget how good it feels to see my kids until I do. Maybe it’s some kind of mental protection; I don’t know. I mean, I ‘miss’ them a lot all the time: like, I miss having a table full, I miss the joking back and forth between them, I miss knowing they’re all in bed and I have a quiet house. THAT kind of miss. But with them grown and on their own, seeing them on Skype, talking on the phone, I know they’re happy and healthy. So while I think of them daily, I don’t miss them in the traditional sense. Until I see them.

At Will Rogers Airport in OKC, when I finally figure out which floor to exit to find him, Drew (Andrew, to me) pulls up in his silver Charger, gets out, and I immediately feel tears stinging my eyes as I see this beautiful young man walking towards me smiling, and I wrap my arms around him. This is my Drew-a, a nickname given to him a million years ago by his baby brother. He’s confident and in charge as we fly through the big-city traffic to pick up my grandkids; one who is thrilled to see me, and one who will have nothing to do with me for TWO WHOLE DAYS! We zip on and off interstates until we end up at his new home in Edmond where lovely Kristin greets us in her cute apron, the master of HER domain (and what a gorgeous domain it is)! With wonderful gluten-free meals, including a ‘metal’ breakfast, and some crockpot magic, dancing, walks, the zoo, and a night of babysitting, my time there speeds by in four short days. I see how happy and content they are as a family, and I am so delighted and satisfied for them.

A work week in Denver causes Drew to have to leave for the airport earlier on Sunday than I do, and after he says his goodbyes with hugs all around, Evie and I walk him to the back door. I tell him what a wonderful time I had, and as he puts Evie down, he tells her, “I want another hug from my mom.” The tears burn again. How did he know how much I needed that?

It’s funny how we spend 18+ years raising these people from completely dependent infants to completely independent adults. We want them self-sufficient, successfully and happily married and employed, not needing us any longer. Right? And when they finally are; when we see the circle of life continuing as it was meant to continue, it feels so good. But there was a part of me there over that four-day weekend that longed to feel needed by my son, feel important to him again, even just for a moment. And without knowing it, he gave me that, right there at the end. And it was the best feeling ever.

PS…Happy 32nd birthday, Andrew![portfolio-gallery include=2406]

Family & Friends, Florida Fun

Meg’s long-overdue short visit

Posted on September 26, 2013 by kokomeau

We’re standing at JAX airport watching all the passengers filing by us, coming in from who knows where, some being greeted, some not, most on their phones. I scan each face as they turn the corner, not quite able to make out features from a distance but knowing I’d recognize her walk. Thom asks, “Is that her?” “No.” “Is that her?” “No.” “You know, it’s been over a year. Maybe she’s changed.” “No. I’ll know her when I see her.”

Then, around the corner, I see her coming towards me. Even now, when they’re all grown and away from me, the sight of any of my kids reminds me that some serious pieces of my heart are out there, walking around, most likely oblivious to that fact. But I see my only daughter after being apart for over a year, and suddenly my heart fills back up.

I move forward, talking to myself, “There she is. There’s my girl. There’s my girl” I wrap her in my arms, breathe in the familiar scent of her, feel her skin against my lips — utter completeness that I didn’t know I was missing until just that second. And I have perma-grin!

And so we spend the next four days at the beach, with a couple side trips to the Daytona Flea Market, some meals out, movies in, and more beach. The days fly by just like I knew they would, but I make sure to fill them with whatever she wants. I hope she had a good time. I think she did.

Summer vs Winter

Posted on September 1, 2013 by kokomeau

It’s hot here. 90’s the last few weeks with about the same humidity levels. It rains almost every afternoon; a heavy, tropical rain that causes steam to rise from the blacktop and leaves the air even heavier with moisture. It makes your skin soft and your hair and nails grow. It fogs your glasses when you come inside. It makes you wonder how people live in this climate without air conditioning. It doesn’t last all that long; a month of high 80’s, a few weeks of 90’s. But it’s definitely stifling, causing you to move from home to car to store to car to home without spending too much time in between.

When I think about that, I remember where I came from, moved away from. Winters in northern Michigan last from about November through March and often into April. And I’m talking the cold, wet, windy winter that seeps into your joints and chills you to the bone. The never-ending bleakness of days upon days of little or no sunshine; late mornings and early evenings of darkness that make you long for summer when the sun doesn’t set until 10:00 pm. But to get to that summer you have to survive the muddy, rainy weeks of spring with the dirty snow piled up along the curbs trying to melt without sunshine, waiting for warmer days to finally rid itself. Summer begins, at least according to the calendar, June 21st and ends on September 21st. And sometimes, in northern Michigan, it actually does. Much of the time, though, summer begins and ends in bouts of 70- to 90-degree weeks, with cooler, rainy weather filling in the spaces making it virtually impossible to arrange for outdoor events without a backup plan. Fall, my most favorite Michigan season, rewards us with an amazing array of color and crispness that brings folks out for walks and drives, knowing that soon enough they’ll be forced back inside for the duration of another long, cold winter season.

Which brings me back to late summer in Florida. We don’t spend much time outdoors unless we’re at the beach; thankfully it’s only a few miles away. Mornings are best. People are out biking, walking their dogs or exercising, often before 8:00 a.m. But after 9:00 or so you’re forced back inside to the a/c. Evenings aren’t bad once the sun goes down, which is usually around 8:00 p.m. here. Most restaurants along the beach have outdoor seating where the ocean breezes keep you comfortable. Music generally fills the air and lines of pelicans fly overhead making their way to wherever it is they spend their nights.

During the day we ask ourselves how long we can stand the heat. Everyone mentions the humidity whenever they come in from outdoors. We are constantly in awe of the powerful and quick storms that move in and move out leaving steam rising from the parking lots. And then we’ll look at each other and remember: It could be worse. It HAS been worse. This is our ‘winter’ weather. This is what we have to endure to live and enjoy the remaining 10 beautiful months here. And anyone who has moved south from those long winters unequivocally agrees that it’s MUCH easier getting through this than it is getting through the seemingly endless months of the dry, windy, bone-chilling winter that forced us to look southward to sunshine, warmth, and the ocean.