Ingrid's Words

For a few years, Caroline and I have made Valentine CDs. It started as a great cheap idea for a boyfriend and something for us. Now, I feel like it's as much for the fun of putting our favorite romantic (and not too sappy) songs together, and having the sister time to compile it. This year, I even made a special edition with additions for my roommates, such as "All The Single Ladies" (Beyonce) and "Haven't Met You Yet" (Bluble). It's a fun chance to get our favorite songs together and to discover new music. In the process, and thanks to Kristy, I've discovered I enjoy Ingrid Michaelson. Tonight I just have the first verse of her song, "Be OK" in my head.

I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today
I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today

I feel like this is a good theme for my apartment tonight. We're all about to graduate and take on the world. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I realize everyone who actually reads this blog made this transition a while ago (or a long time ago), but it still is intimidating to face real adulthood and these changes. I keep thinking about the book Who Moved My Cheese? and the fact that I should anticipate and make the most of opportunities, rather than shrinking from decisions, change, etc. Some weeks, I feel like life is a roller-coaster between the changes and challenges that not only we, but other sisters and loved ones face in their lives. I think one of the most difficult things is knowing others are suffering, and realizing there is little we can do to alleviate it. Sometimes it's part of life or a consequence of sin, but it's still hard.
One of my patients this week went home. That's usually a happy thing. I've worked with her before, as she's come in for chemotherapy treatments. However, this time around it was different. Her family was gathering, and she was off to see her young daughter's first swim tournament. It may be the only one she sees in the few weeks she will likely live. That's when it's hard. That's when I hurt for them, though I know my suffering is so minuscule in comparison to theirs.

At the same time, I think of the people in Chile and realize how blessed we are. I consider the people of Haiti whose lives were flipped so upside-down and realize not even my roller-coaster days are too bad.