I am here, not sure where this is going to lead, with so much on my mind. I have been focusing on my book and have not been here on the blog for a while. My apologies. I was surprised by all the new views I received since I checked in. Thank you!
As some of you know, Jacob moved out last October. He has his own apartment and a new girlfriend, and he is happy. I am happy for him, but boy, do I miss him. We don't talk enough about raising our babies and all of the mixed emotions that come with them leaving. It is natural, that is what we raise them to do, but man, does it kill this momma's heart. He went away this weekend to Nags Head for a golf tournament with friends. His girlfriend went to New Orleans for a jazz festival. The same festival that a former police officer from North Carolina was planning a mass shooting. I didn't tell Jacob until this morning, as I didn't want to worry him. The former police officer was apprehended in Florida before he could carry out the shooting. When I was talking to Jacob, I could hear the frustration in his voice. Mom - why is this happening? Why are people so crazy?
If you live in America right now, you know we are dealing with mass shootings, gun violence, political unrest, economic distress, government dysfunction, healthcare affordability, inflation, and a decline in mental health for our citizens. Add that to what is going on in your own personal life, and it can be overwhelming to think about.
I talked to my brother for over 2 hours yesterday. It was a great talk full of reminiscing about Doris Jean. When talking about his health, he told me that his prescriptions total about $900 a month. He cannot afford that as he is retired and on a fixed income. I won't list them all here, but Google countries with free or subsidized healthcare, and it will blow your mind. Look at prescription costs in other countries. People in America are making choices over eating, having electricity, or maintaining their health. This is a crisis. I know I would not be able to afford the Enbrel I take for Rheumatoid Arthritis if it weren't for Enbrel co-pay assistance and specialty insurance offered to me as a state employee. That shot averages $8000-$11,000 per month. It is a high-cost specialty drug with no currently available generic equivalent. It is interesting to me that the cost is that high. Years ago, the cost was quoted between $4000 and $6000 per month.
I have a lot swirling around in my mind and so much to talk about. I will be back soon. I didn't want Shouldabeenabook blog to be political, but I will be sharing some things that have been weighing heavily on my mind. I want to talk about GLP-1, our gun crisis, and the "popular" supplement that I took for 5 days that made me very, very sick. I want to talk about grief and how to stay positive in a world that aims to chip away at our mental health. I want to talk about relationships and all of the things that make the world go round.
My hope for you as you start a new week is that you have peace. Whatever lies ahead, you will take one day at a time. Surround yourself with positive people who truly care for you and will stand up for you in rooms you are not in. Instead of focusing on all of the things that are going wrong, focus on the things that are going well. Look around, you are alive, what can you share with others that will make a difference in their lives? You will not get these days back, don't spend them complaining about things that are out of your control. What can you control? What are you doing in your life to make it better? You deserve peace, love, joy - it doesn't just happen - get after it.
As always, Be BOLD!
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