My Mamaw always used to say that bad things come in 3’s. I have often wondered if maybe she meant a multiple of 3. We all have those days or weeks where it seems like the universe is against us, because it’s just one unfortunate situation after another. It makes you want to just crawl in a hole and hide until the black cloud looming over you floats off into the distance. This is how I felt this week.
It all started one evening when I pulled into the garage after a long day at work. I grabbed my computer and purse and walked around the back of my car when I saw something move from the corner of my eye. I stopped in my tracks and there, two feet away from me was this huge python with fangs slithering into my garage.
The Snake.
Ok, so maybe it wasn’t a python and I am not sure it had fangs, but nevertheless it was a large snake. It was either a king snake or a coral and suddenly the whole he’s a good fella or red dead song got all jumbled up in my head. All I knew was that it was a snake and it was probably going to eat me. I threw my computer down, looked around and saw a broom nearby and somehow managed to fling that snake out of the garage about two feet (while screaming). It coiled up and hissed at me as I ran over to the garage opener and pressed it, just hoping that the monster didn’t charge back in before the door closed. To my relief, the door closed with the snake outside, and the day was saved. I may or may not have gone inside and poured a large shot of bourbon.
The next night, I returned home from dinner with my friend fully expecting the snake to greet me again, but alas, it must have found another household to scare. I went inside to feed my dog and the hamster that I acquired when my daughter brought it home with her from college during Spring Break and decided to leave it with me until she came back home for the summer. Being the good hamster grandma that I am, I took Chanel (AKA Rat as I fondly call her) out of her cage and let her run around the house in her hamster ball. This is sort of a nightly ritual so she can get some exercise while I take a shower. When I got out of the shower, my 80 lb dog, Bella was whining and had her nose under the entertainment center trying to reach something. Yes, you guessed it, Rat had escaped out of her ball and I thought Bella had her trapped. To my dismay, Rat was not under the entertainment center. As a matter of fact, she was nowhere to be found! Bella and I searched the house up and down and there was no sign of the three inch furball. After turning the house upside down, I gave up and decided to go to bed, hoping and praying Bella wouldn’t locate Rat while I was sleeping.
The next morning, I woke to this rustling sound beside my bed. Bella was lying on the floor next to me and I could see she heard the noise too. Sure enough, Rat was right there hiding underneath one of my decorative bed pillows! Another tragedy avoided!!!!
A couple of days later, I was getting ready to go to a concert that my daughter’s friend, Jenilyn, invited me to in Orlando. The only problem was I felt a little under the weather from all of the stress and maybe a few drinks the night before, but I was determined to not let her down. We stopped at Starbucks on the way out to get something for the road, and as I pulled out of the parking lot I got extremely nauseous and had to throw open the car door to get sick. After a few minutes, I started feeling better so I decided to suck it up and head to the concert. I wasn’t letting that keep me down. I felt fine after getting there, and enjoyed the Christian music of Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United. I was really happy she had invited me and we definitely created a funny memory together. We left the concert and on the way home, my car started making a really loud noise like it was going to explode. This continued for the duration of the trip. Luckily we made it home. The next day I found out there was a 3 inch hole in the piece that connects the two exhaust tubes underneath my car so in the shop it went. Three things, complete.
So that was my week. To say the least, it was eventful. And frustrating. And annoying. But not devastating or life shattering and for that, I am thankful. Sometimes when you go through small, unfortunate moments, it allows you to think about how blessed and lucky you are. Many people are suffering far worse circumstances. We can’t let little disturbances get us down. In the midst of every struggle lies an opportunity. It’s all in the way you look at it. At least I’m alive, loved and healthy. So what if there are nuisances? It makes life interesting. As a matter of fact, it can be kind of funny when you think about it. I mean, honestly, it’s a shame I wasn’t able to document my panic, actions, and facial expressions to share with you. I do hope that you got a laugh at my expense. You are welcome.
On another note, I would like to wish those of you who celebrate, a meaningful Good Friday and joyous Easter. Enjoy your time with family and friends and remember to not sweat the small stuff. Live every minute with love and gratitude. I plan on attending the sunrise service and I am so proud and blessed to be baptizing Jenilyn after the service in the ocean. What a glorious day to make such a big decision. I am so happy that she chose me to be a part of it. If you would like to see the baptism, join my Facebook page. I will be posting expanded photos, videos and teasers of my upcoming weekly columns going forward!
Melodye Lewis is a Friday columnist for Flagler News Weekly giving you something to talk about over lunch. Follow @ALifeWorthBingeWatching on Facebook.
