Wow! W-Weeks have been a Wondrous Whirlwind of Wearisome Work and Wonderful Wins. From care-giving challenges to unexpected Windfalls, this week has been a Wild mix of emotions. Here’s What’s been happening:
Why? Wrestling With Worries and Wounds
The election results left me Wrestling With a Wave of Worry and Wondering Why. The Whys of this political moment have Wrapped me in a Web of disappointment. Why do so many Americans Want to Walk the same path with a leader whose policies Will only Widen the Wealth gap? Why Would people place more trust in a rich, White man than a Well-qualified Woman of color?
This result has left me feeling Wounded, scared, and embarrassed for our country. Yet, despite the Whirlwind of Whys, I’m Working hard to keep Warmth in my heart. There are Wonderful people in my life—family and friends—Who feel differently than I do politically. Though I Wish for a Wider understanding and more unity, I’m trying to Walk the path of kindness and keep love alive in the face of What feels like a Widely fractured World.
Amid this Wider grief for our country, my personal Why is also tethered to my family. Watching my Mom prepare to leave her home of 50+ years has Wrapped us all in Waves of sadness. However, a Wonderful discovery—a Windfall—came When we found out my Mom’s partner has a long-term healthcare policy! This Was a Well-hidden gem none of us Were aware of, but it Will Wipe away many of the financial Worries for their move to an assisted living facility next Wednesday. While it’s not easy, We’re all grateful for this new Way forward.
Philip’s Weird Watercolor Workshop has been a Wonderful Way for him to Wile away some time and keep his mind active. These special paints create Vivid colors When brushed With Water. Watching him paint has brought moments of Wonder to otherwise Weighty days.
Writing: Words as a Way to Work Through Worry and Wonder
Writing has been my saving grace—my Way to Weather life’s storms. Whether in moments of Wonder or Worry, Writing lets me reflect and process. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion, I’ve reframed my caregiving days as a Joy Journey and started a daily Joy Journal.
Every day, I Write down at least one Joy-filled moment and pair it With a picture. It’s a Wonderful Way to remind myself of the beauty that’s still present, even in this time of stress and uncertainty. Writing helps me Work through emotions and discover What Works Well in my communication With Mom. For example, I’ve noticed her memory Works much better When she’s happy, but anxiety quickly Washes her away into confusion. Writing has also been a vital Way to keep my siblings informed, as We share updates in a shared document.
Walking: Wandering, Welcoming, and Warmth
Another Wonderful Well-being practice has been Walking. Each morning, While my Mom and her partner are sleeping, I Wander through Sacramento’s charming neighborhoods. Often, I’m guided by my high school friend Danny, Who Walks With me as we reminisce and reconnect.
It’s Wild to think that, even though I moved here With my family at age 12, there are so many Wonderful places I never explored. One surprising find Was the Renaissance Society at Sac State University—a Vibrant community just a short Walk from my Mom’s house.
The Fall colors are Vivid, and While the Winter air here isn’t as Warm as Florida, Sacramento has its own special Wonder. This week, we also Welcomed my Daughter and Son to my Mom’s home for an early Thanksgiving—a Warm and nostalgic reunion in the very home Where they spent so many Thanksgiving celebrations during their childhood.
From Why to Writing to Walking, W-Weeks have taught me that even in times of Worry, there are Wonderful ways to find peace and purpose. Whether through Words, Wandering, or Welcoming unexpected blessings, I’m reminded that life’s Wild journey is Worth it.
