The call, Mama’s struggle, our hog

Makaila called Mama yesterday evening to let Mama know that she would be induced this morning. She and Chase are to report to the hospital at 5 am. Makaila said the doctors would not actually induce her for several hours – probably around 8 am. The doctors are concerned about the size of the baby. She is larger than expected and they do not want to allow her another two weeks in the womb. Mama was as excited as expected, however, we will not go to Amarillo until sometime in late March. Mostly because of my travel schedule, but also so that Mama can be on standby for the call we are expecting from Brittany. If all goes as expected in this birth, Gailyn will be born today. If she holds off until after midnight, she and Owen will share the same birthdate. His birthday is tomorrow, the 28^th.  So, we will get to meet grandchild number 14 today. Lord willing. Grandchild number 15 (Aubrey) will be along very soon.

Mama is going through a rough patch right now. I would appreciate your prayers for her. Kimberlyn made the trip over yesterday afternoon to spend a little time with Mama as a way to encourage them both. Mama seemed the better for the visit, but she did not go to church with me. She had a really bad night Tuesday night and was suffering the effects of that lack of sleep last night. Hopefully, she will be better today. Sometimes, returning from a vacation is a bit of an emotional letdown. Mostly, our lives are not the material for a best-selling novel. But vacation living is not real life. I am not saying that is what caused Mama’s malaise, but there is always a balance to be struck between enjoying the moment and the routine of daily living. We have it so good here in the US. We need to be truly thankful because even in our mundane routine of daily living we are incredibly blessed. Visiting Honduras makes that brutally obvious.

One of the challenges of our lives now – me and Mama – is waiting our turn to be included in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Mostly, our children are very gracious in maintaining that connection. Living on the farm has given Mama a lot to do but there are still periods of loneliness. Mama is a creature in need of connection. Her love language is time spent together. That is a challenge for me. I crave time apart to unwind, to unload, to regroup. Mama does all that when she is in the company of others. I do that while alone. Her connection to her children and grandchildren is paramount especially as we work through some financial issues in which she feels helpless in providing any of the solution. The problem is that I am, for the most part, equally helpless. That can cause friction if we are not careful. So, we are careful. Which is why Mama hesitated to tell me she was struggling emotionally. We will deal with the issue, pray carefully, and watch our God work in our lives.

Mama contacted Ricky yesterday to let him know that the coyotes were getting bad around us. Mama spotted four on at the far side of the open field just across the road from us. That is a problem. Mama wanted to know if Ricky knew of anyone that would be willing to shoot the varmints. In making that contact Mama learned that there was to be a hog hunt this weekend. The grand prize in the contest is $30,000. Ricky said he would have four hunters using night scopes on his property this weekend shooting every hog – and coyote – they saw hoping to kill the prize hog. He went so far as to ask that we keep Sam and Sacha on the farm this weekend to avoid a fatal mishap; and to allow the hogs free reign on his property. Mama and I cannot control Sam’s wanderings but after the first gunshot, Sam and Sasha will be hiding close to the house. I would like to participate in the hunt, but I am no equipped to do so. I will, however, have my rifle loaded and ready just in case I get the chance to take down a hog as they scramble for cover.

Speaking of hogs, ours was taken to the market yesterday. It weighed 313#. We will owe Dennis Brooks one dollar per pound for the hog. A very fair price. Albeit bad timing financially. Mama will call today to arrange processing. The processor also makes boudin, link sausage, and dried sausage sticks which we will include in our order. Kimberlyn and her parents may buy half the hog. That would help us out a lot, but if not, we will make it work. I have to admit, this is about the easiest way to get fresh pork. Financially, it is a break-even deal – without the hassle and monthly expense of raising the hog. Plus, Mama makes pets of all her animals. Even the hogs.

We don’t know this one so it will be eaten with less guilt.

P.S. Just got word that Brittany will be induced Monday. More on that tomorrow.