Benign

I took two Excedrin at 10. Another two at 2:15. Yet my head ached and hands shook when 3PM approached without word from home.

"Maybe," I replied when asked if I was joining people for dinner out. "If I get bad news from Mom then I need to be alone. So we'll see."

I wasn't alone in my office when she called, but my visitor took no offense when I pounced on my phone and immediately flipped it open. Instead, Sibling looked at me with concern, waiting to see my reaction. She smiled when I confirmed that the findings had been benign and patted my arm while I sagged with relief.

"OK," I said after telling Mom I loved her and hanging up. "Now we can work." So we did - talking and thinking and agreeing to touch base before leaving for dinner to make sure we were on the right track.

I know bad things happen to good people. I understand that not all prayers are answered in the way we want. But I'm tremendously grateful that all is well. And I appreciate so very much all your prayers and thoughts. Thank you.