Monday, March 24, 2025 – Day 223

Monday, March 24, 2025

Good morning! A new week begins, and with it, more progress—and setbacks—on the never-ending bathroom project. The towel bars are finally installed, so I can at least hang a towel like a civilized person. But the stair railing? Too short. We needed 16 feet and got 14. I thought maybe we could make it work, but the carpenter insists on doing it right. I appreciate his concern for safety, but if we don’t get something installed soon, my early-morning, half-asleep descent might turn into an unplanned trip to the floor.

I did a tax return for an elderly man the other day. He was filing jointly, but his wife wasn’t there. When I asked about her, he told me she had passed—dementia and a fall down the stairs. That one hit hard. It’s never easy hearing about loss, but this was especially cruel. First, he lost her slowly to illness, then suddenly in a way no one should have to experience. You see it so often in this job—the blank stares, the quiet grief, the exhaustion of having to deal with things like taxes when they’re just trying to get through the day. And yet, they do it, because, well, the IRS waits for no one. Life does have cruel moments. I do what I can to can to comfort their pain, be a kind soul, and ease the tax burden that always seems to weigh so heavily on their mind.

Today, I’m subbing at another tax site. I used to volunteer four days a week, but I worried about keeping up the pace. Judging by how wiped out I feel after my regular shifts, I think I made the right call. Doesn’t stop the guilt, though—one less volunteer means fewer people getting help.

Last night was one of those nights where the wind wouldn’t let up, and sleep was impossible. I tossed and turned until I somehow managed to trap myself in the sheets like a fly in a spiderweb. Getting out of tangled bedding isn’t as easy as it used to be and getting more difficult each day. Bear doesn’t make it any easier. He’s got a habit of settling in right against (or on) my legs, which means any attempt to free myself turns into a wrestling match. Two against one,,Bear and Bedding, just isn’t fair. Bear doesn’t mind a little nudges, but if I’m too subtle, he holds his ground. He needs a deliberate push and sometimes I’m so wrapped up it seems like an impossible task. I may have to start tapping out on the mattress to signal surrender. Hopefully, Cindy will take pity on me (if she’s still in the room) before I become a permanent part of the bedding.

Everyday have a great day.

Love you guys!❤️