By Jan from Woodgate
There are times when one would think that surprises are simply unattainable anymore.
I mean, you really feel like you know your friends and family so well that there’s not a darn thing anyone can do that would make you say, Holy Crap.
Well, hmmph to that say I will not be fooled again.
Turns out that my loving family has been pulling the ol’ wool over someone’s eyes since this family member has been stricken with disease.
And those someones sign their paychecks.
You see, in other areas of the land there are jobs that provide perks, i.e., paid vacations, sick leave, benefits, pensions…the list is endless.
We upstaters are unfamiliar with such nonsense but believe me, it’s out there.
Just ask my beloved family members. They’re cabable of appearing here in Woodgate with but a moment’s notice, and of course the hours required to actually drive here.
Their paycheck will reflect no such thing, so who cares?
Come to find out they’ve been utilizing the heck out of all of their privileges, and playing yours truly as the Cancer Card of freedom.
Yup, actually listened in as one sister was informing her boss that she just “wasn’t quite sure if she would be in next week—Jannie seems to be struggling today and it sounds like she may need some assistance.”
Of course, this very likely stemmed from a simple comment from me that I hadn’t started my daily laundry that particular day.
It was past 8 a.m. and I was running behind because I hadn’t slept well.
Then there’s the flipside of that same coin, and I heard this one too….”OMG! Jannie’s having such a good week. She feels great, and I HAVE TO BE THERE so we don’t miss any of the fun times!”
Do they crack ya up or what?
Keep in mind that employment is not the only issue that warrants Card use.
It’s quite versatile, this Cancer Card they’re playing with.
Need an excuse for not attending a baby shower?
How ‘bout the wedding you were dreading? Graduation party invites got ya down?
Well hell’s bells! You DON’T HAVE TO GO…YOU’VE GOT A GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CANCER CARD!
So darn simple.
My sister/mother/cousin Jannie needs me; gotta go.
Truth is I’m so darn lucky to have the network of friends and family that I do, and yes, they would indeed crawl here on their hands and knees to get to me if need be.
We love each other like nobody’s business and it’s times like these when such intensity just boggles the mind.
I’m glad they’ve got their cards and that they’re not shy about using them, cuz who knows how ugly this could get.
Hopefully we’ll skip right over the really needy times and avoid the lingering stage where all hands must be on deck, or other icky places where they should not have to ever be.
Btw, Jamie is hand delivering the very first copy of “Just My Luck” this week.
A few were printed for me to check out and if all is well we’re gonna have a heck of a book signing party.
I will keep you posted on that! See?
There’s always hope and a smile somewhere.
I will not stop seeking either as this bucket list winds down.
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Editor’s Note: Cards and well-wishes can be sent to: Jan Knudsen, P.O. Box 147, Woodgate, NY 13494.