hibernation

Some falsely believe the best way to cope with winter's depressing weather is to hibernate.
Cabin fever ensues.
When a friend loses her spouse she can either cope or mope.
Unfortunately my friend is moping instead of coping.
Or maybe that's really what's she trying to do, cope by mope.
Actually she's hibernating and watching DVDs all day long.
I don't know the cathartic correct response.
All I've really done is provide a heartfelt eulogy and then try and be a friend by being there if she wants to talk.
She's morose and not verbose.
I'm introspective and she's been trying to help me more than I've helped her.
But she's been a darling of a friend with her Aunt Jemima cooking and caring and sharing spirit.
I don't know her motivation but as Sigmund Freund observed, "What does woman want?"
About the only resolution I foresee is when we traverse to Southern Arkansas University on a recruiting trip for her son Courtney Haskell sometime in mid-March.
Hopefully that will fulfill some of her angst.
She's worried about the fruition of what her husband desired.
I know Berry wanted me to accompany them, so that's what Trina wants, too.
Last night she told me I always had a place to stay.
She told me she would help me if she could.
I need to find a job so I can continue to help her with a tidbit of rent money.
Pray for her and help me find the right words to say.

hooray

The Arkansas Razorbacks enjoyed the best of times and the worst of times yesterday.
The Hoops Hogs hogtied the USC Gamecocks with some rock 'em, sock 'em exploits led by Courtney Fortson and Marshawn Powell.
Now they're still the best in the SEC West.
Alas, Ryan Mallett broke a bone in his foot and will miss spring practice.
All is not lost though as Tyler Wilson and the freshman Mitchell and a newbie will receive exclusive reps during spring football.
Mallett seems to be accident prone just working out on his own.
The Lady Razorbacks close their home season tonight and Sunday afternoon.
Then, the Razorbacks don't play at home until 10 days against Vanderbilt.
I'm not sure what's going to transpire for me since I guess I won't be ushering at baseball games.
I've heard that's the toughest sport to be an usher. They only use the old schoolers.
So, I'm going to have to devise a new game plan.

Warm Hearts

Staying warm can be a challenge during the Ice Ages.
But staying warm is a term of relativity.
I may be warm snuggled underneath my Coleman sleeping bag and that's sufficient to survive.
But someone else might feel like it's too cold to sleep in a tent.
It's all a matter of survival.
Yes, this winter I've copped out and stayed in a motel once or twice or thrice and that was probably money wasted when I could've just coped in my Coleman.
Now I'm staying with a friend in Bentonville who has a very warm heart which provides me comfort and joy despite some recent tragedy.
So, staying warm brings on significant meaning in a myriad of ways and means.
We should all be thankful for the company we keep with our friends and neighbors.
Some of my best friends share with me whatever they can spare just because they care.
And they're classified as homeless.
Share and care together brings warmth of body and spirit and hearfelt togetherness ensues.

Consolation

When you're down and out and so confused you need a Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Following the tragic death of my friend Berry Williams I paid tribute to him at a Memorial Service in Bentonville and then at his funeral in Helena.
But now the toughest times are helping his widow Trina.
Her son Courtney Haskell is an awesome running back and was depending on his Dad to travel with him to visit colleges.
Trina and Berry were in a car wreck and their vehicle was totalled out.
Trina is still undergoing therapy and won't make a settlement until she's given a fair amount.
Keep her in your prayers.