Sunday Morning Rising: From Early Hours to Heartfelt Service and a War Movie Marathon!
As the sun begins its ascent over the Cypress Swamp here in Shreveport, LA, casting long shadows across the water, it's a new Sunday, and for me, it began long before dawn. This "Sunday Morning Rising" wasn't just about the sun; it was about rising to meet the day's demands, even before the first hint of coffee.
My alarm clock was less a chime and more a call to action at 4:00 AM. But even then, the house wasn't completely quiet. Turns out, the uncles have been up since 1:00 AM! I had been sleeping, but Uncle Bill was already settled in, watching his 24-hour news channel. After I got down there, he even made us some coffee – a true blessing after what the morning quickly became.
By 5:30 AM, Uncle Jerry was up, needing his coffee and a fresh dressing for his foot. It's got a big hole, but thankfully, it's healing well. And no sooner was he settled than Uncle Bill called, needing attention for his arm. It's a true test of dedication, tending to their needs before my own coffee could even fully kick in, but it's a privilege to care for them.
The kitchen quickly sprang to life – a whirlwind of activity as I whipped up breakfast sandwiches for the uncles, setting the stage for the day's main culinary event: the Mexican Pozole Rojo. The meat for the soup was soon simmering, filling the house with a promise of rich flavors to come. Yes, the kitchen was in glorious chaos for a bit, but I'm happy to report it's all cleaned up now, ready for the next phase of cooking!
This commitment to service extends beyond our immediate family. As you know, every Sunday, I try to cook not just for us and the neighbors, but also for those less fortunate who go hungry. It's a small but deeply meaningful way to share warmth and sustenance, turning our kitchen's "chaos" into a blessing for the community.
After all that early morning activity, Uncle Jerry came to my room wanting a war movie put on for him. So, I popped in "The Hunt for Eagle One" on DVD. For those unfamiliar, it's an action-packed military film where a U.S. Marine reconnaissance team, led by Lieutenant Matt Daniels, is sent into the Philippines during a counter-terrorism operation. Their mission quickly escalates when they must rescue a captured American pilot and retrieve a biological weapon from a terrorist stronghold. It's got plenty of intense firefights and daring escapes, perfect for a Sunday morning watch party with Uncle Jerry.
Yesterday, the combination of Shreveport's intense heat and those persistent pollen levels meant we didn't "call it an early day" on the porch but headed to church and stayed cool, in the traditional sense. Instead, we simply moved our activities inside, settling in to have church with our Paster Matt Tyson and to escape the rising temperatures. That feeling of being run down, the familiar scratch in the throat – it's a constant reminder that even when we want to push through, sometimes the best strength lies in knowing when to retreat to comfort and recharge. I'm hopeful that staying cool indoors yesterday has given my system a bit of a reset, and going to church helped my spiritual reset button.
Looking ahead to today, Sunday, July 6th, it seems Shreveport is once again promising a day that calls for smart choices. The forecast predicts a high of 95°F, but it will feel like a sweltering 102°F with the humidity. On the pollen front, we're still seeing Extreme Tree Pollen (though July generally sees lower tree pollen) and Low Ragweed/Grass Pollen. Given this, my plan for today remains firmly rooted in self-care and staying cool indoors as much as possible.
My ongoing journey with the fractured ribs and healing ankle continues to teach me profound lessons about patience. There are certainly moments of progress, those small victories that keep spirits high. But the path isn't always smooth, and these external environmental factors add another layer to navigating recovery. It's a constant exercise in listening closely to my body, respecting its limits, and understanding that healing truly is a non-linear process.
So, this Sunday, even after a demanding start, will be about intentional rest and continued service. It's a day for gentle movement, perhaps a quiet pursuit indoors, and definitely staying in the blessed air conditioning. It’s about creating a personal sanctuary from the heat and the pollen, allowing my body the best environment to continue its repair work. It's a reminder that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.
How are you all planning to spend your Sunday, especially if you're battling similar conditions or caring for loved ones? What are your strategies for finding peace and protecting your well-being when the environment is challenging?
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