From Chaos to Peace to Whatever Comes Next

15 Aug, 2026

My time here in northern Illinois began with utter chaos when a tornado hit shortly after arriving.

Handling the repairs and dealing with Auntie M’s insurance company has taken a lot of my time this summer - and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to remind her it even happened. With her dementia, she didn’t even remember a tornado blew past her house!

Yesterday, I took Auntie M for a drive. We talked about what we saw and simply enjoyed the ride.

Later, I took her to Coach’s Bar and Grill for lunch - one of several meet-ups we have with another Aunt and Uncle while I’m here.

In the restaurant parking lot, Auntie M decides to unleash her stubborn streak. I can’t fault her, though… I think it’s in our genes 😅

Instead of walking straight to the front door, she wanted to walk up and around and take the long way.

A life lesson I learned many moons ago was… pick your battles!

Auntie M wanting to take the long way isn’t a battle that needs to be fought. On the other hand, my knee was having a bad day and I didn’t want to push it over the edge.

So I compromised.

I told Auntie M I’d meet her at the front door. I kept an eye on her and just let her do her thing 😉

Lunch with my family is always fun but it felt different this time.

It was actually quite relaxing.

Usually, my mind is not entirely in the present moment. In the background, it’s anticipating the next thing.

But today, my brain didn’t do that!

Being in the moment has always been a challenge. After a 15+ year relationship with a very toxic person, I learned to always be on guard, anticipate what he might do next, and be ready for any unexpected, potentially volatile reactions.

It’s taken decades to work through, but I’m glad I finally had this breakthrough.

My verdict is, peace is only found in the present moment.

Connie 🌼

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