It’s definitely not the evening I anticipated the past several days but I’m comfortable and enjoying the breeze on the deck, and especially, the loving attention from The FabFive.

For a week, I’ve been excited to attend the annual SOARING SOUNDS drum corps competition with Jim & Debbie McCutcheon.

I first visited Centerville High School for the still fairly new SOARING SOUNDS contest with Rick and some Ball State University college friends in 1984. I’m thirty-nine years, I’ve only missed the contest in 2019 when Mother was dying, 2020 due to Covid, and tonight due to my body just not cooperating.

Toward the end of my Noon-1 PM meeting, I began feeling gut pain and the rest of my body was riddled with MS-related aching. My hands were stiff and sore, barely able to bend. By 1:30 PM I was curled up in my bed with Bailey, Harrigan, and Col. Deeds attending me with snuggles and affection. At 4 PM, I knew it was impossible to attend the event and contacted Jim and Debbie.

At 7 PM, I rose and moved to the chaise lounge on the deck, The Quintet dancing with delight that Dad was spending time on the deck with them. It’s a beautiful evening with mild temperature and a sweet breeze. However, I’d rather be seated in the Centerville HS stadium. My favorite group, the Cavaliers, are performing and they are to offer the final stand-alone performance on the track following the competition.

The evening has been busy with folks and dogs walking along Shroyer Road and Rockhill Avenue. The Kettering Fairmont Marching Band is on the high school’s backfield as they finish up the third day of marching band camp. Two semis parked and running in the high school parking lot next to the house. Chief, Erma, Bailey, and Harrigan are lounging about the deck while Col. Deeds devotes his time to patrolling the yard from the top of the deck.

Many of my fun activities have been drastically reduced and I’m okay with that. However, this was one event to which I was looking forward. I’ve been pacing myself and resting a bit more in anticipation for SOARING SOUNDS. For several hours I was in a foul mood with the change in plans. I’ve turned my attitude and mood around. It’s a beautiful evening.

C