This week has been a little hectic as I try to balance life a little more. I was very pleased to announce the forth-coming short story to my author site, though. Still, it’s a little nerve-wracking when you are about to release something you’re worked so hard on.

This week, my mother and I took in some plants for a co-worker who has to leave the country for an extended period of time. A relative is not expected to live much longer, and the whole family was trying to formulate a plan so they to go say good-bye. We agreed to care for two of her house plants while she’s gone and gave her a few extra dollars to help with expenses.

I know what it’s like to lose a loved one and how stressful it can be when they don’t live close enough for you easily see them. It felt really good to be able to do something to make her time slightly easier. It’s not much, and we’re not well off financially ourselves; but we are better off than many other people, and it’s a joy to use that to give somebody a helping hand.

Our prayers are with the family. In the meantime, the plants seem to be enjoying our company.

• E.W.