My lack of funds had gotten me in a slump. I had cut back on the things I like to do until my checks started rolling in (they are only trickling in).  I had even stopped looking at my favorite blogs because everyone was talking about the shoes and boots they were buying for the fall:'(  I received a small payment at the end of last month, but it mostly just covered my mortgage and other bills.  Well, yesterday I submitted my first invoice directly to the client. No more middle man for me! Hopefully I get that money by next week.  My ex-business partner had promised to pay me the remaining money he owed me by the 15th, but when I asked about my next payment, he said something about having to pay the rent on his office space first. I am tempted to sue him, but I will have to investigate if it's worth it. Trust me I will get this money one way or the other. 

On to my change of perspective.  The day my Mom left Chicago, my Dad had another stroke. His doctors had taken him off of the blood thinners because of constant bleeding and this was the outcome.  When my Mom arrived back in Dallas, Dad was in the hospital paralyzed and unable to speak. His paralysis was so severe that he couldn't swallow water or other liquids.  The doctor recommended that we get him a feeding tube ASAP, but there were two problems:

1. Dad had signed an order that in case he was incapacited, he didn't want to be put on a feeding tube.
2. The doctors were skeptical that he would survive the feeding tube surgery.

Luckily since my parents are married, my Mom was able to override my Dad's no feeding tube order.  My sister and I had a few discussions about the topic and felt that since my Dad was alert and trying to drink water, not giving him any was inhumane. Sidebar: I have new respect for people who take their loved ones off of life support. Although those people are usually vegetables, it takes a lot to watch someone die slowly. Thank God, the feeding tube surgery was a success and there were no complications.  Although my Dad can't speak, I am sure he isn't mad at us for making this decision.  The other alternative wasn't even an option. 

On Saturday, my sister and nephew drove from Phoenix to Dallas to see how my Dad was doing.  I heard that my Dad had been in a funk, but my nephew and all his toys were able to make him laugh, so that is a good thing. Today I was thinking about the events about the past two weeks and realized that I was upset over some late money. Don't get me wrong, it's important, but my situation isn't life or death. I am grateful that all I have to deal with is people who owe me money, because there are worse things.