(This blog is the eleventh in the series about “Countdowns” as I count down to Amanda’s moving out and count down to the Celebration Concert.)

If.  This one little word made itself largely known to me today.  And it has helped put together today’s blog.

Think of how many times we use the word ‘if.’  With pangs of regret, we often lament and say, “If only” this and “If only” that.  If only she had gone to the doctor sooner.  If only I had picked up the phone when he called.  If only I had remembered to set the alarm. If only I had taken the time.  And then, what about the “What ifs?”  Oh there are so many of those!  What if the snowstorm hits and I miss my flight home?  What if the diagnosis is cancer?  What if I can’t find a job?  What if I can’t afford the house payment?  And then there are the oh-so-popular “If – then” statements.  If you eat your vegetables, then you can have dessert.  If I get that raise, then we can afford a vacation.  If he doesn’t get home in time, then I will go without him.

Then there are the idioms and phrases with ‘if.’

Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.
(Please pardon the explicative.)

No ifs, ands, or buts.

As if.

We get the keys to Amanda’s apartment tomorrow.  Yay!  But here is my ‘if’ report (not at all related to an ‘ef-ing’ report … sorry … I do not like that word and you will never see me use it – but I had to pun!)

If I had all her stuff packed up and if all the staff was ready to go – and if my morning surgery goes well and if I feel okay in the afternoon – we could have Amanda moved in tomorrow.  We are all ready for this big move – if only it were a done deal by now then I could relax.  What if there are any more delays – I think I will scream!  But ask Amanda – I’ve done a lot of screaming this week!  Oh Lord, if only the neighbors could hear me.

Four days to concert.  (If only my scratchy throat would go away.)  Song number eleven is another new one.  It is titled:  “This is Christmas” and the lyrics ask the question, what is Christmas?

What is Christmas if there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger?
What is Christmas if the angels never sang, “Glory to the newborn King”?
What is Christmas without Christ?

A couple of years back, retail clerks were warned not to dismiss a customer with “Merry Christmas” but had to say “Happy Holidays” instead.  Puh – lease!  I was infuriated!  We celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ!  Those are Christmas trees y’all are decorating with!  It’s called Christmas because the Son of God was born and heaven rejoiced.  Angels sang and a big star shined in the East.  If people hadn’t recognized and believed in the birth of the savior, we wouldn’t even have a Christmas.

So…

I have a busy couple of days ahead of me.  First there is surgery tomorrow morning to remove the tumor on my left hand.  (No, I am not nervous!)  Then the rest of tomorrow, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be focused on the remaining rehearsals that culminate in Sunday’s concert as we also work each day on gradually moving Amanda’s stuff over to her new place.  By Monday, my hand will be just fine, the concert will be over, and Amanda will be moved.

No ifs, ands or buts about that!

just Laurel