It has been a big week. They all are; but, this one seems especially packed, back-to-back, with all the things that keep the adrenalin pumping. Life has a way of reminding us that it is in charge.

In Singapore on business, Carolyn, my bride of almost a quarter century now, emailed to let me know that her Mom, self-sustaining and independent into her 90’s, needed to move from the condo, where she’d lived the whole of the 10 years since her husband of 55 years had passed, into a place where greater care could be given her – at least for a little while. So, Carolyn and the boys made the trip to north suburban Chicago to visit and check the transition.

The very next day, I returned to the US and my family found its way home for our reuniting. Our oldest has discovered that competitive college ultimate Frisbee can be a dangerous contact sport. His surgery to repair the shoulder damage incurred a week or so back was scheduled; and we wanted him to be home, rested, and ready to go.

Work, delayed by inattention, piles up. Laundry, delayed by inattention, piles up, too. But with a bit of triage and good luck, we hit the necessary, review the less pressing, and hold-on to the rest. Life is unimpressed with our project management skills. Word came that Carolyn’s Mom died a little more than a day after the visit. While unwelcomed, the news was not unanticipated.

So, we’ve planned arrangements. We helped our boy through his surgery (all went as hoped). We worked a little (I even wrote a column). We managed to wash a few delicates. And, it’s only Wednesday. Maybe the best thing to do when life overflows is to let it. Could we stop it if we tried and would it really matter?