Summer has arrived and with it the crawly and flying things come out. I enjoy sitting in the Urban Oasis (my deck!) but I am so sweet the mosquitoes swarm towards me. Thankfully, I have used a wonderful service for several years. They spray every three or four weeks in bug season to reduce the number of mosquitoes who are determined to fill my arms and legs with welts.
While my mother was living with me, I added their pest control service. Quarterly they spray inside and outside to deal with spiders and other bugs. I like their service because they use natural and organic products. It makes me feel a little better about eliminating the bugs.
A few months ago, my granddaughter, who is deathly afraid of spiders, and my grandson and his new wife rented a house together. My housewarming gift to them was pest control service for one year. My granddaughter-in-law brought two dogs to the household, so pest control seemed a fitting gift.
Yesterday, my grandson called. “The dogs have fleas again!” He mentioned they were bathing the dogs but that he contacted the pest control company to see if they could spray inside and out specifically for fleas. There was to be an extra charge, and the company did not have the capacity in their system to put two payment methods on an account. My grandson asked if he could put the charges on my account. He said they would withdraw cash to reimburse me.
I made a deal with him. If he would come to change lightbulbs for me, I would consider that payment. At 72 plus, I am trying to be mindful of things I should and should not do. Getting on a high ladder is one of those things. I shared with him that I would otherwise have to find someone to do it and pay them, so I would prefer to help family. He admonished me. He said any time I needed help; I should call him. He would never expect payment to help me.
He reminded me that I paid for his summer tuition. Not that I had forgotten; but he wanted me to know he had also not forgotten and was very appreciative. At the time, I told him I would much rather share what I have now so I could enjoy seeing him use the gifts I can give, rather than leaving things for him after I am gone. We seniors think of things like that! Having coffee with my friends this morning, we shared the same sentiment.
So, the rental is being sprayed for fleas today and my yard was sprayed for mosquitoes. Soon we will live in bug-free paradise. And we will appreciate the ability to help one another. After all, that is what family does!
Silver Sage Sisters 