I was wondering the other day what it would be like if the kids had not moved close to us? Would the girls know us as well? Like us as well as they seem? Where would be spending Christmas this year? I know it does not good to ponder these things too long, but I did think about them and it brought me to thankfulness.
I am thankful that the kids did move close. I am thankful that the girls love to sit in the Pops lap and let him read them books. I am thankful that those little arms reach around my neck and hold me tight and say, "I miss you grandma!" I am thankful that Emma calls me grandma sometimes and Piggy sometimes. It is fun to hear either way!
I am thankful that Thanksgiving was so much fun and every one seemed to enjoy themselves. I am thankful that Thanksgiving gives way to promise of more fun times.
What are we doing Christmas? I have no idea. I did decorate and I am ready for whatever happens. We will be home, maybe by ourselves or maybe with the kids. Who knows? It doesn't really matter. We will be thankful for whatever happens and life will continue and we will look toward the promise of tomorrow's joys.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
TODAY!
I like the saying:
"Today is the yesterday you worried about tomorrow."
I had to read this several times before it made any sense! But I now know that it is my mantra. I have to remind myself not to worry about anything further along than this moment in time.
This moment in time I have stopped up toilets and cannot take my shower! Also, this moment in time, I am trying frantically to get a plumber. We called our plumber yesterday and he did not return our call. I should have known something then, but today he cannot come. He said it would be tomorrow afternoon! No way, Jose! or Johnny or Paul or Tom, Dick or Harry! I have no toilet use and my house is beginning to smell like there is no toilet use. Afterall, what are you suppose to do at night?
Let me tell you, when you get up at night and have to trudge across the house to a different bathroom and remember to not flush! It wakes you up totally. I can usually get up, do my buisness and go right back to bed, falling back asleep as I climb in bed! But when you have to do things differently, and your sense of smell is heightened and you can't flush, well you tend to be wide awake and it takes longer to go back to sleep.
So, today, at this moment, this moment that will be yesterday tomorrow, I am deprived of my normal sleep, can't shower and holding it as long as I can!!!
Yeah, I think I have found a plumber who can be here this afternoon! This afternoon? Well, better than tomorrow afternoon!
It is going to be a long day!!!!!!!
"Today is the yesterday you worried about tomorrow."
I had to read this several times before it made any sense! But I now know that it is my mantra. I have to remind myself not to worry about anything further along than this moment in time.
This moment in time I have stopped up toilets and cannot take my shower! Also, this moment in time, I am trying frantically to get a plumber. We called our plumber yesterday and he did not return our call. I should have known something then, but today he cannot come. He said it would be tomorrow afternoon! No way, Jose! or Johnny or Paul or Tom, Dick or Harry! I have no toilet use and my house is beginning to smell like there is no toilet use. Afterall, what are you suppose to do at night?
Let me tell you, when you get up at night and have to trudge across the house to a different bathroom and remember to not flush! It wakes you up totally. I can usually get up, do my buisness and go right back to bed, falling back asleep as I climb in bed! But when you have to do things differently, and your sense of smell is heightened and you can't flush, well you tend to be wide awake and it takes longer to go back to sleep.
So, today, at this moment, this moment that will be yesterday tomorrow, I am deprived of my normal sleep, can't shower and holding it as long as I can!!!
Yeah, I think I have found a plumber who can be here this afternoon! This afternoon? Well, better than tomorrow afternoon!
It is going to be a long day!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
THANKSGIVING!!!
I was so worried a few weeks ago, thinking I could not get everything done for Thanksgiving. Now, on the other side, I wonder why I worried so much. Actually, it was good to be gone two weeks before hand and have everything planned out in my mind. Then when I actually had to do all of it, it was easy to do. I got it all done and everything went smoothly.
We had our company, 13 people here at my house for Thanksgiving and we had a great time. Everyone seemed to enjoy it so much. We laughed and everyone pretty much did what they enjoyed doing. We played games, watched TV, took naps, went to bed early, went to bed late, watched movies, did some shopping, eat out, eat desserts, eat Turkey, prayed, talked about scripture and prayed with our eyes open. What a joyful time this week has been for me.
I had my best friend beside me all the way. Tollie was right there helping me and doing what he could. My next bestest friend was there for most of it. Gina was here, although she was feeling a little under the weather, she was here and we had some good talks. My family was here, my kids and g-kids. That is always a treat. And new friends, Lavonne and Trent. Ours could not have been happier or more fun. It met every expectation I had.
I talked with my folks today and my dad got to go home yesterday. He is doing well, sounded in good spirits. My mom is doing well, although a little tired. She is doing things she usually doesn't do and I think actually enjoying it. Home health is coming to do therapy and be there for them if they need it. That is good and I think they are surprised by the service.
Life is good, thank you God and God bless all those travelling, especially tomorrow as Mindy, Trent and Lavonne travel to Austin, drop off Mindy and continue through Texas, Oklahoma to Missiouri. Be safe!
We had our company, 13 people here at my house for Thanksgiving and we had a great time. Everyone seemed to enjoy it so much. We laughed and everyone pretty much did what they enjoyed doing. We played games, watched TV, took naps, went to bed early, went to bed late, watched movies, did some shopping, eat out, eat desserts, eat Turkey, prayed, talked about scripture and prayed with our eyes open. What a joyful time this week has been for me.
I had my best friend beside me all the way. Tollie was right there helping me and doing what he could. My next bestest friend was there for most of it. Gina was here, although she was feeling a little under the weather, she was here and we had some good talks. My family was here, my kids and g-kids. That is always a treat. And new friends, Lavonne and Trent. Ours could not have been happier or more fun. It met every expectation I had.
I talked with my folks today and my dad got to go home yesterday. He is doing well, sounded in good spirits. My mom is doing well, although a little tired. She is doing things she usually doesn't do and I think actually enjoying it. Home health is coming to do therapy and be there for them if they need it. That is good and I think they are surprised by the service.
Life is good, thank you God and God bless all those travelling, especially tomorrow as Mindy, Trent and Lavonne travel to Austin, drop off Mindy and continue through Texas, Oklahoma to Missiouri. Be safe!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
I'M BACK!!!
Well, not really. I am in Arlington at my sister's house, breaking up my 10 hour trip home from Lubbock.
To update you, my dad is doing great, my mom is doing great. I left them this morning, reluctant to leave but anxious to get home. I have been gone almost two weeks. My dad had cervical neck surgery is now in rehab, doing great. The only reason he went to rehab was because my mom was in the hospital and there was no one for dad to come home to help take care of him. It was hard the first few days. My dad is one who likes control and in charge. The first few days of rehab, he knew he was not in control and certainly not in charge. And rehab is certainly different from the "hospital". Even though he is in the same building, only on another side of the hospital, things are done differently. When you are in the hospital, people want to help you go to the bathroom and serve you lunch and take care of you. When you are in rehab, you are expected to do as much for yourself as you are able. Help is there, but you have to ask for it. For an 82 year old man who has been babied all his 62 years of marriage and has babied his wife for those same 62 years, this is a hard task. My dad does not like to have to ask for help and is certainly not going to ask twice!!!
Dad is doing great though. I am in hopes he can come home this week. There is a case management meeting on Tuesday morning and they should let us know then when he is expected to come home. It will be determined then also if he is to have outpatient therapy after he goes home. Dad is feeling much better, in fact he said this morning he felt great! He can "bounce" out of bed and go to the potty chair next to the bed by himself in the night. He can walk with a walker and get around as needed with the walker. He is able to dress himself and has no trouble eating and feeding himself. The only concern is the residual effects of the pinched nerves that cause him to have a very weak left leg and tingling in his hands.
His favorite part of rehab is the bowl of red beans. He thought at first it was odd to do this, but they had him massage the red beans in and out with his hands. He was surprised how good it made his hands feel. For a few minutes after doing this, he has "normal" feeling in his hands. They have told him they plan to have him put his feet in the bowl next week. I believe he will come home on Wednesday or Friday. Not Thursday, since that is a holiday. My prayer is for Wednesday.
My mom is doing good. My dad had his surgery on Friday, the 11th and mother was very weak and pale that whole day. The day before she had a injections of cortisone in her left surgery by her rheumatologists. She is on Coumadin and the two didn't mix well. Normally, she would have gone to her Coumadin clinic and had her PT tested, but because of the surgery, we forgot to have her do this. Needless to say as Friday morning passed with her passing out every time she stood up, we knew she was not doing well. But how do you focus on her when your dad is having major surgery. We also thought most of it was due to her stress level.
Saturday morning, she could hardly get out of bed. She felt weak, nauseated and everytime she sat up, she was almost pass out. So to the ER we went with her. My sister had stayed the night with my dad and when she came home, we knew that is where we were headed. After blood test and then repeat blood tests it was determined her blood was four times thinner than it should be and the volume was low also. They would admit her to the hospital.
Now, my sister and I had our hands full. We tagged each other as we passed in the hallways going back and forth. "Tag, you're it!" At least we kept each other laughing!! Mother was given two pints of whole blood on Saturday and although they planned to give her two pints on Sunday, it was determined she didn't need more. She had an esophageal scope on Monday. There was only a small tear found in her duodenum, not enough to cause internal bleeding. So a colonoscopy was planned for Tuesday. But Monday morning, she bottomed out. She had pain in her abdomen and her blood pressure dropped dramatically. It got quite scary for several hours. They took x-rays and more x-rays and gave her Dopemine to get her BP back up. She finally began to rally Monday evening but it was determined she could not have the colonoscope on Tuesday. It was thought that her electrolytes were out of whack and she was having too much go out and not enough liquid in. So they reversed things and took her completely off the Coumadin.
It was determined then on Monday that my dad would go to rehab. Believe me, that was a relief for me. At least he would be taken care of and we would not have to stay in the hospital through the night to stay with him. The heart institute where my mom was didn't allow family to stay the night, so we both could go home and get a good night's sleep. I was looking forward to that.
Dad moved to rehab on Tuesday afternoon, but his first impressions of this facility were not great! He was not very happy in the next few days. Mom was to have her colonoscopy on Wednesday morning, which my sister and I were glad to have done. We knew if mom left the hospital without having this done, it would not be done. Mom was not too enthused about this, but agreed. We spent the evening with her on Tuesday, keeping her laughing and encouraging her on as she drank the colyte to prepare for the test. She did great. This was surprising since she had had a panic attack earlier in the day when the decision was made to have this done!
Wednesday morning went smoothly and we were told mother had internal hemorrhoids and a polyp that would be sent off. We assumed they would keep her to make sure her BP didn't bottom out again. We left about noon to take my sister back home to Arlington. She had to go home and I was left to take care of both parents! (I was the one insisting that my sister go home. She had to get ready for their move in two weeks and had issues at home!) As I was returning from Abilene, I got a call. Mother's friend was in a panic that mother had been dismissed and there was no one to take her home. I called the hospital and talked with the nurses station and explained that I was on my way and would pick her up later that night. They were fine with that.
Remember, we are talking about people in their 70's and 80's who believe every word a doctor tells them and when they are told to go home, they believe they have to leave righ then or be thrown on the street. I called mother to explain I had talked with them and it was okay for her to stay there. I would come and get her.
So....I got mother home on Wednesday evening. She is feeling much better. I on the other hand was not happy, not knowing what the doctor was thinking. Did she still have internal bleeding? Who or when were they treating the anemia? Mother left the hospital with a card stating that she was to see her heart doctor on January 30th. A whole two months away. There seemed to be no conclusion. I called the doctor's office the next morning, asking my questions and expecting a call back. Mother said she didn't think I would get a call back.
On Friday, I called the office again and explained that I was leaving town and had to find out the answers that day. Later in the day, a nurse called me and as I explained the questions, she understood my confusion and feeling of incomplete treatment. Finally, about 5:15 I received a call stating that the doctor thought he had left mother a prescription for iron and they would call in the prescription. Needless to say, I am not too happy with her doctor and plan to write a letter to him to get the rest of my questions answered. I know doctors are busy, I know they have lots of patients, but in this case, it was neglect. I will do what I can to rectify this.
My mother is one that would have gone on and not questioned any of this. She was glad I was there to see that this was done.
I left today, after visiting my dad this morning. When we arrived, he said he felt great and I think he is well on his way to full recovery. I asked him before I left if he would be uncomfortable for me to pray for them. He said he didn't mind and I prayed over them. I am asking God's blessing and peace to be with them. This is all new territory for them and I know God will get them through this.
My mom is not one to stay by herself and this is hard for her. I just talked with her and she is okay! God, please give mom comfort and peace tonight!
To update you, my dad is doing great, my mom is doing great. I left them this morning, reluctant to leave but anxious to get home. I have been gone almost two weeks. My dad had cervical neck surgery is now in rehab, doing great. The only reason he went to rehab was because my mom was in the hospital and there was no one for dad to come home to help take care of him. It was hard the first few days. My dad is one who likes control and in charge. The first few days of rehab, he knew he was not in control and certainly not in charge. And rehab is certainly different from the "hospital". Even though he is in the same building, only on another side of the hospital, things are done differently. When you are in the hospital, people want to help you go to the bathroom and serve you lunch and take care of you. When you are in rehab, you are expected to do as much for yourself as you are able. Help is there, but you have to ask for it. For an 82 year old man who has been babied all his 62 years of marriage and has babied his wife for those same 62 years, this is a hard task. My dad does not like to have to ask for help and is certainly not going to ask twice!!!
Dad is doing great though. I am in hopes he can come home this week. There is a case management meeting on Tuesday morning and they should let us know then when he is expected to come home. It will be determined then also if he is to have outpatient therapy after he goes home. Dad is feeling much better, in fact he said this morning he felt great! He can "bounce" out of bed and go to the potty chair next to the bed by himself in the night. He can walk with a walker and get around as needed with the walker. He is able to dress himself and has no trouble eating and feeding himself. The only concern is the residual effects of the pinched nerves that cause him to have a very weak left leg and tingling in his hands.
His favorite part of rehab is the bowl of red beans. He thought at first it was odd to do this, but they had him massage the red beans in and out with his hands. He was surprised how good it made his hands feel. For a few minutes after doing this, he has "normal" feeling in his hands. They have told him they plan to have him put his feet in the bowl next week. I believe he will come home on Wednesday or Friday. Not Thursday, since that is a holiday. My prayer is for Wednesday.
My mom is doing good. My dad had his surgery on Friday, the 11th and mother was very weak and pale that whole day. The day before she had a injections of cortisone in her left surgery by her rheumatologists. She is on Coumadin and the two didn't mix well. Normally, she would have gone to her Coumadin clinic and had her PT tested, but because of the surgery, we forgot to have her do this. Needless to say as Friday morning passed with her passing out every time she stood up, we knew she was not doing well. But how do you focus on her when your dad is having major surgery. We also thought most of it was due to her stress level.
Saturday morning, she could hardly get out of bed. She felt weak, nauseated and everytime she sat up, she was almost pass out. So to the ER we went with her. My sister had stayed the night with my dad and when she came home, we knew that is where we were headed. After blood test and then repeat blood tests it was determined her blood was four times thinner than it should be and the volume was low also. They would admit her to the hospital.
Now, my sister and I had our hands full. We tagged each other as we passed in the hallways going back and forth. "Tag, you're it!" At least we kept each other laughing!! Mother was given two pints of whole blood on Saturday and although they planned to give her two pints on Sunday, it was determined she didn't need more. She had an esophageal scope on Monday. There was only a small tear found in her duodenum, not enough to cause internal bleeding. So a colonoscopy was planned for Tuesday. But Monday morning, she bottomed out. She had pain in her abdomen and her blood pressure dropped dramatically. It got quite scary for several hours. They took x-rays and more x-rays and gave her Dopemine to get her BP back up. She finally began to rally Monday evening but it was determined she could not have the colonoscope on Tuesday. It was thought that her electrolytes were out of whack and she was having too much go out and not enough liquid in. So they reversed things and took her completely off the Coumadin.
It was determined then on Monday that my dad would go to rehab. Believe me, that was a relief for me. At least he would be taken care of and we would not have to stay in the hospital through the night to stay with him. The heart institute where my mom was didn't allow family to stay the night, so we both could go home and get a good night's sleep. I was looking forward to that.
Dad moved to rehab on Tuesday afternoon, but his first impressions of this facility were not great! He was not very happy in the next few days. Mom was to have her colonoscopy on Wednesday morning, which my sister and I were glad to have done. We knew if mom left the hospital without having this done, it would not be done. Mom was not too enthused about this, but agreed. We spent the evening with her on Tuesday, keeping her laughing and encouraging her on as she drank the colyte to prepare for the test. She did great. This was surprising since she had had a panic attack earlier in the day when the decision was made to have this done!
Wednesday morning went smoothly and we were told mother had internal hemorrhoids and a polyp that would be sent off. We assumed they would keep her to make sure her BP didn't bottom out again. We left about noon to take my sister back home to Arlington. She had to go home and I was left to take care of both parents! (I was the one insisting that my sister go home. She had to get ready for their move in two weeks and had issues at home!) As I was returning from Abilene, I got a call. Mother's friend was in a panic that mother had been dismissed and there was no one to take her home. I called the hospital and talked with the nurses station and explained that I was on my way and would pick her up later that night. They were fine with that.
Remember, we are talking about people in their 70's and 80's who believe every word a doctor tells them and when they are told to go home, they believe they have to leave righ then or be thrown on the street. I called mother to explain I had talked with them and it was okay for her to stay there. I would come and get her.
So....I got mother home on Wednesday evening. She is feeling much better. I on the other hand was not happy, not knowing what the doctor was thinking. Did she still have internal bleeding? Who or when were they treating the anemia? Mother left the hospital with a card stating that she was to see her heart doctor on January 30th. A whole two months away. There seemed to be no conclusion. I called the doctor's office the next morning, asking my questions and expecting a call back. Mother said she didn't think I would get a call back.
On Friday, I called the office again and explained that I was leaving town and had to find out the answers that day. Later in the day, a nurse called me and as I explained the questions, she understood my confusion and feeling of incomplete treatment. Finally, about 5:15 I received a call stating that the doctor thought he had left mother a prescription for iron and they would call in the prescription. Needless to say, I am not too happy with her doctor and plan to write a letter to him to get the rest of my questions answered. I know doctors are busy, I know they have lots of patients, but in this case, it was neglect. I will do what I can to rectify this.
My mother is one that would have gone on and not questioned any of this. She was glad I was there to see that this was done.
I left today, after visiting my dad this morning. When we arrived, he said he felt great and I think he is well on his way to full recovery. I asked him before I left if he would be uncomfortable for me to pray for them. He said he didn't mind and I prayed over them. I am asking God's blessing and peace to be with them. This is all new territory for them and I know God will get them through this.
My mom is not one to stay by herself and this is hard for her. I just talked with her and she is okay! God, please give mom comfort and peace tonight!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
CHANGING AGAIN
I am in Arlington at my sister's house. I am on my way to Lubbock and stopped here to get my sister. We found out, when I was in Huntsville, that probably now daddy will not have surgery until Thursday or Friday. The doctor wants to give daddy some more steroid injections to decrease the swelling in the neck. My mother also said that the carotid artery that caused daddy an anuersym many years ago was blocked again. The doppler came back okay and the heart doctor gave the okay for surgery. But I am not sure about the artery. Mother said the doctor mentioned he would have to be very careful and work around that. So.....not sure what that means.
Needless to say, we covet prayers for my family at this time. I am praying that daddy does well in surgery and that the surgery will be soon, if they are going to do it. My sister and I are going to Lubbock tomorrow and we will come back this way by the weekend. I need to be back at home by Sunday, so I can return the car I am driving.
Thank you, Lord for working for a car dealership. A perk is getting to use a car that uses less gas than my big ole van. But, I also know that I need to get the car back so they can sell it. I am driving a VW Jetta. Not a bad little car to drive.
Again, thank you for your prayers for my family and I will try to keep you in touch by way of my blog. It may be this weekend before I can update since my parents don't have a computer. I'm not sure when I will be at a computer again. The prayer should be for the best for my dad. Thanks again.
Needless to say, we covet prayers for my family at this time. I am praying that daddy does well in surgery and that the surgery will be soon, if they are going to do it. My sister and I are going to Lubbock tomorrow and we will come back this way by the weekend. I need to be back at home by Sunday, so I can return the car I am driving.
Thank you, Lord for working for a car dealership. A perk is getting to use a car that uses less gas than my big ole van. But, I also know that I need to get the car back so they can sell it. I am driving a VW Jetta. Not a bad little car to drive.
Again, thank you for your prayers for my family and I will try to keep you in touch by way of my blog. It may be this weekend before I can update since my parents don't have a computer. I'm not sure when I will be at a computer again. The prayer should be for the best for my dad. Thanks again.
Monday, November 07, 2005
CHANGING TIMES
Well, it looks like I may be headed to Lubbock tomorrow. Dad had to go to the ER today. He could not walk and when he talked with the doc he suggested they go to the ER. I talked with mom when they put him in a room. The PA says they will do surgery tomorrow night or Wednesday night. Wow! That is quick, but so much better than the week of Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your prayers for my dad. I know you will be praying for them. Dad is 82 and has heart problems. They did a doppler this afternoon and that should be a clue as to whether they can do the surgery or not. Mom also said they were taking him to surgery to do a steroid injection tonight. Not sure what that is about, but probably wanting to see if they can delay the surgery. We will see. I will probably leave sometime tomorrow and go to Dallas and get my sister and then we will head to Lubbock.
I am having a flu shot in the morning and I don't want to not get that. I need that! So......I may be hurrying to get out of town tomorrow. But now is so much better than in a couple of weeks. I can then be home by the weekend and have a good two weeks to get ready for my company. I am sorry my dad is having this much trouble. I still am anxious about the surgery, not sure that surgery will be the answer, but I am here and they are there and I have to trust they know what they are doing. I am sorry he is having so much trouble.
Again, please keep my parents in your prayers. This is such a problem when you live 12 hours away from aging parents. Wish I were closer. But for whatever reason, we are still here, even after three years of prayers to be closer to my family. (My family, at least kids, moved here). I am closer to my kids but not my parents and they are alone in Lubbock. Thank you for the church family there as they minister to them.
Thank you for your prayers for my dad. I know you will be praying for them. Dad is 82 and has heart problems. They did a doppler this afternoon and that should be a clue as to whether they can do the surgery or not. Mom also said they were taking him to surgery to do a steroid injection tonight. Not sure what that is about, but probably wanting to see if they can delay the surgery. We will see. I will probably leave sometime tomorrow and go to Dallas and get my sister and then we will head to Lubbock.
I am having a flu shot in the morning and I don't want to not get that. I need that! So......I may be hurrying to get out of town tomorrow. But now is so much better than in a couple of weeks. I can then be home by the weekend and have a good two weeks to get ready for my company. I am sorry my dad is having this much trouble. I still am anxious about the surgery, not sure that surgery will be the answer, but I am here and they are there and I have to trust they know what they are doing. I am sorry he is having so much trouble.
Again, please keep my parents in your prayers. This is such a problem when you live 12 hours away from aging parents. Wish I were closer. But for whatever reason, we are still here, even after three years of prayers to be closer to my family. (My family, at least kids, moved here). I am closer to my kids but not my parents and they are alone in Lubbock. Thank you for the church family there as they minister to them.
PROGRESS!
I have made progress. This weekend I was able to clean the garage, move the old freezer and move the weight bench out of the extra room. I need to get going this morning and now clean the bedrooms.
Yes, the kids moved back to their apartment. It was really quiet at our house this weekend. But we did have some quiet time for Tollie and I on Friday night and enjoyed being alone! But I do miss those little kisses and hugs from the girls. Ashton was so adamant that they were back in their apartment. I think it is best for them that they be home with their things and have their own space. They are such little troopers.
I will continue to clean and get the house ready for our company. Only 2 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving and our house will be full and full of love. I am so looking forward to it. It will be such a blast. We will wish it were not over so quickly, I know.
I don't have a lot of time today as I need to get the vaccum out and start cleaning the floors. Have a great day. Hope everyone is feeling better! I certainly am.
Yes, the kids moved back to their apartment. It was really quiet at our house this weekend. But we did have some quiet time for Tollie and I on Friday night and enjoyed being alone! But I do miss those little kisses and hugs from the girls. Ashton was so adamant that they were back in their apartment. I think it is best for them that they be home with their things and have their own space. They are such little troopers.
I will continue to clean and get the house ready for our company. Only 2 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving and our house will be full and full of love. I am so looking forward to it. It will be such a blast. We will wish it were not over so quickly, I know.
I don't have a lot of time today as I need to get the vaccum out and start cleaning the floors. Have a great day. Hope everyone is feeling better! I certainly am.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
BEING TAGGED
Several in the blog world are tagging others to see what their 23 post had to say and especially the 5th sentence in that post. Supposedly, it has deep meaning. Here is my sentence:
First, I am so tired. I just want to sleep.
Yep, I guess that could sum up the bigger portion of my life! I do feel tired a lot. In fact, I use to feel so tired I wanted to sleep all the time and then I finally realized I was depressed and took "happy pills" for a while. But, now I am not taking anything! Back in the summer I went to my family doctor and the PA put me on a cholesterol lowering drug and I didn't like the way it made me feel. She tried some other medications, two different ones and each one made me feel wierd. So......back in September, I went off everything. I don't take vitamins, no glucosamine-chondroitin and certainly no cholesterol medication. I read somewhere that taking the glucosamine-chondroitin can raise your cholesterol. So I figured if I stopped taking it, then I wouldn't need the cholesterol medication any more. And.......if I don't go back to the doctor then I won't know if my cholesterol is lowered or not! I think is a form of sleeping?!? Just ignorance is bliss? Out of sight, out of mind? Of course my mind is out there anyway. Sort of broke!
So, maybe there is deep meaning in my sentence. I am asleep, so be sure you don't wake me when you come by to read and comment!
First, I am so tired. I just want to sleep.
Yep, I guess that could sum up the bigger portion of my life! I do feel tired a lot. In fact, I use to feel so tired I wanted to sleep all the time and then I finally realized I was depressed and took "happy pills" for a while. But, now I am not taking anything! Back in the summer I went to my family doctor and the PA put me on a cholesterol lowering drug and I didn't like the way it made me feel. She tried some other medications, two different ones and each one made me feel wierd. So......back in September, I went off everything. I don't take vitamins, no glucosamine-chondroitin and certainly no cholesterol medication. I read somewhere that taking the glucosamine-chondroitin can raise your cholesterol. So I figured if I stopped taking it, then I wouldn't need the cholesterol medication any more. And.......if I don't go back to the doctor then I won't know if my cholesterol is lowered or not! I think is a form of sleeping?!? Just ignorance is bliss? Out of sight, out of mind? Of course my mind is out there anyway. Sort of broke!
So, maybe there is deep meaning in my sentence. I am asleep, so be sure you don't wake me when you come by to read and comment!
Friday, November 04, 2005
TODAY MAY BE THE DAY!
Today is Friday! Friday is the last day of this week, well almost anyway. Saturday is the last day and it is a work day for me and mine.
It looks like the kids apartment may be ready at last! This may be the last day they are here, or maybe tomorrow. I think they like being here, of which I am glad. I am glad my home is such that people can come and stay and enjoy themselves. But there comes a time when I need my house back! Okay, okay, I know I could kick them out and say enough already! But I want them here! I love having my grandkids come in and kiss me good morning and say "have a nice day!" I love that Emma came to me crying this morning and just needed a hug. I love having them here!
But in the greater scheme of things, I need my house back. I need to get started cleaning and getting ready for company. I have deep cleaning to do in both rooms that are occupied. Today will be cleaning in the garage and outdoors. Tomorrow will be cleaning in the bathroom, changing out faucets. We have a problem with the faucets in the front bathroom. So....I have purchased new faucets and hopefully, they will improve the function. I need to clean the closet in there and the shower and tub and especially the floor. I need to clean my own bathroom.
I think it is funny how that as we live and do our everyday things, the room can get filthy around us and it seems to creep up on me. I know I should do somethings every day, some every week but sometimes it is several weeks before I get around to it. And then when something like Rita comes along, it may be more than several weeks! So......I have a lot to do.
I have only about two and half weeks before Thanksgiving! I spent time Wednesday looking at tile for my kitchen. I think insurance is going to pay for our kitchen damage from Rita afterall. We spoke with our agent and he agreed that it should be paid for. Our deductible is large, but it should be enough to finish out our deductible and still get some cash to do the job. I have to get our receipts copied and faxed to them. I don't want to be greedy but I do want to get what is coming to me from insurance. Afterall, I have been paying into Farmers for 35 years and have only had a few claims in all that time. This is ligitimate damage and they should pay us for the damage.
I found a pretty porcelain tile. Wouldn't you know it is more expensive than ceramic! But it is so pretty and goes well with the laminate flooring in the den. It will allow us to replace the kitchen and still have continunity into the den. I think it will make a good flow. Tollie is even talking of replacing the carpet in the hall and bedrooms. That would be great, but I don't want to use all of our funds up. It has been nice to have surplus these last few weeks. We need to keep it that way. You never know what may come up!
I spent some time yesterday getting recipes off the internet to make bar cookies. I want to make up some batches this weekend and get ready for my Christmas baskets. I think this year, instead of doing several things, I am just going to make all kids of different bar cookies. I think it will be fun to try different types and variations and then make a basket of them. You see, every year I make up baskets for those people at work. I have done this for several years and now I can't not do it. Mr. R would be so disappointed if I didn't do it. He looks forward to it every year. I have always, in the past, made a loaf of homemade bread and then added some homemade pear jelly to it. But this year, I think I will do something different and make the various cookies. It will be fun to see how many different types of cookies!
Have a great weekend. I plan to work, work, and work some more and get ready! The holidays will be here before we know it.
PS Haven't heard from my dad, yet. He should get the package today or tomorrow, hopefully!
It looks like the kids apartment may be ready at last! This may be the last day they are here, or maybe tomorrow. I think they like being here, of which I am glad. I am glad my home is such that people can come and stay and enjoy themselves. But there comes a time when I need my house back! Okay, okay, I know I could kick them out and say enough already! But I want them here! I love having my grandkids come in and kiss me good morning and say "have a nice day!" I love that Emma came to me crying this morning and just needed a hug. I love having them here!
But in the greater scheme of things, I need my house back. I need to get started cleaning and getting ready for company. I have deep cleaning to do in both rooms that are occupied. Today will be cleaning in the garage and outdoors. Tomorrow will be cleaning in the bathroom, changing out faucets. We have a problem with the faucets in the front bathroom. So....I have purchased new faucets and hopefully, they will improve the function. I need to clean the closet in there and the shower and tub and especially the floor. I need to clean my own bathroom.
I think it is funny how that as we live and do our everyday things, the room can get filthy around us and it seems to creep up on me. I know I should do somethings every day, some every week but sometimes it is several weeks before I get around to it. And then when something like Rita comes along, it may be more than several weeks! So......I have a lot to do.
I have only about two and half weeks before Thanksgiving! I spent time Wednesday looking at tile for my kitchen. I think insurance is going to pay for our kitchen damage from Rita afterall. We spoke with our agent and he agreed that it should be paid for. Our deductible is large, but it should be enough to finish out our deductible and still get some cash to do the job. I have to get our receipts copied and faxed to them. I don't want to be greedy but I do want to get what is coming to me from insurance. Afterall, I have been paying into Farmers for 35 years and have only had a few claims in all that time. This is ligitimate damage and they should pay us for the damage.
I found a pretty porcelain tile. Wouldn't you know it is more expensive than ceramic! But it is so pretty and goes well with the laminate flooring in the den. It will allow us to replace the kitchen and still have continunity into the den. I think it will make a good flow. Tollie is even talking of replacing the carpet in the hall and bedrooms. That would be great, but I don't want to use all of our funds up. It has been nice to have surplus these last few weeks. We need to keep it that way. You never know what may come up!
I spent some time yesterday getting recipes off the internet to make bar cookies. I want to make up some batches this weekend and get ready for my Christmas baskets. I think this year, instead of doing several things, I am just going to make all kids of different bar cookies. I think it will be fun to try different types and variations and then make a basket of them. You see, every year I make up baskets for those people at work. I have done this for several years and now I can't not do it. Mr. R would be so disappointed if I didn't do it. He looks forward to it every year. I have always, in the past, made a loaf of homemade bread and then added some homemade pear jelly to it. But this year, I think I will do something different and make the various cookies. It will be fun to see how many different types of cookies!
Have a great weekend. I plan to work, work, and work some more and get ready! The holidays will be here before we know it.
PS Haven't heard from my dad, yet. He should get the package today or tomorrow, hopefully!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
TRIBUTE!
I want to write a tribute to my husband. He is the greatest and I love him so very much. It seems lately, I have not taken the time to really let him know how much he means to me. We had so much going on and it will only get worse during the holidays.
So......this is to say that I love my man more than words can describe. I know he is great and I can't explain to you here how he makes me feel and how proud I am to be his wife! One of the best things about my Tollie is that others respect him so much. I work part-time at the same place Tollie has worked for 28 years. I have a great time at work, mainly because I am respected and valued, only because they value and respect Tollie so much. This has to be the reason because it started that way, even before they really knew me!
I thank God every day for Tollie and look forward to many more years of marriage and happiness and joy and fun with him. We have been married 35 years as of last June. We have been through many difficulties and much more happiness. And through it all, we find strength in each other after we follow our Lord's lead. I think that is one great thing about us, we have the Lord in our lives and we both look to Him for guidance and that makes it easier to deal with anything.
Tollie was and is a wonderful dad. I say was and is because his dad days have changed since our girls are grown. He was a wonderful dad in that he was involved with the girls. He made every effort to talk with them and be there for them and love them. He was not afraid to make them cry or laugh! He had their best interest at heart and made sure they knew the Lord and what he had done for him. The girls love their dad and he is special in a lot of ways. When our oldest got married, she made sure and mouthed "I love you, daddy" into the video camera set up at the front. Her dad cherishes this moment. Of course, it was a surprise to him and he loved it! There is a specialness with both girls and I thank God that he has been an example of what true love is and a mentor for a good marriage. I think my daughter has chosen wisely for her mate. We think of Paul as our son, not our son-in-law. And our other daughter will choose wisely as well. We have been concerned about some of her choices for boyfriends at times, but she has a good one now. So we have confidence she will find that right mate. One of the things their dad always told the girls is, "look for the right mate but more importantly, be the right mate." I think that shows a lot of wisdom on his part. That shows the kind of dad he is.
Tollie has always had a heart of compassion for those less fortunate. He is a hard worker and really loves what he does at work. He is a hero at work so much of the time, (when he fixes a computer, they all love him) and he is my hero all the time.
If you don't know Tollie, you should meet him and get to know him. He is special and I am thankful he is mine and I am his. We are one and I look forward to the rest of our lives together and in love and peace with each other. Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be!!!!
So......this is to say that I love my man more than words can describe. I know he is great and I can't explain to you here how he makes me feel and how proud I am to be his wife! One of the best things about my Tollie is that others respect him so much. I work part-time at the same place Tollie has worked for 28 years. I have a great time at work, mainly because I am respected and valued, only because they value and respect Tollie so much. This has to be the reason because it started that way, even before they really knew me!
I thank God every day for Tollie and look forward to many more years of marriage and happiness and joy and fun with him. We have been married 35 years as of last June. We have been through many difficulties and much more happiness. And through it all, we find strength in each other after we follow our Lord's lead. I think that is one great thing about us, we have the Lord in our lives and we both look to Him for guidance and that makes it easier to deal with anything.
Tollie was and is a wonderful dad. I say was and is because his dad days have changed since our girls are grown. He was a wonderful dad in that he was involved with the girls. He made every effort to talk with them and be there for them and love them. He was not afraid to make them cry or laugh! He had their best interest at heart and made sure they knew the Lord and what he had done for him. The girls love their dad and he is special in a lot of ways. When our oldest got married, she made sure and mouthed "I love you, daddy" into the video camera set up at the front. Her dad cherishes this moment. Of course, it was a surprise to him and he loved it! There is a specialness with both girls and I thank God that he has been an example of what true love is and a mentor for a good marriage. I think my daughter has chosen wisely for her mate. We think of Paul as our son, not our son-in-law. And our other daughter will choose wisely as well. We have been concerned about some of her choices for boyfriends at times, but she has a good one now. So we have confidence she will find that right mate. One of the things their dad always told the girls is, "look for the right mate but more importantly, be the right mate." I think that shows a lot of wisdom on his part. That shows the kind of dad he is.
Tollie has always had a heart of compassion for those less fortunate. He is a hard worker and really loves what he does at work. He is a hero at work so much of the time, (when he fixes a computer, they all love him) and he is my hero all the time.
If you don't know Tollie, you should meet him and get to know him. He is special and I am thankful he is mine and I am his. We are one and I look forward to the rest of our lives together and in love and peace with each other. Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be!!!!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
ANTICIPATION!
I am counting the days for Thanksgiving. I was told once that if you look too much to the future, you lose the days of the present. I guess that could be true, but I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving and I don't want anything to get in the way.
So.....I am a little ticked at my dad for scheduling his surgery for the Monday before Thanksgiving!!!! I know he is having trouble and wants to get it done as soon as possible, but I think in all this I am mainly concerned that he is having this type of surgery to begin with. He believes he is going to live forever and is so determined to do whatever to get him to that point!
My dad has had some recent problems with cervical neck herniation. It started only a few months ago and when he saw a neurosurgeon, he immediately wanted to do surgery. Of course, he told him it was no hurry and it was an elective surgery! I told my sister I would like to check and see if the doc has just bought a new Mercedes or something! As far as I know, no other modalities have been tried. So why the hurry to do surger? It will be a three hour surgery, complicated with metal plates, screws, cages and done posteriorly, which I understand is not usually done, at least according to the articles I have read. He will have a long recovery time. He will have to wear a neck collar for some time and it could take up to six months for full recovery and again, according to the articles I have read, will never be the same. When you fuse the spine, it is never "like it was." My dad is 82 years old! The biggest thing is he is in no pain! He has some numbness and tingling in his arms and hands. And he is having a little trouble walking from a dragging foot. Those are his symptoms!
So.....I ask for prayers for my dad. I ask for prayers of wisdom and an open mind to other solutions to try. I ask for prayers for my mom who is there to take care of him. I ask for prayers for my sister, who just broke her ankle and is now on crutches. She plans to be there for the surgery, but is unsure at this point. I ask for prayers for me. I have given mother and daddy a choice of my being there for the surgery, coming in one day and leaving the day after the surgery or coming a week later and spending the week to help them out. It is in their hands. But I have told them, I will be home on Wednesday before Thanksgiving!
How cold and hard you say? Well, my daughter's boyfriend is coming for Thanksgiving and is bringing his mother. We have never met and I am so anxious to visit with her. We have e-mailed and I know we will be friends immediately! The Lewis', Lavonne, Trent, Mindy, the kids and g-kids and us! A houseful, but a house full of love and laughter and games and enjoyment. I have pictured it for so long and especially after Rita came through and we wondered if it would even take place. Now......I am counting the days in anticipation of a fun time.
So.....I am a little ticked at my dad for scheduling his surgery for the Monday before Thanksgiving!!!! I know he is having trouble and wants to get it done as soon as possible, but I think in all this I am mainly concerned that he is having this type of surgery to begin with. He believes he is going to live forever and is so determined to do whatever to get him to that point!
My dad has had some recent problems with cervical neck herniation. It started only a few months ago and when he saw a neurosurgeon, he immediately wanted to do surgery. Of course, he told him it was no hurry and it was an elective surgery! I told my sister I would like to check and see if the doc has just bought a new Mercedes or something! As far as I know, no other modalities have been tried. So why the hurry to do surger? It will be a three hour surgery, complicated with metal plates, screws, cages and done posteriorly, which I understand is not usually done, at least according to the articles I have read. He will have a long recovery time. He will have to wear a neck collar for some time and it could take up to six months for full recovery and again, according to the articles I have read, will never be the same. When you fuse the spine, it is never "like it was." My dad is 82 years old! The biggest thing is he is in no pain! He has some numbness and tingling in his arms and hands. And he is having a little trouble walking from a dragging foot. Those are his symptoms!
So.....I ask for prayers for my dad. I ask for prayers of wisdom and an open mind to other solutions to try. I ask for prayers for my mom who is there to take care of him. I ask for prayers for my sister, who just broke her ankle and is now on crutches. She plans to be there for the surgery, but is unsure at this point. I ask for prayers for me. I have given mother and daddy a choice of my being there for the surgery, coming in one day and leaving the day after the surgery or coming a week later and spending the week to help them out. It is in their hands. But I have told them, I will be home on Wednesday before Thanksgiving!
How cold and hard you say? Well, my daughter's boyfriend is coming for Thanksgiving and is bringing his mother. We have never met and I am so anxious to visit with her. We have e-mailed and I know we will be friends immediately! The Lewis', Lavonne, Trent, Mindy, the kids and g-kids and us! A houseful, but a house full of love and laughter and games and enjoyment. I have pictured it for so long and especially after Rita came through and we wondered if it would even take place. Now......I am counting the days in anticipation of a fun time.
Monday, October 31, 2005
TRICK OR TREAT!?!
I find it amusing that my kids did not want their kids to have anything to do with Halloween when they were first married and first parenting days! But now, they still don't like Halloween but are in the trenches. Actually, my son-in-law Paul is in the trenches mainly because he is a youth minister and has those responsibilities. So.......our congregation is doing a Trunk or Treat. This is where members of the church decorate the trunks of their car and the kids then go around and do the trick or treating thing from these trunks. It is a safe environment that allows for the experiences without the trouble or problems associated with Halloween. We are having a chili supper first and then inviting the community to come and participate.
Last evening, Paul and I went canvassing around the neighborhood, passing out flyers annoucing the invitation to the Trunk or Treat. He confessed that he didn't mind doing it and it was the first time he had ever done anything like that. I told him I didn't mind doing it as it was totally harmless, and in fact was a first step in introducing ourselves to the neighborhood. We talked with those jogging and outside during our walk.
I must preface this event with the fact that Paul was very discouraged yesterday. He became the youth minister for our church back in the summer and has been doing an excellent job. But he is very discouraged. He has a small youth group. Really only two kids in the H.S. group and two in the J.H group. There is an additional kid that graduated but has stayed around. The problem he is having is that the kids want to do the fun things, but when it comes to doing the "spiritual" things, like the passing of these flyers, they find excuses to not do it. That is why he and I did the passing out of the flyers. He is discouraged to the point of wanting to go back to teaching and I think if he could would start tomorrow and kiss this experience goodbye!
I have been trying real hard to encourage him to hang in there and concentrate on the younger kids and do what he can. He is limited when he has so few and until we do something to encourage and get young families to visit, it will be hard. Paul has tended to "jump" from one activity to another, which includes jobs as well. I had hoped he would stay with the teaching and I believe he will return there next summer and hopefully stay. They need some stability in their young family. So, I pray for them and Paul's decisions and will try to encourage them as I can.
I am encouraging another young family who is really struggling right now. I walked out in faith a couple of Sundays ago and confronted a young man with his sinful actions in their marriage and told him we needed to talk. His wife and parents did not think he would go through with it, but Tollie and I had dinner with this young family last week and I boldly challenged them both to work, work together and save this family. They have two precious young souls counting on them to make this work and they need to put aside their own wants and desires.
I know there a lot of hurting people and especially young families who need our help, guidance, prayers and mentoring. I pray I am mentoring boldly to help save them. Pray with us as we teach young families in class and work with them each day.
Last evening, Paul and I went canvassing around the neighborhood, passing out flyers annoucing the invitation to the Trunk or Treat. He confessed that he didn't mind doing it and it was the first time he had ever done anything like that. I told him I didn't mind doing it as it was totally harmless, and in fact was a first step in introducing ourselves to the neighborhood. We talked with those jogging and outside during our walk.
I must preface this event with the fact that Paul was very discouraged yesterday. He became the youth minister for our church back in the summer and has been doing an excellent job. But he is very discouraged. He has a small youth group. Really only two kids in the H.S. group and two in the J.H group. There is an additional kid that graduated but has stayed around. The problem he is having is that the kids want to do the fun things, but when it comes to doing the "spiritual" things, like the passing of these flyers, they find excuses to not do it. That is why he and I did the passing out of the flyers. He is discouraged to the point of wanting to go back to teaching and I think if he could would start tomorrow and kiss this experience goodbye!
I have been trying real hard to encourage him to hang in there and concentrate on the younger kids and do what he can. He is limited when he has so few and until we do something to encourage and get young families to visit, it will be hard. Paul has tended to "jump" from one activity to another, which includes jobs as well. I had hoped he would stay with the teaching and I believe he will return there next summer and hopefully stay. They need some stability in their young family. So, I pray for them and Paul's decisions and will try to encourage them as I can.
I am encouraging another young family who is really struggling right now. I walked out in faith a couple of Sundays ago and confronted a young man with his sinful actions in their marriage and told him we needed to talk. His wife and parents did not think he would go through with it, but Tollie and I had dinner with this young family last week and I boldly challenged them both to work, work together and save this family. They have two precious young souls counting on them to make this work and they need to put aside their own wants and desires.
I know there a lot of hurting people and especially young families who need our help, guidance, prayers and mentoring. I pray I am mentoring boldly to help save them. Pray with us as we teach young families in class and work with them each day.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
HOME TODAY!
Tollie will be home today. I am ready! He called last night. They were at the lodge at the base of the Chisos mountains in Big Bend, Texas. They usually stay in the desert and camp another night, but they were all tired! So, they went to the lodge, got a room and were able to shower and rest. I am so thankful he is down and okay. I did worry a little about him. As I said in an earlier post, he usually prepares a lot for this trip but this time he prepared litttle. Mainly, he prepared little because of hurricane Rita. We were gone for two weeks and during that two weeks, he was so busy! He worked constantly, getting everything back to normal. I was glad he went on the trip, but I know he would have liked to have had more time to prepare. He is okay. Now the long trip home!
Sunday! My son-in-law is preaching today. It will be a good day!
Sunday! My son-in-law is preaching today. It will be a good day!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
FINALLY, NO PAIN
Finally, no pain when I swollow this morning. The first in about five days. I guess the antibiotic is working. I did wake during the night and had a bad sore throat on the right side and my right ear was really hurting. I finally go some saline spray and poured it down the right nostril and then turned my head to the right. I could feel the saline going down the eustacheon tube and it felt warm going into the ear. I think that is why things are better this morning. It really helped.
It is funny the things you remember. There are so many things I don't remember from my childhood, even my children's childhoods. But this I do remember. When Mindy was a baby, she had lots of ear problems. She did not like being in crowds. I mean this was when she was about two weeks old. I would be nursing her and if I talked to someone else in a normal voice, she would cry out. And if we were in a large crowd, like at church, or her baby shower!, she cried a lot. My mother finally took her to the back room and rocked her at the baby shower. She just didn't like a lot of noise. Later she had to have tubes in her ears and that helped a lot.
But her pediatrician told me to put nose drops in her nostril and rotate her head to that side and back just a little. It would help open up her ears. I have remembered this. I don't use nasal sprays much because you can get so addicted to them and messed up with them. But I do use saline spray and it really helps. I think that is one of the reason I have been sick much. For about a year, I used saline spray every night before I went to bed. I has really changed how I am able to not cough and get a dry spot in my throat that would make me cough and gag. I don't really know how to explain it, but it has helped it.
The kids are still here. Emma was sick with a stomach virus last night. So the Goebel's are all reeling from little sleep. I just hope none of the others of us get it! She is better this morning but still complaining of some nausea. Jamie said there is a lot of stomach virus going around at her school.
I didn't sleep well last night. I couldn't get to sleep. Once I got there, it was better, but I will really be glad to have Tollie back. I just hope he is enjoying his hike and doing okay.
Have a great weekend. The weather should be good here. We are suppose to get some rain on Monday night and Tuesday and I hope so, because we really need it.
It is funny the things you remember. There are so many things I don't remember from my childhood, even my children's childhoods. But this I do remember. When Mindy was a baby, she had lots of ear problems. She did not like being in crowds. I mean this was when she was about two weeks old. I would be nursing her and if I talked to someone else in a normal voice, she would cry out. And if we were in a large crowd, like at church, or her baby shower!, she cried a lot. My mother finally took her to the back room and rocked her at the baby shower. She just didn't like a lot of noise. Later she had to have tubes in her ears and that helped a lot.
But her pediatrician told me to put nose drops in her nostril and rotate her head to that side and back just a little. It would help open up her ears. I have remembered this. I don't use nasal sprays much because you can get so addicted to them and messed up with them. But I do use saline spray and it really helps. I think that is one of the reason I have been sick much. For about a year, I used saline spray every night before I went to bed. I has really changed how I am able to not cough and get a dry spot in my throat that would make me cough and gag. I don't really know how to explain it, but it has helped it.
The kids are still here. Emma was sick with a stomach virus last night. So the Goebel's are all reeling from little sleep. I just hope none of the others of us get it! She is better this morning but still complaining of some nausea. Jamie said there is a lot of stomach virus going around at her school.
I didn't sleep well last night. I couldn't get to sleep. Once I got there, it was better, but I will really be glad to have Tollie back. I just hope he is enjoying his hike and doing okay.
Have a great weekend. The weather should be good here. We are suppose to get some rain on Monday night and Tuesday and I hope so, because we really need it.
Friday, October 28, 2005
FEELING BETTER?
Well, I think I am feeling better. I went to bed last night with a sore throat on the right side. The left is doing much better. That tonsil is about the normal size, but the right side tonsil is still quite swollen and sore. It still hurts to swollow and my right ear has been hurting, especially last night.
But all in all, this morning I am feeling better. I think I have more energy and I feel hungry today. I was hoping I wouldn't want to eat for a while and maybe shed some of these pounds, but we will see.
Not much to report other than that. Just counting days to Thanksgiving when we will have a houseful of company and laughter will abound. Looking forward to happy days.
I am so thankful for the company Tollie and I work for. They were very gracious during the hurricane and took good care of us. They paid us for the two weeks we were off. I usually don't get paid if I don't work. I am hourly but they estimated my pay and paid me anyway. Then to top it off, I had extra hours from the previous time sheet and they gave those to me in addition! I wrote Mr. Ruddy a thank you note and I received a really sweet e-mail in return.
Yesterday, Tollie came in from work and he had received extra kudos for working during the two weeks of evacuation. Like I said, they are great people to work with and I am proud to say that I work for them. They are special people. Tollie has been with them for about 28 years and you now know why! God has certainly blessed us in this area of our lives, as well as other areas.
Have a great Friday!
But all in all, this morning I am feeling better. I think I have more energy and I feel hungry today. I was hoping I wouldn't want to eat for a while and maybe shed some of these pounds, but we will see.
Not much to report other than that. Just counting days to Thanksgiving when we will have a houseful of company and laughter will abound. Looking forward to happy days.
I am so thankful for the company Tollie and I work for. They were very gracious during the hurricane and took good care of us. They paid us for the two weeks we were off. I usually don't get paid if I don't work. I am hourly but they estimated my pay and paid me anyway. Then to top it off, I had extra hours from the previous time sheet and they gave those to me in addition! I wrote Mr. Ruddy a thank you note and I received a really sweet e-mail in return.
Yesterday, Tollie came in from work and he had received extra kudos for working during the two weeks of evacuation. Like I said, they are great people to work with and I am proud to say that I work for them. They are special people. Tollie has been with them for about 28 years and you now know why! God has certainly blessed us in this area of our lives, as well as other areas.
Have a great Friday!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Tonsillitis?!?
It started Monday evening when I noticed that my throat was a little dry and I had a lot of sinus drainage. I took some Loratadine, Claritin if you will, and went to bed. I was surprised when I woke during the night and found I was sore and hurting all over!
On Tuesday, I got up and took my shower to get ready for work. I made it to work, but I was moving slow. My skin hurt! Have you every felt bad where your skin hurt? My did and it didn't matter whether I touched it or not, it was so sensitive that even clothes touching was painful! I knew I didn't feel well, but thought it was the cold front pushing through another something that I might be allergic to and just stirred up my sinuses. We had an appointment with the insurance agent concerning our adjuster's estimate about 2:00 pm. I told them at work that I thought I would just go home after that and rest. I really was not feeling great and thought a nap would make things better.
I found that I just sat all afternoon and was cold most of the day! Now that is really unusual for me. I mean we are talking about someone who has a window unit A/C above her head all the time running. I mean all the time, even in the dead of winter. I sleep very warmly and can't stand to wake during the night sweating under the covers because I got to hot! Well, when I went to bed Tuesday night, I didn't even turn on the unit. That was something real different for me. And then during the night, I would get up to pee and come back to bed shivering! So......much to Tollie's delight I cuddled with him. He is a cuddler and because I sleep so hot, I don't like to cuddle. But cuddle I did that night and found when I got warm, the aching stopped in my bones.
I woke Wednesday morning, after Tollie had left for work, to a ringing doorbell. I jumped up to see who was there. It was my son-in-law. He needed some socks before he went to work. Remember, my kids have been staying with us until their apartment is ready. Maybe this week!?! Anyway, I let him in and told him I didn't feel well and went to take a hot shower. I realized right away, my neck was swollen in all the glands and I could hardly turn my head. It hurt every time I swollowed. After my shower, I got the flashlight and took a look. EWUUU! My tonsils were swollen and had white spots all over them. This was de javu! I use to have that happen when I was kid. But never in succession enough to have them out. I remember my mother taking and "painting" merthiolate on them. That was probably putting mercury poison in my system, but who knew then! Anyway a quick call to the doctor.
Well, my regular doctor was in today. He is semi-retired and I never can remember the days he is in and those he is out! But he had not appointments. Would I be interested in seeing another doctor or even a nurse practioner? Certainly. I will see the janitor if he has a key to the medicine closet! Would it be alright to go to another location? Sure! So four hours later I was seeing a nurse practioner.
SETMA ~ Southeast Texas Medical Associates. They are a monster of a machine! I mean they have four known locations to me and employee hundreds. They probably employ more than the local hospital! The amazing thing about them is that they are paperless. You see I can go to another location because all my history is on the computer. They don't need my chart! Although when I walked in the office to face a room full of people and a long desk with a choice of about eight clip boards to sign in on, I did wonder why they had shelves of charts in the back!
I finally found the correct sign in board and signed in, noticing that only four people were ahead of me and their names were highlighted. Hopefully, they were all on their way to the pharmacy or some testing to be done! However, I was willing to wait and wait, I just need some drugs! After a very few minutes my name was called. I paid my co-pay and sat back down. In another fewer minutes, my name was called. I found the young lady at the front door. Where was she taking me? Oh, across the hall to another suite of exam rooms! I told you they are a monster of a machine. She got my info on how I was feeling and said someone would be right with me. Sure enough, the nurse practioner came in after about four minutes. Wow! That is better than any doctor! She got the repeated info and then asked to exam me. She looked in my ears and then asked me to open my mouth. I obliged to a resounding Whoa! You do have a problem! Yes.....I thought that was why I was here!?!
She began to tell me I need a flu shot but not now while I was sick. She wanted me to gargle with salt water twice a day. Oh, I like her. She uses them ole home remedies. She proceeded to tell me to take Advil, not the generic, but Advil. It would help with the pain and swelling. She asked if I was allergic to anything and I could tell by my response the wheels stopped turning. Yes, I am allergic to penicillin and Ceclor. Oh my! Those are the two best things to treat this with. So.....she pulled a trusty little devise from her pocket and said, "let's see what Stanford has to say about this." She punched the screen several times and then asked if I had ever taken Biaxin. Yes! I had. I think it was for a urinary infection or tooth infection, can't really remember which. That is what she would prescribe. She wanted to give me a shot but the only injections she had was for the things I couldn't take. She said she was do a culture for documentation but that she would be treating me the same with or without it. I didn't think it was necessary. We both had seen my "kissing" tonsils and knew there was infection. Why have a culture to tell us the same?
I left in a few minutes with a prescription and assurance that I would call if I did not start to feel better in the next few days and that I would call tomorrow if I needed something for pain. So off to the pharmacy to get my drugs. It would be a while before they could fill it so I went home and asked Tollie to go after work to pick it up.
This morning, I do feel somewhat better. I still have swollen tonsils, especially the right side. But I am not cold anymore and even slept with the A/C unit on last night. Of course, when it is cold outside, it only blows air, not cold air. So I slept pretty good. Only waking once with a really bad sore throat and took some more Excedrin because it had worked so well earlier and went back to sleep. I am up, showered and dressed, wondering if Tollie made it Uvalde okay.
Tollie left last night about midnight to start his backpacking journey. He offered to call it off to stay home with me, but I assured him I would be alright with him gone. I do have my drugs and I can sleep without any one here.
On Tuesday, I got up and took my shower to get ready for work. I made it to work, but I was moving slow. My skin hurt! Have you every felt bad where your skin hurt? My did and it didn't matter whether I touched it or not, it was so sensitive that even clothes touching was painful! I knew I didn't feel well, but thought it was the cold front pushing through another something that I might be allergic to and just stirred up my sinuses. We had an appointment with the insurance agent concerning our adjuster's estimate about 2:00 pm. I told them at work that I thought I would just go home after that and rest. I really was not feeling great and thought a nap would make things better.
I found that I just sat all afternoon and was cold most of the day! Now that is really unusual for me. I mean we are talking about someone who has a window unit A/C above her head all the time running. I mean all the time, even in the dead of winter. I sleep very warmly and can't stand to wake during the night sweating under the covers because I got to hot! Well, when I went to bed Tuesday night, I didn't even turn on the unit. That was something real different for me. And then during the night, I would get up to pee and come back to bed shivering! So......much to Tollie's delight I cuddled with him. He is a cuddler and because I sleep so hot, I don't like to cuddle. But cuddle I did that night and found when I got warm, the aching stopped in my bones.
I woke Wednesday morning, after Tollie had left for work, to a ringing doorbell. I jumped up to see who was there. It was my son-in-law. He needed some socks before he went to work. Remember, my kids have been staying with us until their apartment is ready. Maybe this week!?! Anyway, I let him in and told him I didn't feel well and went to take a hot shower. I realized right away, my neck was swollen in all the glands and I could hardly turn my head. It hurt every time I swollowed. After my shower, I got the flashlight and took a look. EWUUU! My tonsils were swollen and had white spots all over them. This was de javu! I use to have that happen when I was kid. But never in succession enough to have them out. I remember my mother taking and "painting" merthiolate on them. That was probably putting mercury poison in my system, but who knew then! Anyway a quick call to the doctor.
Well, my regular doctor was in today. He is semi-retired and I never can remember the days he is in and those he is out! But he had not appointments. Would I be interested in seeing another doctor or even a nurse practioner? Certainly. I will see the janitor if he has a key to the medicine closet! Would it be alright to go to another location? Sure! So four hours later I was seeing a nurse practioner.
SETMA ~ Southeast Texas Medical Associates. They are a monster of a machine! I mean they have four known locations to me and employee hundreds. They probably employ more than the local hospital! The amazing thing about them is that they are paperless. You see I can go to another location because all my history is on the computer. They don't need my chart! Although when I walked in the office to face a room full of people and a long desk with a choice of about eight clip boards to sign in on, I did wonder why they had shelves of charts in the back!
I finally found the correct sign in board and signed in, noticing that only four people were ahead of me and their names were highlighted. Hopefully, they were all on their way to the pharmacy or some testing to be done! However, I was willing to wait and wait, I just need some drugs! After a very few minutes my name was called. I paid my co-pay and sat back down. In another fewer minutes, my name was called. I found the young lady at the front door. Where was she taking me? Oh, across the hall to another suite of exam rooms! I told you they are a monster of a machine. She got my info on how I was feeling and said someone would be right with me. Sure enough, the nurse practioner came in after about four minutes. Wow! That is better than any doctor! She got the repeated info and then asked to exam me. She looked in my ears and then asked me to open my mouth. I obliged to a resounding Whoa! You do have a problem! Yes.....I thought that was why I was here!?!
She began to tell me I need a flu shot but not now while I was sick. She wanted me to gargle with salt water twice a day. Oh, I like her. She uses them ole home remedies. She proceeded to tell me to take Advil, not the generic, but Advil. It would help with the pain and swelling. She asked if I was allergic to anything and I could tell by my response the wheels stopped turning. Yes, I am allergic to penicillin and Ceclor. Oh my! Those are the two best things to treat this with. So.....she pulled a trusty little devise from her pocket and said, "let's see what Stanford has to say about this." She punched the screen several times and then asked if I had ever taken Biaxin. Yes! I had. I think it was for a urinary infection or tooth infection, can't really remember which. That is what she would prescribe. She wanted to give me a shot but the only injections she had was for the things I couldn't take. She said she was do a culture for documentation but that she would be treating me the same with or without it. I didn't think it was necessary. We both had seen my "kissing" tonsils and knew there was infection. Why have a culture to tell us the same?
I left in a few minutes with a prescription and assurance that I would call if I did not start to feel better in the next few days and that I would call tomorrow if I needed something for pain. So off to the pharmacy to get my drugs. It would be a while before they could fill it so I went home and asked Tollie to go after work to pick it up.
This morning, I do feel somewhat better. I still have swollen tonsils, especially the right side. But I am not cold anymore and even slept with the A/C unit on last night. Of course, when it is cold outside, it only blows air, not cold air. So I slept pretty good. Only waking once with a really bad sore throat and took some more Excedrin because it had worked so well earlier and went back to sleep. I am up, showered and dressed, wondering if Tollie made it Uvalde okay.
Tollie left last night about midnight to start his backpacking journey. He offered to call it off to stay home with me, but I assured him I would be alright with him gone. I do have my drugs and I can sleep without any one here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
BIG BEND TIME
This is the time for my husband and his friends to go backpacking in the Big Bend. I think it is a guy thing. They drive hours and I mean hours to arrive a the Chisos Basin. They will leave at midnight tonight and arrive there sometime early Thursday morning. I think it takes about ten hours to get there. It is about 673 miles from here to there. They plan to camp in the desert on Thursday night and then hike up the mountain on Friday. They will camp in the mountains on Friday night and hike back down on Saturday. Spend the night again in the desert and then head home on Sunday. They will arrive back home about 8:00 pm.
All this travel to hike up a mountain peak. Like I said, it must be a guy thing. Now I can see going that distance to attend a flea market or some flower show or craft sale! But to climb a mountain? I just know that Tollie enjoys this time and is ready every year to go. It will be cold this year. It is suppose to be in the 40's at night and he will be cold. The daytime temp will be up in the 70's so that will be good. I just hope he doesn't push it too much. The other two guys he is going with go every year and they are little more physically fit. Tollie ususally spends time walking around the neighborhood with his back pack to prepare for the trip. Because of hurricane Rita, he could not do that and I don't think he is as much prepared as usual.
*************
We had an appointment with our insurance agent yesterday. He had pulled our file and had received the same estimate the adjuster had given us. He already had some questions and had already called to find out about some stuff. He is asking for another adjuster and he said he thought the kitchen floor should be paid for as well. He also thought the food in the refrigerator and even maybe the living expenses we had while evacuated. So he is checking on those things and we should hear from another adjuster in a couple of days. I just want them to pay for the kitchen floor, or at least to count it in the estimate toward the deductible and then maybe we will get something.
We both has said as time goes by, we don't notice the floor as much as we did. So......we may not do anything but if they will pay for the kitchen floor, we will probably put down tile and then try our very best to have the laminate in the den replaced by the good stuff in the kitchen. They say it is not possible, but I think it could be done. It would have to be done a certain way and very delicately but we will have to see. I certainly plan to tile the laundry room.
I think I am cleaning out the garage today. That is if I feel okay to do that. I have not felt well the last couple of days. My throat has hurt and my ears have hurt. I know it is sinus stuff brought on by the cold front, but I think I ran fever the last two nights. I am never cold and I have been shivering when I get out of bed. So....hopefully, I am feeling better. At least I am not shivering this morning!
Thanksgiving is coming and I am counting the days. We are having lots of company and I want to enjoy all that to the fullest. Have a great day and count your blessings!
All this travel to hike up a mountain peak. Like I said, it must be a guy thing. Now I can see going that distance to attend a flea market or some flower show or craft sale! But to climb a mountain? I just know that Tollie enjoys this time and is ready every year to go. It will be cold this year. It is suppose to be in the 40's at night and he will be cold. The daytime temp will be up in the 70's so that will be good. I just hope he doesn't push it too much. The other two guys he is going with go every year and they are little more physically fit. Tollie ususally spends time walking around the neighborhood with his back pack to prepare for the trip. Because of hurricane Rita, he could not do that and I don't think he is as much prepared as usual.
*************
We had an appointment with our insurance agent yesterday. He had pulled our file and had received the same estimate the adjuster had given us. He already had some questions and had already called to find out about some stuff. He is asking for another adjuster and he said he thought the kitchen floor should be paid for as well. He also thought the food in the refrigerator and even maybe the living expenses we had while evacuated. So he is checking on those things and we should hear from another adjuster in a couple of days. I just want them to pay for the kitchen floor, or at least to count it in the estimate toward the deductible and then maybe we will get something.
We both has said as time goes by, we don't notice the floor as much as we did. So......we may not do anything but if they will pay for the kitchen floor, we will probably put down tile and then try our very best to have the laminate in the den replaced by the good stuff in the kitchen. They say it is not possible, but I think it could be done. It would have to be done a certain way and very delicately but we will have to see. I certainly plan to tile the laundry room.
I think I am cleaning out the garage today. That is if I feel okay to do that. I have not felt well the last couple of days. My throat has hurt and my ears have hurt. I know it is sinus stuff brought on by the cold front, but I think I ran fever the last two nights. I am never cold and I have been shivering when I get out of bed. So....hopefully, I am feeling better. At least I am not shivering this morning!
Thanksgiving is coming and I am counting the days. We are having lots of company and I want to enjoy all that to the fullest. Have a great day and count your blessings!
Monday, October 24, 2005
RECOVERY
Things are beginning to get back to normal and about the time we think they are back, we find something unusual. After work on Friday we made a few stops for errands and then as we were heading home I told Tollie I wanted to run into Walmart. Mind you, this is a 24 hour Super Walmart. As we came near the store, we realized there were no cars in the parking lot. They had closed at 6 pm!
Then Saturday, Jamie need to run to Walmart and I went with her. We arrived about 5:45 and had to wait in line to get in the door. They let us in about 5:55 and we were able to shop and get what we needed, only because the lines in the checkout were out into the store in every line open. Waiting for them to thin down, we were able to make our selections and then head to the checkout line where we still had to wait. It is unreal!
I wonder where all the people are coming from and yet everywhere you turn, businesses are asking for employees. It seems not everyone has returned to Beaumont, yet there are so many cars and people here. At first I thought it was from the line workers and tree workers, but they would be driving their trucks, and this is just car traffic! So, I'm not sure what the deal is or what is happening but it is no fun to run errands in a short amount of time. You have to make plans for everything to take longer then it use to.....which includes eating out. There is always a wait on sitting and everything just takes longer.
But I do believe things are getting back to normal. We seem to be getting back into a routine. Our routine is not yet normal simply because we still have our kids living with us. Their apartment is almost finished and probably they will be going back to their apartment this week. It will be quiet here when they leave. I love having the little girls come to our room every morning and give us a hug and kiss. Ashton wakes me up with a nose to nose kiss if I am still asleep when she comes in. She is so soft and gentle and happy!
Tollie leaves for Big Bend this week also. So......I may be here by myself the latter part of the week! That will be different, but it could be soothing at the same time. I think we have all be dealing with post traumatic syndrome. Not the kind where people are having to seek help, but a mild form of it where you just feel tired and emotional. This has been an emotional ride for all of us. I am thankful we had no more damage than we had, but what we have we are having to fix and I think we had assumed since it has been so long, we were immune to such devastation. It was a shock to see all the damage and now our landscape everywhere has changed. I really need to work in the yard and do some different things because I have always had so much shade and all my plants were planted with that in mind. Now......I have sun, full sun for much of the day. At least my plants will be able to adjust with the winter sun and not the summer sun. That will help. It will be interesting to see who all this comes up in the future.
Have a great week. I plan to.
Then Saturday, Jamie need to run to Walmart and I went with her. We arrived about 5:45 and had to wait in line to get in the door. They let us in about 5:55 and we were able to shop and get what we needed, only because the lines in the checkout were out into the store in every line open. Waiting for them to thin down, we were able to make our selections and then head to the checkout line where we still had to wait. It is unreal!
I wonder where all the people are coming from and yet everywhere you turn, businesses are asking for employees. It seems not everyone has returned to Beaumont, yet there are so many cars and people here. At first I thought it was from the line workers and tree workers, but they would be driving their trucks, and this is just car traffic! So, I'm not sure what the deal is or what is happening but it is no fun to run errands in a short amount of time. You have to make plans for everything to take longer then it use to.....which includes eating out. There is always a wait on sitting and everything just takes longer.
But I do believe things are getting back to normal. We seem to be getting back into a routine. Our routine is not yet normal simply because we still have our kids living with us. Their apartment is almost finished and probably they will be going back to their apartment this week. It will be quiet here when they leave. I love having the little girls come to our room every morning and give us a hug and kiss. Ashton wakes me up with a nose to nose kiss if I am still asleep when she comes in. She is so soft and gentle and happy!
Tollie leaves for Big Bend this week also. So......I may be here by myself the latter part of the week! That will be different, but it could be soothing at the same time. I think we have all be dealing with post traumatic syndrome. Not the kind where people are having to seek help, but a mild form of it where you just feel tired and emotional. This has been an emotional ride for all of us. I am thankful we had no more damage than we had, but what we have we are having to fix and I think we had assumed since it has been so long, we were immune to such devastation. It was a shock to see all the damage and now our landscape everywhere has changed. I really need to work in the yard and do some different things because I have always had so much shade and all my plants were planted with that in mind. Now......I have sun, full sun for much of the day. At least my plants will be able to adjust with the winter sun and not the summer sun. That will help. It will be interesting to see who all this comes up in the future.
Have a great week. I plan to.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
TOMORROW IS FRIDAY
Tomorrow is Friday and usually that is just another one of my days to spend at home, doing what I need to do and sometimes what I want to do. Tomorrow though is the end of a very busy week. I have been putting on different work hats. That on top of the post traumatic stress syndrome we all seem to have.
Last night, Tollie and I both came home and thought we would rest our eyes for just a few minutes before going to Bible class. Wrong! An hour and a half later we awoke with a start realizing we had slept hard and class had already started.......without us. Then when the kids got here, they were all beat as well. It just seems we all are tired and emotional and I think it is still a residual from Rita. She packed a punch and we are still reeling.
So....tomorrow I will work in parts and sell parts all day. Hopefully, the regular parts person will be back and in full swing by Monday. (She is in jepoardy of losing her job if she does not come back soon!) I don't mind filling in for her, but I realize how very tired I am when working there. It is also brain tired because I am having to remember so many things from so long ago! Actually, it was only about two years ago, but seems a lifetime.
I realize also how much I enjoy my part-time job and how stress free it is and fun. So.....even though Fred indicated he may want me to take my old job back, I want to continue doing what I am doing and enjoying it.
How about you? Do you enjoy your job, and why?
Last night, Tollie and I both came home and thought we would rest our eyes for just a few minutes before going to Bible class. Wrong! An hour and a half later we awoke with a start realizing we had slept hard and class had already started.......without us. Then when the kids got here, they were all beat as well. It just seems we all are tired and emotional and I think it is still a residual from Rita. She packed a punch and we are still reeling.
So....tomorrow I will work in parts and sell parts all day. Hopefully, the regular parts person will be back and in full swing by Monday. (She is in jepoardy of losing her job if she does not come back soon!) I don't mind filling in for her, but I realize how very tired I am when working there. It is also brain tired because I am having to remember so many things from so long ago! Actually, it was only about two years ago, but seems a lifetime.
I realize also how much I enjoy my part-time job and how stress free it is and fun. So.....even though Fred indicated he may want me to take my old job back, I want to continue doing what I am doing and enjoying it.
How about you? Do you enjoy your job, and why?
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
THE WORDS
Last night, my youngest daughter called me and asked for my advice! Wow! What a great feeling that was! You have to understand this is the same child that didn't want anything to do with her parents when she was in high school. That is probably an exageration but you get the picture. So this was a moment. A moment when I had her undivided attention and because she wanted me to share my thoughts with her. It was also a very sobering moment. A moment in time when what I said could have potential bad outcome or good outcome.
The best part of it all was the realization that my parenting days have not ended. I know when she went off to college and the other daughter married and has a family of her own, I felt somewhat lost. It seemed everyone had a job, but me. My job had ended. I knew in my head that my job never ends, but in my heart, I felt lonely and sad. I needed to be needed. Even though we had our troubles when Mindy was in high school, she was still home and needed me. I knew and she knew it. But when she went off to college and she grew up, all of the sudden my job was over, or at least it felt over for a time.
So you see why it was important for me last night to connect with her. I am so proud of Mindy. Actually, I am so very proud of both my girls. My oldest daughter is a school nurse and is the best mother of two precious girls. Her choice in a mate is wonderful and we love Paul like a son, not a son-in-law. And then there is Mindy. She is so beautiful and poised and mature. She has a heart for God and people. I love to hear her talk of her studies and what she is learning and how she plans for the future to help those who can't seem to help themselves. She is beautiful in and out. She has plans, but the wonderful part is she relies totally on the Lord. She is moving to Missouri in January and although she has made some connections for looking for a place to live, that is still up in the air. I worry how she is going to make it and where she will live. She has every confidence in the Lord that it will all work out and be great. I love that about her. She knows whose she is and I am thankful she has the father to place her confidence in.
So.......the words, "mother, I need your advice...." have a special place in my heart today as I rehearse the words we spoke and the advice that I gave her. She is special and I love her. Thank you God for my special girls......all of them!
The best part of it all was the realization that my parenting days have not ended. I know when she went off to college and the other daughter married and has a family of her own, I felt somewhat lost. It seemed everyone had a job, but me. My job had ended. I knew in my head that my job never ends, but in my heart, I felt lonely and sad. I needed to be needed. Even though we had our troubles when Mindy was in high school, she was still home and needed me. I knew and she knew it. But when she went off to college and she grew up, all of the sudden my job was over, or at least it felt over for a time.
So you see why it was important for me last night to connect with her. I am so proud of Mindy. Actually, I am so very proud of both my girls. My oldest daughter is a school nurse and is the best mother of two precious girls. Her choice in a mate is wonderful and we love Paul like a son, not a son-in-law. And then there is Mindy. She is so beautiful and poised and mature. She has a heart for God and people. I love to hear her talk of her studies and what she is learning and how she plans for the future to help those who can't seem to help themselves. She is beautiful in and out. She has plans, but the wonderful part is she relies totally on the Lord. She is moving to Missouri in January and although she has made some connections for looking for a place to live, that is still up in the air. I worry how she is going to make it and where she will live. She has every confidence in the Lord that it will all work out and be great. I love that about her. She knows whose she is and I am thankful she has the father to place her confidence in.
So.......the words, "mother, I need your advice...." have a special place in my heart today as I rehearse the words we spoke and the advice that I gave her. She is special and I love her. Thank you God for my special girls......all of them!
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