Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Carole, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I wondered why you hadn't posted lately and unfortunately now I know. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers and sincerely hope that the nursing facility that's near to you works out. I imagine that you are exhausted. Hang in there.
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Sorry to hear about your mom Carol, hope they have her set up with some good physical therapy
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Oh Carole.... I'm so sorry! Yes, things can always be worse, but it's just plain hard to see your loved ones going through this.... My child-hood friend had a stroke.... but it was about 5 hours before anyone found her.... Her right side is somewhat better, but she still has Aphasia.... unable to speak... In a wheel-chair, and WAS in rehab after the hospital, but yes.... they have to go someplace else when the Insurance stops!
She was lucky to be able to have her Son, who lived close, move in with her.... She needs 24 hour care... It just breaks your heart to see her, and try and talk to her! She can answer "YES, or NO".... but her speech is just frantic and hurried when she try's to talk on her own.... Everything just gets garbled.... They take her out to plays, and events, and to restaurants....
I think her Son is a SAINT! She is only my age... and used to traveling all around the world.... WITH her little 80 some year old "boy-friend".... He is still a part of her life....
It's so hard to visit her.... When I leave, I think, There, but for the grace of GOD go I....... You just never know........
I will stay posting here.... You guys are so easy to get along with!
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I haven't been here in ages. Sorry, radiation was hell and the recovery was exhausting. I'm back to work full-time.
Puffin, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. I agree that it's good for you to be with friends for Easter.
The end of March is the 37th anniversary of my Dad's death. He died before Passover and income taxes were laid out on the dining room table. Sigh.
Jackie, congrats on the new car. COPD - that scared me. I have it - about 2 years now. Have to think about making some decisions.
ChiSandy, Passover is coming so close. I have to clean (got the kitchen and dining room walls washed so far). You'll be in Paris? How exciting.
Right now, I'd go anywhere, have talked to my cousin on Facebook in VA about a visit. Now I gotta research a plane ticket. Can go to a weekend retreat in May if I want to travel 14 hours both ways (I don't)
Sandra, glad to hear Mike got the transplant and is recovering. It'll take a look time. My friend had one in Sept. and she's doing well now and has taken on some of the donor's attributes ... her nails are tougher and she craves salts instead of sweets.
Carole, I'm sorry to hear about your mom's stroke.
Chevy, nice to meet you. I was thinking "There, but the grace of G-d, so I" - thanks for posting it.
My status: I tried the arimidex for 1 week and had to go off. It interferes with some other meds that I take. I see the Dr. this week, but I don't think I'll be taking anything.
Glad I am back to being interested in jewelry making and am making Mother's Day necklaces now. Just have to take some photos and get them listed on my website. I'm trying to keep up with housework and stuff, but my energy goes out around 8pm after work. So laundry doesn't get folded ... have about 3 loads piled up in the basket now. But, it'll be done.
I'm glad to be alive and even with a little boob pain. I bumped into a door handle a few days ago. And the surgical area seems really hard; I'll ask the Dr. when I see her.
If I forget to say it, Happy Easter everyone.
Linda
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A thin line separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt. Our lives constantly walk that line. When we slip off on one side or the other, we're taken by surprise. But who said there wouldn't be surprises? Knowing God just means that all the rules will be fair; at the end of our life drama, we'll see that. We never know how things will turn out, but if we know with certainty they will make sense regardless of how they turn out, we're on to something. -Barbara Johnson
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I'm very late today. Carole, I too wondered a couple of times what was up with you. You come pretty consistently. Usually by now I'd have probably pm'ed but never quite made it. Bit busy buying that car I guess and lost track. I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Strokes are scary to have and to watch. I'm glad that your Mom has retained her mental abilities and speech. I think ( having been in the condition myself however briefly ) that it is scary when you can't get through to your loved ones and just as hard for them when they can't talk to you. I was able to talk and move well until I went to sleep and after sleeping several hours I couldn't talk or move much. It slowly came back, but for a while I was really scared. I hope the new Rehab/Nursing home works out. It would be so much easier for your Mom not to have to re-adjust two or three times.
Linda, good to see you back too. Rads can be 'tiresome' with a capital T. I made myself walk whenever I felt any tiredness at all. I'm glad you are getting back to normal now. It is a great thing to get through your txs -- whatever they are, and get to a place where you are feeling a lot more like YOU again. I can almost remember the day I discovered I didn't mind being me again.
Still thinking about you Puffin......it's a high hill to climb sometimes. Also have Mike and Sandra on my mind too. We just seemed to have all drifted into a 'problem' time and we all have to keep holding hands and helping each other through.
Chevy -- me too. I'm glad you are back here too. You were very missed. Though often you get us all in a really lighthearted mood ( needed ) you also have great life stories and really good advice about life. You just never know when you will be able to hold someone up or give them a bit of courage or hope.
It is really warm today but so darn windy. Usually at nightfall the wind settles down. So, I'm hoping before too long it will get quiet. We will have a couple of cooler days, and maybe one or so of rain -- then back to the nice warmth of Spring. Our trees are still pretty bare but the leaves will start coming out soon. We sure have a lot of green starting around us.
Stay well......
Jackie
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Wow "you just never know" is exactly right! Carole, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Was she able to get to the phone and call 911? It's very scary when someone you love lives alone.......it seems that these types of emergencies always happen in the middle of the night. Sandra, I hope Mike is doing better this afternoon and that little bugger of a splinter isn't making more problems. Puffin, it looks like you are very organized. I know when I write down one or two things on a list it reminds me of three or four other things I need to do.
We have put everything we own in a Trust with our Financial Planner son and our attorney as executers (sp), so there won't be any need for probate and our will is included in the Trust. We still need to distribute our personal valuables to each son & their families and that's become a difficult thing to make sure each one of the grandchildren is given something of value fairly. I have decided that my 3 most valuable rings will be given to my granddaughters with the oldest receiving the most expensive piece. I hope we have a lot more time to figure out how to divide the rest.......however "you just never know"!
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Morning gals... Well, it's snowing again... Guess we won't be going out to see our Theresa... That reminds me of that commercial, She calls her Son and says "Well, the bats are in the attic again, and your Dad won't call the exterminator"... And he is fighting off the bad guys, and she thinks it is noisy, and he must be taking a Zoomba class.... Hah!
We went for another walk yesterday afternoon... We make it about a mile.... NOT today.
Maui, your kids won't want to do that while you are "around" to them you are eternal... it brings up painful things to talk about... After my folks were gone, I took home, on the plane, a few favorite things... Even my Dad's pillow...
I've been thinning out "stuff".... I show Janie, and if she wants it GOOD, otherwise I donate it to the Family Tree center... I have a Bin, upstairs with my Grandma's, and my folks special memories... A dress that was my Mom's... and just things that bring them back to me.... There are just some things even I can't think about getting rid of... That's okay.... Sooner or later it will be taken care of.
Yes Linda! Just more fun to crochet, or read, or make beaded jewelry, or cook or go for a walk, or mix up more soil to plant my tomatoes... Ha! But NOT doin' anything outdoors today...
Jackie, by the time you get done figuring out that new car of yours, you can GIVE advice... Ha! It's like magic that I never have to turn on my LIGHTS! It's magic! They know just what to do, and WHEN! And it TELLS you if the roads are "icy!" Like you can't figure that out whilst spinning nose to tail in circles! It's rather dis-heartening to know your car is smarter than you are, and can "sense" important things going on!
And it SHOWS me when a tire is low, or when a door is open, or the TRUNK even! Sometimes I just go out there, and sit in my car, and we talk to each other!
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My brother's wife's new car tells the driver when it is safe to change lanes. I wish my car had that option. I like the blue tooth connection with my cell phone. I can make calls with my voice and incoming calls turn the radio volume down.
I had cramps in my ankles last night and a couple of hours of staying awake and thinking gloomy thoughts. Hate those episodes. I'm thinking I will take myself to the gym in a few minutes. My sister is at the hospital during the am and I will be going to relieve her about noon. Still no placement at a skilled nursing/rehab facility. One of my brothers visited my mother early this morning and texted that she was trying to exercise on her own, leaning forward from the waist. That's a good sign that she hasn't given up.
Mr. Gomez delivered 20 bales of pine straw early this morning. The doorbell rang at 7:30 am! DH wrote a check for payment. The pine straw is for mulching flower beds. I wish Mr. Gomez had brought one of his Mexican workers to do the weeding, which is my job.
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Whether you know it or not, one of the most important relationships in
your life is with your Soul. Will you be kind and loving to your Soul,
or will you be harsh and difficult? Many of us unknowingly damage
our Souls with our negative attitudes and actions or by simple neglect.
By making the relationship with your Soul an important part of your
life, however, by honoring it in your daily routine, you give your life
greater meaning and substance. Use your experiences--all of
them--as opportunities to nourish your Soul!Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross
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Good sunny morning to everyone,
Chevy, I think you are right. My car could become almost my best friend ( except maybe on payment day ) with what it knows. I don't know if I said, but when backing up --- a little section of the rear-view mirror becomes a camera and shows you just what is or is not behind you. I'm going to have to play around with that a bit. So far, every time I've used reverse nothing HAS actually been behind me --- so I need to figure just where when something is --- is it really. I mean what size and how close actually. I'm not a good backer-upper so even if I can see something --- that darn feature might end up HELPING me to hit it. We will see I guess. It has a whole lot of settings -- even telling you what mileage to expect under different conditions. I'm not liking that the gas and temp/oil gauges are fairly small -- but in my other car they were bigger and easier to 'glance' at. All things to get used to.
Carole, I'm with you on the changing lanes thingy. I don't know yet about this car but there was a really bad blind spot in my Blazer. I hated that. Only about a month or so before trading I went to the drive-thru at Dh's bank. A car pulled into the next lane and rolled their window down. An older couple and you could tell. Well, he told me that I had cut him off and he almost hit me......but once he looked in my car and saw we were 'older' he didn't come on too strong. Had to apologize profusely for 'not' seeing him at all. There is so little space ( I normally looked for a long time before changing lanes in my Blazer ) around the bank that I just had to go ahead and jump over. So, I would truly appreciate that feature.
I also think your Mom is amazing Carole. She has reverence for life and is determined to put her best foot forward. I sure hope this nursing/rehab can happen. It sounds like she would do VERY well. Whatever came later -- staying in the facility or -- she would be greatly prepared for it. She has some stamina and grit. Good for her.
I know it is hard sometimes to "think" positive thoughts. I think it is partly because change is difficult for many of us and all the more so when it seems it could involve big changes and even losses. It is difficult to let go of the what if's because we want things to be at least reasonably good. It makes us feel more in change, but truthfully ---- I don't think we have ever been REALLY in charge. It is easier to feel that is so when things are good -- but when not, we do suffer a bit. Hoping that it all sorts out.
Blessings
Jackie
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Jackie, you can't just go around running into people in the parking lots.... tends to get them irate... If you are going to bump them, tell them you did it on purpose, because you didn't have enough room with their big clunker in the road. Then put your car in drive and run as fast as you can.
My Chevy Cruz doesn't have anything on no mirror, warning me of anything... I find, if you park in front of stores, like Starbucks, use their reflector windows to see all that is in back of you, then use your Husband to watch one way, while you watch the other.... and honk the whole time you are doing this.... We need those back-up toots those trucks use when they are in reverse! That would warn people of what we are doing.
Yes we ARE older, so therefore we rule. My friends car has this screen that shows the whole world in back of you! I would cover that thing with a shirt or something... Don't need to get all confused... or confusder... (that's a new word)
We just need to know what we can see.... in front... the back can take care of itself. If anyone nicks your car, get out and beat the holy hell out of them.... Then call the Police. Or carry a small pistol, and shoot out one of their head-lights.... scares them every time. Then like I said previously... RUN!
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I just got the best advice there is !!!!!!!! I really like the put it in drive immediately and run like the dickens.
Jackie
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No.... it's run like "billy-hell"..... My Mom used to say that about "things".... It has more "bite" to it...
More authority!0 -
Taken just now, from inside our Dining Room! 75 degrees yesterday, and under a blizzard warning today... maybe 12 inches they say... So beautiful outside! The trees are loaded with snow, and wind blowing about 45 mph!
Another view, looking NW...out that same window... 32,000 people without power!
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That is almost un-believable Chevy. Just hard to believe you can go from almost full summer weather to that and overnight. I'm sure it snows lots this time of yr. or can. We have had snows here in Apr. It is not 'normal' though it can happen. Other than the wind we are having a great March right now. Not too hot or cold -- just what most people would find fairly cozy I would think. I get nervous a bit with the wind as it tends to blow things in -- like storms. Also, my sinuses tend to fill even more than they do in weather changes so don't like that either.
I'm stuck at home right now. The glass people are going to stop by here ( I think ) and look at a little spot they previously repaired on the car windshield. It seems like a good enough fix --- but it is right in my line of sight so was hoping there might be some adjustment they could make where I might be able to 'notice' it a little less. I don't really have anywhere to go -- but like anything, you always feel a little trapped if you can't just go and do everything you might want to -- right when you feel like it.
Jackie
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See if they CAN fix it.... If not, take it back to the Dealer, and see if they will replace it? Did you do it when you were playing bumper-cars with those other cars?
I have fixed little dings on my own wind-shield myself, on my other cars... but you just bought this... Go tell them I sent you! That should really scare them....
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Carole - I know you're pressed for time. Would it be OK if I copied some of your messages over to the dinner thread? We're all thinking of you and sending hugs.
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That's fine, Minus. But I will check in, maybe tonight. I'm sitting with my mother in her room. My sister and I visited one nursing home today and agreed it got a thumbs down.
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Carole, think about going un-announced.... I did that a few times... Then you get the feel of what it is really like... Sometimes the odor hit you right when you walked in... See how the other patients are being treated....
I finally moved my Grandma to a third nursing home.... all different reasons.... but I really like the feel of the smaller one! By this time she didn't know what was going on.... but they DID get them out of their rooms to sit in the hall and do exercises, or throw the ball to each other... But when she could no longer feed herself, I talked to staff, and asked them if they could just leave her alone, and leave her in her room in bed.... and keep her leg warmers on...
They said it is the law, that they have to make sure their patients eat... but she couldn't even swallow...! I went back, and things had changed... They left my Grandma in bed... with her leg-warmers on....
So it is wonderful when they will work with you....
The blizzard is over! The sun is shining now... DIA still shut down... but at least the sun is out!
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Good evening!
So how much snow did you get, Chevy? I like to look at pictures of snow, but that's about as close as I care to get. I didn't even like snow and outside winter sports when I was a kid. I'd trudge down the school to the big hill with the other kids and go down the hill a few times on my sled and then trudge home and read a book. I never learned to ice skate because I wouldn't stay out there long enough at a time. Yep, I'm where I need to be in the winter, but I love spring, summer, and fall!
Carole, your Mom is a real trooper....trying to exercise by herself. That DOES show that she's not giving up and that is over half the battle.
Jackie, I agree with Chevy. I think you should take your car back to the dealer and ask them to fix it. I'm sure they'll get "right on that" if you tell them that Chevy sent you! :-)
Linda...So glad that you are back to work and that the rads are behind you. It is good to hear from you!
Puffin...You are still in my thoughts! Sending hugs your way!
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Worst day ever. My daughter Allison took my son Ryan back to Chicago with her two and a half weeks ago. It seemed to be the best thing since he is taking his father's illness harder than any of us and having him busy somewhere else would help me. He has been mentally ill for most of his 31 years. He has clinical depression, bi-polar, and is frequently suicidal. We gave him $400 for admission to a few museums, travel on the L, etc. One week later he was out of money. He had spent it on liquor and cigarettes. He had a bad fight with his girlfriend on the phone and that sent him into even more of a tailspin. By last Saturday, he was manic and abusive to Allison and her roommate so Allison kicked him out of her apartment. To her credit, she got him a hotel room so he wasn't out on the street, but it infuriated Ryan. He drank himself into a rage. (Mike sent him a little more money!) I couldn't afford to bring him back early since the last minute ticket was way too expensive. He just had to hold out until today when he had a return flight. Allison was booked on the same flight. Long story longer...he ended up getting tossed off the airplane before it even left the gate for being drunk and disruptive. Allison left with him (forgetting to take her computer with her...it has all her work documents...terrible!) The police threatened him and that just made it worse. He ended up hitting Allison, spitting in her face, and arguing with the police. Amazingly, he wasn't arrested. She didn't press charges either but went back to her apartment. Of course he was invited! He was threatening her and she was scared of him. Instead of staying at the airport and sleeping in a chair until tomorrow when their re-booked flight was, he left and started walking. (He was at Midway.) He quickly got lost. The phone calls were flying back and forth, with him screaming at me and Allison as well. He said he planned to beat up the first person he saw and hoped the cops would come and shoot him. He was furious with me because I wouldn't get him a hotel room and refused to "order" Allison to come get him. (She doesn't have a car and he didn't know where he was anyway.) It started to rain and was cold. He was sleeping by a dumpster! He had his backpack and his guitar but carrying them around all day was difficult. The worst part of all this is Ryan said he was going to call Mike at the hospital to complain about Allison and me, since I was a worthless excuse for a mother and everything was my fault. I could not allow him to call Mike! He is incredibly fragile right now and absolutely cannot have stress. So I called Mike and glossed it over, saying Ryan was having a bad time but would be home tomorrow. In the meantime, I asked him to ignore Ryan's calls since he was manic and would upset Mike more. Sure enough, Ryan called him but had to settle for a long rant on voice mail. That infuriated Ryan even more so I got phone call after phone call of abusive, nasty filth. Now Mike is upset anyway and he doesn't know a fraction of what has been going on. I'll do my best to minimize the situation tomorrow. I had to go to the airport to pick up Allison and Ryan's luggage...which HAD made the flight. She had called Southwest Airlines about her computer and a flight attendant had retrieved it before it could be stolen. It was sent to San Antonio and was supposed to be with the luggage...but wasn't of course. I did finally get it though. So I was pushing and pulling two huge suitcases and a heavy computer bag all over the parking lot looking for my car. Couldn't find it for anything! After 45 minutes of wrangling those suitcases, I just sat down and cried. An employee saw me and helped me find it. By tonight, Ryan had been walking all day, it was dark, he was lost and wet and tired. My other daughter, Stephanie (from St. Petersburg, FL) had been in on all this all day too. She was able to calm him down a bit and got an address of where he was. We sent a Lyft over to pick him up and take him back to the airport. I got him a room at a nearby hotel. He bought another bottle of whiskey and plans to drink himself to sleep. Fingers crossed he will not make a scene tomorrow at the airport and I'll get him back to San Antonio. Stephanie is coordinating our effort to find a rehab center nearby since she has friends that know about that kind of thing.
Thanks for letting me vent. It was an awful day.
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I just read back to early March...and my heart is both full and heavy. Full--of the caring and thoughts of the ladies here, and the strength of those who are bearing such trials. Heavy--for the loss, stress, and tension in life situations for so many here.
Sandra, even though you mentioned it, it is hard to understand just how hard on the body Mike's procedure has been. You both have been holding on with your strength and faith. Your description of the procedure and photos were quite amazing. I truly wish him a return to strength and recovery. The setback of the infection is so unfortunate. I hope it will resolve soon.
My heart goes out to you, your daughters and your troubled son. It is a stressful time for all of you. It is painful to exercise tough love when your child is in such emotional turmoil. I hope Ryan made it back safely and that this awful day can be put behind you. Did your DD's computer show up? I lost a phone; they put it on a plane to where I was. I went to pick it up. It never arrived. An employee stole it. United paid for a new phone and never wanted the proof I had about the employee. I have to remind myself there are more good people than bad in the world.
Puffin, I was reading back to when Lew fell. I thought with time he would heal and recover. I was so saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. I read the many comments from those who knew him, and realized what a vibrant man he was. He had so many facets to his life, and seemed to be a joy and helper to many. You have lost your best friend, and I am truly sorry.
You are doing well, taking care of all the details, and planning your holiday. There is no road map, so just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep walking. You will find your very own path through this time of loss. I remember the cruise pix that you and Sandra posted not too long ago. We just don't know what lies ahead.Carole, I was also shocked and saddened to hear of your dear mother's stroke. I just loved reading your frequent posts about the things you and your mom have done together...meals, hair salon, visits. I do wish her a recovery that includes rehab, mobility, and some more good times for you and her. It is good that you are scouting out the options on her behalf.
Sending prayers to each of you and all who are going through challenging times.
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Friends, I know my post was long, but I just read all of this in one sitting.
I want to shout out "hi" to each one here.
Sharon, I hope that your procedure and results will soon give you that action plan you need. I know I felt that adrenalin and then inexplicable peaceful calm. But when I went for surgery and woke up cancer free, I knew I had finally done something about BC.Chevy, I saw today's Denver snow on the news tonight. I remember those CO snowstorms...wake up to snow, and watch it melt away. Be careful! And soon that garden will be dazzling again! Send pix!
ChiSandy, I am not sure of the timing of your trip, but I hope and pray the difficult situation in Europe will not affect your travels. I enjoyed hearing about your Passover traditions, past and present.
Termite, I do hope spring has arrived for good in Chicago. My DS is living there, and says this winter was pretty good compared to the last two years. He is trying to move to Denver...he needs a little more sunshine.
Jackie, I noticed a nature theme in your quotes this month. There are a few days each month, weather permiting, where the natural world puts on the most spectacular "show". Last night, driving home at sunset, I could see the bright orange and pink sky in my side view mirror while watching a giant full moon rise ahead of me. I took dozens of photos and hope to put the best ones together. Tonight the moon rose an hour after sunset, and the illusion was an even larger moon that I followed home as I drove east.
You mentioned the cholla cactus...I spent a week in the high desert near Palomar, CA, and even after multiple warnings from my guide, I got "bit" by the cholla. It was amazing how the spines went right through my pants and stuck in my leg. I had a painful rash for a few days, and remnants of the event for weeks.
I too, Jackie, recently gave up my 2002 Blazer with 273,000 miles on it, still "young" and running. It needed multiple repairs and I just couldn't justify spending the money. So I went car shopping. We kept the Blazer for our youngest who comes home from New York frequently. But he did not want to invest in the repairs, so we donated the car. I have another 4-wheel "real" SUV. Enjoy your new car and all its amenities!
Good night and wishing a wonderful tomorrow.
Joan
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Welcome back, Linda, and happy Purim! Sorry radiation sucked, but glad it’s behind you. I also got fibrosis over my lx scar (it’s keeping the tumor-cavity seroma contained). My LE therapist has me wearing a Solaris “Swell Spot” inside a sleep bra at night, and my dermatologist has me using triamcinolone ointment to fade the pink and soften the fibrosis.
Carole, so sorry about your mom.
Sandra, prayers that Mike’s body begins accepting the stem cells and that he turns a corner towards getting stronger--and that there’s some wau for Ryan to get help and for it to stick. My dad was bipolar and suicidal; I had PPD; and Gordy is on maintenance SSRIs for depression--he is four years smoke-free and has decided not to drink. He too is 31, but has no GF--his first and only (they were 15) and he split up a dozen years ago and they remain friends. She is a recovering alcoholic who has been sober going on 4 yrs--now dealing with her mom who has metastatic pancreatic cancer (on chemo) and her 86-y-o grandma--who pretty much raised her--now in relapse with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (she’d been 10 yrs in remission). I so wish he could find someone he can love and who will love him back. Being in improv comedy, it’s a tough market--everyone in America who thinks they’re funny comes to Chicago and they’re all chasing after the same few shows. Having started his own troupe and writing & directing a topical weekly revue keeps him busy and his chops up, even if he’s not making money. Fortunately, he lives with us and we can afford to support him. (He will eventually be a trust fund kid). He & I have a couple of shared bank accounts that I can top up but he can’t access Bob’s & my accounts.
It’s gonna snow here tomorrow--hopefully not before my flight to London takes off at 6 pm. Normally, I would get to O’Hare at 3:30 pm, but with all the complicated security I’d better get there by 2:30 or even 2. Got most of my packing done--before I go to bed I’m packing my meds. I will check 2 suitcases--1 large & 1 much smaller; change to a larger purse; and put my briefcase, meds, computer & jewelry in my rollaboard which will be my carryon. All these are ultralight hard-side spinners, and I can push two along with one hand and one with the other (actually, with just a finger). It’s easy to propel them....except last year boarding the AVE train in Madrid, after ticket control there was a long downhill moving ramp to the platform. I had to crouch down & back & hang on to my suitcases for dear life so they wouldn’t get away from me.
The trip is still on, though there is a Europe-wide security alert. (Switzerland will probably be the safest of the three legs of the trip). I fully expect the kind of third-degree at security that they’ve always done at Ben-Gurion Airport, long before 9/11. I am going to a restaurant Fri. night instead of to temple (it’s whole-hog, “glatt treyf:” my Jewish sisters will get a chuckle out of that). Staying away from any Easter celebrations or ceremonies--just high tea at the Lanesborough. I will be in Paris the weekend following Easter--I’ll be home for Passover.
Am I nervous? You bet. I took a nasty fall in Milwaukee Mon. night after the Who concert (and very nearly did it again tonight at Macy’s--the gum sole of my shoe stuck on the tile floor but I caught myself before I could pitch forward). I’m still stiff & sore, so I have no pangs of conscience over asking for a wheelchair or electric cart-shuttle at ORD and Heathrow. I figure this heightened level of security and awareness is probably the new normal. ISIS is like a snake that. after you decapitate it, regenerates two more heads. It’s hard to “defeat” an enemy that isn’t another country, people or finite organization, but rather a contagious malevolent philosophy. There seems to be an endless supply of disaffected youth who grew up being poisoned by the hatred instilled in them by parents who’d been oppressed or felt oppressed--taking back territory, killing leaders and capturing operatives will not end it.
But I am also philosophical. I could die slowly 10-20 yrs from now in horrible pain from mets, or from a heart attack or stroke--or it could end before I knew what hit me. We don’t get to choose--but given the choice between being in the midst of a fascinating vacation or languishing in an ICU......
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Hi all
Carole, I am sorry about your mom. Hopefully they will get her into the home you want.
Puffin, you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Grief tends to hit after all the hoopla when everyone else goes back to their normal lives, and you realize your life will never be the same normal again. Hang in there, and go easy on yourself. Accept help when offered.
Sandra- hard to believe a little splinter could cause such a big problem.
Jackie- I must have missed the post about your new car- good luck figuring it all out.
Well, tomorrow is the big day. Alexandria is going to make her debut with a little help from the Dr. ifshe doesn't decide to do it on her own tonight. We are supposed to be at the hospital by 5 am. I am not taking her, so I am planning on getting there between 7-7:30. She is really cranky today. Jamie can be tough to take most of the time, but today...lets just say I was happy she decided to go home this afternoon, leaving the 2 kids here. The daughter who lives with me will be here with the kids tomorrow, but she has to go to work Fri - it is the end of their fiscal year. So Fri the kids will spend the day with their step- grandmother. And my oldest DD will fly In next weekend she says, but she could very well end up here sometime tomorrow. I have to start dinner, and have laundry to fold so I have to get moving.
I'll try to send a picture tomorrow
Anne
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Morning all....! Sandra, I swear, hearing your story is like listening to my Brother about his Son. It's all the same thing... Everyone trying to help these guys, who are hell-bent on destroying themselves, and everything in their paths.
Yes.... all about the drugs, and alcohol fueled rages, and where it lands them... and all the family that tries to help... And all the family that has their heart broken to pieces each time "it didn't work"...
At one time his Son, stayed with his Sister... She had breast-cancer and mets, and was taking pain pills, but she was trying to help him, be his "payee" with that disability check, and had to sleep with a fanny-pack on, with her pain-meds in it, because her BROTHER would steal her pills to take or sell them, when his liquor & weed money ran out.
We lost her... before I found MY breast cancer... But her Brother is still up to his old tricks... living with another Sister here in Colo.... but was kicked out, because of fighting with her neighbors over his drug use... Then living with a few of his children that he managed to Father, but then was kicked out of THERE for all the same reasons.
Rehab, jail time, and now the latest is he is in jail again, for whatever... My Brother SAYS he just can't do it anymore... Can't worry about where he is sleeping, or who he is using. Can't do it anymore. My Brother is 77, his Son is 56! His Son never worked a day in his life.
I don't know what the answers are..... I wish I could help you, by saying ANYthing that would give you hope.
I wish there were some way to keep him from bothering his Father... especially now. And I wish I could give you a big hug....
Maybe when some things seem the worst, we hopefully find a silver-lining in those clouds hanging over us....
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And yes, that snow-storm really hit everyone hard! Airport re-opening they say, and so many people had to spend the night there! Power is back on in most area's... We got about 12-14 inches altogether... It just came down so hard and FAST!
All you could do is watch it going on... People were nuts, trying to drive somewhere unless it was an emergency... I-70 still closed not far from here, due to ice conditions, and all the cars abandoned along the roadways.
It's okay... today is supposed to be alright..., but then another one coming in Saturday... Could be a lot worse.... take care gals....
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I'm heart sore for you Sandra and really feeling that sand as I walk with you through this desert. It does seem that when things are 'down' your daughters seem to be able to come through and lift a bit of the burden. A mother is a mother though and it still sits on your shoulders. I started praying as I read, that today things would start to come together well enough to give you some peace -- a huge breather.
I know it is trite, but when the world presents me with too many burdens all at once I listen to some of my favorite music -- Zanfir-Romance of the Pan Flute. Zanfir actually designs and makes his own flutes out of wood and actually has a couple of extra notes on them. This music takes me out of the world and puts me somewhere else for a while. For me the music is hauntingly ethereal while totally soothing. It is a restorative for me -- like walking ten miles all at once.
You are deeply in my thoughts and cares today.
Jackie
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Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
~-Bl. Teresa of Calcutta
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