I'm OK! I'm OK!

WOW...I'm grateful that y'all are concerned when I haven't written in a few days!

Sorry if I had you worried.  It's not that I've been feeling badly.  I've just been a bit preoccupied with "things".  I had a few fires to help put out, a couple doctor appointments with my cardiologist, a date with the sunshine (it's been in the high 60's low 70's here!!!), a date with John, American Idol time with Mom and Dad (Yes, I'm addicted), and I've actually been trying to get to bed at a reasonable hour. (That means before 2:00 am)  I know, it's a shocker!!!

Yesterday, someone asked me what my favorite simple pleasure was and how it made me feel.  My first thought was....my favorite??  I have to narrow it down to one?!!  My second thought was...IMPOSSIBLE!! My life is abundantly filled with simple pleasures!  Really, isn't that what life is?  What are your simple pleasures??

Before I say good night, I just need to make one comment.

  Leeann ~ are y'all still in Georgia shopping??  Ha ha!!!!!!!!!  :)

I'm off to bed!!! 

I love y'all and cannot wait to come back to Maryland at the end of March!!!!

 

*** Please hold Kammi (a close friend of my sister's) in your prayers. Her surgery is March 1st.

*** Please keep  Nathan (he started chemo) , Ms Bobby (she's starting radiation soon.) and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Good Morning

Isn't that a BEAUTIFUL sunrise??  I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice.  Especially, since I took them sitting in bed from my window at 6:41 am.

You just have to welcome morning and be joyful after seeing a sky like that!!!

(Yes, Rachel I'm talking to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha ha!!)

I have a doctor's appointment, blood draw, and some other "running" to do. 

Time to get in the shower!!

I'll write more later!!!!!!!

~ Borrowed Angels ~

My cousin, Jesse sent me this song.  I couldn't help by cry when I listened to it.

 Thanks Jesse.  This song is amazing.

Borrowed Angels

by Kristen Chenowith

They shine a little brighter, they feel a little more.
They touch your life in ways no one has ever done before.
They love a little stronger, they live to give their best .
They make our lives so blessed, so why do they go so soon?
The ones with souls so beautiful
I heard someone say--

There must be Borrowed Angels, here in this life.
They come along, into this world, and make this world bright.
But they can't stay forever
Cause they're heaven sent
And sometimes, heaven needs them back again.

They reach a little deeper, they see what's in your soul.
And even when they leave you know, you'll never let them go.
The world's a little richer, just cause they came along.
Their love goes on and on, so why do they go so soon?
The ones with souls so beautiful. I heard someone say--

There must be Borrowed Angels, here in this life.
They come along, into this world, and make this world bright.
They can't stay forever, cause they're heaven sent.
And sometimes, heaven needs them back again.

How else can you explain why they're here, and not here to stay?
I believe there must be, must be

Borrowed Angels, here in this life.
They come along, into this world, and make this world bright.
But they can't stay forever, cause there heaven sent.
And sometimes heaven needs them back again.

 

 

 

*** Please hold Kammi (a close friend of my sister's) in your prayers. She's dealing with medical issues and will be having surgery March 1st.

 

*** Please keep  Nathan (he started chemo) , Ms Bobby (she had  successful surgeryand will start radiation soon!!) and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

A Full Yesterday

Friendship is beautiful!!! I was invaded with a whole bunch of it yesterday!  Leeann and her sisters, Laurie and Shelby and Momma, Billie came to play!!  They drove from Pensacola, Florida which is sort of why Monday evening I didn't see them as planned.  "Sort of why" being the key phrase....and no I'm not going to explain it all because it will get far too confusing.  Not to mention, it won't be comical like it actually was!!

Let me tell you about Southern draw's.  I think I could see my mother seriously concentrating on what each of the girls was saying hoping not to miss a word!!

Anyway, though I had not seen Leeann in a while.  It didn't seem like that at all.  (Except she has long hair now.) She is still the same fun loving, kind hearted person I met seven years ago when she hired me to work with her in a fertility center.  I don't think I ever said that's how we met. I probably never mentioned that we shared an office either. My desk sat in front of hers. When I would talk on the phone with patients, Leeann would toss things in my big curly hair.  It was great amusement for her.  I can't lie, it kept me in stitches too!! There's nothing like trying to carry on a conversation with a patient, while your supervisor is throwing things at the back of your head!!!!!!!!!!  Oh that's not true...there's nothing like getting in the shower after a long day and finding paper clips in your hair!!!!!!!!!!! Ha ha!!!  I love you Leeann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodbye's never seem to get easier.  I'd like to kick the thought that creeps up in my mind each time I'm hugging on someone and saying "see you later".  It's difficult though.  So, I hugged everyone tightly. Leeann got two.  I watched them drive away, closed the door, and I cried.

I'm incredibly blessed by your friendship Leeann!!!!!!  Go figure....Momma, and Shelby, and Laurie are just as wonderful !!!   :)

Two hours after their departure, I went off to play with my girl scouts.  It was World Thinking Day!! World Thinking Day is "when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all around the world think of each other and give thanks and appreciation to their sister Girl Scouts." 

To celebrate it here, the senior girl scouts set up centers from different countries explaining not only about their specific country but about girl scouts from that country.  Each time the girls "visited" a different country they had a passport that got stamped.  It was very cool.  The girls enjoyed themselves...and so did I!!

I'm not sure what time I finally arrived back home.  I can tell you I was exhausted.  I caught the last part of American Idol and shortly after that, I fell asleep.

I keep saying I am much better when I am "doing".  Truly I am. 

Truly, life is good.

God is good. :)

More later....

 

A New Day

I woke up early today. It was to the tune of a bird singing.  I have to admit, it wasn't as fabulous as hearing my niece, Elle sing.  However, waking to the sounds of "life" makes me extremely happy.

The weekend was another great one!!!  Though staying on top of the pain killers and fuctioning is still a bit of a challenge!!

We had a Girl Scout meeting Saturday afternoon.  It was fabulous!  We learned about cooking, and measuring in the kitchen. Then we concocted a fruity spritzer drink, baked apples with cinammon and raisins, Brownie Soup, and Sloppy Joes.  The girls hardly lacked in participation and enjoyment.  Even making up the words to a few songs to go along with the foods we were trying!  In the end, even though the Sloppy Joe's had a little mustard for flavor, (ha! ha!) the Girl Scouts enjoyed their goodies and of course with the help of Ms Jay were VERY successful learning to follow directions with recipies and measuring!!  Make sure you check the pictures out!!!  Please forgive the quality of them.  I had forgotten my camera, so I used my camera phone.

John came to pick me up Saturday night.  I was exhausted BUT really looking forward to seeing him.  He's never empty handed when he arrives.  He got me a pot full of mini daisies.  Mom said she'll replant them at the new house.  He's very thoughtful!  The evening was a casual one.  Pizza and then movies back at the house.  I needed "casual" and pizza.  Ha ha.

My friend Leeann will be here today.  I haven't seen her in seven years.  At this moment, she's still in Alabama. She should be here by supper time!  YEAH!!!!

I'm going to finish this for now.  Hopefully, I'll return later to let you know about my evening.  If I don't, please remember what a blessing every waking moment is. 

Especially, the first one of a new morning. 

I love y'all very much!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

If this isyour first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Doing The Happy Dance

It's only taken about two days to get my pain under control.  "Better than a week", my sister said.  Yeah...that's for sure!!  So, I'm doing a little happy dance tonight since I can sit up and walk again without crying.  Happy dance! Happy dance!

What I Am Looking Forward To:

* My Girl Scout meeting tomorrow with Julie.

* Seeing John this weekend.

* "Working" with my new client.

* Monday ~ My friend, Leeann is coming to visit (her family too)!!!!!  I haven't seen her in seven years!

* The Browning Birthday Season.

* Going back to Maryland in March.

* Drinks with the Girls!

* Eating at Tony Luke's in Philly.  :)    www.tonylukes.com

* Seeing my FAVORITE cousin.  (laughing, laughing, laughing)

* Visiting the new house again. The insulation is getting put in and the walls!!

* Red having Izzy.

* Beth giving birth to her daughter.

* Spring

* A hot cup of tea before I tuck in.

* Tucking in.

* Another day.

 

I love y'all and appreciate you sharing this with me each day! Should I not see tomorrow...I'll save you seat at the breakfast table, ok??

 

*** Please hold Kammi (a close friend of my sister's) in your prayers. She's dealing with medical issues and will be having surgery March 1st.

 

*** Please keep  Nathan (he started chemo) , Ms Bobby (she had  successful surgeryand will start radiation soon!!) and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

 

 

"Just Do It"

I had three teeth filled today by the greatest dentist in the world, Dr. Hardy.  I picked the perfect day for it didn't I??? 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Mom made heart shaped hamburgers for dinner.  That's tradition.  Dad brought home beautiful Gerber daisies for me.  They're my favorite! I also got a big box of chocolates from John and a very sweet card.  It's so nice to remembered....and great to be loved.

I'm not feeling well at all so, I'm going to make this very short. 

Life is too short to wait for special occassions.  Bring flowers just because. Eat chocolate. Dance under the stars. Say I love whenever you get the chance.  "Just Do It".

I love y'all.

***Please say prayers for Father Steve's family and parish.  He passed away yesterday in his sleep peacefully.

*** Please keep  Nathan (he started chemo) , Ms Bobby (she had  successful surgery and will start radiation soon!!) and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Michelle

Some people call her Crawford. You'll see her comments as qtcandlechic.  That's my friend, Michelle. Today is her birthday.  Happy Birthday Michelle!!  If I know her as well as I think I do...she is cursing me for doing this!!  I love it!  : )  That picture is from when she came to visit me last year.  It's not the most recent picture I have of her.  However, it is one I know she approves of and that's why I posted it. I am a smart friend, I know her rules. Did I mention it was Michelle's birthday??  Happy Birthday Michelle!!!

I met Michelle working for Capital Women's Care. That was the company I was working for when I moved from Maryland.  We shared an office...and let me say, ummmmm she was less than excited about it.  (Sorry girl, you know it's true!!)  She helped train me.  Otherwise, we didn't socialize at all. I wasn't used to that...and two months after I was trained I didn't like that still we didn't have some "common ground" to connect on.

Thank goodness for my curious ears. I overheard Michelle talking to my supervisor one day about "a guy".  Long story short. I interrupted their conversation. The guy was a close friend of mine who I had lost touch with.  From that moment on, Michelle and I could not shut up. We realized that "back in the day" we knew all the same people. We were actually shocked we had not met sooner.  It was the birth of a beautiful friendship. :)

I remember one of our co workers telling my mother that once Michelle feels like she's made a friend, she goes above and beyond for that person.  I have to agree with that 100%, if not more.

For those of you that didnt know, Michelle is the one who came to the emergency room with me when I fainted and broke my leg, and then had the heart surgery.  She took care of me while I remained in the hospital. Visiting at least once a day, bringing yummy goodies instead of hospital food. She washed my hair, brought her handsome son to cheer me up, gifts just because, gave me hugs and said positive words and always had plenty of gossip!!  It didn't stop there though.  When I came out of the hospital and I was still in the wheelchair, Michelle was the one who went grocery shopping for me.  She called a dozen times a day to make sure I was ok.  She visited a least twice a day with lunch and dinner and usually a movie too. My fancy walker came from her.  My pillows so I could breathe better, her.  I could go on forever. All the while, she had her own busy life.  Yet, always made time to check on me.

Michelle is incredibly special to me.  The time we've spent together is irreplaceble to me. She is modest about who she is....and she is caring, loving, and selfless.

I miss her.  The days of uncontrollable laughter in the office.  Pizza. Steak and cheeses. Cute boys and happy hour. Softball practice. Her knowing my stubborn side more than I'd care to admit. Trying to get me to a bathroom in time.  (There's a story behind that!)  She's a gem.

I am grateful for this day!!!  Happy Birthday Michelle!!  I love you and miss you so very much!!

Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate! 

PS ~ Don't forget to save me a potato wedge!!  :)

 

 

Simply Living Life

It was a great weekend!!  I am so much better off, when I am doing. The weather was much nicer for us while were selling Girl Scout cookies this Saturday. (Look at the pictures!!!!!!!) The sun was bright and it actually got warm.  The girls were enthusiastic and full of energy. They even took their coats off and danced around a little!!  We had quite a few people donate boxes to the troops (which I love!!)...and we may have even quality controlled a box as well. :) We sold a little more than one hundred boxes!!!  YEAH!!  It's your last chance if you want any!!!  Hint...hint.  :)

I saw John again Saturday night.  Oh let me rephrase that.  I went out to dinner with John AND met his father.  When he came to pick me up (15 minutes early), I wasn't ready and I panicked. You know that kind of panic ladies???!!! Can't find your mascara, not sure if the shirt looks good with the pants, is it a bad hair day...I have to look perfect when I go meet his father panic?!! When I finally came into the living room  my father told me I looked nice. John gave me a bouquet of flowers, and an early Valentine's Day gift.  At that moment, I could have had snakes growing out of my head, and snot coming out of nose. I still would have felt like the most beautiful lady in the world!

Dinner was pleasant. There was plenty of conversation.  John's father had many questions for me and was also sure to tell me what a "good boy" his son was.  I was sure to tell his father, I just might corrupt his son a little.  Ha ha.  That's my nature.  The little rebel in me.  His father laughed, and said that was fine. So I was told, I received the big approval from his father and the soon to be step mom.  Of course I did!!  What's not to love about me!!?!!  I like John. :)

I met a new client Sunday evening.  She's 93. She still lives in her extremely old farmhouse and owns chickens, sheep, and horses.  She also still feeds them, takes care of her yard best shecan, and her home.  So why does she need me??  Companionship.  She just wants me to hang out with her.  Walk the farm with her.  Pet the animals.  Sit with her.  I am eager to spend time with her!!!

I relaxed and slept most of today.  I knew I needed to. With the exception of a quick little run to a small bookstore and the post office.  (Mom drove because I can barely see straight from the meds!) I bought a used book called Notes to Myself.  The first line in the book is.... "If I had only forgotten future greatness and looked at the green things and the buildings and reached out to those around me and smelled the air."  Wow, what another great book to "stumble" upon.  Cool thing about it being used is that it has comments written in it from the person who read it previously.  I'll let you know how much I love it.

I feel good.  My tummy was a little unhappy after the movies Saturday but nothing I couldn't handle with medicine. (It made John a little nervous and we did sit and talk about it for a while. He's a sweetheart.) There were many moments these last few days, I found myself crying.  Yes, sometimes they were sad tears. 

I've realized again, how much I take for granted and how short life is.  So, before you fall asleep tonight...be mindful of what you are blessed by and grateful for. Even if it is as simple as the day being over and falling asleep.

 

I love y'all so very much.

 

*** Please say prayers for Tammy and her son Steven.

 *** Please keep  Nathan (He's starting chemo today.) , Ms Bobby (She had  successful surgery and will start radiation soon!!), Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Hibernating

The new narcotics are not good. I can hardly hold my head up. (Wanna buy some??   Ha ha!)  Here is what my day has consisted of.  I woke up around 10:55 am.  I ate breakfast.  I think.  I climbed back into bed.  I woke back up around 4:30 pm.  I had a two minute conversation with Mom. I somehow made it into the shower. I put matching clothes on, even two shoes! I went out to dinner with Mom and Dad. I did manage to get all the food into my mouth!! I was able to participate in conversation.  Or perhaps, I was talking to myself.  Ohhh my.  I'm home now, obviously and doing this very short journal entry because I have a full day planned tomorrow that I would really like to accomplish!!!!!!!!!!

Goodnight!

I love y'all very much!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox

 

*** Please keep  Nathan (He's home from the hospital, YEAH!!!) , Ms Bobby (She had  successful surgery and will start radiation soon!!), Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Bad, Bad Patient

I canceled my doctor's appointment yesterday.  I was too uncomfortable and medicated to take the 40 minute drive. It didn't go over very well with my doctor who demanded I go for a blood draw anyway or I could forgot about seeing him today.  He reminded me I was just about the most non compliant patient he had ever had.  I knew that.  :)

I have a fever of a 101 today. My red and white blood cell counts are both low.  I got my injection of Aranasep, a new prescription for pain meds....and a very long talk from my oncologist who seems to think I am stubborn patient.  DUH!

Today's discussion was difficult.  It reduced me to tears.  I'm scared and I don't like being scared.  Just as my doctor said, it's come to a point where I have to do something.  I can't just do nothing.  I know that's true, because as of now the quality of my life is being affected...and that goes against everything I believe.  So, surgery vs. radiation.  

Dr. Orr's given me his opinion. He thinks it doesn't matter to me.  It really does.  In the next few weeks, I will have a new oncologist.  The new oncologist will have the "recommendations" from Dr. Orr and the heads up on my attitude. (What attitude???) Dr. Orr promised me he wouldn't choose a doctor for me that couldn't give me the bed side manner I needed.  I thanked him.  It made me cry harder.  I'm ready to make a decision.  I'm scared though.  Really, really scared.

On a much lighter note, while I was skipping the doctor's appointment yesterday I went over to Julie's house to play.  Yeah, I know.  I couldn't drive to the doctor's office but I could go over to a friend's house.  Hey ~ she lives 10 minutes away!!!!!!  Anyway, I was greeted by two adorable friendly little faces who didn't hesitate in hugging me.  I'm telling you...if her kids keep doing that...they will NEVER get rid of me!!!  Thank you Julie I had such a great time...and no matter how much pain I was in I could have stood up and sang like that forever!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

Grey's Anatomy is on....gotta go.  I love y'all bunches.

 

*** Please keep  Nathan (He's home from the hospital, YEAH!!!) , Ms Bobby (She had  successful surgery today!!!!!!!!!!), Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Dad's birthday...and I am certain I get my enthusiasm and excitement about my birthdays from my father!!!  I'll let you guess how old he is.  You won't be right!!  He doesn't look or "act" his age at all!!

Mom always makes him his favorite hamburgers for dinner and I usually get him a cake.  This year we got him a silly little cake and he baked his own too.  You'll notice the pictures.  Both cakes were delicious!!  OK Dad's cake was better!!!!!!!!!! :)

I'm feeling the same today, as yesterday.  So, I'm actually looking forward to seeing my doctor tomorrow.  I know this is a short entry but I really want to be in bed.  I love y'all!!

 

 

 

*** Please keep  Nathan (He's home from the hospital, YEAH!!!) , Ms Bobby (her surgery is February 8th), Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

The Perfect Book

I'm not feeling top notch today. I've been taking medicine all day though, so the pain has been tolerable. I'll be seeing my doctor again on Wednesday.  He's going to switch my meds or up the dose until we decide my "game plan" and introduce me to my new doctor.  I'll also be getting the routine blood draw. 

John (the date) had mentioned a book store to me a few weeks previous, that I knew Dad would like.  Of course, being geographically challenged I couldn't really figure out where it was.  Each time I tried to get a better understanding of where it was located from John.  I fumbled on the directions to Dad. Well, Mom came home and told me they had found the bookstore. It is in a small little community called Willington. Population ~ 200 people! She had a brochure on the history of the community, the bookstores, and all the surrounding shops too.  The greatest gift she came home with however, was the book she bought for me titled  A Gift Of Time ~ By Susan Florence.

"Now is the time to stop and watch the sun's rays as they sparkle through the windows of our lives. Now is the time to listen to each other. Now is the time to talk about our deepest desires, to hold hands with each others dreams...to sahre the joy and sadness held within our lives. Now is the time to put aside the chatter of small things...and know that time is all we have. Now is the time to celebrate the small joys of this day...to notice the light and the shadows. It may be time to dance...It may be time to grieve...It may be time to remember...It may be time to regret. It may be time to forgive. It may be time to forget. Yesterday is always with us. Yet yesterday is always gone. Today can nourish us and inspire us like no other time.  Treasure the moments of the new dawn, of the dew on the lawn, of the sun's journey through the sky.  And after the crimson light has fallen...when only the lavende hue of first night remains, as the stars begin their ritual twinkle let our hearts touch and be full of thanks...this gift of time is all we have."

No coincidence that book was on the shelf....

Thanks Mom. I love it.  But you knew that before you even handed it to me!

This gift of time is all we have....

 

*** Please keep  Nathan ( who is home from the hospital, YEAH!!!), Ms Bobby (surgery is February 8th) , Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Balance

Saturday was just great!!  124 boxes of girl scout cookies sold!! I can't take any of the credit!  I did however get to spend "girl time" with Julie, Ashley, Elise, and her Mom, Amy who is quite entertaining!!! It was windy and cold, but well worth it!!  Those girls are tooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!  Did I mention how much I love Julie and helping out with the Girl Scouts???!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!

My date was also terrific!! The restaurant (Capri's) he picked was charming and quaint.  The food was fantastic.  He was a PERFECT gentlemen.  Again, he gave me a beautiful flower and held every door open for me.  He was full of conversation and compliments.  It was wonderful!!  After dinner, we went to see Night At The Museum with Ben Stiller. It was extremely entertaining!!!!!!!!  Shhhhhhhhh.....I even brought him home to meet Mom and Dad.  Ok, don't go getting all excited.  There was just a huge gap in between the movie and finishing dinner.  So, I decided to drop my car off.  That way he and I could be in one vehicle. I guess I should also mention this isn't Brian.  His name is John.  Born and raised here in South Carolina.  A good old country boy.  (If you want the deatils on Brian....you'll have to call me!!!!!!!!)  Anyway, John just seems to be an all around nice guy.  Per my mom.  :)  I agree.

I tucked in very happy....and woke up this morning around 10:00 am in a new kind of pain I was just not wanting to deal with. I took half a pain pill on an empty stomach struggling with what was going on....and let me tell you I wasn't exactly sure what was going on.  My legs were shaking and they had sharp sensations shooting through them and my back...I can't even describe that pain.  I stayed in bed for almost two hours hoping the pill would kick in and I would fall asleep.  It didn't happen though. I was kitchen bound.  My logic was if I ate something, I could tolerate more pain meds. I ate cereal quickly. Walking back to my room was extremely difficult. I finally took a full pill. I climbed into bed. I called my doctor and left a message. I called Pam and cried. She let me cry, like she always does. She told me that if she could take it away from me she would.  I knew she meant that with all her heart and soul. I asked her if God thought I forgot I had cancer, yesterday was so perfect (so he had to go pushing my pain buttons)...we both laughed.  And then my little light bulb came on...as it always does. There are good days and bad days.  The happiness and sorrow.  Without one you can't possibly know the other...so you have to be thankful for the balance of both in your life. I know I am.

I slept through the first half of the Superbowl.  I don't stay awake so well on all these pain meds.  I did enjoy Prince at half time though and I saw the rest of the game after that!! 

I also had some good chicken wings!!!!! 

I need to get comfy and try to tuck in now!!!

I love y'all so much!!!!!!

 

*** Please keep  Nathan, Ms Bobby, Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Feeling Funky

I hope you read my journal entry from earlier today.  If you haven't...go ahead. You have time. It is after all, just right below!! Ha ha.

I'm feeling a little loopy tonight.  Sort of yucky.  My potassium is extremely low.  I know this because one of my medications robs my system of it.  Besides that, I get the shakes...and I have them badly.  

Tomorrow, I'll be helping the Girl Scouts sell cookies.  I'm looking forward to spending time with the girls and with Julie.  She's my only friend here in Anderson.  But y'all know that.  She's fabulous.  Y'all know that too.  

I have a dinner and movie date later in the night also.  I am very excited.  I'll let you know how it goes!!

I need to tuck in...and should I not see tomorrow, I'll be saving you a seat at the breakfast table ok?

I love y'all.

 

*** Please keep  Nathan, Ms Bobby, Father Steve, and Ms Pammy in your prayers. They are all fighting the battle with cancer too .

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Scars And Stars (From The Cancer Crusade)

I don't usually write quite this early in the day.  However, I found this in my emails.  It really could not have come at a more appropriate time!!  I'm sure I'll write more later!  Have a fabulous day!!

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!" ~Author Unknown~ In an interview on “Larry King Live” on August 23 of last year, musician Sheryl Crow discussed her recent bout with breast cancer and the radiation treatments she underwent. She pointed to a tiny dark speck visible just above the neckline of her blouse and explained that it was one of several tattoos that were applied to help guide the radiation technicians as they administered her treatments. She commented that, “Ultimately, I might get (them) removed,” but went on to say she would keep the tattoos for the time being so that she wouldn’t be too quick to forget the powerful life lesson she had just experienced. I was a little taken aback when she said that she might one day have her tattoos removed. I’ve had  mine for eleven years now. I wouldn’t give them up for anything because it’s not in the short term that we are in danger of forgetting the lessons cancer has to teach us, but rather in the long term. It is now in these days long removed from daily trips to the hospital, seemingly endless rounds of chemotherapy, and surgery after surgery after surgery that I need to see those tiny blue dots when I undress. It is now when life is good and I am strong and tempted sometimes to pretend that I never had cancer that I need to touch them and remember, not with sad and fear, but with joy and pride inwhat I endured and overcame. I’ve never thought of having them removed, but I have considered having one of them transformed into a tiny butterfly, a symbol of triumph and rebirth. Think long and hard, Sheryl, before you have your radiation tattoos removed.Celebrate not only those tiny marks, but also every scar, every mark, every wrinkle to come in the days and years ahead because each of them tells and will tell a piece of the story of who you are. They are part of your music, precious notes in the song that is your life. A subscriber named Lyn recently wrote to us the following message: “I know someone who is so horrified by her little blue radiation tattoos that she is planning to have them removed. On the other hand, I have wondered what constellation I would get if I connected my dots.” Stars! She sees them as stars on her body! What a gift she gave me with those words. Maybe instead of a butterfly, I'll get a tiny star... Dear God, help me to remember that I am Your creation and that everything You have created is perfect and beautiful. Remind me not to be ashamed of my scars, but to see them as stars in   my constellation, brushstrokes in the masterpiece that is my life. Amen

Perception

The closings for schools and different work places were flashing on the television last night.  There were an abundance of news flashes and weather reports too.  Around 1:00 am I think I heard a sand truck, and at 5:00 am our grass was covered by one inch of snow. Yes, it snowed in Anderson, South Carolina. :)

When I finally got out of bed this afternoon, the ice was sort of melting away and the roads were clear.  Mom and Dad were venturing out of the house. Anderson was closed by the little bit of snow they never, ever seem to get!!

I'm happy to see the snow.  It's beautiful on the trees and laying on the ground. It doesn't make me feel anxious or panicked....of course I'm not out driving in it!!  It's all about perception...the way much of life is!!!!!!!!

My girl scout meeting was canceled, but we will be selling cookies at the Bloom on Saturday.  Anyone want to buy some??  The only good answer is YES!!!  According to Julie, if we don't get rid of the boxes soon she isn't going to be able to find her children or her adorable dog!! (Shameless selling tactics!!) 

I'm going to watch Grey's Anatomy with Mom.  It's my favorite.

My breathing isn't great today, but I'm alive so I can't complain...too much :)!!

I love y'all very much!!

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!