Senses

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you suddenly "lost" one of your senses?  Or if you had to choose one to give up??  Which would be the easiest to sacrifice? 

Would you pass on your eye sight?  Never being able to see the sunset again or the stars in the sky. Or the color of your grandchildren's cheeks on a cold winter day. How about never being able to smell your favorite flowers?? Or taste your Dad's famous cheesecake?? Or even hear the laughter of your niece's and nephew? How about not being able to feel the brush of "his" hand on your cheek? What would you do??

It's sad how we all take these "things" for granted.  Yet, while caught in a moment you realize just how important your senses are. Hearing the laughter, smelling the flowers, paying attention to the details in the trees, hugging and touching.  (And that's just for starters).

Today, I listened to the kids sing songs from the soundtrack, Wicked.  They were fabulous and what added to their performance was their facial expressions.  Priceless. I didn't want them to stop!!  To my advantage, I get to sit in the car with them for eight hours + tomorrow.  I'm certain there will be PLENTY of tunes and singing.

I'm still not packed and the Suburban is rolling out at 9:00 am, so I'm told.  I better call it a day!

I love y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To all of you that I will be seeing very shortly....YYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he is doing chemo, again.), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy (she's havingsurgery Thursday.), Lenore, Trish and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

I'm Walking On Sunshine...

and floating on a noodle!! (Whoever invented the noodle was brilliant by the way!!)  What a fantastic day we had yesterday!!  Back on the lake for swimming and playing.  The weather was perfect.  The kids took rides on Big Bertha (look at the pictures!) as Dad created waves for a bumpy fun adventure.  We didn't even begin to get back onto the boat until after 6:00 pm.

I was "cleared" by one of my doctors to travel and drive.  Although, she said to make certain I did not put myself into situations where I was uncertain of my limitations.  Such as walking too long a distance, driving while feeling dizzy etc.  I promised to "behave"...and well with my sister near by...there's no way I can really misbehave!   :)

I will see my cardiologist in three weeks and have blood work again in two weeks.

I'm feeling great for the most part.  Except, the gout is sort of giving me the blues.  My medication was switched for it.  So, I'm hoping that will make the difference.

We're headed for DC tomorrow morning.  I'm excited! I still have to pack though.  I'm not such a great packer.  In fact, I tend to bring much more than I need!!!!  Ha ha ha!!

I love y'all and will try to write more later. 

 

 

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he is doing chemo, again.), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy (she's havingsurgery Thursday.), Lenore, Trish and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

Accepting Donations

 Whatever you can spare will be greatly appreciated. Ha ha. :)  I was "let go" from my job today.  Sigh.  The talk with Frances was short, the good byes long, and tears....yeah, plenty of those. 

Even though I believe "this" is where I should be...I still feel sad and even a small bit defeated.  It's ok for me to tell myself what my limitations are.  However, when someone else is looking at me and telling me I can't "be used"...it stings.

I'm foot loose and fancy free now.  DC here I come!

I love y'all.

 

 

 

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he is doing chemo, again.), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy (she's having surgery Thursday.), Lenore, Trish and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

She Taught Me How To Walk And Swim Again

Figuratively speaking about my sister, of course!  I went swimming today.  It took plenty of encouragement from the gang to get me to go under the water...BUT I did it!  The pressure in my chest felt unusual and I have to admit I was afraid. However,  there was little coughing, some resting on the float, and  lots of swimming, swimming, swimming.  Did I mention what a TERRIFIC swimmer Ellie has become??!!!!

We came back home after 6:00 pm.  We juggled showers and baths and shortly there after Elizabeth asked me if I was going to take a walk after supper.  She said she would "stay with me or lead the way".  I couldn't pass up that offer!  Of course, as I accepted the invitation, I kept thinking to myself  that my sister is trying to kill me!!  She insisted that she's trying to save my life.  I believe her...but ohhhh my I'm EXHAUSTED!!

It's late and the rest of the house is quiet.  All have tucked in for the evening...and I have to as well.  I got way too much sun, some much needed exercising to pop the lungs back out, and now, I am pooped!!

Thank y'all for coming here and continuing to share this journey with me. 

All my love.

 

 

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he just had a bone marrow biopsy), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy, Lenore, Trish, and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

"Aunt Rene Made It!!"

That is what Ellie exclaimed as we came in the door from our walk after dinner.  Yes, I made it...and as far as I'm concerned it was quite a walk.  However, I feel great and the heart and lungs seem to be happy too.  Other then a bit of coughing....I am FABULOUS!!

(If you click on the pictures above...you'll get close up's of me,  30 lbs  lighter!!  It's amazing what a few stays in the hospital can do for the waist line!!!!!!!!)

I couldn't fall asleep last evening or should I say in the early morning, after the Browning's arrived.  Perhaps it was the excitement, or maybe the anticipation of thinking a nurse was going to come in my room and take my blood!!  Reality, set in eventually and I remembered I was back in my own bed.  I believe I fell asleep after 5:00 am.  No complaints...the company and the pitter patter of those little feet, THRILLS me.

Friday, my last day in the hospital.  I woke up somewhat early.  I didn't put the television on and I tried carefully not to wake my room mate.  I looked out of the window at the sun shinning.  I watched a few birds sit for a moment, and then fly by.  My breakfast tray was sitting in front of me and I took some time to blow on the hot decafe coffee I was given.  Still quiet, I chuckled thinking this hasn't been my usual breakfast in the last few weeks or "breakfast demeanor".  As of lately, I had been jumping in the car, stopping at McDonald's for a fruit parfait and large coffee.  Hardly even taking a second to taste the food, as I am settling in front of my computer at work.

Friday morning, made me quite aware of the way I have been rushing through life. A lesson I have been taught many times.  That morning, in the silence that I was breathing in...I heard my own thoughts and prayers again. I didn't over look thanking God for another precious day, and I apologized for taking the blessings and moments for granted once again.

I realize for some, they just don't believe it is an option.  To slow down, take time, breathe and be grateful for that very moment.  It is an option however. It is simply a choice.

Make the time, take the time...to sip a cup of coffee, to listen to your favorite song three times over, to talk to God, to have a meaningful conversation with your child or spouse.  This is what matters.  I promise.

I have a doctor's note that I am not to drive or work for the next two weeks.  I'll be going into my office on Tuesday to talk to my office manager.  Yes, the one who hasn't been so kind.  I've already told her, that I understand she has an office to run and I would like to continue working there.  I also told her I was well aware that when one person is "missing" from a small office everyone feels the work over load.  I am hoping she is gracious when I ask if I can cut my hours back.  I am praying when I walk out of the office on Tuesday, I am still employed.  If not, the Browning's get me for more than two weeks!!  :)

Speaking of going home with Browning's, I'll be having my 35th birthday celebration at their house!! YEAH!!  Clear your calendars, it's Friday, June 8th.  If you are lucky, you'll get the email including all the details!!  Be there, or be square!!!!!!!!

I'm off to sleep now.  Big day tomorrow.  We're going on the boat and we're going to swim in the lake.

Thank you to all of my wonderful friends who have advised me "not to drown" since I haven't put my lungs underwater since the ummmm....gulp...cancer diagnosis.  Ha! Ha!

Thank you Kelli, Julie and Leeann.  That's an understatement.

Thank you Daddy for my special chocolate cake!!!

I love y'all tons!

CONGRATULATIONS to Heather (Red) and Charles for the birth of their daughter, Isabella Victoria on May 23rd at 9:31 pm.  She weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz and is 21 inches long!!!!  It's about time Baby Izzy!!!

 

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he just had a bone marrow biopsy), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy, Lenore, Trish, and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

 

 

 

I've Baffled EvenThe Best Of The Best

Dr. Osburn (Chief doctor at ANMED) discharged me from the hospital today saying "I'm still consulting my colleagues and text books about you.  Thank you for being such a strange and interesting case".  Would I ever do anything half ass I was thinking to myself!!!

Yahhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooo I am home and happy about it...and yes I know the big 'ole secret.  I was sort of clued in when I realized my mother had been at the grocery for more than two hours.  I mean really, her, dad and I couldn't eat THAT much food.  I had a feeling The Browning Five would be visiting. Mom was filling her cart up with food for the Grand kids!!!!!!!!!!  I am beyond excited!!  When Pamela finally confessed, I cried, and cried, and cried. If the doctors give me an ok, I'll be riding back to DC with them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      21 days until my 35th birthday!!!!!!!!!!

I spent many moments today looking out of my hospital window and thinking about my time.  I jotted down some thoughts...and when I am not feeling so tired I will put them in here to share.

Dr. Osburn concluded that he was not "SO concerned with my lungs" because if he can't keep my heart beating...the lungs just don't matter.  Yeah, I suppose that makes a whole lot of sense!

I am trying desparately to stay awake for the Browning's arrival.  However, I'm just not seeing it happen.

Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for the phone calls and well wishes and prayers.

Though I've said this before, I MUST say it again.  I love my parents, they are absolutely amazing.

I love y'all too. Sweet dreams!

 

PS ~ CONGRATULATIONS to Heather (Red) and Charles for the birth of their daughter, Isabella Victoria on May 23rd at 9:31 pm.  She weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz and is 21 inches long!!!!  It's about time Baby Izzy!!!

*** Please say prayers for My Aunt Gloria and our family, Nathan (he just had a bone marrow biopsy), Ms Bobby (she started radiation), Mr. Russo, Ms Pammy, Lenore, Trish, and David Carey. They are fighting the battle with cancer too .

*** Please say prayers for Jay Carey and his family.  He is in Iraq, fighting the war.

 

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!

 

I Wish You Enough

A friend of mine (of 20+ years) sent this to me.  She said she thought of Rene when she read it.  I think you'll find the same.  Thanks Kelli.  I love you too!


Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together
at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love
you and I wish you enough".

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough.
Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to
cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?".

"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking,
but why is this a forever good-bye?".

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?".

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone". She paused a moment
and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said , 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person
to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from
memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.

I know I've said this before, but it deserves repeating.  If you are reading this you probably do have more than enough.  Whether or not you realize it is a completely different story.

Have a wonderful day, I'm going to pack!

Love,
Pamela

P.S.- Did you notice that this entry was longer?  We got a new computer yesterday, yeah!  My husband rocks (he got it all set up for me between dinner last night and bedtime)!