A New Day

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Go for it girl. We will be here for you... maybe not there for you though... Keep us posted on the schedule and stuff!

[MiniMi 1,468]

Knee surgery is the pits but you will feel so much better after you go through it.

[MiniMi 1,468]

For cyber mom

[Sojourner 2,446]

Good Afternoon all...

What a difficult few days it has been for us...we are truly mourning the loss of Sushi. Both Jack and I still get tearful at times. She was just such an important part of our family. Brent actually drove us over to the veterinary hospital. We thought that perhaps IV Medications would be more effective, but the vet there said that with her kidney issues, fixing her pulmonary issues would strain her kidneys more.

Jack, Brent, and I were all in tears...we just could not allow Sushi to suffer any longer. She had been fine the day we drove to FL and that evening after arriving at Madeira Beach, but in the morning her breathing was labored. It got progressively worse, and by evening we knew she needed medical attention.

We picked up her ashes and paw print today...and so the healing and adjustments to the new normal begin.

Thank you all for your kind words...

[Sojourner 2,446]

Janet, will you need surgery on both knees? A good friend of mine had both knees replaced, and she has done so much better since. Her knees are pain free...and her mobility is so much improved.

I know that you are in a good place and weight to begin the journey to make yourself whole again...we will be with you here!

Also, Terri and Janet, and Dawn, Diane, and I'm certain I'm forgetting someone...thank you for your kind and understanding words.

Diane, life is always a winding path. I understand what a financial stress caring for elders can be. We had to cover half of the costs of the monthly care for Jack's mom before her benefits from the VA were approved. That was around 18 months. Do your best to keep your faith, and it will all work out. Hugs to you!

Dawn, amazing pictures from Chicago today! How exciting for your daughter to attend her orientation...she is one step closer to her university experience! BTW, your picture is beautiful! How are you feeling? I hope your back pain is resolving.

[Sojourner 2,446]

Janet, I would have loved to visit with you on Friday, but Jodi..'s coating and hooding ceremony begins at 5pm, so we will be driving to Orlando in the morning.

When I know dates for our trip back here in November, I will definitely seriously want to make plans...that is if I can pry you away from your family! The new granddaughter will have arrived by then...

Travel day tomorrow...I'll be back, not sure when.

I am thankful for each of you every day.

[MiniMi 1,468]

Good Afternoon all...

What a difficult few days it has been for us...we are truly mourning the loss of Sushi. Both Jack and I still get tearful at times. She was just such an important part of our family. Brent actually drove us over to the veterinary hospital. We thought that perhaps IV Medications would be more effective' date=' but the vet there said that with her kidney issues, fixing her pulmonary issues would strain her kidneys more.

Jack, Brent, and I were all in tears...we just could not allow Sushi to suffer any longer. She had been fine the day we drove to FL and that evening after arriving at Madeira Beach, but in the morning her breathing was labored. It got progressively worse, and by evening we knew she needed medical attention.

We picked up her ashes and paw print today...and so the healing and adjustments to the new normal begin.

Thank you all for your kind words...[/quote']

I saw the writing on the wall but didn't want to. I'm so sorry for your loss. You applaud your courageous decision to let sushi go with dignity in tact.

My Rottie Kasey died two years ago and I still think about her every day. It is truly a painful adjustment to live without her. I'm sorry you have to go through it too.

Sending a big hug to your family.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Not to be depressing, but a friend sent me this today, and while most of you are far younger than I am, it carries a strong message to live in the now, so I decided to share it:

AND THEN IT IS WINTER...

THIS IS RIGHT ON THE NOSE. .......READ IT SLOWLY... I DON'T KNOW WHO

WROTE IT, BUT I AM GUESSING IT WAS A SENIOR!!! IT IS VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK. READ IT SLOWLY!

AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly

and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on

my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I

wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have

glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But,

here it is... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...How

did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth

go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that

those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far

off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move

slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse

shape than me...but, I see the great change...Not like the ones that I

remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is

beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see

and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for

the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory!

Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all

the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do

things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure

how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over on this

earth...it's NOT over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I

should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have

done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will

be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to

accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too

long!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be

sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you

will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all

the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that

they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for

them in all the years past!

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to

those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER:....

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

"LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!

LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE

SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

~Your kids are becoming you......

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf.

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.

~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!" Send this on to other "Old Friends!" and let

them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of

Life You Have Lived.

[♥LovetheNewMe♥ 1,216]

Tonight is one of those nights when i wish my cyber friends lived down the street. Feeling sorta down and out of sorts tonight. Today was an emotional day. Took mom to the Geriatric specialist today and guess what we have Alzheimer's, NS Sherlock! Lots of cognitive testing and poor mama did poorly and I felt so sad for her, it broke my heart to watch her try so hard, she kept looking at me to bail her out and I had to just sit there. But the results are all confirmed for all to know and see, it is now written by two physicians, Mama can not live independently. Physician feels mom is on way to many medications and is stopping 5 meds this week and tapering off and stopping Klonopin and Aricept. She also stopped her HCTZ and her Zocor. We go back next week. She feels mom is at a moderate cognition level but does not feel she has Louie Body Dementia. Not sure what I was expecting, maybe a miracle, maybe just a little glimmer of hope, a magic pill. Well as we all know it does not exist.

So tonight, reality sets in for me, I am the daughter not the care giver and feeling sad. I do not allow myself to be the daughter often because it is so painful and much easie to be the care giver.

So sorry to ramble. hope all is well.

Carole thinking about you and Jack tonight, I loved my Alex so much, I had to let him o 2 years ago but never a day goes by that I do not miss his sweat personality and snuggles we had. I find peace in the fact he no longer suffers and I know I did what was best for him in the most unselfish way. I wish we could be more human to the humans we love. ;-(

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Diane... I am so sorry you are down. It's not that far to Durham... come on up!

Love and hugs and prayers for you. Don't forget to take care of you during this time. Tell the bros it is time to step up to the plate!

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Terri, loved your Winter story. It fits the way I've been thinking lately. Where has the time gone?????

Thank you for the big hug in my birthday card. Loved it!

Di, I wish I lived down the street from you too. Sending a big tight cyber hug your way. It is terribly hard watching our momma's wasting away. And then it will be our kids turn to watch us. I really don't want them to have to go through that, but what can we do, its apart of life.

Paula actually cries when she thinks about getting older, only b/c she is so afraid of what will happen to Maddy when she can't take care of her. That's when we have to go back to living one day at a time, sometimes its one hour at a time. (((((((((Di)))))))))

Carole, I couldn't remember if it was this Friday or last Friday for Jodi's ceremony. See I resemble Terri's story...

I thought of you and Jack all day and my heart goes out to the both of you.

Baby or not, we will get together in November.

((((((((((Carole & Jack))))))))

((((((((Dawn, Skinny Mini, Dee, Terri))))))))

You all mean so much to me.

I'm thinking when I get my new knee's, we need to meet up somewhere, fun.....

[Sojourner 2,446]

Just wanted to,say good night...

Diane, your wisdom and inner strength will see you through. You have more strength than you realize...

Terri, thank you for sharing the seasons message. I am not aware of the passage of,time until I look at my sons, and realize their ages. I is so true, the older we get, the faster the time goes...

Janet, we will make plans. I will work on dates with Jack. If it took you that long to cut the squares, how many hours to sew the, back together again???

Michelle, thank you for your message. We all have to go through sad times when we lose our pets. I know that Sushi will remain in my heart forever.

Dawn, it looked like nice weather in Chicago. Your pictures were beautiful. I hope you are feeling better.

Dee, I hope that all is well in your world. Keep in touch...

Sweet dreams...

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Good Friday Morning Everyone!

Hope everyone has a great start to the weekend.

I have to make a trip to DMV, remembered yesterday while going threw a speed trap, my tag expires Sunday. Glad I got a wake up call.

ttyl

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Off to do Back to School shopping with the Grands, followed by lunch with both daughters! It's a good day here!

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Love how fast this quilt is going together, minus the cutting.