Do you feel safe? There are so many areas of life where we don’t feel safe in this present age, I wonder if anyone feels truly safe, as in secure, comfortable and stable? After years of living with chronic pain, multiple diseases, including the present menace of cancer, this is a relevant question not only for me but for each of us.
I’ve had this odd feeling spill over me lately when I suddenly realized; I feel safe. I think safety is a relative issue. Compare how you would feel with a gun at your head as you’re in a convenience store being robbed and how you feel when you are concerned over the health of a loved one? Here I sit in the middle of a huge crisis as I await information as to the extent of my cancer, have continuing severe pain in my sitter, multiple joints, and am concerned about retaining my eyesight. Any one of them would be enough, wouldn’t it? I wonder how I could feel safe.
Every day the news is filled with ferry’s turning over, horrific shootings and bombs exploding…somewhere on this small planet. We live in a dangerous world, of that we’re all painfully aware; but when it hits us where we live, within our own bodies, how does one feel safe?
Perhaps the answers lie in living in the moment, each day and even, often, in smaller increments, one breath at a time. This reminds me of a lovely little poem by Victor Hugo called WINGS.
WINGS
Let us be like a bird for a moment perched
On a frail branch while he sings;
Though he feels it bend, he sings his song,
Knowing that he has wings.
Wings. We each have to have wings. Wings of imagination. Wings of hope. Wings of prayer and proof of our connection to God just as surely as we have wings to soar above any lot, cup or serving of trouble that is laid before us. Soar above it because we must, we can and we will.
James Roosevelt, the son of our former President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, wrote a sensitive piece about the year his father was struck with polio, many years of course before he was to become President of the United States. James writes, “That very Christmas-only four and a half months after polio-Father was getting down on the floor to exercise. He had been Indian wrestling with Elliott, Franklin and Johnny, and now with me home he had some competition nearer his size.
“‘You think you can take the old Man?’ he challenged me? ‘Well, just get down here and try it!’ His grip was so strong it could make me yell, and he beat me every time. We went from Indian wrestling to more vigorous forms of rough-housing.
“I don’t know how he did it, but Father kept us almost completely at ease. Even that first Christmas when he could move only the upper half of his body, he gave the impression of mobility. He cushioned the shock for us. I know he made it possible for me to participate in various festivities that Christmas without feeling any depression or guilt.”
Many years ago there lived a young mother of two who faced a life of stark reality. She was left alone with her children, had no money and a broken heart. She had suffered a tubal pregnancy, when the fetus begins to grow within the walls of the fallopian tube. She had had her usual amount of morning sickness but also suffered severe abdominal pain. Her husband at that time was away “on business” in another town but was due home that evening, or so she thought; later to find out his business was actually “monkey business.”
In the late evening, she was sitting on the toilet, about three months into her pregnancy, when it felt as if her world had exploded within her. She fainted onto the bathroom floor and when she awakened, she managed to get into her bed after hanging onto the walls and stopping to check that each of her children was sleeping peacefully. When she reached her bed and fell into it, the abdominal agony only worsened. She realized something had gone terribly wrong. She was unable to call for help because the phone had been turned off due to lack of payment. She knew she couldn’t reach the neighbor, making it down a flight of stairs in her apartment building, so she prayed. She prayed for her husband to come home. She prayed for whatever the dragon in her gut was spewing into her to put out his fire. She prayed for peace.
The only outward symptom she had was her girth, or the size of her belly which seemed to be growing. She wasn’t bleeding outwardly, she checked. She couldn’t sit up on the bed without fainting. She was more frightened than she had ever been in her life. Finally, her husband came home at 3AM with a story about car trouble. He saw the state she was in and had to carry her to the car to take her to the emergency room at their local hospital. A kindly neighbor said she would watch the children.
In the hospital parking lot a gurney was brought out to the car and she was loaded onto it. When she was seen by the doctor, he stuck a needle into her vagina and withdrew blood. After that, everything became a whir of activity. She remembers being rapidly wheeled into the operating room. She also remembers the overwhelming peace that came over her as she was being pushed up a long corridor. It felt as if the very huge hands of God Himself was lifting her toward the ceiling and embracing her with a touch so light it felt like the warmest yet strongest embrace she had ever felt. She felt completely safe. All the fear she had felt earlier in the night left her. She knew she would be alright. Whether she lived or died, she knew her children would be safe.
She made it through the surgery although it was what was identified as a “close call.” After many transfusions of blood to replace most of the blood in her body, she slowly recovered. That young woman was me.
My life changed drastically as I divorced my husband, looked for work and struggled to make it financially. Sometime I will tell you about those years and the wonder of it all as I went to nursing school as a young, single mother and the many ways in which that early crisis affected my life and the lives of my children. For now, let us all remember we have wings. Wings to soar, to rise and to fly above the problems of this world.
Weekly Dose of Sue 
It is amazing really how safe I feel of late. I know much of it is due to my faith and part due to so many dear friends that would drop everything if I asked for help. Sure I have dead bolt locks, firearms and dogs (they are so not protective lol) but none of that is part of my source of the feeling of being safe. It is truly my praying and faith that has led me to sleep more peacefully than I have in years. Today my dear friend’s daughter had a hysterectomy due to a mass that was possibly cancerous but turned out to be a benign mass. I had no fear that it was cancer for whatever reason even though they had her see an oncologist. It was a faith thing I guess. The family has a history of cancer so it was a significant risk. I myself am no longer concerned about cancer for myself. I know there is high risk for me but the term no longer is frightening. I know it’s ugly, treatment can be difficult at best but for whatever reason it is not on my list of fears. I am far more worried about a stroke or head injury that would make me unable to live alone or have my dogs. That is my greatest fear.
BOBSLED….THANKS FOR SHARING THAT……FAITH IS INDEED A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH, HAVE A NICE EASTER, AND I AM GLAD YOUR FRIENDS DAUGHTER WILL BE OK….LOVE JENNIE X
LOVED THIS BLOG SUE. YOU ALL KNOW HOW MUCH I BELIEVE IN ANGELS. LOVE YOU ALL.
GOD BLESS. XXX
Laura, interesting in how individual each of us experience fear as we see it. Good news about the young woman and a relief for her family. Take care, Sue
Very sweet Sue. It is amazing how strong we become from the trials we go thru. According to Scripture, I was not given a spirit of fear, so I cling to that and because of it I feel safe all the time. Knowing He is here for me. That ALL my needs will be and have been met thru Him. Putting my trust in Him that all things will go according to His will. That is where I feel safe at, staying in His will. So many times in the last couple of years I have had a need and racking my brain how to get it met, had an epiphany of telling HIM my needs (although it was already known) and forgot about it. Sometimes not MINUTES after giving it to Him , I had an answer, The other day I needed ot get some oil for my car, which is leaking. My friends husband brought me 6 qts. It was raining that day and I had turned on my wipers and one of them was shredded. He went over to his truck, came back with another wiper blade and put it on the car. NOW I ask you…where else can we go for that kind of provisions ? I could go on and on. But it is enough to say….”I am safe within the arms of GOD ! So let the storms rage high the dark clouds rise, they won’t worry me, for I;m sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me, and naught of earth can harm me, sheltered safe within the arms of GOd “
TONIE….I LOVE THAT PASSAGE FROM THE BIBLE, YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND A WAY OUT OF YOUR TROUBLES, I THINK MOST OF US COULD IF WE TRULY BELIEVE…….I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE EASTER BREAK MY FRIEND, WHATS HAPPENING AT THE CHURCH, I EXPECT YOU WILL BE THERE EASTER SUNDAY HUH??
I KEEP THINKING THAT EACH DAY IS ANOTHER CLOSER TO YOU AVING LESS PAIN…..GREAT….LOVE YOU…JENNIE POO XX
Tonie, it is marvelous how the good Lord cares about even our smallest needs and inconveniences. You are a living example of that for all of us constantly. Love, Sue
Wings, indeed. Big, beautiful, luminous, glistening, white wings. Safe, warm, and loved.
LYN…ANGELS ARE SOMETHING ELSE AREN’T THEY? THEY HAVE HELPED ME OUT OF MANY TROUBLES, I BELIEVE IN THEM TOTALLY, TROUBLE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE, YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR THEM DO THEY?……HAVE A GREAT EASTER, WILL YOU BE SEEING SB? ……..LOVE JENNIE X
Yes, Jennie, angels of the heavenly and human kind. 🙂 I will have some time with both son and daughter on Easter. DD has to work, but will go to sunrise service with me and enjoy a little breakfast before heading off to work (guys of the church make breakfast to be enjoyed between services). SB will attend the regular service and join us at my parents’ house for Easter dinner. He works Sunday evening. My DH will be playing at a different church – happens every Easter and Christmas Eve – and will join us at my parents’ house. Annie hit the nail on the head. I’ll be singing and reading scripture for Good Friday and singing for Easter. Have a blessed Easter! Hugs!
Lyn dear, you let loose the poet in you with that brief statement. Doesn’t Natalie choose the most wonderful, spot on pictures for each subject we enter. Glad you’ll see the kids for Easter. It’s good to know they are dedicated in their new lives as they grow, isn’t it? I love your church. They have such wonderful practical yet progressive ideas yet keep the faith. Have a wonderful holiday dear friend as shall I. Love, Sue
Sue
Well I’ve read this twice and it is so good.
I’ve for a long time thought about this feeling safe..thinking it was just me…
You got some feeling all was ok only to have it taken away by some news or somebody
But I discovered that if you didn’t think ahead too much and just lived in the moment.things seemed to be safe. The future is the unknown
But the story of your past was ..well it shocked me..you have a past that is full of stories to tell.and how it has made you.i would be honoured to read more . But I’ve a feeling it will be a bumpy ride!
I’ve been away for two nites .stayed near my GS the first one so we could set off fresh and early to go away to a motor bike museum then the next day a Grand Prix museum.then a race track where they were all practising for a touring rally.so you got to see them racing and the big lorries all setting up.he loved it the smell ,noise and colours DH was teaching him to take photos…cars on the move and the blurring of background. All men stuff but..I enjoyed it all seeing them both at one and GS turned round and said ..I’m really enjoying this Nan ..
Well .im still thinking about it…Magic
Oh then I said the trade off is you gotta be interested where I want to go now….you know me a bit of history.so we went to where Richard 111 was killed in 1480s. And he was ..altho a big meal also satisfied !
So there is much pleasure in thinking about the better bits of the past too, they stand out like glistening jewels amongst the dross and the bad
Well got to go and fix my dads phones today,dunno what he’s done.but the ain’t working and I’ve gad to ring the neighbours whilst away!
Tonie
Great nan eh! Oh and this new house you are thinking of sounds interesting .keep us up to speed with it all
Gonna try and sleep now it’s 4.30am
Chris
PS. Sue xx
CHRIS……JUST MAILED YOU, SO LOOK FORWARD TO CATCHING UP ASAP…..LOVE YOU…JEN X
Dearest Chris, Oh my but you’ve been having such joyous events. I love hearing about your GS and his enthusiasm for racing and all its art forms. Jim is obsessed with so much of it although he feels NASCAR has been overly commercialized compared to the old days. He has a great collection of model cars and loves them. Isn’t it fun to see our grands develop into adults with their own individuality?
As far as your Dad, did he pull out the phone in confusion or anger or is it possible he tripped over the cord? Poor dear man. It sounds like he is losing some of his spunk. Who can blame him after all he’s been through. Is his neighbor lady still keeping watch on him.
I hope you have a fine weekend and pray you continue to get those days away and enjoy them…they’re so good for you, you know. I’m tired but feeling in better spirits today after sleeping in shamelessly. Love you, Sue
Wow it’s been a long week… Busy with Easter preparations, choir rehearsals, and Isabel’s Easter Egg hunt at the daycare. She was so cute! Good Friday service tomorrow, kids Easter party at church Saturday- I will be face-painting- and singing Sunday morning for both services, followed by lunch with friends and a very long afternoon nap!
Got the results from last week’s sleep study, and no wonder I’m so tired. Out of 5 hour study, I had 131 “events” of breathing paused for more than 10 seconds, a couple of dips in oxygen % level to the upper 30’s, major leg jerking, and never got deeper than Stage 2 sleep- no REM sleep whatsoever. Need to go back for second study to titrate CPAP, but they want $435 out of pocket so it will have to wait. Meanwhile I have a respiratory therapist friend who will bump my CPAP machine up to my previous pressure of 15 (they decreased it to 12 a couple years ago).
I have to have a bladder scope next week to determine the cause of continued blood in my urine even after the kidney infection was cleared. Urologist said it could be simply a small ulceration in the bladder wall, or more serious like interstitial cystitis. I’m not that worried about the outcome, as either one is treatable. As for the procedure itself, she agreed to give me a little Valium beforehand so I’m not so anxious- it’s not terribly painful but definitely an uncomfortable invasive sort of thing. I’d prefer to be just a little loopy during all that business!
Jennie, so sorry to hear about little Harry- so sad, i know your heart is breaking- yet also good that he is no longer suffering. Hugs to you ❤
Love hearing about your little chickies Tonie. Praying for your house too. Chris- glad you had a good time with GS. Lyn, and Laura- I’d imagine your week is rather busy as well. Wishing all of you a Happy Easter. It’s been chilly here this week but the bluebonnets are out in full bloom and very lovely.
And my dear Sue- may the hope of Christ’s resurrection lift your spirits and bring you grace and peace. Love to all, Princess Crabby Pants
ANNIE….HAPPY EASTER LOVE, WE ARE ALL TRYING TO MOVE ON FROM THE RECENT TRAGEDIES OF LATE, BUT AS SAID IN THE SCRIPTURES, THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY, AND HE TOOK THAT LITTLE ONES PAIN AWAY…..HAVE A LOVELY EASTER AND KEEP WELL….LOVE YOU….JENNIE X
Annie, oh my but you’ve been going through so much on top of all your fun projects for the Easter celebrations. That’s what you get for being so talented dear lady. Relief at some of your medical news and hope you get the CPAP business taken care of. Why doesn’t your insurance help with that expense?
Enjoy your day and your friends as you celebrate the return of our Lord on this holy day. Love, Sue
Sue, the $435 out of pocket is after insurance pays their portion. Ridiculous, isn’t it?
My dears, I will get back to you tomorrow when I’m fully awake but wanted those few of you who are not on FB to know my Cat scan, pet scan, dog scan just kidding…and bone scan were all negative. Praise the dear Lord. Now we have to figure out how to treat those floating or loose nodes at the surgical site. Site has all clean borders but today is full of fluid so have to get it drained tomorrow BUT don’t want this to take away from the joy I feel at yesterday’s results. I’ll chat with everyone individually tomorrow..pooped. Love each of you, Sue
SUE….NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBLE THE RELIEF I FEEL FROM YOUR RESULTS…..I AN CERTAIN ALL THE PRAYERS FROM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND US BLOGGERS HAVE BEEN LISTENED TO, HOW GRATIFYING THAT IS, AND WHAT A LOVELY SEASON TO GET BETTER IN, SO MUCH JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS WHICH YOU CAN NOW APPRECIATE MORE……KNOW WHAT I MEAN, JIM, THE KIDS, YOUR HOME AND DOGS AND GARDEN, ALL WILL LOOK SHARPER NOW THAT THE FEAR HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM YOU, SO THIS NEW BLOG IS AS APT AS IT GETS……………MY LOVE AND THAT OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY WHO HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUS IN ASKING FOR YOU, HAVE CROSSED THE POND TO YOUR FRONT PORCH…..HA HA! GOOD JOB ITS NOT IN PERSON AYE!!…………….LOVE YOU, GOSH THIS HAS MADE MY DAY….XXXXJENNIE XXX
Jennie, I would love to have that visit in person and you surely know that/ Today it is raining and cold here. Do take extra special care with a bit of walking or stretching thrown in so you can have the health and stamina for the trip coming up back home to England. It will be wonderful, I know it. What is going on with DH? Is the bowing the knee? Let me know dear girl. Think of you and your lovely garden especially now in the spring. Love you so much…Sue
So very pleased and happy sue
Will write After going to town to meet DD and GS after sorting my dad out
Such good news and for Easter too
Xx
Morning all:
No workout today, I am too pooped. Fed all the chicks and Chockie the cat 🙂 Jennie, indeed I will try to be at church on sunday. I need to press my dress before then 🙂 I found a nice one in my garment bag I had forgotten about that will do nicely.
Annie, so glad you are getting taken care of. My chickens are like little dogs pretty much 🙂 The babies are getting on up really quick. They are on scratch feed already ! Pretty soon they will have their “big girl” feathers and I will be able to name them.
Chris, too bad you gs can’t go to a NASCAR race ! I used to love going to them, it is a rush just hearing those engines and the smells ! Probably the same with the races over there. Enjoy your outing.
BSL, hopefully your snow will be gone soon and you will be enjoying the green grass again.
Sue, I am sure you will be getting together with your family for Easter dinner. I actually heard from my daughter. Who said she missed me and asked how I was doing ! 🙂 A smile for this am ! Now if they would just learn to call again instead of FB messaging ! I know I want it all huh ??
I pray you all have a good day and remember the sacrifice our Lord made on this day for US !
Love
Tonie
TONIE….BRILLIANT YOU ARE SEEING YOUR DAUGHTER, IS THAT NIKKI? GOOD INIT? I TOO WILL BE SEEING MINE NEXT MONTH, HAVEN’T SEEN HER SINCE 2008. …….LOVE JENNIE POO X
Jen, no not seeing my daughter, just HEARD from her. A step in the right direction perhaps. She is still in Az Haven’t seen her since 2012
TONIE…..SORRY ABOUT THE MIX UP, BUT EVEN IF ITS ONLY CHATTING TO HER, BETTER THAN NOWT…ITS CONTACT……HAPPY FOR YOU ANYWAYS……LOVIN YOU MY FRIEND……JENNIE POO XX
Tonie, I am so please you heard from Nikki..it’s a beginning. I pray she is safe and know it is always a good sign when she contacts you.
My goodness how those little redheads are growing. It will be fun to see what you name them..still like my idea about calling them each after a chicken dish: fricassee, stew, nuggets, fried, on and on it goes. I know, it’s bit morose but they’d never know. I know there are times all of your responsibilities lay heavy on your shoulders and pray you will be rejoicing soon over getting this disability snafu unsnafed!
We are having a rainy weekend and will probably see the kids for awhile tomorrow. I’m a bit low on energy but SIL and his brother are coming over today to put up my block-out drapes. It will make the bedroom totally dark if need be and I’ll be able to hopefully spend more time on here due to the whole eye issue. Found a great local surgeon to drain the wound yesterday. I liked him very much and it saved me a trip to Portland. He said I may need to come back again if it build up and it is. It’s from the trauma from the surgery and all that business with me bleeding during surgery. Otherwise I am healing nicely. No decisions yet on follow up because wound must heal before any radiation. Started the new bone density shots today…finally. Piece of cake. I know it will get old after two years but it’s a tiny needle.
Sweet friend, have a most blessed Easter, much love, Sue
Dear Sue~~what JOYOUS news you have shared with all of us–your Friends, bloggers, Groupies!! It doesn’t matter what slot one might fall into, all that matters is to know this amazing BLESSING you and all your loved ones have received on the eve of Easter. You have also shared the happy news in a way to “help others” as you describe that SAFE feeling that we can all reach.. I continue learning that same lesson~~Its truly okay to feel SAFE~~for I know HE is standing beside me and guiding me on my path.
Many years ago as I struggled with a teenager, a dear church friend stopped me one Sunday and gave me words that took a long time to figure out—-LET GO and LET GOD! It sounded so easy, but it took great emotional pain for me to finally learn the true Blessing wrapped within those words.. Your “history” is beyond moving~~~it reaches out with true honesty and we are all deeply moved by the trauma, major life hurdles, physical/emotional ups and downs–all these things you have walked through!
God has brought you to this place Sue~~~your heart is open to HIS will and we all continue being grateful for the words you share with us and the glory in lifting you high with Prayers!
Easter Blessings to you. Martha
Sue, thank you for sharing this story from your past! It is amazing how you took control of our life and I’m sure there are many more amazing stories to be told. The news about your scans is awesome and I’m sure, even with all you have been through, this will be a joyful Easter weekend at your house!
Lyn, love your entry “Big, beautiful, luminous, glistening, white wings. Safe, warm, and loved”. I would love to have wings like that to rest my weary feet!
Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter.
Much love …. PM Brenda
Oh, dear Brenda, in many ways, you do… Love to you this Easter and always.
Dear Sue, Computers been down the last week, so trying to catch up. Your story was amazing, you are remarkable in your strength and faith. So happy your news was good. Lots of love and prayers for you. Janet
Dear friends, I hate to break a promise but I must rest. Had 70 cc’s removed from my chest wound today via needle. Will probably have to do it gain next week so arms and chest are hurting tonight to say nothing of the sitter due to wait and trip with Jim to store. I’ve read each and will return tomorrow. Love to each of you blessed friends. Sue
Sue:
Rest up dear heart. Take it easy and don’t worry about it. That much fluid huh ? What causes that to happen ? Prayers for your recovery. Talk to you soon.
Love
Tonie
Sue I hope you are easier after a nights sleep. That seems such a lot of fluid
We would all rather you had time to heal and feel better
have a restful Easter and I hope you bought something naughty to eat at the store 😄
We will be off out for our usual sat. breakfast
Oh…GS went to fix my dads telephone yesterday before I arrived .it all seemed strange as my dad wasn’t in a very good mood with all and even with GS, which has never happened before .It also appeared ,according to DD and GS ,that it had been pulled out of the socket .
Next time I go away let’s hope it doesn’t happen again!
It’s very rare that I go away.in the last 8years ,three nights last month and two this week.apparently I mustn’t make a habit of it !!
Ok folks
All have the best Easter you all can whatever you all do
Chris
SUE …..GOSH WHAT A LOT OF FLUID, NO WONDER YOU FEEL LIKE SHIT…..AS TONIE SAYS REST DEAR LADY, GET SOME OF YOUR STRENGTH BACK….YOU HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR SURE THIS TIME…AND HAVE NOT BEEN FOUND WANTING.
BLOODY COLD HERE, HAD A FEW HEALTH ISSUES, BUT DEALING WITH THEM AS BEST I CAN…..JUST TRYING TO GET STRONG FOR MY TRIP IN MAY……BEEN WORRIED ABOUT MY DH, HIS LEG LOOKS LIKE A BOW…AS IN BOW AND ARROW, HE WON’T TELL THE DOC HOW MUCH IT PAINS HIM, AND IT HURTS ME TO SEE THE BOW IS EVIDENT EVEN IN THICK JEANS….I’M SURE GOD MADE MEN FOR SUMMAT OR OTHER, KNOW ITS NOT GOING TO THE DOC’S AND TELLING THE TRUTH…………….I HOPE EASTER IS A TIME OF BLESSINGS AND HEALING FOR YOU DARLING, YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH A HELL OF A TIME…..BUT ONWARDS AND UPWARDS FROM NOW ON………….LOVE YOU ALWAYS….JEN X
Sue, Wishing you peace, hope, strength, courage and comfort this Easter, mixed together and tossed up with love and relaxation!
DH is concerned that he has lost the battle against GS’s cold. Little GS is still croupy and our other grands are not allowed in our home because of the germs …seems the stress never goes away!
I finally forced myself to have my feet, hands and chest x rayed and a pile of blood work done for my new doctor and I pray that there are better days ahead!
Wishing all a Blessed Easter. Love and Prayers ….. PM Brenda
GOOD LUCK BRENDA, HOPE ALL YOUR RESULTS ARE WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR…..ROUTING FOR YOU….HAPPY EASTER LOVE……………………….HUGS, JENNIE XX
Watching Ben Hur ! We are at the Race part. Oh those horses take my breath away (as does Chuck !)
HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A GOOD EASTER, AND YOUR ACHES AND PAINS NOT GETTING YOU DOWN TOO MUCH, I HOPE THOSE WHO CAN ARE SEEING THEIR FAMILIES AND HAVING FUN, AND THOSE WHO CAN’T ARE IN TOUCH WITH THEM. THINKING OF YOU ALL, AND HOPING YOU ARE ALL OK……LOVE YOU GUYS…….JENNIE XX
Oh Sue, what a beautiful post. And you told your story with no bitter taste, although it was a bitter time in your life. You made me realize that all of us go through some very bad things. But we make it through, and it helps us to become the people we are. And I really think none of us turned out “bad”.
I love the wings analogy. That is so very true, we do have wings. Sometimes we have to just remember that, or be reminded, as you just did.
Hope everyone who is Christian has a blessed Easter. Anyone else, please have a blessed day. Toni, I love Ben Hur, and I’ll watch it just to see that wonderful chariot race. I think it’s one of the most exciting scenes ever filmed. I used to watch a lot of movies this time of year of the Passion. But, the older I get, the less able I am to watch the suffering that was inflicted upon my Savior. What a wonderful thing he did for us. This isn’t the forum to preach, so I’ll say no more.
Much love and peace to you all.
Linda
HE IS RISEN !! Easter blessings to all !
What a beautiful day ! I just saw the old groundhog grazing in my yard. Got to get a trap set for her. Can’t find the hole she is using though.
A quick post then gotta get ready for church. Linda, I do so love Ben Hur. It is so great those movies with NO special effects and all the stunts were real. A lot of those scenes the actors are really driving the chariots. I have the 50th anniversary edition of that film and Charleton Heston talks about what he went thru to learn how to drive them. Did you know he used to model for artists in New York ? He was very proud of his lean runners body and liked to show it off (so they said).
I spoke with my grands in Az yesterday. And my daughter briefly. Good to hear them all. Although they all sound so grown up. Two years is a lot of growth on a kid. 🙂 I haven’t seen the younger 3 in quite a while. I need some pics of them as well.
I pray you all have a wonderful day. God bless you
Love to all
Tonie
A very blessed Easter day to one and all!
I wish each of you a blessed day as we recall why we are Christians, those of us who are. To all, whatever your faith, also wish you a blessed, peaceful day with family. So many memories of days past. Love to all, Sue
Good morning all:
Man I was so TIRED this am, I slept (off and on) til after 9. Of course the dogs were not happy, I had to get up and down with them, last time, I fed them, and left the door open so they could go out if they wanted. I fed the chickens and took up the remains of that pound cake I baked that fell. Went to get me some more coffee and Mr Ceasar and retrieved it (broke in to the chicken house) and planted it on the rug as if to say, “I brought it back !” They get upset when I feed scraps to the chickens, they think they are supposed to get it all. Gluttons ! I went with my friend and her hubby to her mom’s house yesterday after church. Long drive, but fun. I hadn’t seen her mom since I was 15 or so. Good food and fun. Made me a little teary eyed that I could not go to my mother’s anymore or speak with her. I guess I missed her more in that afternoon than I had in a long while. You never really get over that loss . It has been 35 years now !
Got things to do and need some more energy to do them 🙂 Planting some potatoes today, lettuce and radishes. My two magnolias also. They are just seedlings, so it will be a few years in the making 🙂 Oh well a good start on my new back yard right ??
Prayers for you all this am. It is a beautiful day and I am out to enjoy it before Mother Nature decides to cool it off again !
Love to you all
Tonie
Dear Friends, Just a brief note to touch base with all of you and I hope, each of you. I needed to spend time on the new blog today because I will be out of town all day tomorrow. We are going up to Portland, yes that four hour round trip, to see two physicians. I’ll be paying a visit to my cardiologist and rheumy. Both, I feel are necessary in making my decision for treatment.for this breast cancer. Within the next week I will also be seeing a radiology oncologist. Please continue your prayers for me as I face decision after decision that I make the best choices for me based on the future and all the conditions I deal with in my current life. I love each of you and think of you so often. Sleep tight and try to behave, okay, unless some really good mischief happens along. Love you….Sue
SUE DARLING……..I KNOW YOU WON’T BE READING THIS TODAY…..THERE IS A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB TODAY, AND I WILL BE THINKING OF YOUR JOURNEY THAT YOU FACE. PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN, THE OUTCOME OF ALL YOUR APPOINTMENTS……PRAYING FOR GOOD RESULTS MY FRIEND, AND PLEASE ASK FOR AN ANGEL TO TAKE WITH YOU IF YOU HAPPEN TO READ THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE. IN ANY CASE I HAVE DONE IT FOR YOU……………………I LOVE YOU….JENNIE XX
Sue, Prayers for you, know how difficult any trip this long is for you. Glad you are getting lots of help in making the decisions that have to be made. All will be waiting to hear from you. Love, Janet
Sue”
Like Jennie says, you won’t be reading this today, but I pray STRENGTH for your body and wisdom for your soul. I pray that the Lord leads you and your physicians and care givers to the right decision to treat you. It is as good as GONE my friend. They just have to apply the fix. God bless you today and tomorrow as you recupe from this trip. I pray you rest and recovery tomorrow, and strength as well. I will pray for you as I go thru my day.
Love
Tonie
Sue
I do hope you are good after the long trip but I expect you will be sore. Waiting your news and hope that it is what you want to hear
Annie
Thinking of you too this week with your bladder tests .
Chris
Suzanne
How are you?
Chris
Morning all:
Just a reminder :
Don’t forget to send me your recipes for the cookbook @ toniedalton@gmail.com
I have a few but not near enough. If you get time, send them off
Love
Tonie
Darn! Tonie, I keep forgetting to send recipes! I think of it when I can’t do anything about it and don’t when I can!
🙂
Dear Friends, once again you overwhelm me with your love and concerns, not to diminish your prayers. Yes. it was a long day yesterday from which I have been recovering all day and last night. Unfortunately, but in a good sense, fortunately, we have to go back tomorrow, Thursday. Jim has to see his dermatologist and I was going to stay home BUT the radiation oncologist worked me in tomorrow late in the day so it will be another long day. These are both important visits so must be done. It has been pouring buckets of rain since yesterday and will be interesting.
Please pray that I can communicate with the radiation oncologist and have good re pore. I already know he’s the best at that huge facility and that looks like a good thing. I pray he will care about the whole of me and all the many factors that come into play so I can rapidly get this whole cancer thing behind me, safely. My meeting with the cardiologist went well. I’m in good shape in the heart and lungs. He told me it was a good thing there is no cartilage in the brain because he could see my brain was working well. He thinks I’m so positive, all will be right. My rheumatologist said the only rheumatoid condition she knew should not be radiated was Scleroderma due to the many skin issues. I ended up getting into the surgeon whose nurse drained more fluid from my wound area but not as much as last week. I’m told it’s not all that unusual. As you can only imagine, we were both like limp noodles when we got in last night.
Friends, I think of each of you each day but am low on energy. Jennie, you feeling better for your trip? Tonie, your farm tales are still hilarious and yes you gotta get that nervy ground hog. Lyn, hope that convertible is being used topless and the kids are well. Annie and all your testing, how’s it going? Suzanne, any answers yet? Nana Brenda, sorry to see on FB the family is still infected. Those coughs can be so painful. My SIL is going through the same right now. Brenda, hope all is well in the south with you. Chris dear, how is Dad? I almost am afraid to ask, poor you and poor dear man. Janet, thanks for all of your encouraging words and to all, I’m doing the best I can right now. Will have a new blog this week so I’d best get busy on it. Love you all, such a special group of gals. Love, Sue
Sue Dear:
You are going to have another busy day. At least you got to rest up one in between trips ! Prayers and faith that all will go well with the radiologist. Everything else has gone right I can’t see Him letting one person slip in who is not there for you ! 🙂 You take it as easy as you can !
I haven’t been sleeping well and with the weather going cold and hot, I have been aching all over. My shoulders and knees especially. Last night I took my meds, and went to sleep, and slept thru the night ! I feel very refreshed ! After I get my shower I will feel even better.
It frosted here again last night !:( So glad all of my plants are still inside. I did get my seeds in the ground on Mon though. Potatoes, onions, radishes, lettuce, and carrots. Baby chickens are about ready to go into the big pen. They are funny. Eating big girl food now and loving it. I should probably put them in the big pen on Sunday so I can let the dogs stay in their pen on Mon while I am gone for shoulder surgery. That way they will be outdoors instead of inside all day. Like kids, I think they should be out when the weather is nice 🙂
Rest up dear friend and I will talk to you soon. PRayers for Millie and Bill, they are not doing too good of late.
Love
Tonie
TONIE…..ITS SEEMS COLDER FOR YOU, THAN WHERE WE ARE, BUT ITS SUCH STRANGE WEATHER , AS I SAID TO LYN, ITS DIFFICULT KNOWING WHAT TO DRESS IN, YESTERDAY I HAD NEED OF A WINTER JACKET, SCARF AND MY HEATED CAR SEAT…..TODAY ITS MILD AND TSHIRT WEATHER.. I AM GLAD YOU GOT A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP LOVE, BOY I HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT THAT FELT LIKE, WE GOT SOME NICE PLANTS READY TO GO INTO THE TROUGHS NOW, BUSY LIZZIES, MARIGOLDS, PETUNIA’S, AND OTHER STUFF, HAVING A PROBLEM THIS EAR TO FIND TRAILING LOBELIA, AND NEPITA. SO THE CHUCKS ARE ALMOST GROWN, BLIMY YOU SURE ARE GONNA HAVE A LOT OF EGGS. IN CASE I DON’T GET TO SAY HELLO AGAIN TILL AFTER MONDAY, YOU KNOW I AM WISHING YOU WELL AND PRAYING FOR YOUR SHOULDER SURGERY TO GO WELL…..WHICH IT WILL, CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO GET HOME AND SETTLED AGAIN, WHO WILL WATCH THE ANIMALS WHILST YOU GET THINGS DONE?? TAKE CARE AND GOD KEEP YOU SAFE LOVELY….JENNIE POO XX
SUE……YOU ARE A BRAVE LADY, SO, THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE HEART AND LUNGS…..AND THE BRAIN, I BET YOU HAD A QUIP READY FOR THE GUY WHO TOLD YOU THAT HA HA!! ITS A BIND THAT YOU HAVE TO DO THE GRUELLING TRIP AGAIN, BUT ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, ITS ANOTHER THING OUT OF THE WAY FOR YOU AND JIM. I DON’T LIKE TO TALK OF MY PROBLEMS, BUT OH DEAR! I HAVE THE WORST HEAD COLD I’VE EVER HAD, AND I DID A STUPID THING, DESPERATE AS I WAS TO EASE MY THROAT AND CHEST, I TOOK A MEDICINE WITH CODIENE IN IT, I CAN’T TOLERATE IT, BUT I FORGOT TO READ THE INGREDIENTS……..CHRIS TOLD ME OFF, QUITE RIGHT TOO, LEARNED MY LESSON.
WELL LOVE, I WISH YOU AND JIM A SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE DAY, AND WILL WAIT WITH A HOPEFUL HEART THAT GOOD RESULTS ARE ONCE AGAIN FORTHCOMING…………….I LOVE YOU……JENNIE XX
Sue, as always so good to hear from you. I know you must be pretty well done in. But good news warrants sharing! Prayers and blessings for your trip today. Yes, I’ve managed to have the top down a time or two. It hasn’t stayed warm around here. As Tonie said, it’s been up and down with the temps. It’s concert season again. One big weekend (and week) down, then Easter, now two more weekends to come. I’m trying to get as much sleep as I can. Kids and DH are doing well. Love to you ~
Jennie, oh no! You poor dear, you really must remember to check those labels! My son can’t tolerate codeine, either. Of course, had to find out the hard way. It is on his chart at all the doc offices now. No head cold is worth that my dear.
Best to everyone! I must soon get myself moving. I have an appointment this morning. (I’d rather snuggle up in bed.) Ah, well.
LYN…..I NORMALLY DO CHECK THE LABELS, IT WAS THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND TO TRY TRANSLATING THE FRENCH INTO ENGLISH WHEN I FELT SO POORLY WAS NOT SOMETHING I THOUGHT ABOUT AT THAT TIME, BUT HEY!! I WILL NOW…………FOUND SOMETHING ELSE TO REPLACE IT AND IT SEEMS OK. FANCY THAT, YOUR SON TOO, THERE SEEMS TO BE SO MANY FOLKS THAT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CODIENE DON’T THEY?……HOW IS SB BY THE WAY, HEADACHES STILL LEAVING HIM ALONE? WISH I COULD SAY THE SAME, I GET ON AVERAGE THREE PER WEEK. HAS ALL YOUR WINTER WEATHER GONE NOW LYN? ITS SUCH A MIX HERE, NEVER KNOW WHAT THE HECK TO WEAR, I WISH IT WOULD SETTLE DOWN…….TAKE CARE MY FRIEND…..LOVE JENNIE…..PS. THE MEDICINE HAS GONE DOWN THE SINK.
Good place for that nasty stuff, Jennie. SB just had a headache yesterday, but that was the first in a long while, so he’s doing so much better than last year. He’s getting acupuncture for his back. If the headaches increase maybe he can get acupuncture for them, too. The weather has been all over the map this year. I think we are finally rid of snow, but I do wish it would warm up just a tad more. Right now evenings, overnight and early mornings are cold, days warmer. But we’ve had weeks where we have extremes all in one week, or even one day. Unpleasant. We were teased with a couple beautiful days in the 70’s that were truly lovely. Hoping for more. 🙂
Lyn
I’m awaiting the pain clinic for acupuncture in May
How long did it take to work for SB
Tonie
Be thinking about you Monday .how long will you be in hospital?
Is The op Monday or are you just going in before?
Not heard from Suzanne.hope she’s ok
Sue….well we are all feeling the same and waiting to hear.
But you rest up..so it’s a mix between wanting to hear and wanting you to rest
Chris
Chris:
It is an outpatient procedure. I will go in, and be released to come home the same day. Things have changed over here for any kind of thing. Soon we will have “drive through” birthings 🙂 I have to call in the am and find out when I have to be there. Resting on my heated pad this evening. 3 days a week with Ms Alice really push my limits, but it is nice to have more $$ to do with. I go to swim tomorrow and then to sit with her a few more hours. We will see how I far next week whether or not I can go. I am thinking positive that I will be there THurs and Fri 🙂
Lyn the weather is bright and sunny with a cool air this week. We had a frost on this am. Hopefully all that coldness will got back to where it came from and it will heat up ! I am planning on having my legs out in the sun one day next week at least ! Have a lot of things to do Fri and Sat. Vacuuming, washing dogs, weed eating, and mowing again. (only the front this time) My lilac bush is getting blossoms on it so soon I will smell that wonderful fragrance coming in my kitchen window.
Sue, hope you are home resting by now.
Jennie, take care.
SUzanne !! Where are you ??
Love to all
Tonie
Blimey Tonie ….but I must admit it’s the same here….but that’s quite some op to have done and come home…do look after yourself with your dogs and chickens.will you have a lift home?
You know what …..I think you can do whatever you want ..you to me .seem a born survivor.
Annie is quiet as well as Suzanne ,hope the tests were easy
I went to the sjogrens fella today at hosp
My lips are all blistered as they are dry and food and drinks burn them..but nowt can be done just the same old advice .gotta go back in six mths
Went away to coast yesterday nice change.warm sunny day and no wind .oh will send you a photo Tonie
Chris
The wind is finally dying down here, too, Chris. Boy was it blowing the other day! Still some earlier today, but much calmer now. SB isn’t really under control yet. I understand it can take several sessions to get an issue under control, then usually there are maintenance sessions. The last time she suggested he try to go 2 weeks or so and see how it goes. I think he needs to go in again, but he’ll need to call and set it up. He’s not always the greatest at that…
Tonie, thanks for reminding me I want to check my little lilac to see if it has new growth on it yet. My Mom started a little one from hers which came from my grandparents’ farm. It is tiny now, but will be bigger in no time, I’m sure. I do like them, but also know I’m allergic to them. I’ll admire it from afar. We had one at our first house and I used to love bringing the flowers in. They smelled so nice. Of course, allergy symptoms followed… Oh well.
Oh, I see the new blog is posted. Off I go to read Sue’s latest entry!
Chris:
My sister will take me to the hospital for the surgery, it is around an 1 1/2 hr trip each way. She will see me there and back. The boys will be fine, they love to be sick with me. The chickens will be okay as well. Easy fix. It has rained off and on all day, but then the sun comes out. I am very tired from 4 days of being with Ms Alice. , but I can sleep in tomorrow. Hope your lips get better.
Lyn:
My son has been seeing a chiropractor who is using very different means to help his back. He is doing a lot better and just loves this guy. Not sure what the procedures are but maybe he can find out if there is someone in your area who is using these procedures ?? I will check it out and let you know.
Love to all
Tonie
My dears, Thank you for all of your well wishes and prayers. I’ll tell you all about it on the new blog. Chris dear, I love a lip lotion made by Neosporin and use it every night. Hope you can find it. It’s a little pot of creme. See you all on the next page. Much love, Sue