This year I am rethinking the meaning and source of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and find I have to seek them in the past, at least for right now. I find myself, like so many of you remembering past Christmas experiences. I’m usually that frantic woman who starts bugging her dear man to put up the Christmas tree the Friday after Thanksgiving, but not this year. As many of you know, it’s been a rough year in the health department at our household and I don’t currently have the strength or the health to be enthusiastic as usual. I’m sure my husband would be scratching his head in wonder if he didn’t have to look at his sorry excuse for a wife, right now, and understand a nauseous woman recovering from a fractured back is not a pretty sight. The oral chemo has made me ill and we’re praying and hoping it will pass. A month of nausea can bend one’s attitude a bit.
In the meantime, Christmas with all of its festivities, family fun and food is coming at us, as fast as Rudolph’s lit nose can twinkle. I’ve tried to hold it back but it is thundering in on reindeer hooves, faster than usual with a late Thanksgiving this year. Since I have been physically and at intervals, emotionally down, for the last couple of months, I have had a great deal more time to think, ponder and remember the many Christmas times of my life. I know some folks have unhappy Christmas memories but most of mine are ones of joy and family pleasure. They haven’t always been abundant in the material sense, but always blessed. Always Christmas has brought with it the miracle of rebirth and the joys of life.
When I was a child living with an upholsterer Dad and a housewife Mom, my three sisters completed the circle. Since I was much younger than my sisters, my Dad used to take me shopping with him to buy them a family gift. I recall the year we went into our favorite music store in town. It was a lovely store with sparkling lights and always, always a mechanized, colorfully designed front window just for the season. Each year it was a different excitement of some sort to delight young and old. The memory that stands out most in my mind is when Dad wanted to buy my teen-aged sisters a new contraption which was a step up from the radio that was always running in our home. It was called a stereo hi-fi. I was in awe that it played all types of records and had a radio too. It was encased in a lovely light wood frame and I alone knew about it. I love Christmas secrets, don’t you?
We always opened gifts at our house on Christmas Eve. Santa came early to us and always rang sleigh bells on the front porch of our California style ranch house, just as we were eating dinner. He was speedy in his escape, and believe it or not I was a shy child and afraid of running into him so I waited a bit before opening the front door. We didn’t have a chimney and I’m certain my dear Dad was always grateful for that.
Mom and Dad were counselors for our church high school group and I’m certain that’s how I got drafted to sing AWAY IN A MANGER one year, white robe and angels wings complete with curly hair which came at the price of trying to sleep on metal rollers. I remember a cradle beside me with a doll like image of the Baby Jesus. I was frightened out of my mind but got through it.
Then I remember the Christmas I was ten-years-old and dearly desired a beautiful bridal doll I had spotted at our local J.C. Penney department store. That same year a very homely, realistic looking baby doll came onto the market. At least it was homely to me. When gift opening time arrived, I opened what I anticipated would be my bride doll to find the realistic baby doll frowning back at me. I burst into tears and ran from the room. I must have been a spoiled one to display my disappointment so openly. In the interim my eighteen-year-old sister was laughing. She had pulled the prank on me, thinking it would be humorous. It wasn’t.
There were, of course, later years when money was scarce and one year after a divorce when my children and I celebrated Christmas with another single young mother by buying and swinging at a piñata. That was a fun year, although a lonely one as my parents were committed to visiting one of my married sisters. Good times aren’t always dependent on money but unfortunately, they often depend on health. When I was eleven, I had rheumatic fever and spent that holiday season in bed or on the couch in our living room. I’m not unfamiliar with illness and have had it intertwined into my life almost from the beginning.
Worshipping, family and food are all interwoven into my thoughts and memories of Christmas. This year I have been particularly intrigued by why we say Merry Christmas. Maybe it’s because I am not feeling very merry. We used to say Happy Christmas and I understand that is still the accepted greeting in some countries. Whether you celebrate the birth of the Christ child, or another such as Happy Hanukkah, Ramadan or Kwanzaa, I wish you and yours health, joy of life and peace of mind.
Don’t let the falling needles, the pain in your body, that grouchy relative or the flu spoil this season for you. I will try, also.
Weekly Dose of Sue 
Sue
Yea past Christmases are treasures we store and power houses for our future ones. If we are able we best build on them and try and recreate that special feeling each time
How good to look back on those we have had…we can even see how we have all grown and maybe a blink into the future ones
You will still have Christmas in your house Sue becos it’s in your heart
Chris
Chris, What a kind thing to say about our Christmas this year. To the oncologist tomorrow for me. I dread the long drive but know I must be seen. Hope you and yours are still enjoying the season. Love, Sue
I just wrote a long reply and before I could post it, I lost it. Have no reason why. I just want to cry. I will try again tomorrow. Sue, I will be praying for your trip tomorrow and pray that the doctor will have the right wisdom as for what treatment is best for you. We both know you have to have something love! Thank you for the blog knowing how bad you have felt. God Bless you!
Chris, thank you for what you wrote Sue as it really opened up my eyes and my heart. You are a great friend to all of us. God Bless you Chris. Donna
Donna, thanks for your prayers and thoughts. I look forward to reading your rewrite when you feel up to it. Love ya, Sue
Donna, may God bless you as richly as you wish for others.
Sue, wonderful Christmas sharing. Prayers for you for tomorrow. A bit tired and its a bit late. Love to all
Lyn, Thanks dear friend. I’m so uplifted by your love. Sue
Dear Sue, Prayers for your trip tomorrow. Bad night for me, will try again later. Love, Janet
Janet, Thanks dear girl. Sorry you’re having a bad night. We’re facing a coastal windstorm. Winds 45-65 mph, and sure hope they’re all blown out by tomorrow afternoon for our two hour trip. Prayers for you to feel better, too. Love ya, Sue
Sue, thanks for your Christmas thoughts and prayers for your trip tomorrow. The last few weeks have not been good for me but I am trying my best to find some Christmas spirit with it fast approaching and so much to do … and maybe some things that won’t get done this year. Love, Hugs and Prayers …. Pommum Brenda
Pommum Brenda, may the spirit of Christmas slip into even the darkest places and illuminate your spirit with love and light. Blessings.
Thankyou for your kind words too Donna ,,I think we all are very close to each other on here we seem to understand what we each want to say
Sue I hope those winds pass out for you too and the journey goes by quickly .be thinking of you tommorow. We have wind warnings out here too for a few days and they’ve got a new word for a weather front I’ve never heard before ..we are going to be ….weather bombed…..have you heard it over your side before? Its a big front coming in apparently .dont know what to expect!!
Our policemen over here were called back to base in one area ,there was a threat of being kidnapped and killed. What times we live in
Well I’m awake as usual it’s nearly 6am…not bad ..I’ve put myself on cimetidine I had in the cupboard
for my reflux….doesn’t seem so drying as the proton ones …and they make me sleepy. I’ve slept for 4 hrs thru
Ok folks
All best for tomorrow sue
Chris
Chris, weather bombed? That’s a new one to me, too, but it doesn’t sound good. Anytime there is a big front it doesn’t bode well for many of us. I hope you are prepared. Policemen threatened to be kidnapped or killed? How awful! It hurts my heart that there is such evil aimed at people, particularly those who live a life of service to others.
Dearest Sue, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be nauseous, while suffering physical pain, for such a long period of time. It would be enough to try the temperament of the angels. You’re pretty amazing to still be able to find the strength to write your weekly blog. I continue to hold you in prayer and will send an extra-special prayer for you as you make your long journey ro see the oncologist tomorrow. I love what Chris said about you having Christmas in your house this year because it’s always in your heart. Much, much love to you, dear lady. Karen 💕
Karen, trying to the temperament of the angels, indeed. (Enjoyed that phrase.) I hope you are doing well. 🙂
Indeed Sue, Christmas is coming on like a speeding reindeer! My life has been part whirlwind and part suspended animation since Thanksgiving. Went home to Oklahoma. We were not able to bring Mom home from rehab hospital for dinner as she was short of breath, and by Thanksgining night we had to take her back to ER for congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
She spent about 10 days in the hospital and we nearly lost her. She’s back at rehab hospital now but doc doesn’t think she will be able to tolerate physical therapy with the damage from the MI and compromised heart valves. Suggested bringing her home with hospice care and foregoing hospitalization if she gets worse. We’ve got a lot of decisions to make as a family. Mom is lucid and in pretty good spirits right now. I think she is holding on for one more Christmas with the grandbabies but will not be surprised if she deteriorates rapidly after that. I pray that we can keep her comfortable.
I’m exhausted, still in pain from my car wreck and fibro flare. Christmas concerts this weekend and then hopefully I can rest and Mom will remain stable for a little while.
Prayers for your oncology appt. and I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your family.
Love to all-
Annie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so sorry you are facing this time with your mom and so soon after your dad. Blessings to you all.
ANNIE….MY THOUGHTS AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU THROUGH THIS ROUGH TIME DARLING…..LOVE JENNIE XX
PRAYERS FOR YOU ANNIE. VERY HARD TIMES FOR YOUR FAMILY AND MOM. MY GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN THE DECISIONS YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE.
LOVE YOU XXX
GOSH…..MY NOEL WAS A BIT DIFFERENT TO YOURS DEAR SUE…….I LOVED READING THE GOOD AND THE BAD PARTS EQUALLY…..NOEL IN OUR HOUSE AS A CHILD, WAS AS MISERABLE AS IT GETS……MY MOM WORKED HARD WITH THREE JOBS TO GET WHAT SHE COULD FOR US (YES I KNOW IR SOUNDS LIKE DICKENS) THAT MISERABLE SON OF A B……H CALLED A FATHER DID NOTHING FOR US THREE KIDS, HE WOULD GO AS SLOW AS HE COULD WITH GETTING HIMSELF PREENED FOR THE DAY, SO WE ALL HAD TO WAIT LIKE LITTLE SOLDIERS FOR A SMALL GIFT MY MOM HAD BOUGHT…NOT HIM….THEN THE REST OF THE DAY WAS STRAINED IN CASE WE MADE TOO MUCH NOISE AND GOT SENT TO BED….HAPPY DAYS. i CHANGED THAT WHEN I MARRIED AND HAD KIDS OF MY OWN……………BUT THE HAPPIEST NOEL’S HAVE BEEN WITH MY DH AND OUR ASSORTMENT OF KIDS AND HIS GRANDS…………………….WE EACH HAVE OUR STORIES , DO WE NOT, INTERLACED WITH GOOD AND BAD………….THIS YEAR AT THE MOMENT IS IN THE BALANCE, WHILST WE WAIT TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY DH’S HEART…..COULD USE SOME PRAYERS ON THAT ONE.
SUE YOU KNOW THAT I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND THAT BLOODY NAUSEA, AND THINKING OF YOUR TRIP TO PORTLAND…AND ALL WHO FEEL BAD TODAY, MAY BLESSING COME TEARING ACROSS THE POND TO YOU ALL……..LOVE YOU …jENNIE XXX
Oh, Jennie, dear. No child should have that Noel experience. I am so thankful my own memories are happy ones with family and filled with love. I have always tried so hard to give my own children the same – no spoiling them with things, but definitely with love. I am also thankful that you have found such a wonderful and loving man in your DH and been blessed with holidays as they should be – filled with love. My prayers are with you and your DH as well.
LYN….ITS FINE, I’M OVER IT……IT WAS HORRID, BUT ITS DONE WITH NOW, I JUST WISH I HAD SOME GRANDCHILDREN OF MY OWN TO LIVE IT THROUGH THEIR EYES, BUTS ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN….THAT DOESN’T STOP ME ENJOYING THE POSTS THAT OTHERS PUT ON ABOUT THEIRS THOUGH……LOVE YOU…JENNIE XX
Morning all:
Sue such a sweet blog. Indeed the Christmas is in the heart. As the Grinch says. One of my favorite movies. I am on that speeding reindeer and I would like for him to slow down a bit.
I had my 2 hour drive yesterday, with 2 appts. UGH ! A day after the stomach flu. But I felt ok, until my last appt. I started having bad cramps in my tummy, which stayed with me all the way home and all last night and still have some this am. GAS ! Like labor pains ! I feel like a punching bag this morning, but better than I did last night. I am supposed to go to the local dinner theater for lunch with the girls from the Wellness Center. Hope I am up to it.
Prayers for your trip, know that I love you (and all of you) so very much
Tonie
Tonie, whew! You made it through your appts. Now you deserve that dinner theater luncheon! Enjoy!
TONIE……GLAD YOU GOT YOUR TWO HOUR DRIVE DONE WITH, AND THE GAS HAS GONE FROM OUR TUMMY, THAT CAN BE VERY PAINFUL, BIT LIKE LITTLE ONES WITH COLIC. I HOPE YOU GET YOUR DINNER AND THEATER TREAT……GOD BLESS…JENNIE XX
Hello, all. Back this morning and believe I’ve left a little message for each who commented here. Been going through some rough days here, yet still managing to stay on top of what needs to be done. It would be helpful to be able to get more sleep… I hope I can pull out of this before our concerts. I cannot manage being on my feet for lengths of time, and this concert we have “choreography” to two pieces in our second half so I should really not be using a stool for that half of the concert. A concert a day for 3 days. Not sure how I’m going to approach it this time. The last day I might be able to get away with a stool more easily. We’ll see. The increased achiness, fatigue, etc. seems to have left me more susceptible to weepiness. Hate that. Our pets do offer me some comfort and comic relief, however, which is a blessing. Last evening I went to dinner and a concert with a friend. When I returned all 4 pets met me at the door. It was so sweet. I’m trying to get Christmas “wrapped up”. I have just about all gifts purchased. Some are still on the way, and I need to wrap everything. Just bought cards to send. This is the first time in a few years I may actually get some mailed out. Must try to get all cards, Christmas taken care of before the 17th so I can rest a bit before “Christmas week plus”. Our concerts are the 19th-21st, then of course Christmas Eve and Day, which will probably be spent low key here at home this year and getting ready for 27th when we will host DH’s family Christmas and 28th when we go to my Mom’s for my side Christmas. I may end up crashing at Mom’s. We all know from experience how draining that all sounds. Hopefully I’ll have help here at home for prep for the 27th. I know my DH will help. DD, probably not so much. Her best friend is home from school in Newfoundland. He is also her boyfriend’s brother, so any time she’s not working, she’ll likely be over there where she’ll help their family get ready for Christmas Eve party. Good for them, not so much for me. Oh well. SB will take care of his room and bath if I keep on him. At least I won’t have the whole house… I feel like I’m whining. So sorry. But if I’m not chiming in as much, you’ll know what I’m up to. 😉
Take care, all!
LYN…I AM WORRIED THAT YOU WON’T HAVE THE STAMINA TO KEEP GOING WITH ALL THE THINGS YOU HAVE LINED UP TO DO…YOU ARE NOT WHINING SWEETPEA, JUST KNOCKING YOURSELF OUT……TAKE SOME “ME” TIME TO CATCH YOUR BREATH…..XXXXX
Lyn:
That is not whining, it is a lot of work. I went to the program today. Couldn’t eat but a bite or two, and the sweet waiter brought me some ice cream when I told him no desert cause of my tummy. Then back to church to practice for our play. I am hurting really bad again so prayers please. Sipping some ginger ale. I am so bloated and painful. It is cold and windy tonight.
Hope you make it thru Lyn, it is hard to make yourself rest when so much to do huh ?
Lyn, You’re not whining dear- you never do. Just telling it like it is. Prayers for strength and stamina, and for joy to fill you heart and your “energy tank” to carry you through. Joyeaux Noel!
I AGREE WITH EVERYONE LYN. JUST TELLING IT LIKE IT IS. PACE, PACE, PACE DEAR ONE.
MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH YOU NEED AND LOVE TO GET THROUGH IT ALL.
LOVE YOU XXX
CHRIS….JUST CATCHING SOME OF THE WEATHER BOMB…ITS EVIL OUT THERE, JUST GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO GO OUT, HOPE YOU DON’T EITHER…HOW IS YOUR COUGH AND TUMMY……..LOVE JEN X
Dear Sue, this is so beautiful as always. I am always blessed by your writings & the things & way you share. I hope that I can be as gracious as you in my darkest gours. Blessings my friend & I pray that you have healing & much comfort & joy. With love, Terry
Jen
My tum ok but my coughing no good..whole chest feels heavy tight and I want to cough but does no good
Don’t think the steroid inhaler does any good..still taking stuff ,reflux meds no good either
Waiting for respiratory clinic now..had chest X-ray Monday and waiting for referral letter to get to the clinic
Sleeping sitting up but that’s no good either
Hope Barry ok at the hosp when he goes and it’s nowt
Always summat to worry about
Hey. Tell all recipee for treacle tart
They will know the pastry case just the gooey filling bit
Hope all not bad .weather windy here and cold and waiting to be weather bombed! Phones all charged and stuff all done ready,I bet nothing happens…
Have to go out as DH has dr appt with results of bp monitor and I am at the haidressesrs
Thinking of sue and today for her
Back later Chris
Chris weather bomb hit us here, don’t want to go out in it today, but got to…….got a wind that cuts right through you, is it as bad where you are? I will look out my recipe for treacle tart, have it somewhere. Good look with DH’s monitoring……and enjoy some pampering at the hairdressers, you deserve it…….Love Jen xx
OH JENNIE POO, READ YOUR STORY OF CHRISTMAS PAST WITH YOUR FATHER. MUST HAVE BEEN AWFUL. I HAD A WONDERFUL DAD AND MOM WITH LOTS OF LOVE AT CHRISTMAS. I DO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH THOUGH CAUSE MY DH WAS AND IS A BIT LIKE THAT WHEN OUR CHILDREN WERE SMALL. IT ALWAYS BROKE MY HEART.
LOVE YOU MY PETAL.
XXX
Lyn
You do sound you have been doing to much. Look after yourself and don’t feel guilty about resting and saying NO.hard I know but very necessary
Tonie
That tum….left overs from the bug..when we lot with IBS get anything it lingers.do you have antispasmodics with you to take . That and a hot water bottle on it should make it more comfortable.
It’s a bummer when it gets stuck with you
Well still awake
Gonna make a drink Chris
SUE MY DEAR FRIEND SUCH A GREAT BLOG, ENJOYED READING IT. FELT LIKE I WAS READING MY STORY OF HAPPINESS AND LOVE AT CHRISTMAS TIME. GOOD MEMORIES!
HOPE ALL GOES WELL TODAY SENDING PRAYERS AND ANGELS FOR YOU AND YOUR DH.
LOVE YOU BIG.
XXX
Dear Friends, Just a quick note to everyone and a promise I’ll try to chat with each of you later on when I’m more rested. Went to Portland yesterday in an awful rainstorm and the trip home was especially menacing because we could hardly see out with the washers going full rate. Four hours in the car plus all I had done at the hospital, exam, xrays, etc. I still don’t have a definite answer. The oncologist said it might be the Tamoxifen but since I haven’t had any hot flashes, he said it would be rare. I do, however, have most of the other symptoms of a bad reaction with the nausea, mouth sores, etc. He’s not sure thus the x-rays. They appeared to be okay and so we wait. I think the nausea is a bit better and I’m going to try to eat more today. Sorry to make this brief but I am exhausted after yesterday although everyone was very kind and provided a wheelchair for me to get around. I guess it was obvious I was in distress with the back and the weakness. I’ve lost another five pounds and simply must eat…nausea or no nausea. I know each of you have been praying and thinking about me and didn’t want you to be left up in the air. Love each of you and will be back when I’ve rested. Love, Sue
Sue…..Glad to have you home, take it easy now for as long as you can….waiting is a right bugger, but at least the nausea seems to be easier for you…….got to get some flesh on those bones now sweetie…how about I give you some of mine, got a few pounds going spare…God I’m generous!!!!
Love you….Jen x
YOU REST UP SWEETHEART! IT WILL DO YOU THE WORLD OF GOOD.
LOVE TO ALL
XXX
Sue
As Suzanne says you rest up.youve had too much of everything .
Perhaps your body has got too used to not eating and it needs tempting somehow,I’m sure you’ve done that tho.
I think I’ve got a cold coming..I thought it was sjogrens and the meds,,but I’m not sure .throat getting worse and with this blimmin cough it’s sore..and I am shivering now and ache all over.hope it aint flu.hubby had vac,but they won’t let me have it
Well I’ll be back later if I can’t sleep..huh,IF!!
Chris
Thanks, everyone. I’m trying to take it easy whenever I can – or must. I appreciate your support! I am thankful every day that we have this blog and each other. 🙂
Me too LYN…Love ya …..Jennie xxx
I love this blog too and all the friends on it. I don’t post as much as the rest of you do but I always read and try and keep up with everyone. Some of you I stay in touch with through Facebook. When I start breathing better I will attempt to write about my Christmases past again and hopefully won’t lose it again. I will try to write again sometime Saturday. Lord I pray you bless each and everyone on This blog. You know what each person needs and I thank you in advance for meeting all those needs in Jesus name, Amen
Lord, I do want to thank you that Sue and Tonie had safe trips as they were long and I am sure were hard on them. Help them to get the rest that their bodies need. Well help us all. Show us when we need to slow down and rest. I know it is the holiday season and everything is hustle and bustle but I don’t think that the Lord wants us to make ourselves sick over it. LOVE to all. Donna
Seen about the storms over the pond..hope all ok
Chris
LOVE TO EVERYONE TODAY….GOT ANOTHER ROTTEN HEADACHE….A LOT OF TENSION, MY DAUGHTER IN LAW, IS DRIVING A LONG WAY IN THICK FOG ON A BUSY MOTORWAY, TO SEE HER MOM WHO IS CRITICALLY ILL IN HOSPITAL, SO PRAYERS FOR ANNE IF YOU CAN PLEASE……HOPE YOU ARE ALL OK, WILL WRITE MORE TOMORROW……JENNIE XXX
Jennie, Prayers for Anne and her Mom and for you dear friend. Janet
JANET……THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS…….ITS MY SON TIM’S PARTNER CLAIRE WHO’S MOM ANNE IS SICK IN HOSPITAL, CLAIRE IS WAITING TO HEAR IF HER MOM NEEDS OPERATING ON HER COLON, THERE ISN’T MUCH OF IT LEFT AFTER TWO IN THE SAME AREA, A FEW YEARS AGO……ARE YOU ALRIGHT LOVE? ,,,,,,LOVE JENNIE XX
Jennie, I pray that your daughter in law had a safe trip and that when she got there she found her mother better. Sometimes just seeing your child can make a mom feel better. I pray that you have been able to sleep and when you wake up you will feel better from your nasty headache. I hope for a better day for you. Thank you Lord that Jennie will not have a headache today and that she will feel rested and able to do whatever she needs to get accomplished today. LOVE YOU Jennie. Sending hugs!! 🙂
DONNA…….SUCH A SWEET POST, THANK YOU. YES CLAIRE HAS A SAFE TRIP, SHE TOOK HER SISTER WITH HER, SO HAD MORAL SUPPORT……ITS A WAITING GAME NOW TO SEE IF MOM RESPONDS TO THE DRUGS. MY HEADACHE IS GRADUALLY ABATING, BUT ITS BEEN A STINKER…..HOW ARE YOU DOING PET??……LOVE JENNIE XX
PRAYING FOR YOU DAUGHTER IN LAW. AND SENDING ANGELS TO PROTECT HER.
GOD BLESS
XXX
SUZANNE……THANK YOU SO MUCH…..I WILL PASS ON YOUR CONCERNS, AND EVERYONE ELSE’S, I THINK ITS GOING TO BE A LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR CLAIRE’S MOM, BUT HOPING FOR THE BEST….HOW ARE THINGS GOING WITH YOUR AUNT AND WITH YOUR PAIN MY FRIEND……LOVE JENNIE XX
Sue, For the life of me, I don’t know how you keep on going. This Christmas is not easy for me as well as I have had to face the end of my marriage of 39 years this year. We both still live together and are in counceling but I am convinced that 2015 will be a painful year. I have called a truce however for the holidays and I’m trying to enjoy my kids and grandkids. The point of your story and mine is to wake up every day and count your blessings because they are all around us. Best wishes and hugs for you and your family.
BRENDA SWEETHEART…..MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU, I TOO HAVE GONE DOWN THIS ROAD TOO, I THINK A FEW OF US HAVE, ITS TOUGH AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, AS EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE MORE HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE OF THE FESTIVE HOLIDAY. YOU ARE VERY BRAVE TO CALL A TRUCE FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS AND GRANDS, DON;T GIVE UP IF THERE IS ANY HOPE OF SALVAGING THE SITUATION THROUGH COUNCELLING. AT LEAST YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN, AND CAN HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH. KEEP GOING LOVE, CHRISTMAS IS ONLY A DAY, AND MAKE THE BEST OF IT IF YOU CAN…….BIG HUGS…..JENNIE XX
OH BRENDA SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT. YOU CERTAINLY ARE A BRAVE SOUL TO CALL A TRUCE FOR THE KIDS AND GRANDS. YOU SEEM TO BE DOING ALL YOU CAN TO SAVE THIS MARRIAGE. HOPE IT ALL WORKS OUT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND. 39 YEARS IS A LONG TIME. HAPPY YOU ARE GOING TO COUNCELING, THAT HAS HELPED MANY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU BRENDA.
SENDING PRAYERS.
LOVE YOU LOTS ,
XXX
SUE….I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU POSTING FOR AWHILE SO I AM GETTING A BIT WORRIED…..HOW ARE YOU DOING SWEETHEART??
JUST MANAGED TO GET THE XMAS DECORATIONS UP TODAY, HAD A THREE DAY MIGRAINE. SO IT WAS A BIT HIT AND MISS, DID YOU MANAGE TO GET A TREE UP? i BET YOUR GRANDS ARE GETTING EXCITED NOW HUH? HOW IS THE EATING SITUATION, ARE YOU ABLE TO GET SOMETHING MORE SOLID DOWN YOU?…….LOVE AND HUGS…..JENNIE XX
Sue, I agree with Jennie. Haven’t seen you on here in a while. I guess the trip to the oncologist wiped you out. Praying that you will be back on here soon. Rest and get well. LOVE YOU Sue, Donna
DONNA DEAR, YES THAT FOUR HOUR TRIP WIPED ME OUT AS WELL AS THE LINGERING NAUSEA. NOW I’M WORKING ON BUILDING UP MY STRENGTH. HAD TO RAISE MY ARMS FOR CHEST X-RAYS AND HURT MY BAD SHOULDER FROM SURGERY. TRYING TO MOVE IT EACH DAY AND TRYING TO STAND TALL AFTER THE BACK FX. HOPE THIS LOUSINESS IS THE TAMOXIFEN AND TRULY BELIEVE I’M BETTER EACH DAY WITHOUT IT.
HOW ARE YOU DOING DEAR GIRL? SOUNDS LIKE YOU WILL HAVE A HOUSEFUL FOR THE HOLIDAY. ENJOY, OKAY?
TONIE AND LYN AND LAURA……ARE YOU ALL OKAY……CHRIS….HOW IS THE THROAT XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ok here, Jennie. Just really busy and going through a flare. Trying to rest whenever I can. I catch up here, but not always time to write in.
Tonie, haven’t seen you on here for a while. I hope it is because you are baking and taking care of your animals and not sick. A little Christmas shopping? When you get a chance let us know that you are okay. We miss you when you are not on here. We love you too! Donna
Jen
Blimmin hec .you don’t half have these heads when u have them!
Let’s hope they keep going the right way now
Well can’t speak with my throat sound like on helium…it’s a bu..er of a virus
Hope DD dont get it
Yea how u sue?
Tonie?
Chris
HI CHRIS….OH DEAR YOU COULD DO WITHOUT ALL THIS, ITS SO COLD INIT? MY HOTWATER BOTTLE BURST YESTERDAY, I WAS WATCHING TV AFTER A HECTIC DAY, BACKACHE IN FULL FORCE, BARRY SAID HE WOULD MAKE ME A HOTTIE FOR MY BACK, AND THE BUGGER BURST, SOAKING THE COUCH MY SWEATER RIGHT THROUGH TO MY UNDIES….DEEP FLIPPING JOY…..MY HEADACHE GONE AT LAST, ABOUT AN HOUR AGO SO WAS INTO MY FOURTH DAY….A LOT OF TENSION……TAKE CARE LOVE, I WORRY ABOUT YOU…LOVE JENNIE XX
Chris, hope you are feeling better. I have Had a bad virus as well. At least I can breathe a little better. I have been able to go back on pulse instead of continuous flow with my oxygen. You can really go through some oxygen tanks when you keep it on continuous all the time. At night I use my electric consentrater which runs all the time. When I move downstairs in a few weeks I can use that one all the time and save my tanks for when I am away from the house. I am checking into getting a portable oxygen machine so I won’t have to mess with tanks anymore. I hope you are staying warm and feel better. LOVE ya! Donna
So many facing illness and loss this year on top of chronic pain. Prayers for all of you. Kept us updated on Claire’s mom, Jennie.
Thinking of Janet today, first Christmas in the new place. Hope it’s joyous.
My mom is holding her own for now but I realized today I am scared to buy her a Christmas present, as if it will jinx things. Can hardly bear to think of Christmas not being able to bring her home for dinner, much less if she us not with us at all.
They recorded our Christmas concerts so hopefully DVD’s will be ready so I can take it home and share it with Mom. How she used to love coming to my concerts and hearing me play or sing. Love of music is probably the best gift she ever gave me. I am relieved they are done though. Could barely stand through the second night even with my TENS unit, pain pills, and a cane to lean on. But couldn’t besr the thought of not singing- it brings such joy.
Well I need to try to sleep.
Love to all, Princess Crabby Pants
HI ANNIE LOVE……JUST GOT WORD ON CLAIRE’S MOM. SE HAS A TWISTED BOWEL AND ITS IN A KIND OF LOOP LOADED WITH INFECTION, THEY HAVE HER ON BED REST AND ANTIBIOTICS, HOPING NOT TO HAVE TO OPERATE…..KEEP PRAYING SHE WILL BE OKAY.
YES JANET WILL FIND IT STRANGE IN HER NEW HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME AT CHRISTMAS, BUT TERE ALWAYS HAVE TO BE FIRSTS I GUESS, THEN YOU KING OF ACCEPT IT.
I AM GLAD YOUR MOM IS STABLE ANNIE, WHAT AN AWFUL WORRY FOR YOU LOVE, YOU GO AHEAD AND BUY THAT PRESENT, THAT WAY SHE WILL KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WERE THINKING OF HER. SOMETHING PRETTY FOR HER TO LOOK AT, AND KNOW IT CAME FROM HER BELOVED DAUGHTER…..LOVE YOU ANNIE, CHIN UP LOVE!!……..JENNIE XX
Annie, you already know you have my prayers. I second Jennie – go ahead and get that gift. 🙂 As far as concerts, I am blessed to be able to use a stool and a music stand when I need to. Are you able to do that rather than the cane? I’m thinking it would be more helpful. Just a thought.
Generally I can use a stool if needed but the way the stage was set up this time there was not enough room at the end of the risers – guess I could have “perched” in the Christmas tree- 🎄 Lol.
Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts. The big news is that my house sold. It closed the 12th. The family is happy, I’m afraid I am just sad.
I did want to share my Christmas Past. I was born in1930, so was a depression baby, but it was a good time for me because of my parents and my brother. We never felt deprived. Almost all of our presents were practical, like clothes and shoes. But we had a big Christmas dinner with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. I remember my Mom making Christmas candy and putting it in tin boxes for gifts. She made fudge, divinity and stuffed dates and she let me help.
My son has decorated the outside and it really looks like Christmas. We will be doing the inside soon. My other son, DIL, GS and GD will be down here for Christmas and that is good.
I want to wish all here A Merry Christmas and a Happy New year and special prayers that all will soon be better. Love all you guys, so take care. Love, Janet
Janet….please don’t be sad, your home is were you make it love,,,,with the decorating from your Son on the outside, and some homely bits and bobs on the inside, it will look like you have always been there…….houses are only bricks and mortar at the end of the day, if our heart is full of love for your family, then its a true saying, “Home is where the heart is”…..so enjoy everything you special lady…….love you ….Jennie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
JANET SWEETHEART, I HAVE TO AGREE WITH JENNIE, “HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS” BUT I CAN ALMOST FEEL THAT SADNESS COMING THROUGH THIS COMPUTER. OF COURSE IT’S HARD TO SELL OUR HOME, BUT NOW YOU ARE WITH YOUR SON AND FAMILY , HOW SWEET IS THAT. GOD BLESS YOU JANET FOR BEING SUCH A STRONG LADY. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME. ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH ALL IT’S MAGICAL MOMENTS.
LOVE YOU SWEET LADY.
XXX
DEAR FRIENDS, I KNOW. IT’S ABOUT TIME. I’M SORRY BUT I’VE STILL BEEN BATTLING NAUSEA BUT IT IS BETTER…SORT OF WORSE IN THE AM LIKE THE OLD DAYS OF PREGNANCY. WELL TAMOXIFEN, THE ORAL CHEMO, IS A HORMONE DERIVATIVE. I ALSO HAD XRAYS TO CHECK FOR METS FROM THE BREAST CANCER. ALL OKAY THUS FAR.
FIRST OF ALL LET ME SHARE I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH TONIE AND SHE CALLED TO SAY SHE IS IN THE HOSPITAL. SHE HAD A FIERCE BELLYACHE AND DROVE HERSELF TO THE HOSPITAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND HAD A TWISTED BOWEL. SHE’S HAD SURGERY TO REMOVE PART THAT WAS AFFECTED AND HAS AND IS STILL VERY ILL. SHE HAS AN N/G TUBE, ETC. SHE ASKED THAT WE PRAY FOR HER TO POOP; A SURE SIGN THAT SHE IS GETTING BETTER. DON’T KNOW HOW LONG SHE WILL BE IN THERE. IT DEPENDS ON HER PROGRESS. I PROMISED HER WE WOULD ALL PRAY FOR HER.
I WAS ON CHAT WITH LYN ON FB SO SHE KNOWS AND IS ALREADY PRAYING, DEAR GIRL. LYN, DO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF DURING THIS STRESSFUL BUT BLESSED TIME OF YEAR. I KNOW YOU HAVE MUCH ON YOUR CHRISTMAS PLATE. BE GOOD TO YOU. i ALREADY KNOW YOU ARE A BLESSING TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND ALL WHO HEAR YOUR WONDERFUL VOICE.
ANNIE DEAR, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM AND PRAY SHE IS NOT SUFFERING AND IS PEACEFUL. I PRAY YOU HAVE MORE TIME WITH HER, ESPECIALLY DURING THIS SEASON. I WISH YOU AND YOUR MOM STRENGTH FOR THIS JOURNEY YOU WILL ALL BE TAKING AND PRAY YOU DO GET MORE TIME TOGETHER. PEOPLE DO RALLY. LOVE YOU.
JENNIE, SO GLAD THAT HEADACHE FINALLY LET GO OF YOU. I SAW THE PICS ON FB OF YOUR DECORATED HOME AND IT LOOKS SO SERENE AND LOVELY. BETH CAME OVER YESTERDAY AND HELPED ME PUT UP A COUPLE OF WREATHS AND GET OUT A FEW OF MY SMALL TABLETOP TREES SO WE HAVE A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS DECOR HERE. NO TREE THIS YEAR. I’M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CLAIRE’S MOM. I HOPE SHE WILL HEAL QUICKLY. POOR GIRL SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL DAUGHTER. NO SURPRISE THERE. I THINK SOME OF US WERE CONFUSED ABOUT YOUR CALLING HER YOUR DIL, BUT WHAT THE HECK…SHE PRETTY MUCH IS. HOPE TIM LIKES HIS JOB MORE AS TIME PASSES. I THINK OF YOU OFTEN AND PRAY YOU HAVE A COMFORTABLE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY SEASON. HOW IS DH?
CHRIS DEAR, SO THAT DAMNABLE THROAT PROBLEM SOUNDS WORSE. THOSE OF US WITH SJOGREN’S SEEM TO GET THESE MUCUS MEMBRANE ISSUES SO MUCH WORSE THAN USUAL. I KNOW HOW FULL YOUR LIFE IS AND CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW YOU ARE STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE THINGS LIFE DEMANDS OF YOU. GLAD YOU GOT TO THE LECTURE AND GOT TO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER. I’M THINKING YOU WITH CONCERN AND LOVE.
JANET, LOOKS LIKE WE’RE ALL CONCERNED FOR YOU DURING THIS PERIOD OF TRANSITION AND KNOW IT WILL BE BLESSED WITH FAMILY AND FESTIVITIES. CHANGE IS HARD BUT I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS WITH APLOMB IN SPITE OF HEARTACHE. THANKS FOR SHARING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD. I LIKED HEARING ABOUT THE CANDIES. MY MOM USED TO STUFF DATES WITH WALNUTS AND ROLL THEM IN POWDERED SUGAR. WONDERFUL MEMORIES FOR BOTH OF US. LOVE YOU GIRL.
BRENDA DEAR, SO SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE IN MARITAL CONFLICT. DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU, OKAY? LIFE IS TO BE LIVED PEACEFULLY AND CONFLICT JUST ISN’T WORTH THE PRICE IT TAKES. YOU ARE WISE TO CALL A TRUCE AND I PRAY THAT GOES WELL FOR YOU. SPECIAL HUGS DEAR LADY.
I’M POOPING OUT SO WILL TAKE A BREAK AND BE BACK LATER. LOVE TO EACH OF YOU VERY SPECIAL FOLKS. SUE
Sue
Oh poor Tonie I do hope she is better by now.she must have felt so lonely driving to hosp In so much pain.but Tonie is made of strong stuff
What a thing to happen,no wonder she felt so ill before those few days
I’d like to think of her out by xmas
And you sue that your nausea keeps on easing
Jen
That’s happened to me with a hot water bottle it’s rotten innit
It’s strange two twisted bowels on The blog!
Donna
It must be so cumbersome lugging those tanks about for you ,but it’s good we have such things to help you .im still the same cough ,cough and sore to breathe
Janet
Such good memories to have .they fill the mind with a sort of mellow comfort don’t they
Annie life full of changes.i hope you buy that present and enjoy giving it to your mum
Brenda
Life is difficult in this situation ,but you have to go with how it goes .the future isn’t defined and we can only go with how we feel at the time
Well I went to physio this morning..got exercises to do for my knees.sne said my long muscles from hip to knee were tight becos of sore hips .they were so bruised when she touched them
I hope Tonie is able to go home and have someone to look after her.she will be worried about her animals
as well
Chris
Hi Sue, thank you for sharing with us about Tonie. I know on December 10th, she said she was having a terrible tummy ache. She went to the luncheon but did not eat much. I am thinking that she must have went to the ER during that night. I am glad the surgery is over and she will be able to go to the bathroom soon. Is it not interesting that she and Claire’s mom Anne have almost the same problem. Sue, please let her know that we are all praying for her and we miss her when she is not writing. I felt like something was wrong. We need to pray her well and at home for Christmas and for Claire as well. Donna
I meant Anne, Claire’s mom in my last reply. I can’t post anymore. I am afraid I will loose something. I rewrote my last post 3 times. I am quiting while I am ahead. LOVE to all !!
Sue…….oh my goodness! poor Tonie, but in a wa I am glad she is in hospital getting the treatment she needs, imagine if it had happened during Christmas day, when it may have been more difficult to get to hospital, for now she is in the right place, and hopefully, being the strong person she is, she will be out in time for the holiday. I am concerned for her animals though, and hope someone is kind enough to take care of them for awhile. I will be praying for her safe delivery of a poo…..then home.
Claire ma have to go back to see her Mom, if she needs surgery, its all in the balance for the moment, but I feel in my bones that even if they send her home, she will be admitted in the New Year, I hope I am wrong, we are all stressed out, and I feel so bad because there is nothing I can do to help the family, or Tonie.
I am glad things are a little better for you Sue, even a few decorations give some cheer, and help with the festive spirit, I think about all of us all the time, we can’t always find the perfect solutions can we? But we have to keep trying and being there for each other…..
Love to all…………………Jennie xxx
THIS YEAR SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN QUITE A YEAR WITH LOTS OF PAIN AND SICKNESS. PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU.
YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERYDAY EVEN THOUGH LATELY I HAVEN’T BEEN ON AS MUCH.
LOTS GOING ON WITH AUNTY AND OF COURSE WITH ME.
LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH AND YOU HAVE ALL HELPED ME DURING THIS YEAR. LOVE THIS BLOG AND ALL MY FRIENDS ON IT.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
XXX
Suzanne love,
Thank you for your love, and may I say….right back at you xxxxxxxxJenniexxxx
Suzanne, Donna, Chris and Jennie, so good to hear from each of you. Suzanne, I’m sorry your own health problems don’t seem to have settled down that much but I do know you’re under a lot of stress and fatigue with your aunt. You have my thoughts and concern.
Jennie, Please tell Claire how much concern we have for her Mom’s situation. I hope they are doing something to help her gut get back to normal since they haven’t done surgery yet. Thinking of you this morning as I called Tonie in her hospital room. They were helping her get up to shower, her bowel appears to be getting a little better and the nasogastric tube is out for now as she tries ice chips. She hopes to be able to go home in a couple of days but it all depends on how she feels and heals, of course. Her son is there and also looking in on her ex who is in really bad shape with cancer. They don’t expect him to last much longer. She requests prayers for her kids as they cope with him. Her sister was wrapping her packages to be mailed to AZ and her brother is looking after he critters. She souonded much stronger today…thank the good Lord.
Donna, oh dear, I am sorry you still need to O2 but think the ones that pull it out of the atmosphere must be better for you. So much to go through in this life for so many. Hope your holidays will be blessed.
Chris dear, your body must be tired of coughing. It so often makes the entire ribcage so sore and your throat? Oh dear. Pray the virus part is passing and DH didn’t get it. You poor lady. So much at once. I know very much how you are feeling. I did go downstairs and dust today. What the heck. It’s Christmas. Now I’m lying down again but at least got that accomplished. I am so weak and need to strengthen up.
Much love to each of you dear folks, Sue
HI SUE…..YES I WILL LET CLAIRE KNOW YOU WERE CONCERNED FOR HER MOM, NOT HEARD FROM HER TODAY SO PRESUME NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS…….HOPE ITS THE SAME WITH DEAR TONIE….NOT FEELING GREAT TODAY, HAD TO TAKE IMODIUM JUST SO I COULD GO OUT…….FEEL LIKE THE STUFFING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT OF ME….SURE I’LL BE OKAY TOMORROW, GOD WILLING…….KEEP MAKING PROGRESS LOVELY, AND GIVE TONIE MY LOVE…….JEN X
Jen, Is it just me or does there seem to be a veil of illness hovering over so many of us? When I talked to Tonie yesterday she was showered, dressed in PJ’s and feeling more human. No food yet but ice chips alone. Hopefully they will let her go home tomorrow, Friday.
Hope your gut settles down. Mine is also being nasty. Beth and Jim have got out a few of our decorations so the house is a shade festive. It’s more for the grands than for the adults. No tree. Too much work. I do love the holidays and feel so cheated this year but will do the best possible. I know we will be blessed because we can all be together. Wish the kids in Texas could be here in many ways. Think of you often, with love. Sue
Sue
You look after yourself and never mind the dusting and stuff ….I know it’s me speaking!!
So pleased Tonie is improving I do hope she takes advantage of staying as long as she can and doesn’t rush out to all those xmas things to do
Yea I’m so fed up,of coughing.so sore got an appt with resp. clinic end Jan
Chris
Chris dear, take some of your own advice and please put yourself first sometimes. We all love you, Sue
Sue
Thankyou for those words…you know me better than I do myself!. It’s hard tho.
I think it would be good to have a cat to waTch they know how to luxuriate .
Chris
CHris, maybe you need a special soft cushion. You bring up a good point. Maybe that’s why so many women go into spas for manicure/pedicures, etc…not me, but some. I think they also just want to get away from the demands constantly put onto us women. Try to find some joy today.
I was up most of the night with my IBS irritated. It’s not at all happy with all this nausea, etc. What a life. Well, here comes Christmas, ready or not. Talked to Tonie late yesterday and she sounded much better except they’d given her a Chatty Cathy for a roommate and she was keeping Tonie from resting. That’s life in a hospital sometimes. Love, Sue
CHRIS….SORRY YOU ARE STILL SUFFERING WITH YOUR CHEST AND THROAT, YOUR POOR CHEST MUST FEEL LIKE ITS ON FIRE, WISH THERE WAS A MAGIC POTION I COULD SEND YOU………LOVE YOU….JEN X
Sue I do wish your body would do what it’s told and hurry about it!
I went to dr.she said my chest X-ray was clear and I have she thinks trachitis.so on antibiotics .but been on them before and nowt happened ,it’s so awkward to breath . Just had an infection on top of it too
Poor Tonie stuck with a chatterbox . Such a short stay in hosp.for such a big op. She must go careful when out
Gonna go have a steam thingy
Chris
Chris dear friend, I’m getting the feeling your doctors don’t know what to do with you. I don’t usually say such a thing but aren’t you feeling that, too? I’ll talk to DD about trachitis and see if she has any words of wisdom being a swallowing specialist. I really feel for you my dear. Some things just don’t leave us quickly the older we get. Ugly, ain’t it?
Yes, Tonie said she finally had to ask her roommate to tone it down when she had a room full of visitors until 11 PM. That’s ridiculous. Long hospital stays after surgery seem to be a thing of the past in this country. Insurance companies call the shots.
Sue I would appreciate that .up most of nite coughing ,and breathing makes me cough and smells do too
I do breathing steam 3 x a day
Good for Tonie ,that’s so late to have visitors , here they have to go around 8pm end of visiting time
It’s usually the same over the country…2-4pm,then 6-8pm. Well she no doubt can can have more rest at home..I’m so pleased she is improving now
Yea I think the drs are stuck , on more antibiotics. ,last lot did no good,however I’ve had a cold as well this time which went to my chest so they could help
I think I’m due for a test to see how much I can breath out in January
Back later Chris
Chris, sent you email. Take care as you can and yes the scope will probably bring you some answers. Make them get to the bottom of this. Be sure to take your acidophilus, yogurt, or other probiotics to help counteract the antibiotics. Be good, love, Sue
HI….SORRY NOT BEEN IN TOUCH…NOT TIME DO ANYTHING I WANT TO….BUT WILL CATCH UP AS SOON AS I CAN…..BEEN ONE OF THOSE DAYS, AND ANOTHER TOMORROW….THINKING OF ALL OF YOU, HOPE TONIE AND CHRIS ARE RECOVERING, JANET IS SETTLED, LYN NOT OVER DOING, SUZANNE COPING WITH AUNTIE…..AND SUE, THAT THE NAUSEA IS SETTLING DOWN…..GOT TO GO FEED THE TROOPS NOW…..MUCH LOVE JENNIE XXXX
Jennie, isn’t it a busy time of year, especially when you never know what each day will bring to your health? Hope your gut and IBS are better. Think often of you as we share many of the same problems. My nausea is not gone, but better. Have it worse in the AM. I always wondered why pregnant women (God forbid) get more nauseous in the mornings. Just interested in the connection. I always had terrible nausea with pregnancy many moons ago. Life seems to zoom by except when you’re feeling lousy; then it drags don’t you think? Love, Sue
SUE…WRITTEN TO YOU XXX
Hello my PEEPS !!
I have made it home ! Thank you for all the wonderful prayers (I could feel em) and the sweet words above. I am exhausted, and ready for a nap. On my bed, With my boys at my feet. They were a happy pair of stinky dogs !
No worries, no energy to overdo or to get out shopping (Chris) 🙂 I have to go for my checkup on Tuesday, so I will pick up what I need then. Anything else can wait.
Okay, eyes are crossing.
Love to all
Tonie
Glad you’re home. Now please rest. Hope they sent you home with plenty of pain pills. Don’t push yourself, okay? Don’t you dare try to bathe the dogs. Maybe a little bit of brushing will get out some stink and in the meantime, bask in their affection. Hope all is well with chickens, and Sweet Baby. Love you much, Sue
Tonie, welcome home! Now maybe you can get the rest you needed but were denied in hospital. 😉 As for the pups, I don’t know why this came to mind, but could you brush them and rub a little fabric softener sheet over them? I’m not sure where that idea came from, but it’s in my noggin for some reason. Just be careful of the scent. 😛
Great that you are home Tonie. Continued prayers for your quick recovery. Love, Janet
TONIE….SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK…..PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOW AS TO HOW MUCH YOU DO, YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, SO REMEMBER THAT HONEY…..OKAY?? GOOD LUCK FOR TUESDAY, I AM SURE ALL WILL BE WELL…..SOUNDS LIKE ALL THE CRITTERS ARE GLAD TO SEE YOU……LOVE YOU BIG…JENNIE XX
Tonie
So good to hear you ..it must feel great to be back home…just let xmas come and go.you just get better from all that pain.
What a thing to happen..we were all worried when we hadn’t heard from you and then as well when we heard
Sleep well
Chris
Well haven’t heard from lyn for a bit now…..hope she is just busy
Chris
Yes, Chris, you guessed it. Busier than a one armed paper hanger! First of 3 concerts in a row tonight (tomorrow and Sunday). I’m trying to see to everything including getting ready to host DH’s side of the family for Christmas gathering the Saturday following Christmas. There will be last minute doings around the house and of course more baking. I THINK I have my shopping and wrapping done, which is a big help. Trying to rest some each day. I’ve been reading here when I can, just don’t always have time to write in.
Everyone know you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Lyn, it’s just as we knew. You are busy right now. Take time to be good to you. I know Sadie and the cats all offer comic relief which doesn’t hurt. That’s a pretty full Christmas plate you have going. Thinking of you, too. Love, Sue
LYN …WE ALL KNOW TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR BUSY FOLKS THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOUR PLANS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON SOUND SO NICE, I WILL BE GLAD FOR YOU WHEN ITS ALL DONE AND YOU CAN SIT BACK AND ENJOY ALL YOUR EFFORTS…..I KNOW YOU GET SUCH A LOT OF PLEASURE FROM YOUR SINGING, SO MAYBE THAT ALONE WILL BE RESTFUL…….NO GOOD TELLING YOU TO STOP CHARGING AROUND LIKE A HEADLESS CHUCK, THAT IS PART OF WHO YOU ARE……..AND WHY YOU ARE LOVED…….LOVE JENNIE XX
Hey everyone, I have been praying for all of you. I feel like we are all under some kind of a sickness attack just as you said Sue. So it’s not just you. Sue, I am glad you are feeling better. Nothing worse than being sick first thing in the morning. Chris, please take care of yourself. I know how you feel love. I pray the doctor can find out what is really wrong soon. Rest please. Lyn, please take care of yourself. Rest when you can. Jennie, I meant to tell you how beautiful your Christmas decorations are. The pictures were great. You take care of yourself too. Tonie, I am so sorry you had to go through this surgery. Please don’t try and do much. I wouldn’t want you to end back in the hospital. So glad you are home. I felt the same as Sue did about the dogs. Please don’t try and give them a bath. Maybe someone can come and d o it for you. In the meantime, try all the tricks that have been mentioned. I am feeling better with my breathing however from sleeping in a sitting position, my back has started hurting again after a year of being pain free. LOVE YOU all. Will write more later. I am leaving to go have therapy on my lymphedema arm. Chat later. Donna
Donna, sorry you’re still struggling with breathing and lymphedema. Have you found a better arrangement for your O2 needs yet? I would recommend a gelfoam cushion for sitting since you’re doing more of it. I have one in the car and it’s wonderful. We also sleep on one. It made my 4 hour trip the other day more tolerable. It’s those doctor’s office chairs that are killers. Don’t they know those people waiting forever are sick??? Have a blessed holiday, Love, Sue
DONNA…….SORRY ITS HURTING YOUR POOR BACK WITH YOUR SLEEPING POSITION, WOULD A TRICORNERED PILLOW HELP YOU, IT SUPPORTS YOUR SIDES AS WELL AS YOUR BACK, HELPS YOU TO SNUGGLE IN……I LOVE THAT WORD DON’T YOU….GLAD YOU LIKED THE PHOTO’S, THINKING OF YOU SWEETHEART…….GOOD LUCK WITH THE THERAPY……LOVE JENNIE X
TONIE I’M SO HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE HOME. YOU REST UP SWEET PEA. THE DOGS CAN WAIT FOR A LITTLE WHILE. HOPE YOU HAVE ALL THE FOOD YOU NEED IN THE HOUSE.
SENDING HEALING PRAYERS YOUR WAY AND ANGELS TO GUIDE YOUR WAY.
LOVE YOU LOTS.
GOD BLESS YOU.
XXX
Hi folks
It’s me birthday today
Been up most of night coughing chest blimmin sore
But.. Off to shed for day..elec still on there so will take a picnic and put elec fire on.
Then go for coffee out…sounds daft ,but that’s what we shall do.,first we shall go for b.fast to our usual haunt and go to coast after..well that’s the plan as at 7am ish
Hope all ok and Tonie fine
Sue is the nausea still receding?
Chris
CHRIS…..WRITTEN TO YOU, BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUST THE SAME….LOVE JEN XX
Happy Birthday, Chris! Enjoy your special day. It sounds great to me!
Happy Birthday Chris ! God bless and keep you ! Have a wonderful day !
Love
Happy Birthday Chris! Sounds like a good plan. Have a great day. Janet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR FRIEND. SOUND LIKE YOU WILL HAVE A NICE DAY. ENJOY IT ALL. LOVE YOU LOTS. HUGS AND KISSES FOR THE BIRTHDAY GIRL.
Hi my peeps!
Sorry I have been gone for so long but I did try to post last week and lost it and just couldn’t do it again!
I have been having severe pain in my hip and lower back for the past few weeks! I did have a fall with my dear GS standing on the back of the sofa and throwing himself on me expecting of course that I would catch him! I did attempt to beak his fall as his head was very close to the kitchen island and I landed on the edge of a wooden chair, falling hard on my hip replacement. I did have some aches and pains, but moved a couple of containers of Christmas decorations a couple of days later and that is when the pain really started. I finally made it to see my doctor and had x rays. The hardware in my hip is fine, but I have a compression fracture in my lumbar spine so my days are spent lying on a heating pad … Sue you know all about that! It hurts to sit and I have just been able to walk to the bathroom and back with great difficulty … thank goodness the door to our ensuite bathroom is right beside my side of the bed. DH thought he would buy me a commode chair but I said NO … that is not what I want for Christmas!!!
I do not want to complain as many of you have had many challenges lately and I continue to pray for each one of you!
Sue, I am so sorry you had such a challenging trip to see your doctor, and I pray that your nausea and pain will soon be gone!
Tonie. I saw the picture that was posted on Facebook and I have been praying for you too my friend.
This will be a challenging Christmas ffoe many of us, but we can only do what we can! I am so thankful that I got my shopping done early (still a few things to come for the big kids) and it has all been done online this year! It is amazing what you can accomplish in bed lol!!! I must end now, but I am thinking of each of you and hope that 2015 will be a better year for all the Blog Sisters!
Love, Hugs and Prayers ….Pommum – Nana Brenda
NANA BRENDA….OH DEAR WHAT A ROTTEN THING TO HAPPEN, I HOPE THE PAIN EASES WITH YOUR HEAT PAD LOVE, YES THANK GOODNESS YOU WERE ABLE TO HAVE GOT YOUR SHOPPING DONE AT LEAST.
WHY DO THESE THINGS ALWAYS SEEM TO COME AT XMAS TIME?? I WISH YOU BETTER HEALTH FOR THE FUTURE YOU BRAVE LADY……..LOVE YOU….JENNIE XX
Pommum Brenda, I’m so sorry you are suffering and thankful it is not worse. I confess I, and in fact many of us, would have done just the same. Thank goodness the little one wasn’t hurt. A bit surprised, I’m sure! And isn’t it usually those little unexpected things that cause you the most grief. One little motion to pick something up or some such thing. I wouldn’t want some darned commode chair, either! 😉 Just glad you can make it to and from the enquire. Hey, it’s exercise! We all need to sneak in what we can when we can. 😉
Pommum Brenda, oh dear, do I empathize with you. I am so sorry dear girl that you have to have pain on top of all that you already carry with you. Thank God GS didn’t bang his little head but still…how awful for you. Getting to the BR is good. I understand. Stairs are also a challenge so thank goodness you’re not having to do that, also. It’s strange how the location and angle of the vert. fracture can affect the pain. When I broke one in late months of last year, it didn’t have the impact of this most recent one. Are you on any injectible bone building drugs? I hope so. You’re right that it is just a matter of time, heat, pain meds and healing. Oh but it does come slowly at time, huh?
I know good old usually wonderful Christmas will be a bit faded this year. We mothers and grandmas do love to lay it on a bit thick but it does make memories for all. I loved reading your share about your early Christmases as a child. You had such a large and loving family. You’re so correct. It’s in the small things, the traditions and of course, remembering the true gift and the very first gift God shared with the world. You have my gentle hugs, my prayers for healing and my deep respect and affection. You are one brave soul with a very bright spirit. Have a blessed holiday. Sue
Sue, I now have fractures at all levels of my lumbar spine but L2 and you are right about the pain because I don’t know when one fracture occurred as I have chronic back pain, but unfortunately, a very painful one had to be just before Christmas. I also have a fracture in my thoracic spine from a fall which bothers me if I keep my arms raised up for any length of time.The kids have decided we don’t need to babysit today but they are coming for dinner and bringing Chinese take out, something we haven’t had in a long time. We will give the two little ones their gifts as they are off to see their grandparents on the east coast tomorrow but their Golden Retriever Fergus is coming to our house for Christmas vacation and I must be careful as Fergus is not a Pom and strong enough to knock me over! I was bad and pushed through the pain yesterday evening (which I often do with my chronic pain) and just tried to tidy up bit and I am paying for it big time today! I am working on one of those red felt family stocking for the youngest family member baby Nate, so I can do some basting today and still rest my back! I have a new sewing machine with a computer which I have never used, but DH says he has it up and running but I have been wishing I had bought a much simpler machine, but it was such a good sale and had some features such as a larger work area and needle threading that I have difficulty with because of the damage in my hands. The plan had been for eldest son to come for lunch Christmas Day, but their plans have changed and they are coming now for dinner but we have been told that they are bringing most of the meal and our freezer is full of desserts from Costco…. In the past I would have NEVER considered serving something that wasn’t home made, but we do what we must do.
Sue, please take care and I hope you are resting today too. Love to all … Brenda
Jennie, thank you so much. I got up a couple of days ago to help DH find the gifts and we sorted them (I am so thankful for gift bags this year) so I know they are ready to go, but I crawled back into bed in tears … there is no other option for me but to stay in bed, rest and heal! I was sad to hear your childhood Christmases were not happy! Christmas in my childhood home were very special! My maternal grandparents were not well, so the family Christmas was at our house and the preparations began long before December with Christmas cake and plum pudding being made in the fall. My brother and I had big, red, felt stockings that matched our cousins, and my kids, DIL’s and grandkids have them now too … and even the Poms have them for Santa Paws to fill with treats! The big family Christmases stopped when my parents had grandkids of their own and my out of town cousins had in-laws to share Christmas with … but there was always long, tearful, phone calls. My hope is that when my grandkids remember Christmases past, their memories of Nana are not that she was always unwell and in bed!!!
Sue, I forgot to thank you for your beautiful blog, and for helping me remember my childhood Christmases, and especially knowing how difficult it must have been for you to write! We are babysitting two grands tomorrow while their parents pack to fly to NS to visit DIL’s parents, so I have asked DH if he can find some kind of board that we can use on the bed like you have suggested in the past, so I can attempt to colour with my three year old granddaughter! I realize my pain must be not quite as severe for me to even attempt such an activity with her, but she can do the colouring and I can watch!
Tonie, thinking of you and hope you have a comfortable weekend…. rest and heal my friend!
Sending Love and Hugs to ALL … Pommum Brenda
POMMUM BRENDA, SO SORRY TO HEAR ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU. I ALSO HAVE DONE MOST OF MY SHOPPING ON LINE AND HAVE BOUGHT BAGS THIS YEAR. MAKES LIFE MUCH EASIER.
PRAYING FOR YOU TO HEAL WELL . YOU BE GOOD TO YOURSELF MY FRIEND. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS POMMUM BRENDA. LOVE YOU GIRL.
XXX