Wow! The weekend is almost at an end, we have sent Justin and Leah and family on their way home and taken Grandma back to the lodge. Baby Paisley is going to be the best groomed, best dressed, best fed, and best travelled baby around after the beautiful shower that Caleb and Leisha's friends held yesterday afternoon. The shower was well attended and the organizers spared no effort. Beautiful!
A few of my favorite lines from the weekend -
After I asked Justin whether there was anything he could see that was missing from their room that they might need - without skipping a beat his response was - a hot tub.
We have moved Kenny downstairs. On coming upstairs about noon on Saturday morning he stated that it would have been much easier to sleep if the 'defensive line for the Miami Dolphins' hadn't been practicing right over his head (this was in reference to the 'pitter patter' of 'not so little' feet). Forrest continues to be a gentle giant who is off the charts for growth and weight, as well as 'cuteness factor'.
Keiran is into money right now, he is figuring it all out. He went shopping with his Mom for baby Paisley's shower gift and helped pick out several items. He made a homemade card for the shower and there is a story to what is written on the inside of the card. On the way out of the store he found a penny, he was thrilled and felt rich indeed. He considered the penny and then gave it to his Mom with the instructions that she should give it to Leisha for baby Paisley from him and to tell her to use it to buy her whatever she wants.
Lilly loves the play food that we have at our house and I had added some plastic lap trays that the kids could use for art or eating or playing. Lilly involved Leah in her make believe, having Leah play the role of the child requiring a meal and Lilly playing the role of Mom. Leah was being very difficult, using every excuse she has ever heard as to why she didn't want to eat what was on her plate (stated in a very whiney voice) and Lilly was losing patience with her. She said 'I'm getting your father'. With this she whipped on a pair of glasses, changed her voice and there was an immediate transformation to the no nonsense father who quickly brought things under control, stating - 'you start eating now, young lady, it's good for you'.
Keiran was looking for quiet toys to take to church. He is becoming very imaginative and has an array of stuffed animals at home that have different personalities. He found a fuzzy stuffed alligator and brought it to me telling me - 'he doesn't really want to go to church but he's going anyway. I told him I won't let him get lost'.
I could go on and on but I hope these provided a few smiles.
Take care everyone.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Be Prepared
I was a Brownie and then a Girl Guide in my earlier years and the motto for Brownies is 'be prepared'. I am using that motto as my excuse for being MIA on the blog this week.
Several things I am 'being prepared' for -
Right now these activities are taking all my energy (and more). After the weekend I will 'be prepared' to add a proper blog post :)
Take care everyone.
Several things I am 'being prepared' for -
- My Mom's 89th birthday on Sunday
- Performance reviews at work are back on, now with the old 'new' form - due May 8th - at noon sharp ;)
- Income tax deadline - have Mom's this yearin addition to ours
- Grad 'stuff' for Kenny - getting closer - May 22nd is the date
- A baby shower on Saturday afternoon for Leisha and baby girl Paisley, due June 27th, 2013, being held by some of their good friends
- Preparing for these packages to arrive, with their parents and Lilly, for the weekend - hopefully they will be with the suitcases and not ' in the suitcases' - it may depend on how the trip goes ;)
Right now these activities are taking all my energy (and more). After the weekend I will 'be prepared' to add a proper blog post :)
Take care everyone.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
A Thankful Heart
It has once again been a busy few days. I had my Herceptin infusion late Thursday afternoon followed by a quiet evening at home, thankful that I did not have to be out.
Friday morning before the course I was taking at Wellspring I had a phone call from my friend Marjorie, her and her husband were in the city for the weekend and they were going to go see her father's sister who was in a lodge. She asked me about my Mom and Rod's Mom. It was a surprise for both of us to find out that her aunt was in the same lodge as my Mom. Marjorie promised to try to visit both moms if they were able.
The course at Wellspring was a six hour course called 'The Healing Plan'. It was done by two of the physicians at BCSCF. An enjoyable course although six hours turned out to be a bit much for me, especially post Herceptin.
Some of the things I took away were that curing and healing were two different things. Curing is disease oriented and doesn't address the mind, heart or spirit. The word healing as used in the workshop is defined as 'to be made whole' and involves body, mind, heart and spirit. It starts from within. A key point was that healing can occur even when a cure is not achieved. A person can also be cured even though they may still require healing.
Healing helps to restore wellness, which is defined as the highest level of physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual wellness that a person is capable of.
The book that was used as the basis for the course is called 'Picking up the Pieces: Moving forward after surviving cancer' by Kathy Scalzo and Sherri Magee.
During the day I had the privilege of visiting with many of the people that were at the course, there was a variety of experiences and types of cancer and everyone was at a different stage in their experience. At lunch time we were encouraged to walk by the river alone, which I took advantage of.
There were several things that made me smile the last two days -
You would think that, after being at the triage desk in Emergency way back when and instructing a woman who I was sure was going to deliver imminently to proceed to the Maternity area only to be told that she had her baby six months ago, that I would know better than to ever assume. However, yesterday I found myself asking a woman who had come up to talk to me how long her hair had been growing back in. She looked to be slightly ahead of me, although mine is thicker. Thankfully, she was not offended but she did laugh. Her answer - since 2008!
I was reading a book about breast cancer survivors and a woman related a story of when her hair fell out about two weeks post first chemo. Her sister was a hairdresser. She marched into the salon, her head covered by a scarf. When she reached her sister she whipped off the scarf and said ' Bonnie, we need to talk about my last perm!' The woman Bonnie was working on hesitantly asked whether she was receiving the same type of perm. They all had a good laugh once it was all explained.
Caleb brought our granddog Charlie over last evening. It was just for a visit, not to be babysat however I don't think he had been told this. Charlie greeted both of us and let us fuss over him before he went to gather his toys all together. Once this was done he went looking for Kenny, who was out. He whined a little about that, then settled again with his toys. He was quite happy when Kenny did show up and spent the requisite amount of time with him. Then Caleb said it was time to go. Charlie started running the opposite way as the door and Caleb finally had to scoop him up in his arms and carry him out to the truck - Charlie is a springer spaniel, so not a small dog ;). I laughed to see Charlie's reluctance to go and the chase - it seems Charlie felt he was being short changed of his time to be spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
My biggest smiles came today when Marjorie phoned me and asked if I had spoken to my Mom. I hadn't yet. She told me that it turns out that my Mom and her aunt live right next to each other at the lodge and that her cousin had been praying that her Mom would find someone to talk to and spend time with. They were introduced by Marjorie and Brian yesterday and it looks like it may be a match made 'in heaven' ;).
Following our earlier morning conversation I had a wonderful lunch with Marjorie, Hazel, Brenda and Evelyn. It was good to laugh and share with them over a relaxing two hour period of time.
Did I mention 'God is good'?
I will close with a reading from April 18 from Jesus Calling -
I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of my abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach my throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart.
I close with a thankful heart.
Take care everyone.
Friday morning before the course I was taking at Wellspring I had a phone call from my friend Marjorie, her and her husband were in the city for the weekend and they were going to go see her father's sister who was in a lodge. She asked me about my Mom and Rod's Mom. It was a surprise for both of us to find out that her aunt was in the same lodge as my Mom. Marjorie promised to try to visit both moms if they were able.
The course at Wellspring was a six hour course called 'The Healing Plan'. It was done by two of the physicians at BCSCF. An enjoyable course although six hours turned out to be a bit much for me, especially post Herceptin.
Some of the things I took away were that curing and healing were two different things. Curing is disease oriented and doesn't address the mind, heart or spirit. The word healing as used in the workshop is defined as 'to be made whole' and involves body, mind, heart and spirit. It starts from within. A key point was that healing can occur even when a cure is not achieved. A person can also be cured even though they may still require healing.
Healing helps to restore wellness, which is defined as the highest level of physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual wellness that a person is capable of.
The book that was used as the basis for the course is called 'Picking up the Pieces: Moving forward after surviving cancer' by Kathy Scalzo and Sherri Magee.
During the day I had the privilege of visiting with many of the people that were at the course, there was a variety of experiences and types of cancer and everyone was at a different stage in their experience. At lunch time we were encouraged to walk by the river alone, which I took advantage of.
There were several things that made me smile the last two days -
You would think that, after being at the triage desk in Emergency way back when and instructing a woman who I was sure was going to deliver imminently to proceed to the Maternity area only to be told that she had her baby six months ago, that I would know better than to ever assume. However, yesterday I found myself asking a woman who had come up to talk to me how long her hair had been growing back in. She looked to be slightly ahead of me, although mine is thicker. Thankfully, she was not offended but she did laugh. Her answer - since 2008!
I was reading a book about breast cancer survivors and a woman related a story of when her hair fell out about two weeks post first chemo. Her sister was a hairdresser. She marched into the salon, her head covered by a scarf. When she reached her sister she whipped off the scarf and said ' Bonnie, we need to talk about my last perm!' The woman Bonnie was working on hesitantly asked whether she was receiving the same type of perm. They all had a good laugh once it was all explained.
Caleb brought our granddog Charlie over last evening. It was just for a visit, not to be babysat however I don't think he had been told this. Charlie greeted both of us and let us fuss over him before he went to gather his toys all together. Once this was done he went looking for Kenny, who was out. He whined a little about that, then settled again with his toys. He was quite happy when Kenny did show up and spent the requisite amount of time with him. Then Caleb said it was time to go. Charlie started running the opposite way as the door and Caleb finally had to scoop him up in his arms and carry him out to the truck - Charlie is a springer spaniel, so not a small dog ;). I laughed to see Charlie's reluctance to go and the chase - it seems Charlie felt he was being short changed of his time to be spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
My biggest smiles came today when Marjorie phoned me and asked if I had spoken to my Mom. I hadn't yet. She told me that it turns out that my Mom and her aunt live right next to each other at the lodge and that her cousin had been praying that her Mom would find someone to talk to and spend time with. They were introduced by Marjorie and Brian yesterday and it looks like it may be a match made 'in heaven' ;).
Following our earlier morning conversation I had a wonderful lunch with Marjorie, Hazel, Brenda and Evelyn. It was good to laugh and share with them over a relaxing two hour period of time.
Did I mention 'God is good'?
I will close with a reading from April 18 from Jesus Calling -
I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of my abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach my throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart.
I close with a thankful heart.
Take care everyone.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Let's Try This Again!
On Tuesday evening about 9 p.m. I had a phone call from my Mom's nursing unit telling me that she was discharged and asking how soon could I be there in the morning to pick her up. When I asked about the arrangements with the lodge the nurse had no idea, she just reiterated that the doctor had said that my Mom could be discharged the next day. I asked if she would have the nurse clinician call me in the morning and then I was able to do something that I haven't had the most success at doing in the past. I put it aside. I told the Lord that it was in His hands and that I wasn't going to worry about it as there was nothing I could do overnight anyway.
In the morning about 8 a.m. the nurse clinician called me. She was surprised at the discharge order herself (I think my Mom had a lot to do with influencing the doctor in that regard). She told me that she would speak to the lodge and to the transition services person and that I could come in and help Mom get packed up in the meantime. I am getting most efficient at packing my mother's things by this point and it didn't take long to have everything in the car. The nurse clinician explained that the lodge was going to increase the amount of care received by my mom and that they had the med orders and discharge summary, all was set. With that mom was released to my care.
It was a beautiful sunny drive out to Okotoks. Mom hadn't been outside for just over a month and seemed to enjoy looking at nature, remarking on the mountains and the birds as we drove.
Once at the lodge we got her inside and settled back into her room. The aides were very good with her, realizing that she was quite anxious. We met with the new manager and I was very impressed. She is having posters made for mom's wall to help remind her to call the nurses if she wants to move about, she is not to walk or transfer yet unassisted. She is also going to provide a hospital bed for her. After the last time when a hospital bed was provided and then charged for without our knowledge of a fee, Mom and I both asked how much the bed would cost. The answer was absolutely nothing, it was definitely indicated. The manager is also arranging for a non-slip mat for the floor beside the bed to help give traction for when Mom does stand and transfer or walk and has suggested that she consider wearing hip protectors, we'll see what she thinks about that one ;).
I was able to talk to the manager alone and she was aware that Mom had isolated herself to her room for the most part. She will arrange for volunteers to go and talk with her one on one, she feels that once those relationships are established, when there are activities and the volunteers invite her to them she will be more likely to go.
The last strategy is that they have a walking program and they will put Mom into it. She will have someone walk with her with the two wheel walker on a daily basis and if she progresses well, she may be allowed to use the four wheel walker, after an OT assessment.
How is that for an answer to prayer? And I didn't even lose any sleep. ;) God is good!
Take care, everyone.
In the morning about 8 a.m. the nurse clinician called me. She was surprised at the discharge order herself (I think my Mom had a lot to do with influencing the doctor in that regard). She told me that she would speak to the lodge and to the transition services person and that I could come in and help Mom get packed up in the meantime. I am getting most efficient at packing my mother's things by this point and it didn't take long to have everything in the car. The nurse clinician explained that the lodge was going to increase the amount of care received by my mom and that they had the med orders and discharge summary, all was set. With that mom was released to my care.
It was a beautiful sunny drive out to Okotoks. Mom hadn't been outside for just over a month and seemed to enjoy looking at nature, remarking on the mountains and the birds as we drove.
Once at the lodge we got her inside and settled back into her room. The aides were very good with her, realizing that she was quite anxious. We met with the new manager and I was very impressed. She is having posters made for mom's wall to help remind her to call the nurses if she wants to move about, she is not to walk or transfer yet unassisted. She is also going to provide a hospital bed for her. After the last time when a hospital bed was provided and then charged for without our knowledge of a fee, Mom and I both asked how much the bed would cost. The answer was absolutely nothing, it was definitely indicated. The manager is also arranging for a non-slip mat for the floor beside the bed to help give traction for when Mom does stand and transfer or walk and has suggested that she consider wearing hip protectors, we'll see what she thinks about that one ;).
I was able to talk to the manager alone and she was aware that Mom had isolated herself to her room for the most part. She will arrange for volunteers to go and talk with her one on one, she feels that once those relationships are established, when there are activities and the volunteers invite her to them she will be more likely to go.
The last strategy is that they have a walking program and they will put Mom into it. She will have someone walk with her with the two wheel walker on a daily basis and if she progresses well, she may be allowed to use the four wheel walker, after an OT assessment.
How is that for an answer to prayer? And I didn't even lose any sleep. ;) God is good!
Take care, everyone.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Recharging
The weekend was good for me to re-charge and for the past two days I feel that my energy is on the way back up. That is a good feeling! :)
I had my oncologist appointment yesterday a.m. You know that you are further along and doing well in the treatment course when the oncology fellow is sent to see you, rather than the oncologist. I passed my labwork and my MUGA scan results allow me to continue receiving the Herceptin treatments. I only had a very slight drop in the LVEF and I still have a good margin before the level that they would decide to hold the Herceptin. That means that my next four Herceptin treatments have been booked out, starting with this Thursday and I will have another MUGA and oncologist appointment booked for three months from now before the last set.
With that out of the way I stopped in to see my mother but I still do not have any word on what the plans are for her yet. She is still pretty determined about the four wheel walker even though they are once again having her use a two wheeled one at the hospital. I am going to look around and see if I can find a two wheeled walker that has a seat and basket on it, preferably in black, and show it to her to see if it would be something that she would be agreeable to.
I didn't have too much to get at Costco so that went quickly and allowed for some lunch and rest before my afternoon appointments. The first was another quick visit for tea with Norman, we both took away some edibles; I think the ones I was sent home with were a little on the higher calorie side - chocolate caramel brownies and an apple scone this time. Kenny made quick work of the brownie I gave him, I will share mine with Rod and make it last a little longer.
The following appointment at BCSCF was good and I have homework. The topic was Stress Management and my homework involves listing activities that I have found relaxing and enjoyable in the past and choosing two of them to start doing regularly again, also looking at new activities that I might want to pursue. It also involves making a list of signs that indicate that I am getting stressed. Just the stress of doing the homework should help me identify some of those ;).
I didn't realize about the bombings at the Boston marathon until after my appointment. What sad news to come home to - so senseless. It is hard to imagine what would enter someone's mind that they would commit such a horrendous action. My prayers go out to all the victims and their families.
Today has been a quiet one at home.
Take care, everyone.
I had my oncologist appointment yesterday a.m. You know that you are further along and doing well in the treatment course when the oncology fellow is sent to see you, rather than the oncologist. I passed my labwork and my MUGA scan results allow me to continue receiving the Herceptin treatments. I only had a very slight drop in the LVEF and I still have a good margin before the level that they would decide to hold the Herceptin. That means that my next four Herceptin treatments have been booked out, starting with this Thursday and I will have another MUGA and oncologist appointment booked for three months from now before the last set.
With that out of the way I stopped in to see my mother but I still do not have any word on what the plans are for her yet. She is still pretty determined about the four wheel walker even though they are once again having her use a two wheeled one at the hospital. I am going to look around and see if I can find a two wheeled walker that has a seat and basket on it, preferably in black, and show it to her to see if it would be something that she would be agreeable to.
I didn't have too much to get at Costco so that went quickly and allowed for some lunch and rest before my afternoon appointments. The first was another quick visit for tea with Norman, we both took away some edibles; I think the ones I was sent home with were a little on the higher calorie side - chocolate caramel brownies and an apple scone this time. Kenny made quick work of the brownie I gave him, I will share mine with Rod and make it last a little longer.
The following appointment at BCSCF was good and I have homework. The topic was Stress Management and my homework involves listing activities that I have found relaxing and enjoyable in the past and choosing two of them to start doing regularly again, also looking at new activities that I might want to pursue. It also involves making a list of signs that indicate that I am getting stressed. Just the stress of doing the homework should help me identify some of those ;).
I didn't realize about the bombings at the Boston marathon until after my appointment. What sad news to come home to - so senseless. It is hard to imagine what would enter someone's mind that they would commit such a horrendous action. My prayers go out to all the victims and their families.
Today has been a quiet one at home.
Take care, everyone.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Assessing the Damage
Friday found me travelling to the University once again, this time to have another three month evaluation of how I am doing in the areas of aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility for the BEAUTY program. I really had to talk myself into going as I knew that my results were not going to be great and 'I am the type of person who' likes to 'ace' my tests. Once again, I used Robin's 'it is what it is' motto and told myself that no matter what the results, it would be good for me to know and I would be helping with research. It's hard to change what you don't acknowledge.
I really like the facilitator for the program, it felt like catching up with a good friend when I got there. She was totally non-judgmental and very supportive as we went through the various measurements and tests. Tamoxifen is not helping in the weight department but apparently I grew almost an inch in height ;). Core strength is down but not the strength in my arms and legs; better get doing some sit-ups. Flexibility took a beating since last time, once again, Tamoxifen and it's effects on the joints seems to be the culprit - I will have to work on my stretching to see if I can outwit it. I think what surprised me the most was my treadmill test. I actually did better on it than the last assessment three months ago and almost as well as I had done on the first assessment, which was at the beginning of chemo. Those treadmill sessions are paying off! She did have to stop me when my heartrate went over the max that had been calculated for me but I felt that I could have continued and that was a nice feeling.
The rest of the weekend has been fairly quiet. Rod went to Grandpa York's funeral in Saskatchewan with our friend Mark so Kenny and I were on our own. I was complaining via text to Rod this morning that the room service was really poor the last couple of days ;).
I continue to gradually work on my decluttering projects - most recently I have taken the top four areas that are bothering me and committed to spending at least 15 minutes a day on each area. It is surprising what can be done in just 15 minutes and it can motivate me to spend more time.
Tomorrow I have my oncologist appointment at 0800 so it will be an early morning with no room service once again. I will find out the results of the MUGA scan when I meet with her, if all is well, I will be booked for the next 4 Herceptin treatments to be followed by yet another MUGA. I am close to halfway through the Herceptin. I am going to make a list this evening of all the things I would like to discuss with the oncologist as the visits are usually brief and half the time my mind goes blank when she enters the room.
So that's it, not very exciting, but 'it is what it is' ;)
Take care everyone.
I really like the facilitator for the program, it felt like catching up with a good friend when I got there. She was totally non-judgmental and very supportive as we went through the various measurements and tests. Tamoxifen is not helping in the weight department but apparently I grew almost an inch in height ;). Core strength is down but not the strength in my arms and legs; better get doing some sit-ups. Flexibility took a beating since last time, once again, Tamoxifen and it's effects on the joints seems to be the culprit - I will have to work on my stretching to see if I can outwit it. I think what surprised me the most was my treadmill test. I actually did better on it than the last assessment three months ago and almost as well as I had done on the first assessment, which was at the beginning of chemo. Those treadmill sessions are paying off! She did have to stop me when my heartrate went over the max that had been calculated for me but I felt that I could have continued and that was a nice feeling.
The rest of the weekend has been fairly quiet. Rod went to Grandpa York's funeral in Saskatchewan with our friend Mark so Kenny and I were on our own. I was complaining via text to Rod this morning that the room service was really poor the last couple of days ;).
I continue to gradually work on my decluttering projects - most recently I have taken the top four areas that are bothering me and committed to spending at least 15 minutes a day on each area. It is surprising what can be done in just 15 minutes and it can motivate me to spend more time.
Tomorrow I have my oncologist appointment at 0800 so it will be an early morning with no room service once again. I will find out the results of the MUGA scan when I meet with her, if all is well, I will be booked for the next 4 Herceptin treatments to be followed by yet another MUGA. I am close to halfway through the Herceptin. I am going to make a list this evening of all the things I would like to discuss with the oncologist as the visits are usually brief and half the time my mind goes blank when she enters the room.
So that's it, not very exciting, but 'it is what it is' ;)
Take care everyone.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
This is the Day
The last few weeks have been tough going for me energy-wise.
I know that time will make the difference. Currently, I need to allow for twice the amount of rest for every period of activity; my best times to get anything done are mornings and evenings are basically a write off, with an early bedtime of about 8 p.m.
As I've written in previous posts I have learned to add rests to my day. I like the way the Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation (BCSCF) words it - Plan, Prioritize and Pace in order to manage your energy.
This a.m. as I was waking up I was praying and giving the day to the Lord. I found today's reading in Jesus Calling to be very appropriate once again then as the day progressed, I will add some comments as I quote from today's reading -
This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life.
I like the picture the words portray of the open hands and I like that this portion of life was referred to as brief, it helps with perspective.
Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the author of your circumstances.
Well, if I hadn't read that I may have been tempted today to complain about the weather, it is the middle of April and for most of the day we were in the midst of yet another snowstorm. My hairlength is a definite plus in this kind of weather though, it matters not whether the wind is blowing or if it is wet out, my 'style' remains unchanged ;).
I started the day by making up chili for the crockpot while catching up with Evelyn via Facebook messaging, followed by an hour of rest. My plan for today included a trip to the library, a few errands at the mall where the library is located, a visit with Mom and then a trip into work to collect a letter and sign some papers. I planned to follow this activity with a rest and then a treadmill session.This seemed like a do-able day and I managed to get it all in with the exception of the treadmill, I may still try to get that in this evening - or not ;).
The last few days I haven't been all that happy with my appearance, to the point that I would rather not have gone into work. With the exception of having a wonderful lunch with Wenda yesterday I haven't seen most of my co-workers for a while and I would have preferred going in looking and feeling better. I decided, as my co-worker Robin often reminds me, that 'it is what it is' and it could be worse, then put away my pride. I'm glad I did. I got lots of wonderful hugs and everyone lied through their teeth, even going so far as to comment on my 'sexy' look. They're good! ;).
The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.
To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.
When I arrived home, I had two phone calls from the unit that Mom is on. I was tired and maybe that was good as it probably came through in my voice and in the conversation. I didn't want to get bogged down in what was past in how her situation has been handled but I did want them to understand what my concerns about future plans for her were. Long story short is that they will not be sending her back to the lodge tomorrow morning as they had been considering, they will assess her better this time and make sure that the lodge is able to provide the care that she requires. If the lodge cannot provide this level of care, they will start the process to find a place that will so that hopefully she can get in and get settled and not have this back and forth all the time.
I am relieved and rejoicing in this day.
Take care everyone.
I know that time will make the difference. Currently, I need to allow for twice the amount of rest for every period of activity; my best times to get anything done are mornings and evenings are basically a write off, with an early bedtime of about 8 p.m.
As I've written in previous posts I have learned to add rests to my day. I like the way the Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation (BCSCF) words it - Plan, Prioritize and Pace in order to manage your energy.
This a.m. as I was waking up I was praying and giving the day to the Lord. I found today's reading in Jesus Calling to be very appropriate once again then as the day progressed, I will add some comments as I quote from today's reading -
This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life.
I like the picture the words portray of the open hands and I like that this portion of life was referred to as brief, it helps with perspective.
Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the author of your circumstances.
Well, if I hadn't read that I may have been tempted today to complain about the weather, it is the middle of April and for most of the day we were in the midst of yet another snowstorm. My hairlength is a definite plus in this kind of weather though, it matters not whether the wind is blowing or if it is wet out, my 'style' remains unchanged ;).
I started the day by making up chili for the crockpot while catching up with Evelyn via Facebook messaging, followed by an hour of rest. My plan for today included a trip to the library, a few errands at the mall where the library is located, a visit with Mom and then a trip into work to collect a letter and sign some papers. I planned to follow this activity with a rest and then a treadmill session.This seemed like a do-able day and I managed to get it all in with the exception of the treadmill, I may still try to get that in this evening - or not ;).
The last few days I haven't been all that happy with my appearance, to the point that I would rather not have gone into work. With the exception of having a wonderful lunch with Wenda yesterday I haven't seen most of my co-workers for a while and I would have preferred going in looking and feeling better. I decided, as my co-worker Robin often reminds me, that 'it is what it is' and it could be worse, then put away my pride. I'm glad I did. I got lots of wonderful hugs and everyone lied through their teeth, even going so far as to comment on my 'sexy' look. They're good! ;).
The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.
To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.
When I arrived home, I had two phone calls from the unit that Mom is on. I was tired and maybe that was good as it probably came through in my voice and in the conversation. I didn't want to get bogged down in what was past in how her situation has been handled but I did want them to understand what my concerns about future plans for her were. Long story short is that they will not be sending her back to the lodge tomorrow morning as they had been considering, they will assess her better this time and make sure that the lodge is able to provide the care that she requires. If the lodge cannot provide this level of care, they will start the process to find a place that will so that hopefully she can get in and get settled and not have this back and forth all the time.
I am relieved and rejoicing in this day.
Take care everyone.
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