May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[fourmcds]

Oh....forgot....

Holly, great pictures! You guys always look like you have so much fun and you do such creative stuff.

Amesmom...what a story. Those are the times when I fall apart (regardless of whether there is a hot fireman there ). Glad to hear he was ok.

 

[HollyTyler]

Deb, although I have no advice to give you, I just wanted to tell you I'm so sorry about all you and your mom are having to go through. I'm sure others here will be able to give you some helpful advice.

 

[TiggersPal]

Your wish is my command!!

That is just way too cool! Reminds me of a wagon I wanted as a kid - I didn't want a "RED" one, I wanted a BLUE one! My dad painted it - I found that out years later!

CHEERS - to all the dads who makes their little girls' dreams come true!

 

[disneylover5]

Thank you for this touching story. I have shared it with family and friends.

Yes, everyone, if you are on a prayer chain please share this story....the family wants it told world wide!! If you have friends you can e-mail it to, please do that....and ask them to forward.....

 

[disneylover5]

Lisa/DisneyLover5....what do I do? Please help! It's mom again...she has now been out of the hospital for about a month and she's feeling well again...so she cut me off...she won't take my help anymore with the followup doctors appoinments. From going to all the specialists we figured out that the low blood count is caused by the kidneys, the renal failure is caused by dehydration, the dehydration is caused by dysentery. She is seeing all the doctors except the gastroenterologist. This is the key to all the other problems. She must see this doctor or else she will end up back in the hospital again. She won't let me help anymore and she's procrastinating taking care of it herself. In the meantime, she's loosing too much weight. She went from 115 to 103 in one week and that was a week ago. She's probably under 100 lbs. now. Also, every time she goes into renal failure it's taxing on her heart. Last time she had a heart attack too.

I have two choices, make the appointment myself and drag her there and let her be mad at me or leave her alone and let her end up back in the hospital again.

I know you're in a similar situation with your mom. What would you do?

If anyone has any suggestions to help, I'm eager to listen.

Mom and I have been fighting about 2 weeks about going back to the doctor. She is now under 100 pounds as well. Her insides are working very well, so she she does not the same problems as your mom does.

My mom suffers from unbelieveable pain from 8 broken backs and 2 torn rotater cuffs and very old knees.

I don't know about your mom, but my mom is of very sound mind. I could never convience a judge that she needed a care taker. She is just (at least I thought this till I read your troubles) the most stubborn woman on earth.

She is also afraid of doctors. They intimidate her. Her main doctor sees her every 4 months......I really like him and he is married to a high school friend of mine....and he has 10 kids. She does not like him....mostly because he does not sit down with her for an hour and chat. (Medicare makes it so the doctors have to see as many patients an hour as possible). He says things like "your doing great considering your age" (makes her really mad).

The knee doctor pretty much blows her off.....(we have had her knee xrays looked at by 4 different doctors and they all say the same thing....looks like knees of a 40 year old).....no one can tell her why they hurt so much.

The back doctor is worthless......

The rotator cuff doctor (this is a new injury ... 6 months ago) my mom really liked him.....I mean really liked him.

I tell you all of this, because that is my key....the fact that she likes him and he does not intimidate her. So TODAY finally, she told me I can make an appointment with him and she is going to tell him all the other doctors are hogwash.....(she will most likely use a word I can not use here )

Pain management seems to be all they will offer.......and pain management does not work very well and I know she is hurting. She can not even put curlers in her hair anymore. She never goes and gets her hair done anymore.

She has done the shots of cortizone....they last about 3 weeks....and she can only have one every 4 months....

You are in a very tough spot. If she were my mom, I would drag her.....otherwise she will die and you will feel terrible.....at least if you give your best shot, you can be a peace with yourself.

Maybe try a new doctor....or at least talk to your mom about why she won't go.... (my mom won't because she says they are all ba****ds)....my kids yell at her to stop talking like that

Sorry to be so long winded.....you are in a very tough spot......just do your best so you can be at peace with yourself, whatever you find that is....

 

[LiserAnn]

Anyway . . . . had a nice HOUR visit before we had to head back to the West Valley for Jenna and Kayla to make the Gwen Stefani concert at Cricket. Frustration over!

DH went to HS with Gwen Stefani. He's friends with her brother Eric who was in No Doubt in the very beginning and then left. He said she's rather quiet.

 

[LiserAnn]

We are home rather early Perla (the birthday girl) was sooooo sick She ended up vomitting 3x during the mass and then went home to sleep for a while.

How said is that? Poor girl...how awful!!!

 

[birkner]

Yes, everyone, if you are on a prayer chain please share this story....the family wants it told world wide!! If you have friends you can e-mail it to, please do that....and ask them to forward.....

I thought you might enjoy what John's sister Terry wrote to me when I forwarded her your story:

That is a beautiful story, Noel....brought tears to my eyes. I will pray for that community and will tell others about this. It's scary.......with our children that age.......we always think we are going to be the ones taken first. I can't think of a worse loss..then that of a child. Garret is in God's home, it's a blessing this story can be used to win the hearts of others. None of us ever really know which day is our last.

This letter made me remember the loss of Bobby ...then not that much longer after wards Erik wanted to be baptized on his 21st birthday in the De La Salle pool and the day before Rob's friend, Robyn, turned the corner and flipped a car (nearly in my driveway) with Erik in the passenger side. Robyn got a DUI and totaled his parents $80,000 car. Neither boys wore a seat belt that night and were virtually unscathed. I told Erik..."I nearly lost you, before you were saved. God definitely has a plan for you."

I can remember another time when Erik was a toddler being tested for lymphoma, I promised God that I'd raise my son to know Him then. My kids play/played a sport that could change life as they knew it in a heartbeat. My faith grew and developed and continues to do so.

Even now, Derek Landri, was picked up 5th in the draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll play with Maurice Drew. Erik may have a shot to play there next year too. Erik's career becomes more and more dangerous. I pray continually for God's protection.

Both Shawn's and Bobby's death made me realize how vulnerable we are. I pray more....and try to lead a life that pleases God. I try to know Him better through Bible studies. I've been blessed that God has sent so many people with strong faith in my life. I've influenced Penny's faith, but she influences right back, by drawing me into Bible studies and church. I can remember my mom's eyes when she prayed in church, I know her faith was real. Louie Applegate was a minister that Mom almost married in Idaho; he was a man of very strong faith. Even Jodi Kelly's parents were Young-Life leaders; a Young-Life leader, Loree Sutton, from Reno really had a lot of influence in my young adulthood, as well. Jessica Ranannachan and her mentor Alice Ann Cantelow had tremendous impact on teaching me about prayer; through Mom's-in-Touch, I saw little miracles through those sweet prayers. My current prayer group, Bible study continues to bless me in many ways...and I continually see God's work.

Football at a Catholic School, where the children prayed before a game and at school, where the mom's prayed together before the games and Coach Lad and his lessons also tremendously influenced my faith. At Colorado State University, the coaches and kids gather with the parents at "Chapel" to pray for each other. Nothing gives me greater pleasure in life then to see Erik speak at Chapel and to see him kneel and pray at the stadiums win or loose with his teammates AND the opposing team after the game. I know, he's meant to lead with his faith. I know, I've been immeasurably blessed.

It gives me great pleasure to see Ashley's faith developing also. She prays a lot.....she reminds me when I shouldn't use a bad word. I see faith following her all the days of her life.

Rob too surrounds himself with a girlfriend and a family of great faith. I know this has tremendous impact on his life.

We don't know God's plan or when anyone of us will be taken or what may happen tomorrow. What I do know, is that God loves us. He gives me great peace. Seeing my children's faith in God gives me the utmost happiness.


I love you,

Terry

 

[ibouncetoo]

Aspen who will be 13 still wants to be a marine biologist, Bailey who will be 10 wants to be a famous actress and Spencer who will be 8 wants to be a professional baseball player.

When I was about 13 or 14 I wanted to be an archeological anthropologist....who wrote novels on the side. I went through a whole science as a way of life phase, till I realized how much MATH I had to take before they'd let me get to the juicy science stuff! I quickly went back to the whole 'show business' thing!

 

[LiserAnn]

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend. I went scrapbooking with my girlfriends for the weekend, which was fun. I see we weren't super chatty, which was good for me so that I didn't have too much to catch up on. Thanks for being so considerate....

 

[disneylover5]

I thought you might enjoy what John's sister Terry wrote to me when I forwarded her your story:

That is a beautiful story, Noel....brought tears to my eyes. I will pray for that community and will tell others about this. It's scary.......with our children that age.......we always think we are going to be the ones taken first. I can't think of a worse loss..then that of a child. Garret is in God's home, it's a blessing this story can be used to win the hearts of others. None of us ever really know which day is our last.

This letter made me remember the loss of Bobby ...then not that much longer after wards Erik wanted to be baptized on his 21st birthday in the De La Salle pool and the day before Rob's friend, Robyn, turned the corner and flipped a car (nearly in my driveway) with Erik in the passenger side. Robyn got a DUI and totaled his parents $80,000 car. Neither boys wore a seat belt that night and were virtually unscathed. I told Erik..."I nearly lost you, before you were saved. God definitely has a plan for you."

I can remember another time when Erik was a toddler being tested for lymphoma, I promised God that I'd raise my son to know Him then. My kids play/played a sport that could change life as they knew it in a heartbeat. My faith grew and developed and continues to do so.

Even now, Derek Landri, was picked up 5th in the draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll play with Maurice Drew. Erik may have a shot to play there next year too. Erik's career becomes more and more dangerous. I pray continually for God's protection.

Both Shawn's and Bobby's death made me realize how vulnerable we are. I pray more....and try to lead a life that pleases God. I try to know Him better through Bible studies. I've been blessed that God has sent so many people with strong faith in my life. I've influenced Penny's faith, but she influences right back, by drawing me into Bible studies and church. I can remember my mom's eyes when she prayed in church, I know her faith was real. Louie Applegate was a minister that Mom almost married in Idaho; he was a man of very strong faith. Even Jodi Kelly's parents were Young-Life leaders; a Young-Life leader, Loree Sutton, from Reno really had a lot of influence in my young adulthood, as well. Jessica Ranannachan and her mentor Alice Ann Cantelow had tremendous impact on teaching me about prayer; through Mom's-in-Touch, I saw little miracles through those sweet prayers. My current prayer group, Bible study continues to bless me in many ways...and I continually see God's work.

Football at a Catholic School, where the children prayed before a game and at school, where the mom's prayed together before the games and Coach Lad and his lessons also tremendously influenced my faith. At Colorado State University, the coaches and kids gather with the parents at "Chapel" to pray for each other. Nothing gives me greater pleasure in life then to see Erik speak at Chapel and to see him kneel and pray at the stadiums win or loose with his teammates AND the opposing team after the game. I know, he's meant to lead with his faith. I know, I've been immeasurably blessed.

It gives me great pleasure to see Ashley's faith developing also. She prays a lot.....she reminds me when I shouldn't use a bad word. I see faith following her all the days of her life.

Rob too surrounds himself with a girlfriend and a family of great faith. I know this has tremendous impact on his life.

We don't know God's plan or when anyone of us will be taken or what may happen tomorrow. What I do know, is that God loves us. He gives me great peace. Seeing my children's faith in God gives me the utmost happiness.


I love you,

Terry

Terry is one lucky lady!! You should be proud to know her!!

 

[disneylover5]

Gretchen's thumb is sooooooooooooooooooooo gross!! The nail is starting to come off and I (normally not grossed out by anything) can not even look at it.

She says it does not hurt at all and thinks it is really funny I can not look at it.

GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

 

[TiggersPal]

Before I forget - WOODY & MRS W - please have a safe and wonderful trip!

Clynne - where are you these past few days. Now that my big event is over and I can patrol the DIS - I havent' seen you about.

Where are my two little pals? I need a hug! - Sure wish you guys were closer. A nice little tea and crumpet visit would do me well.

Well, we heard from our roving Zonie pal - guess where they just got back from???? DISNEY PARIS!!!!!! I know - how exciting... hope you all are having a wonderful Monday - for once mine was NOT manic!

 

[Jhalkias]

Glad you had a great night out....sorry Amy is not feeling well. Get her to bed with plenty of fluids and sleep. Hopefully she'll feel better soon.

Haven't been around - first day back to the office after last week off, and Amy had to go to Cincinnatti for work today and is there overnight (no rest for her). Busy Monday.

Ohhhh the anticipation to see who got 15,000 . . .

 

[Jhalkias]

"...and in the end, the love we take, is equal to the love, we make..."

Karen

Love that song. Love the Beatles. My favorite band of all time.

 

[Jhalkias]

Well, it's a beautiful day! Only 51 degrees right now, but supposed to hit 75!!!! Woohoo! Great because the rest of the week is supposed to be low 60s (which is still nice, in my opinion). Tyler and I are headed to the dairy cow barns at Michigan State University. MSU has so many great free things to do and see! The cow barns are fun because each cow has a cute name on their nametag. And you can watch milking at 2pm every day. He also wants to go see the sheep, horses, and pigs, but I doubt I can handle that much stink in one day. Last time we went to see the cows, I almost vomited a few times from the smell. Yup, pathetic city girl here!

My favorite place at MSU (son went there for the Spartan Debate Camp two years in a row) the dairy building where you can buy the ice cream they make right on campus. DELICIOUS!

 

[HollyTyler]

Gretchen's thumb is sooooooooooooooooooooo gross!! The nail is starting to come off and I (normally not grossed out by anything) can not even look at it.

She says it does not hurt at all and thinks it is really funny I can not look at it.

GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

Sounds pretty gross, but can't help laughing at your reaction!

 

[Jhalkias]

In California, you can call companies like these and have the inflatables set up in either your backyard or driveway. Don't they do anything like that in Lansing?

We have companies here who advertise all types of birthday celebrations choices in the local Parent magazine/newspaper.

You can do that here too - but they charge by the inflatible, and it is MUCH more expensive than going to the place where they are already set up.

 

[HollyTyler]

My favorite place at MSU (son went there for the Spartan Debate Camp two years in a row) the dairy building where you can buy the ice cream they make right on campus. DELICIOUS!

Believe it or not, I hadn't heard of that! I'll definitely be checking it out soon......YUM!

 

[Jhalkias]

However, some of us at the 'front' end of the baby boom have a hard time thinking of 'those 60's babies' as part of 'our' group...at least from a culture standpoint. I mean, please, they were just babies when the Beatles showed up! OF COURSE, if they had older siblings, they were still strongly impacted by the "kids in the 50's, teens in the 60's" culture...right TiggersPal? I remember the little boy who lived next door to us (it was '64 or 65) who's first word was 'stereo' and he could name all the Beatles (from the pictures on our bedroom wall) before he could name all his family members !

Are you calling me a baby????

I remember listening to my friends sisters' music (they were the "older" ones) and that IS where I was introduced to the Beatles.

I think for now I will take baby as a compliment.