Wow, it's been a rough few days for many of us.
First, I'm happy to report that little Julia (Louise's niece, the little girl I mentioned a few weeks ago) has had her surgery, it's a success, and she's OK. Her mommy has been sleeping at the hospital with her, and so Julia is not afraid anymore since mom is with her 24/7. She should be home tomorrow.
Next, my brother Barry did not have a heart attack, as we feared. His blood pressure shot up dangerously high, and the doctors believe it was due to overuse of his asthma inhaler. He's home and comfortable now, and his heart is fine.
I went to see Casey yesterday, and it was a great visit. Yes, he's not as strong as he used to be, but his mind is ok. He's on meds that slow him down, make his memory less than perfect, but he's still all there, thank God. What a relief for me, I can't even begin to express it.
Here's a pic of us waiting to get in to a Ronan Tynan concert a few weeks ago:
Debbie, happy happy birthday to you! Enjoy it, girlfriend, and yes, listen to Tiggie, We Are Woman, Hear Us Roar! In my middle age, I'm discovering that you can stand up for yourself AND STILL be a kind person. I always thought I had to be everyone's doormat if I wanted to be a good person, but that's so not true. Fr. Casey has taught me that it's my
obligation to seek joy in my life, as God wants us to be happy, and we don't have to be bad-a s s e s to do that, just be strong and see yourself as God sees you, as a beautiful, important child of His. So Debbie my dear friend, I'll be raising a glass to you as you sit in that hot tub with your girlfriends celebrating another year of life!
Marla and Kelly, I'm always happy to see you post. I'm always afraid my drama may chase away our less-frequent cruise mateys, but I promise I'll be a deliriously happy girl when we board that ship, ready to partay!
Kaz, Kaz, Kaz...your upbeat attitude is an inspiration. I can learn a thing or two from you. And woweeeeeeeeeeee about the sizes of your babies!
Nan, I'm sorry to hear about Paul's mom, but I totally understand, given my own situation with my mom. But as you said, at least she's calling out to Paul, and that's a good sign, even while it's a strain on your family. God, we all need a
when we finally meet up! Nan, did Wilson's birthday pass already?
And Tig, you my friend are golden, wanting to call me during my stressful time. I'm ok now, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and concern. How are you handling classes, John's injury, and your mother-in-law all on your plate? I'm going to be halfway down to your part of the woods tomorrow, so if you want to get together for a quick lunch, my treat, let me know, and I'll jet by. I'd bring you some NYC snow, as we had our first real storm of the winter, but I have a feeling you have more than a few tons of your own!
Hey Jill, congratulations on your skating. I wish you had some video of yourself to post on youtube of you skating, as I'd LOVE to see it, really.
Robin, OMG I can't believe I posted about the pee pee incident in my car! But I was afraid to go into the hospital to use their filthy public bathroom, and walk out with bubonic plague on my tush!!!!
Brenda, I lent Louise my Creative Memories softwear, so we're going to have another serious scrapper among us! I was wondering, ask Ryan if he ever sees Jess online on XBox Live (jpoisin). I'd love it if these two would get to know each other before we cruise!
Ok, have you had enough?
Wait, one more, I did a good deed today. There was a kid walking around with a shovel trying to make a few dollars shoveling snow from in front of our houses. Keep in mind, all the houses and building are SO close together, with not much to shovel, and I saw he was being turned away by some people on the block. So as I was leaving my house, he asked if he could shovel my front walk, I asked how much was he charging, he paused and said hesitantly $15. I said, oh I'm sorry, that's not enough, would you do it for $25? OMG it took him a few seconds to figure it out, and he then he said
OK!! I'm proud of the kids that get out to make an honest dollar when they can, so I wanted to show him how I appreciated his work-ethic.
Now I'm going to pick up my nephew (Barry's son), and he'll spend the weekend with us as his dad and mom rest up after their scary hospital ordeal. I have to figure out what to cook for tonight, as we're observing Lent, and no meat on Friday's.
Have a good weekend, all. And thank you so much for your good thoughts and prayers. My life is happier and fuller knowing you all.
Oh Grim, have you found that pic yet? I think you look adorable in it, and I can't wait for the day when Piper is old enough to ask, "daddy, why do those people call you Grim?"
no update from Aisling...I'll be calling after 1, gotta go to class first~
