Oh Sweet Mother of Bread Pudding...What have I got myself into? 9/26 Update!

[disnut1149]

Hi
You're reviews are great!! I've really enjoyed reading them.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

I am really enjoying all your reviews. That's a great tip about early seating in Yak and Yeti. I've been trying to change my dinner ressie to lunch for some time no at no avail, so I think we will try a walk up at 11:00 as you suggested.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

I have been wanting to try Yak and Yeti but we eat so much chinese/Japanese food at home I have not done it yet. It is definitely on my list of places to try. The egg rolls looked soooo yummy! The GM was very generous to give you those cards.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Warning: This is not a happy filled post.

Hi everyone. I just wanted to give you all an update. For those following my TR's, I had written about my friend Vicki, 43 and diagnosed with stomach cancer right around Thanksgiving. Friday night, the oncologist working with her spoke with the family and her and the news is not promising. She is too weak for more rounds of chemo and the care is transferring to hospice. They are giving her a week to a month at most. Vicki wants to see July. That way she can be here for her oldest son's graduation and have one more birthday with family. Her mom and mine are best friends and I have known her since second grade. It is a hard concept to wrap your head around when so many advances have medically happened with cancer research as well as so many people that get a cancer diagnosis, are lucky enough to beat the odds.

Yesterday morning, I found out a 49 year old father whose son is a senior with Carsyn and daughter was in gymnastics forever and I have known for over 12 years, died of a heartattack at his cabin Saturday night.

Last night, a friend forwarded me a news link of a woman who graduated two years before me and was a neighbor of my grandparents with two sons in elementary school, is dying of a brain disease that only hits one in a million. It is like a rapid Alzheimer’s and a month ago she was fine, now she is in a coma state, non responsive and she will never recover and will be gone from this earth within weeks.

It is so hard to see these six kids, from three different families, suffering and the spouses just devastated. I took Carsyn prom shopping Saturday and felt so lucky to have the ability to spend the time with her, be in the position to shop, take her out for dinner, plan her grad party and college send off. I cried seeing Carsyn so beautiful in her dress, knowing it is only luck that is the divider between my child and theirs.

I know I said this when my friend Wendy died a few months ago but these are the times and moments that make you step back and decide what matters. These children would give anything to have their parents in their lives for a little longer and their graduation pictures, wedding pictures, pictures when their children are born, will always be short one important person. Two of these kids are the age of Carsyn and they don't have the luxury to have a carefree last few months of high school.

It does not put a person into the mood to write and be funny about food. I will not stop writing at all, I just need a day to process this and if you read this, please spend a few moments today to tell your loved ones why they mean so much to you and take a moment to reflect on your own life and change what does not make you happy and cherish what does.

Thanks for letting me purge all this. It helps to get thoughts out and I will be back soon.

 

[Normangirls]

I wish I could say more, but you and your friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

The words just aren't coming this morning... Everything I type just doesn't sound right... So instead I'm sending you hugs and prayers to your friends families...

 

[mickeystoontown]

I agree with the previous posters, there are no words to express how sorry I feel for you and those families. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[mstmp]

I am so blessed with a great family! we have had a losses this year due to that terrible disease cancer. It really puts life in perspective and how we just never know when our time is up - so enjoy everyday and be thankful xoxoxo to you and yours

 

[Dizneydawn]

For those reading, here are some faces behind the names of those stories I shared. If you choose to think good thoughts/prayers for the family I know it helps me when I feel more connected.

Here is the link to the Michelle, who grew up by my grandparents.

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=919581

Here is Vicki and her family. I know she is close to her time to let go. She cannot take in fluids any longer and the hospice does not feel she can go home as she had wished. This is by far more heartbreaking than I can explain. It started with heartburn in the fall and now she is in her last hours. It is just devasting and no words can make it different. I pride myself as a good writer and I am at a loss for words to help, to heal and to understand.

This last one, is of John who had a heart attack Saturday night. His wife is the woman pictured also. Too darn young.

Thanks again for understanding that right now, is not a time to write. If Vicki does pass away today or tomorrow I will write after the services.

 

[Jacqui]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the families.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of these families.

 

[pinkle]

WOW! Words can't express...we've had some tragic loss in our family and friends as well. It really makes you stop and reconsider what is important. I pray that there will be a comfort that will be given to these people and their loved ones
Seriously, that is why taking our annual Disney vacation is so important to our family. My kids will never value my granite counter tops or our new living room furinitue but they will ALWAYS value the time we spent together, making great memories and loving one another Make the most of what we have.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”

 

[PrincessOliviasMom]

Thoughts and prayers with you and your friends!

I have followed all of your trip reports and I can say that your family, friends and acquaintences have had their fair share of tragedy over the last few months/years. Unfortunately tragedy is everywhere from large scale to tsunamis in Japan to smaller scales like individual health issues (which is not at all meant to minimize what your friends are going through). Regardless of the scale, a tragedy is a tragedy and it impacts so many people. I'm sure I speak for many on this board when I say that your stories about your friends have affected me and made me think about life and what's truly important. I have hugged my children extra hard and have made the unfortunate realization that life is so precious and fragile. It is so important to appreciate the little things, the simple moments.

Peace to you during this difficult time!

 

[MollyMcDaniel]

Just caught up with your food review and now this. You have been hit hard lately with death.....and all from people so young. I am so saddened by each one of those stories and for their families. I will remember these families in my prayers and hope that laughs and good times will soon return to your life.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Just wanted to say thank you to all and I have copied your kind responses and will forward them to those hit by these heartaches.

Carsyn just came home from school, upset that John's daughter Maddie found out her Dad died via text from a friend. She had been in Iowa for a gymnastics meet and was on her way home with her coaches and teammates on a bus when Mary, called the coach telling him to get Maddie's phone away and explaining what happened. By the time he made his way back to her and processed what had happened, she was sobbing and already knew. It reminds me that in this era, word travels so fast and Thank God she at least had friends and adults who loved her with her but it could have easily a situation where she was driving herself to the mall and got a text. It brings up a whole range of things to talk with the kids about regarding how quickly they just text or call without thinking of the person on the receiving end of the message.

Like so many have posted, we are not exclusive to pain and heartbreak. It is not our mother, our father, son, daughter, sister or brother who is dealing with this as personally as the ones in the immediate family. We are not facing devastation like in Japan or even the swath of destruction and death leveled by the recent tornadoes in the South. It seems there has just been an overabundance of tragedy to those in our circle, extended or close and at 39, I feel a bit numb to the magnitude. My Grandma used to joke she would read the Obituaries every morning to make sure she was not in it. She was in her 70's.

It has caused serious conversations in this house and I am so glad it has impacted you all as well. We too take the trips that matter and create the memories that matter and I think of all the stupid times I was just having a lazy day that I did not take advantage of doing something with the kids because I assume there is another day in the wings. A day I should have watched a movie, played a game, went on a walk, saw the zoo, etc... I am very active with them and they love me and I am good with our relationship but those darn regrets will play mind games on you.

So tonight we are having pancakes for dinner. We are having bacon and we are having scrambled eggs. Why? Because breakfast is my kids favorite meal and we can! I am so thankful that God has given me today to be loved and love and that as tears may flow for Vicki and her family, she would kick my hind end if she could if I did not do what I could and sat helpless. I may not be able to help her directly but knowing her tragedy and her love made a difference to me, would make her smile.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Carsyn just came home from school, upset that John's daughter Maddie found out her Dad died via text from a friend. She had been in Iowa for a gymnastics meet and was on her way home with her coaches and teammates on a bus when Mary, called the coach telling him to get Maddie's phone away and explaining what happened. By the time he made his way back to her and processed what had happened, she was sobbing and already knew. It reminds me that in this era, word travels so fast and Thank God she at least had friends and adults who loved her with her but it could have easily a situation where she was driving herself to the mall and got a text. It brings up a whole range of things to talk with the kids about regarding how quickly they just text or call without thinking of the person on the receiving end of the message.

This happened to me Tuesday. My grandpa died totally unexpectedly and my cousin text to tell me. I was sitting in the middle of class and had to walk out without being too disturbing which was really hard. I think the teacher thought I was crazy. Definitely think about things before you send them via text. I am still upset but it might not have been as bad if I had someone on the phone and was given some sort of explanation.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Look where we went today!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Look where we went today!

Ohhh!!! I see some we tried!!! Let me know every scrumptious detail!!! I think I see the margarita one we missed and what kind is the peachy one? We had the one with the sugar babies on it!!

Is that place not like Willy Wonka on crack???

Thank you for sharing your story of your loss and your insight on how you would prefer to find out. I just think we are so used to vomiting out things in a quick fashion these days (esp. the younger generations...do I sound ancient yet???? ) that etiquette is missed and thought does not happen before it is too late. I am sorry for your family and hope you have some fond memories to hold onto.

 

[ireland_nicole]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and these families.

 

[Dizneydawn]

I think it is a good thing that GiGi's is not close. I might bury my sorrows in 100 pounds of frosting and then have a sugar overdose, fall down the stairs and end up with a broken ankle for Easter.

....That sounds much more likely to avert me from the cupcakes o' sin than telling myself it will make me feel better if only for 5 minutes!