The New Lizard Lounge

[minniesota]

MinnieSummer - Heartfelt prayers coming your way. There are no other words. Please keep us posted if you can. Peace and courage.

 

[Angel16]

Minnie, I am so sorry that you are going through this. My heart is aching for you and your family. You and your family are in my prayers. I wish there was something that I could do to make this easier.

Do not apologize about writing us with sad news. We are all here for each other to support and help during joyous as well as sad times. Please know we all cared about you and your family.

Sending you prayers and warm thoughts.

 

[minniesota]

MinnieSummer - I have been thinking about you and your family. How are things going? Please let us know when you have time. Prayers still headed your way...

 

[MinnieSummer]

WOW, I really don't know where to start. My mom went into the hospital for a diabetes problem and has been there ever since. She slipped into a "catatonic" state. The MD's could find no reason -- the did CAT scans, MRI's, blood work. Nothing showed that could be causing it. They decided that it was severe depression and she just didn't want to wake up. I spent most of last week in tears. Then I got mad at my Dad because he had promised me that he would help me take care of her. I went to Mass on Sunday and begged him to give me some kind of sign so I would know what to do. I went home and my DH was getting ready to weed the front flower garden so I went off on some errands. When I got home he looked at me. I could tell he had been crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said "Your Dad's trying to tell us something." Now, my parents haven't been down in over a year and a half. There have been two hurricanes blow through and my husband has weeded that garden at least once a month. But he found one of my Dads signature items -- a Worthers wrapper. My Dad was always dropping them wherever he went -- more as a joke than because he was a litter bug. He always said he could tell if a place was clean or not if his wrapper was gone the next time he came back. Anyway, there is no way a little wrapper could have stayed put with the hurricanes we had, or with my husbands weed pulling. But there it was -- a message from my father. But what was he trying to tell me? I decided he wanted me to tell my mom that he was in FL waiting for her and she had to get better so she could be with him. I got on the phone with her on Monday night (I wanted to talk with he MD before I did anything that drastic) and I told her what had happened and she actually tried to talk to me a little. The next day, our caregiver, who still sits with her every day, went in and told my Mom that she had found a little black and white fluffly kitten for her and shee needed to get better so she could go home and take care of it. My mom started to talk, and tried to participate so we were all very hopeful. Then at 9:00 last night, the hospital called -- She was awake, and scared and wanted someone with her. My sister called my aunt to go up and I called my Mom and stayed on the phone with her until my Aunt got there. She was alert, talking, lucid most of the time, but she was hallucinating (spiders biting her, snakes in the bed, water overflowing). By this morning she was doing great and the hallucinating was gone. They were trying to get her in for PT. But then around noon she slipped back again and bacame non-responsive. I know this is just a setback, and that she can get better and I'm trying to remain positive but it is very difficult.

I'm still planning on Christmas at WDW for her, I refuse to think that she might not be able to go. I'm sending her pictures of the hotel and different things at the GF in the hopes that it will give her something to look forward to.

By the way, do any of you have a black and white fluffy kitten? The care giver doesn't really have one she just thought it might work since my Mom loved her cat that died right before my Dad. It did work so now we've got to find one. Anyone?

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: First, I don't have a kitten, but I would suggest that the caregiver call local vets or the local humane society and they will help.


I also believe that your Mom is grieving. She was so strong for so long that perhaps she is just so tired and also a bit frightened of what lies ahead. You did the right thing by trying to let her know that your Dad will be whereever she is. You keep planning for her to come for the holidays, and remember that she is a strong woman of faith. We will keep praying for her recovery. I know that this must be so difficult, but I know that you are also a very strong determined woman.

Please check in when you can and remember that we are all here for you always sending good wishes and prayers.

Nancy

 

[Steph H]

Hi, all! I know I haven't been around in a LONG time, but my newest Mouseketeer is a cranky little bugger, and it has been a long eight months trying to adjust to the constant neediness. My first DS was just the opposite. But I still love him and he continues to get a little less needy every day.

But I have been thinking about you all a LOT and wish I had time to go back and read every post I've missed, but it's been three months {blush} and I just don't have that much time! I hope to do it sometime in the near future.

Minniesummer...I got chills reading the story about your dad speaking to you. I'll pray that the sign becomes clear soon and that you have strength through this tough time.

Minniesota...I'm thinking of you, as well. {{hugs}}

Nancy, Tammi, Angel, Elizabeth, and everyone else--I've missed you all! Hope you're all doing well and I'll look forward to hearing about any upcoming trips. I'm still planning on a December 2007 trip to the GF. I know my husband will go (as long as I can find the money, he doesn't care!), but my next challenge is finding a way to convince our VERY best friends in the world to come to Disney with us. The two issues we have are: 1) I know they can't afford the GF, and to be honest, DH and I are too spoiled to go anywhere else. 2) She hates to fly. So they would have to drive down, and that's going to be tough on them, whether they realize it or not. But I've got some time to work on them...wish me luck! Our kids are all the same ages, so it's a perfect trip to make with people who are closer to us than our own families.

I'll be back--never fear! In the meantime...hugs to all!!

 

[MinnieSummer]

No news yet on my DM. They put her in the psyche department then another MD moved her out. One Psychiarist said it was her mind another says it is medicine. The neurologist isn't happy with any of them. I'm going up tomorow to see her and I just might take her home regardless of whether she knows whats going on or not. I honestly think they are making things worse.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: I am so sorry that the news isn't better. I know that the circumstances are different, but last summer my Mom was pretty sick, she suffers from emphysema, and was in the ICU for over a week. She came home, and was really euphoric and this was not my Mom's normal demeanor. Then she got really chatty, and then just not herself. I called 911 and she was admitted. The gerontologist (sp) was involved, but it turns out that her meds had turned toxic in her system. The Dr's were not sure she would ever be herself. Well, we brought her home and it took a while but the effects wore off, and she is back to normal.


I wonder if the stress of the past year, coupled with the loss of her husband was just too much for her to deal with, and she needed time to retreat a bit. Follow your own instincts, you have not been wrong yet. You also have the knowledge that your Dad is not far from you, and he won't let you go wrong. You have my good wishes along with some prayers.

I want to let you all know that CHris is back stateside ! He left Iraq on Wednesday, let his Mom know when he was in Kuwait and arrives in teh states on Saturday. He is back at Camp Pendleton, but will be home November 5th for a visit. We are already thinking of all the food he likes. He is always antsy when he is away from he unit for a time so Gail is trying to plan activities that he will like and that will keep hom busy. Thank you for all of your prayers for his safety, I know that they are what brought him home to us safe and without harm.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy, thank you for sharing your wonderful news. I am so thrilled that he is stateside and that you will all be able to spend time with him soon. I will pray that he will be able to relax and enjoy the time you all have together.

I'll post at a later time regarding my mom.

 

[MinnieSummer]

The latest on my DM is actually good. She came back to us completely last monday and then slipped a little. None of the MD's can agree on what was causing the problem -- one of them actually wants to do surgery to remove her parathyroid. I refuse to let them do surgery until they can prove to me that it is absolutely necessary. Anyway, she went home on thurday and seems to be doing well. She is lucid 98% of the time. It seems that when she gets tired she slips a little. Anyway, we are back to moving her down here and I hope it is sooner rather than later. I have to wait until I get a clear from her primary but he agrees with me that getting her out of the cold is just as important so I'm hoping it will be right after Thanksgiving. She still is looking forward to WDW at Christmas. I just e-mailed Guest relations to beg them to guarantee adjoining rooms. I'll end up staying in her room but would like to be near my DD for Christmas morning. Hopefully they will come through for me.

I know I asked before but can anyone think of other things to do besides going to the parks during the Christmas holiday? We will definitely be at Epcot for the CP/dinner on Christmas Day. We're staying at GF so my mom can listen to the orchestra and enjoy the hotel decor, but I keep hoping there is some other kind of entertainment that she can enjoy that won't require a lot of travelling. (We'll have a car so that will help) Any ideas?

 

[TammiMcMan]

StephH, hi! So glad you could stop by. Don't feel bad about not having leisure time, many of us are in the same boat. I think we all have been dashing in quickly lately just to let everyone know we're still around, but super busy. That's what friends are for .

Nancy, amazing news. Have a wonderful reunion with him.

MinnieSummer, thanks so much for taking the time to give us an update on your mom. I'm sure you are really looking forward to your Christmas trip. I know you don't want to travel too far, but I understand the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Palms resort are beautiful. If she felt up to it, there's also the town of Celebration. In the past, they've had holiday activities going on. In addition the Orchestra, I'm pretty sure they have carollers in the GF lobby as well. Not sure how much in a celebration mood she'll be in though. You may want to plan a few things, but take your cues from how she's feeling. The first holiday is always so rough. Don't forget to bring some decorations for the room. Suction cup some lights to the balcony doors too.

Oh, I can't believe the holidays are right around the corner. A few days after Thanksgiving, we'll be in Cleveland. Anyone here from that area? To be exact, we'll be in the Strongsville area for skating (of course). That's DS's last competition for the year and then we're looking forward to taking a few weeks off. I may just pull the covers over my head and hibernate.

Hope all is well with the Goofy's, Elisabeth, Angel and everyone else.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: Thanks for posting the good news about your Mom. It sounds like she is healing and that she is looking forward to comig with you. I think the Holiday at Disney is a good idea. As Tammy suggested, the first holiday is rough for everyone, so being at the GF may take the edge off.

Tammy: You must be exhausted! Kids in HS require a lot of traveling for parents, having kids in HS who compete...oh my goodness!

Well, Chris is coming for dinner tomorrow with his Mom. He was at my Moms today, she is not strong enough to go out, so lunch was at her house. (She does want to go vote tomorrow, she feels pretty strongly about this)
And a little more good news. My DS is sending my DDIL home for Thanksgiving. He is working throughout the Holiday, so she would be spending most of the time alone. Erica has told me that she is longing for us, she never really had a real familiy, so she did not realize how hard it is to be so far away. My DD called Dan told him that Erica is homesick so he insisted that she visit us. Now I have to work on Christmas......... I want them both to come home.
I hope that all is well with everyone. I think of you all often.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Tammi: I've been so out of the skating loop lately and reading your post reminded me how much my DD misses it. I promised her that once my mom moves in we will be able to get back to it. She's only been a few times to public sessions as I couldn't commit to a coach with the way my schedule has been. This past weekend we were cleaning out a closet and she pulled out all of her skate dresses and costumes and started to cry. I gues her Christmas presents will include new skates and a coach.

Nancy: Hope your time with your DDIL helps her get past the homesickness. It's very hard to be alone during the holidays -- I think part of it is that there really isn't that much to do on Christmas Day and if you're not with family your aloneness is magnified 100 fold.

Elisabeth: Haven't heard from you lately. Hope all is well -- if I'm not mistaken you recently started a new job that you weren't too thrilled with. I hope that you were able to settle in and start to enjoy it. If not I hope you find something that will be satisfying to you.

To whoever it was that recently moved into a new house -- how did you maintain your sanity? I'm just trying to clean out one room and redecorate it for my mom and am going crazy. If we ever have to move I think I will end up in a hospital (not my favorite place these days).

Finally, this should make all of you laugh. My DH is not the most handy of men. Yesterday we woke up to a pool of water in the bathroom. I determined that the screw that attaches the toilet tank to the bowl was leaking. I told him I would fix it when I got home from work so we drained the bowl, turned off the water and left. Unfortunately, when we came home the water was back again. Apparently, the valve that shuts off the water to the toilet wont shut it off completely. We still needed to replace the screw so my DH (think darling with total sarcasm) tried to unscrew it. Of course after 30 years the screw was stuck. He got out a hammer and tried to bang it loose. I'm telling him to stop and let me try to work it loose with some vaseline but no he kept right on pounding and -- you guessed it -- the hammer went right through the toilet and now we need a new toilet. Not a pretty picture. Porcelain flying everywhere, water running everywhere, and my husband coming up with words I've never even heard of. The good part is that I have been wanting to get a higher toilet for when my mom moves in and since we have to get a new one anyway I can get what I want. Things have a funny way of working out.

 

[Angel16]

Just dropping in to say HI everyone! I have not been around too much. But you all have been on my mind and in my prayers. I hope tonight I will sit down and write a long post. Right now I have to clean up my desk and get ready to head to a doctors appointment.

Hope to be back soon.

Angel

 

[VAgal76]

Just had to pop my head in to say "hi."

MinnieSummer - I know it's very unfortunate but I can just imagine the whole scenario being played out. It's funny now but not then. Yes, you do lose your mind when you move to a new home. You can't seem to get organized enough. Almost 4 years later and I still have tons in the basement I never even bothered unpacking. I think it's time to do a Goodwill/Salvation Army run. I wish you and your DM a smooth transition as she moves in with you guys. I'm very sorry to hear about your dad's passing.

Nancy - Oh, boy, what good news that Chris is home! Did dinner go well? Hope your Thanksgiving with DDIL is a super one.

Angel16 - Where ya at? What's up? (besides the sky)

Hey, Tammi! Over here, over here!

Hey, Steph! I know you are working on your friends. Disney is just more fun when shared with friends isn't it? I wouldn't sweat about how they get there or where they choose to stay. Yes, it's more convenient for them to stay in the same resort as you guys, but you can always meet up after breakfast each day and party until late at night each evening. Lord knows it would be a lot less taxing on them if they would fly but some just can't deal with it. My friend (and neighbor) went to Disney the year before us. She can't fly because of problems with her inner ear. They drove down to FL to stay for 5 day/4 nights. I couldn't imagine doing that. Do you know what kind of budget your friend has for this kind of trip? Maybe she can get a standard room with a discount and go from there? If that's out of range, what about the WL. It's still fairly close and a little cheaper?

 

[Nancyg56]

Just stopping by to say Hi! Dinner was so nice. I did not think it is possible, but he keeps growing! I will say that I'm thankful he never shared the reality of his tour with my sister, I was horrified to learn that his base was in the nmiddle of the mess and that it was attacked daily. He glossed over a lot while he was there, but taliking with my DH was different, and he let a bit slip in front of his Mom. The food is another story, I never knew that there was a "grade F" that was only fit for the military and one other group! He is has three years left to his commitment in the inactive ready reserves, but may reinlist. Either way, a lot have already been called back, so note to self: send sauce any kind of sauce and lots of tea bags. They made a lot of sun tea. Itch cream and bug spray is not a big hit. Kool aid is.

If anyone is willing, I would appreciate some prayers for my Mom. She is 85 and as you know, she has emphysema. In June, the Dr said it was end stage, and that it was going to get rough for her. Well she is really having a tough time now, if she walks to the bathroom, she is on 3 litres of oxygen, her oxygen falls to 76. She has an appt with the cardiologist on Friday morning, and perhaps he can find a med that will help her heart work a little harder because over the past week or so she has fluid in her lungs. I honestly don't know what I am asking for, I just do not want her to suffer, and she is not willing to have any extreme measures so we really don't want to take her to the hospital. She is starting to give things away, and is really tired now. I'll know more tomorrow, and then I can decide what to tell my DS. He is her favorite, and I want him to come home while she is well enough to enjoy his visit, but DH says we need to be careful how many times we bring him home. She has bounced back twice and hopefully will a third time.

I know that you understand , and I am truely thankful I can come here with this. It is too hard to verbalize and I know that I am not alone here.

 

[VAgal76]

Just stopping by to say Hi! Dinner was so nice. I did not think it is possible, but he keeps growing! I will say that I'm thankful he never shared the reality of his tour with my sister, I was horrified to learn that his base was in the nmiddle of the mess and that it was attacked daily. He glossed over a lot while he was there, but taliking with my DH was different, and he let a bit slip in front of his Mom. The food is another story, I never knew that there was a "grade F" that was only fit for the military and one other group! He is has three years left to his commitment in the inactive ready reserves, but may reinlist. Either way, a lot have already been called back, so note to self: send sauce any kind of sauce and lots of tea bags. They made a lot of sun tea. Itch cream and bug spray is not a big hit. Kool aid is.

If anyone is willing, I would appreciate some prayers for my Mom. She is 85 and as you know, she has emphysema. In June, the Dr said it was end stage, and that it was going to get rough for her. Well she is really having a tough time now, if she walks to the bathroom, she is on 3 litres of oxygen, her oxygen falls to 76. She has an appt with the cardiologist on Friday morning, and perhaps he can find a med that will help her heart work a little harder because over the past week or so she has fluid in her lungs. I honestly don't know what I am asking for, I just do not want her to suffer, and she is not willing to have any extreme measures so we really don't want to take her to the hospital. She is starting to give things away, and is really tired now. I'll know more tomorrow, and then I can decide what to tell my DS. He is her favorite, and I want him to come home while she is well enough to enjoy his visit, but DH says we need to be careful how many times we bring him home. She has bounced back twice and hopefully will a third time.

I know that you understand , and I am truely thankful I can come here with this. It is too hard to verbalize and I know that I am not alone here.

Nancy - I do understand where you are coming from. Prayers go out to you, your mom and your family.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: I know how you feel and can only say that the support I have received from you and everyone else on these boards has been incredible. Know that you will be in our prayers as well as your mother. I have learned to try to keep seperate the stress of my parents health from my family here in FL. It's hard but I realized that by doing that I can enjoy the small things with my DD and DH so much more and appreciate them so much more. Then when it gets to be to much I come here and let it all out. I have never felt chastised or ignored or that no one wants to hear about it. This is truly a great group of people. Keep in touch and enjoy what time you have with your mom. Take whatever she wants to give you as it is better for her to see your happiness with what she gives you then to get it after she has gone and not be able to show her what it means to you. God bless!

 

[MinnieSummer]

WOW its been awhile since anyone has visited the lounge. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holidays. I've got three more days before I leave to bring my DM down. She's decided to look at this as a vacation rather than a total move as that was too hard for her to think about. I told her that was fine and if wanted to go back in January or February she could -- or she could just stay until the warm weather returns to PA. Unfortunately, thinking of it as a vacation hasn't limited the amount of stuff she's bringing. I have to rent a van and drive it all down but she's going to fly with her caregiver. Somehow I think I'm getting the short end of that deal The In-laws left this morning so now I have to kick into high gear to get my house ready for DM and at the same time get my office packed as my boss is closing down and moving everything to his house. He just couldn't wait until the middle of Decmeber he had to do it now when I've got a hundred other things going on. Anyway, Happy Holidays to all. Elisabeth, please post so I know you're OK. It's been such a long time since we hard from you.

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone! I'm sorry it has been so long since I've checked in with y'all.

I'm doing well. My job got so miserable that I decided it was best to go ahead and quit. So I left at the end of September so I could look for a new job full-time. I then spent the month of October with two different icky respiratory viruses and DH had bronchitis during the middle of that. Now we're feeling back to normal, and I've been interviewing and looking for a new job. It has been so nice not to have to go back to that awful job, though it was a bummer to have to cancel our Disney trip to save that money. We were actually supposed to be at WDW this week, and it's hard not to think about what I could be doing, LOL. But the bottom line is that I'm so much happier without that bad job, thank goodness.

I hope everyone is doing well! We just finished decorating our tree yesterday. I have so much Christmas stuff that it takes quite a while! Next weekend I've got to get my village collections and nutcracker collection set up. Then I should be done!

MinnieSummer, I am so sorry to hear about your mom's health situation. I am glad that she is going to be able to come stay with you--I'm sure that will mean the world to her. I know this year has been so tough on you and your family. My prayers are with you that you'll all be able to get some rest and enjoy the holidays without having stress to deal with. Enjoy spending some time at the GF for Christmas!

Nancy, your mom is in my prayers. It's so difficult to watch those we love struggle with illness. I will pray that she will not be in any pain and that God will strengthen you in these difficult days.

Steph, I'm glad to hear that your little one is doing well! I'm sure he'll settle in to his routine soon and not be too fussy. Now get to planning that fun 2007 trip!