The New Lizard Lounge

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning everyone!

Elizabeth, I'm glad that you are feeling well now. I'm sorry that your job did not work out, I know how discouraging it is to dislike going to work. When you spend the better part of a day ther, it is important to enjoy what you do. Disney will always be there. I know that you will find what is best for you.

Minniesummer: Your Mom has come a long way hasn't she? Only a brave woman with a strong support system would pack up to begin a new life. Your story made me chuckle because I can picture her flying overhead while you are following her with her bundles. I know that while you have worked so hard to make this happen you always manage to see the humor.

Does anyone know if Angel is back form her trip?

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. My Mom is doing as well as she can. I am in awe of her strength because even though every breath is difficult she never complains. She also has this incredible level of trust in us that we will follow her wishes. We will because she knows how she wants to live and she truely is not afraid. I hope that I maintain her level of dignity as I age.

She has an aid every day now for an hour so it will make it a little easier on Gail and me. I have to tell you that I am so proud of my kids, especially my oldest son. He lives there and if he was not there nights Gail and I would need to take turns sleeping there. He knows that we want him to do what is best for him, but he won't leave. He makes me smile because my Mom is kind of obsessive/compulsive, and it is magnified now as she can't do much more than think about what she wants done when he gets home. He makes me laugh about it, but I know how much patience he needs.....and he is not a patient man. Between Donny and my DD Marisa, she has company and extra help with the little things that she finds so frustrating.

I was going to cancel our January trip because with Marisa and I gone my sister would have a lot on her plate, but she feels that she can manage. I hope we made the right decision.

I think of all of you and hope that the Holiday Season brings joy.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: You were such a voice of wisdom during my fathers illness and I know that you will get through this as well. I remember last Christmas when I was in PA and my DH and DD were going to be in WDW without me for Christmas. My father insisted that I go be with them. He kept telling me that they would be OK without me for a few days and that he wanted me to go. In fact the entire last year of his life he kept telling me to keep my family first and not to short change them because of him. I'm sure your mother would feel the same way. Go to WDW in January and enjoy yourself. Look at it as a much needed break during the vigil you keep with your mom. Taking care of the caregiver is just important as taking care of the patient. Be thankful you have a sister that can help out and a son and daughter that are old enough to understand and help as well. Rely on them and let them rely on you as well. There is strength when the trials are shared. When you get back you can give your sister a break.

Elisabeth: I'm so glad you are back. I've been in that position where I hated getting up to go to work. I gave it 6 months then quit. It took another 3 months to find the right job but I was much happier in the end. (Even after I realized just how much money I spent each month with nothing coming in)

Happy Holidays.

 

[MinnieSummer]

FInally -- SHE'S IN FLORIDA!!!!!!!

I flew up on Friday, rented a minivan, loaded up on Saturday and headed for Florida. Arrived 6:37 am (a 21 hour drive that I did in 15 1/2 straight through). Unloaded the van only to discover that my DM's cat, who I hadn't heard a peep out of the entire trip, was stuck under a chest and couldn't move. I felt so bad. I knew he wa under there but I didn't realize he was stuck. Got everything in the house, went to the store, did laundry, then went to the airport and picked up my DM and her caregiver. Then on Monday, I started moving my office into my bosses house. It's now thursday and I don't have a clue what I'm doing.

Ayway, just thought I would share a brief description of this week with you all. I left out the two trips to the emergency vet, the hospital, the principal's office (2x) and everything else that has been going on but generally SHE's HERE!!!

In 15 days I will be at GF relaxing so for now I can do anything, I am invincible, I really need the GF and a sanity check.

Happy Holidays.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: Finally, after all of your planning and your work she made it! I am so happy that she is home and well and on the way to settling in with you and your family. I know that your Christmas trip to the GF will be bittersweet, but I'm sure that you have chosen the best way to celebrate both Christmas and your family. May you all have a blessed Holiday season.

I know that there are some serious Holiday decorators in the lounge, and I bet you are all way ahead of me. Every year I say this year will be different. I have to accept that you just can't teach this old girl new tricks. We are decorated, but not all spotless aroud the decorations, my shopping is not done, so there is one lonely present under the tree, and I have not shopped for all of my baking supplies. DH just told me he would like to pick up another tree, do I mind? and Santa is coming tonite. Good thing I can do pressure .

 

[Nancyg56]

I want to give a little update on my Mom. She is now in Hospice care and since Friday she has needed 24/7 care. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that Buddy's 2 cousins have offered to us, especially since my older sister is not willing to help much, and my brother is no good at it. His wonderful wife does what he just cannot, but because she sometimes needs two people, it was getting hard to cover all of the hours, and Gail and I needed a break. My kids have been wonderful, and Gails DD has offered to spend nights also. I am going to stay with her on Tuesday because I am not sure how she can hold up, I don't think she really understands what she has offered to do. All in all, we are all doig okay, and my Mom is happy that she has us around.

I know that most of this group has had some very sad experiences since I met you and that this Holiday will be colored by memories of beloved family members who have passed on. I want you to know that by sharing so much of yourselves here, and by all of the support that you give so freely you have made this Holiday much easier for me. It is far too simple to forget the meaning behind the Holidays that we alll celebrate and to drown in sadness, but none of you have, and by your example I am not going to either. My Mom is a strong woman of faith and has set an example and we all are following her in this.
If I cannot come back for a while, I wish all of you joy during the Holiday season and many blessings as you look to the New Year. I also want to thank you for the friendship you offer and for the prayers you offer for my family. I cannot express how much they have helped.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy, and everyone who is faced with a terminal illness: Hospice Care is wonderful. We had it for my father in the end. We chose Home Hospice because he really wanted to die at home and the care he received was incredible. They also take care of the rest of the family on a mental/spiritual level if you will let them. PLEASE DO! What they offer is far better than the platitudes of friends who mean well but really can't grasp what you are going through. The Hospice people know and can get you through it in a meaningful, confortable way. They will prepare you for all the steps your loved one is going through, explain them to you so know what to do and how to react, they will also let you know when you need to gather near and when you don't which is vitally important not only to the dying but to those who sit and watch. Nancy, I pray for you and your mother. This will not be an easy time for you but, as I did with my Father last Chritmas, sit down and tell her all the wonderful things she did for you and your family, let her know that she is loved and thank her. Then, let her know that when the time comes it is OK to give up the fight. I told my father that the day before he passed and it was very hard but all the Hospice people think that was why he finally gave up the fight and went peacefully.

My mom is trying to settle in, but as is typical when I am involved everything goes wrong. Her glucose monitor broke in the middle of the night -- her sugar crashed and I couldn't get it to register on the meter -- so I ran to a 24 hour pharmacy at 2:00, got a new one then ran home only to discover that the lance machine had a crack in it and wouldn't work anymore. So, you guessed it, back to the store for a new one. There has been at least one crisis a day since she got hear and they are all beyond our control but happening in succession and making me nuts. I can't wait for GF in 11 days.

To our decorating fans out there, I normally put up many trees and decorations. This year it's 1. I did get the garlands made and over the windows but I don't think I can do any more. There's just no time, remember, GF in 11 days, GF in 11 days, GF in 11 days. If I keep saying it maybe it will happen sooner.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: I thought of you on Christmas Day as my Mom and I and my little family sat through the Candlelight Processional. My Dad would sing Silent Night all year long -- it was his favorite. When the choir started to sing Silent Night I reached out for my Mom's hand only to realize that my Husband, who was sitting on her other side already had it. The three of cried through the entire song -- it was a beautiful moment of tribute to the memory of a man who was so incredible. Then for some reason you popped into my head. I hope that you are finding some measure of comfort through the holidays and that you to will be able to have beautiful moments similar to the one we shared when the time comes.

I will post a trip report later when things settle down a bit.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: I thought of you also. I knew that this trip was going to be emotional, but your family is so connected there had to be a part of your Dad joining you. My Dad used to sing Danny Boy, and he is always close by when it plays.

I wonder how Angels Celebration trip was. Has anyone heard from her?

My Mom is doing as well as she can. She is so strong, I don't know where she gets it, but I am in awe. The Hospice ladies are wonderful, they have embraced her as well as all of us, and that is a blessing.

We have been staying 24/7 at her home, but last night was her first night "solo" that being my sister got her to bed and will be back long before she wakes up. My son is there, but I have been uncomfortable all night. I hope this is not a mistake. Gail feels that she is okay, she feels that she is okay... Buddy and I are not so sure. No phone call so I guess all was well.

We are going through with our trip in January. We were planning to cancel, but my Brother wonderful wife is going to help fill in for me... I am the one most available during the day... my son has his vacation approved so he is home and my husbands cousin, who loves my Mom, is going to come over evenings.

I know that you all have offered your prayers and they have made such a difference. I also know that somehow she knows when her time is right. She is very close to the priest who used to be our Pastor, and he offered her the Sacrament of the sick. She refused but did accept Communion. She would never have done that if she was ready.

I want to wish all of my wonderful friends here a Joyous New Year. I think of you often, look for your posts.

Nancy

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: One of the things I learned with my Dad was that he needed that alone time. As much as I worried and didn't want them to be alone, those few hours my Dad had to just sit and think or hold my Mom's hand were necessary. So even though it might not feel right let your Mom have some time alone. My Dad actually thought of reasons to send our caregiver out of the house. I hope that you are well and will enjoy yuor trip this month.

I'm already thinking of our next trip to the World. Maybe February but definitely in April for my DD's Adoption Day. She wants to stay at either Poly or Beach Club so we'll see. I know we won't be staying at GF -- I'm still dissappointed at the lack of "WOW" there. I guess it's just me or that I set my expectations way too high. Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I think that the Lizards need something to look forward to so I think we should all post our most bizarre New's Years Resolutions -- WDW realted of course.

I resolve to be able to say that I have stayed at all the WDW resorts before the end of 2007 and stay Concierge at AKL (for Christmas) and the Poly (for DD's Adoption Day).

I resolve to somehow manage to renew our Wedding Vows for our 15th Anniversary at WDW.

I resolve to spend at least one trip doing nothing but relaxing at the pool.

I

 

[Nancyg56]

I have some sad news to share with you. My Mom passed on on January 3rd and is now with my Dad. She struggled for quite a while and she told me that she was so tired. I am happy for her though because she got to see all of us, including my son, who made an unexpected trip back home and my nephew, just graduated from boot camp and not due for a leave. He came in on New Years Day as a recruitment aide, she said "I've been waiting for you, Timmy." She had had a terrible day, but got so animated and happy. I know that she had been waiting to see all of her grandchildren and he was the last one to arrive. I think that she was released, as her lovely nurse from hospice would say. For this I am grateful.

I know that you all know how the hurt is mixed with relief because you wanted your loved one to stay with you but you also wanted to let them go. I was with her along with my sisters, my brothers wife, who also helped in her care , and my niece were with her. She waited until my brother stepped out, as was her nature. I am missing her already.

I want to let you all know that I appreciate all of your support, it helped more than you will ever know.

Minniesummer: I think you were right about the alone time. My sister was a Hospice nurse for many years, and she told me that people sometimes need time alone. She also said that she thought that they needed time to "find their way". After the last days that I spent with my Mom, I agree with both statements.

I want to be a part of your resolution. I can't stay in all of the resorts but I am going to give it a try. My resolution for the New Year is to try to get my sister and her two daughters to spend a short time at Disney with me and my girls. It is going to be a tough sell but I am going to try, I am shooting for the AKL because I know that they will love it there.

 

[minniesota]

Nancy-
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine how you are feeling but I hope you find peace and comfort as time goes by. I think you are so right about how your mom chose to leave this world and I'm so glad you were there with her as she departed. God bless.

I haven't been in the lounge much the past months but I think of all of you - and I do read now and then. My dad is on his journey's end as well and I have been spending every minute I can with him - even though he's 3 1/2 hours away. I just left him yesterday - he was having a good day. Every time I hug him and say good-bye I wonder if it will be my last time with him in this place. He always smiles, tells me to spend time with my husband and kids - and a little time with God every day. He's a wise man.

I am still planning on the cruise the first week of April and have been enjoying making those plans with my family. I had to cancel our trip to the RPC in December because my dad just couldn't manage it. The concierge staff at the GF sent him a beautiful greeting card with Walt and Mickey on the front wishing him well. My dad loved it!

As far as resolutions and WDW, I hope to rebook a stay at the GF sometime this year. It may be rather bittersweet because it's the last place my dad stayed but he loved Disney as much as I do so it would be a memorial trip and I would do all the things he loves. He says he loves Disney because you just forget all your cares and the rest of the world. I think we will both be taking that kind of journey this year.

Happy and healthy New Year to all of you!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: You are in my prayers. I hope that you can find the peace that I found knowing that my father went on his terms when he was ready, as did your mother.

Minniesota: You too are in my prayers. Many of us have been through what you are now experiencing. If I can help let me know. Sometimes just putting your thoughts in print helps. That's why I ended up on this board so much. I needed a place to vent and everyone here seemed to care, without judgement.

Everyone else: Work on those resolutions lizards. I'm getting ready to book for 10 February -- BC, and 30 March -- Poly. At least in my dreams. It will most likely be one or the other.

Has anyone heard from Elisabeth?

 

[Steph H]

Nancy, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my dad 2 years ago this month, so I do understand and empathize. I'm uplifted to know that your parents can now be together, however.

Minniesota and Minniesummer: You both remain in my thoughts, as well.

To everyone else: Just popping in to say Hi! Hope all are well. You'll be seeing a lot more of me this year. (note siggy!)

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesota: I think of you and your family often, and include your Dad in my daily prayers. I know how hard it is to leave and wonder....I cannot imagine how difficult it is from such a distance. Stay strong, and keep planning your trip. I know that we did, but had held off on airfare. My Mom was not happy when she found out, although she accepted that we were waiting for a special. It was better for all of us when we continued with our plans.

My nephew Chris had all of his reenlistment requests denied but was offered the opportunity to take the test for Force Reconnaissance. It is set for the 17th, I think. He had requested all infantry positions because he thought that it would help him on the path to Recon, but he got sent straight through to the test. He is in great shape, but is nervous about the test...it is incredibly hard. He says he has 4 chances to pass. I'm not sure what to hope for, this is very dangerous, but it should keep him out of Iraq for at least 12 months. Even if he did not stay in he would be required to be available for 3 more years and he said a lot of guys are being called back.

His brother Timmy just got his permanent assignment....Hawaii. The kids are already pricing a visit. He is assigned to transportation He is a HumVee driver. My sister is going to need to buy stock in some sort of sleeping pill I think.

I'm glad to see Steph, and hope everyone else is well.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Has anyone heard from Elizabeth or Tammi? They seem to be out of the loop. I hope everything is OK.

 

[ead79]

Thanks for thinking of me everyone. I am here--I just haven't been spending as much time on the DIS as I used to.

I am sorry to hear of the health issues in the families of the lizards. I know that they are so difficult to handle and I will pray for the Lord's strength and comfort for each of you.

I am doing well--still in job search mode. Now that the holidays are over I'm hoping the job market picks up a bit.

Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord comfort and strengthen you and remind you of wonderful memories of your mother.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Good morning all!

It's a beautiful morning in New England following our first(!) snow of the season! DS12 had just about given out hope on trying his new flying saucer this year.

I've been woefully out of touch with all things Disney but I'll be needing a crash course, pronto! I seem to remember once posting about my dream trip which would include a stay at multiple resorts to maximize that location, location, location factor. Well, Goofy and I have booked a variation on that theme. We only have a week to work with given the demanding schedule of our teens, but we have booked a GF-BC-AKL split stay for mid-April!

Our first quote came back with concierge all the way, but alas, we've trimmed it down to end with our concierge stay at AKL. (Airflights our our particular week were through the roof... it's a bummer not having the luxury to be "flexible"!) We were hoping to get Boardwalk concierge for our middle leg but it was fully booked. So we opted for BC as our Epcot resort (it was the kids' first choice anyway).

I've started re-reading some of my old favorite threads about restaturants and attractions just to get current. I've now got only 72 days to plan, so I'd better get cracking! Actually with ADRs starting at 180 days out, I guess I really am behind on that score relative to many other DISers! If anyone has recommendations based on recent stays (OK, within the last 2 years), feel free to share. I'm in that dangerous place where our family list of "favorites" based on only two previous trips has grown so large that we can't possible revisit every place and still try new things! Oh... and two of the gals in our family will be celebrating milestone birthdays during that trip (a sweet 16 and a do-I-really-look-a-half-century ) so feel free to include any ideas for special treats (the girls are thinking GF tea and spa treatment... go figure!)

Anyway... I haven't read back too far in this thread but just far enough to send to Nancyg56 and MinnieSummer and of course Minniesota, plus everyone else. Off to get another cup of coffee from the lounge (er, kitchen...). Back to reality!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Goofysmuse: Some of my favorite trips were the ones that I didn't have a lot of time to plan. The spontaineity can make the trip special so don't panic if you don't get the ADR that you want. While your at the BC try to have dinner at Flying Fish -- it is second on my list of great meals only to Jiko's. Both are ridiculously expensive and out of my budget except for at Christmas so I don't get to eat there often but when I do I enjoy it soooooo much. Since you will be at BC you might also want to consider the Character Breakfast at Cape May which I consider to be the best of all of them. Of course, since your kids are older they might not want to bother with the characters but the buffet is still the best IMHO. Since you will be convenient to Epcot, I love the restaurant in France.
I'm going to catch it for this one but, unless you've never stayed at GF I wouldn't bother. It just doesn't have the magic I expected it to have (and I was there this Christmas) and it is really in need of a refurb. If you really want to stay on the monorail try Poly which seems to always get great reviews.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning Ladies! It is really winter here in New England, we finally got some snow. Now I want a warm weather winter destination and DH is having a stroke! Not really, I like the seasons and don't mind a cozy day inside as long as it is not like the poor folks in the midwest and New York are dealing with. Now there are good reasons to complain in those areas.

Goofy'sMuse- I am in awe of you! The thought of packing up one time would overwhelm me, but your plans are way beyond my capacity! I know that you are going to have a ball, and look forward to hearing about your trip. Have a great time! Oh yes, the spa. My DIL and I had a nice just the two us of morning at the spa at Saratoga Springs and it was a wonderful way to spend time with her. Adding tea at the GF would have made the day perfect.

Elizabeth- I am a firm believer that the right door opens at the proper time. I know that your door will open with the job that is right for you and you will recognize it when it does.

I am thankful for all of the support that you all have given me these past months and think of all of you often. I know that Faith helps to make the most difficult times a little easier to bear and that there are signs that He has taken the proper care of all of us. Minniesummer, I was thinking of you when my oldest son shared a dream he had a few nights ago. He has had a hard time with the path my Mom had to take on her last days with us and her last night was very difficult for her. She visited him in his dream, looking like she did before all of the side effects of her medications took their toll on her. Smiling and relaxing in her chair she simply said "Donny, it's okay, I'm fine now." He said that he felt so much better now. He is going to share it with my sister, she is still devastated by the trauma my Mom experienced. Her field is respiratory therapy and her knowledge of the pulmonary system was too vast to not understand what was happening, so it has haunted her. Anyway, it is comforting to know tha tthey are always with us and find a way to let us know that they are fine and watching over us still.

Minniesota-I'm still thinking of and praying for your family. Let us know how you are if you have a minute.

Steph- I hope that your family is well and that you are well into your vacation planning.