Birthday Party Day!

Cayden has his party today, and he was having a ball jumping and playing with his friends. I got a couple of good shots of him and Shelby.

This Mimi still can't believe he is four years old. I love you sweet boy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET CAYDEN!!

Mimi and PawPaw are just amazed at how fast you have grown up. On the day you were born, there were a bunch of us waiting at the hospital on pins and needles waiting to meet you for the first time. This is you the day you came home from the hospital wearing the sweet little outfit I made you.

I know the angels in heaven must have been singing a very special song on that day because everytime we look at you, you make our hearts sing with your beautiful smiles.

Your smiles light up the darkest night. You have already touched so many people in your young life with your outstanding personality. We know you will continue to make us proud way beyond our dreams for you.

We love you so much, and we wish that today we could get some of those bear hugs and mushy kisses. We will see you on Saturday for your birthday party.

Hugs and kisses,

Mimi and PawPaw

Memories...

I don't know what in the world made me think of this, but when I sit in church my mind roams to a thousand places. However, I did listen to the sermon.

I've been cleaning out some things, and ran across some old photos, and I suppose this brought back some memories of my childhood. I can remember as far back as before I started to school when we lived in Monroe. My dad had his own business, and therefore, life in general was always a struggle. Even though my mom worked hard, she would try to sew for me some. I can remember that she made me those little eyelet panties that everyone pays $8 to $15 for these days depending on if they are monogrammed or what. She made them to save money, so that must mean material was really cheap. I know at that time all she had was a treadle machine, and the task must have been even harder.

I can also remember when winter changed to spring/summer, and Mama would try to put shorts on me that I would scream and holler because I didn't want anyone to see my legs.

Then when I was 6, and right before I started first grade, we moved to Bossier City. Times were still always a struggle for us. At that time, all I wore was dresses to school. I can remember my Mama taking me to town (which was downtown Shreveport on the bus) to try on dresses. She would pay down and put them on layaway for about 3 months. During that time she would take all of my dresses from the year before, wash them, and lay them out on the bed. There was a black lady that had girls younger than me, and she would always come and buy my old dresses mostly for $1.00 to $.50 a piece. Mama would take that money and help pay on my new dresses.

I can't remember much about shoes except that when I got a new pair of "Sunday shoes" I felt like a princess. I would wear them until they killed my toes because if I remember right I think I only got one pair a year, if that. After they started getting scuffed, I was allowed to wear them to school some days. Oh yes, I think I wore black and white saddle oxfords to school back then. I can now remember polishing the white part when they got scuffed.

Life has sure changed since then. I can remember when we didn't have a TV, and when we got that black and white TV we thought we had moved to Hollywood. Plus, we were lucky if we got all 3 channels, and most of the time they had static. Oh my, life is definitely different now. My kids can only imagine.

FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF RETIREMENT!!

Yes, it is finally here! Yesterday was my last day of school. I think my kids were a little confused. Some of them thought I was coming back, or coming back to sub. Finally someone asked if I was getting paid, so I think they were worried that I wouldn't have any money.

On Monday afternoon, my school staff gave me a wonderful retirement party. I was so over whelmed. They bought me three beautiful pieces of Arthur court. The middle school staff that I used to work with brought me a card with a Hancock's gift card and money. That was so sweet of them.

Several of my kids brought me gifts, and many of them made me sweet cards. On Wednesday, the fifth grade teachers cooked lunch for me. It was wonderful potato soup, salad, and dessert. We have always enjoyed our lunches when someone had a birthday.

Clay took us all out to dinner last night to Jan's restaurant. I have always loved their fish, but the fish was terrible. Everything else was good, and at least we had a good time being together.

So I've had pretty much a week of celebrating. Now on this very cold windy morning, I got to stay in bed. It seems more like a sick day. I guess it will eventually sink in.

It was sad leaving my friends. Some I have taught with (side by side) for 10 years, and some I've known the whole 20 years. I hope we can all keep in touch.

So now to another chapter in my life, and a new year which I hope is filled with blessing for all of us, and for all of you.

Love you all,
Shirley

Eight months ago today...

Sometimes it seems like forever, and sometimes it seems like yesterday since my surgery. I would love to post some pics of what I looked like then, but I know some people would never believe it was me!

I have 6 more school days until official retirement. I'm so glad, and also so exhausted from trying to get everything done before I leave.

Thanks to all of you that have continued to pray for me. I could never have made it this far without all of your prayers. I go back in Feb. for my labs and tests, so please keep praying. I had a little scare this week with a little place on my tongue, but Dr. Ghali says it's on the "skin" side, and would be highly unlikely to be the "C" word. I think it was just a little dead tissue from the graft.

Hugs to all

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I'm a day late, but we were gone all day yesterday to Delhi to visit with some old pageant friends. It was the first time in a long while, and we had such a great time, and some good food.

Emily did a year in review on her blog yesterday, and I want to share it with those of you that come and read. It was very emotional for me, but also makes me realize how blessed I am to have such a great family and so much support.

http://1prince1princess.blogspot.com/

I could have never made it this far without them, and so many other special people in my life. I'm not as good as expressing myself like Emily is, but just wanted to say I love you all very much, and God put you in my life for various special reasons. I hope I can give back to you just a little of what you have given to me.

Two weeks from today I will be AT HOME. My FIRST day of RETIREMENT. WOO HOO! Let me see, what do I need to plan for that day? Maybe nothing!!

I'm praying each and every one of you has a blessed year, and that you stay healthy. The older you get, the more you appreciate your health.

Love to all,
Shirley

Merry Christmas

We had our family Christmas on Sunday evening, and it was so much fun watching the kids and grandkids open presents.

Cayden was so excited. He bought us all a present. His mommy took him shopping at the Dollar Tree, and he didn't forget anyone. I think the funniest one was a hippo figurine dressed like a girl that he bought Bubba. He bought me a cute little clown, Clay an elephant, Cody a dog that ironically looked like Duke, Nancy a pelican, Clayton a duck, and Tonya a wolf. He stood by each of us as we opened our gifts anxiously awaiting our excitement. It's so wonderful when kids are still so innocent.

Shelby was a little doll, and the social Queen of the evening. We had a few surprises planned for Emily, Cody, Bubba, and Clayton that they were not expecting, but Clayton surprised us being so emotional over the letter we wrote him to give him clues about his gift. He had all of us crying, poor baby. He was happy in the end when he finally figured out that he had a deer stand outside. You see in the letter we wrote: "Deer Clayton, We are so proud of you for taking such a strong stand in your beliefs, and some more stuff."

Bubba had already received his Christmas gift as he wanted to attend baseball camp at LA Tech, but we decided to go ahead and get his graduation present which is a red Ford '05 pick-up truck. Cody sent him a pic on the cell phone, but it wouldn't go through so he just finally showed it to him, and he was just spellbound.

It was all a lot of fun for us. The kids surprised us with an electric grill that we almost bought a few days ago. LOL

Anyway, Christmas is for giving, and we were glad to be able to give to our kids for always being such good kids and not putting us through the grief and problems that a lot of parents have had to go through.

We are so thankful to have made it through a very tough year not just for me but for everyone. There are a lot of people that I miss so much, and having had the cancer, and the hardest surgery I could ever imagine, has made me miss them even more. I just don't think some people appreciate what they have these days.

So I'm praying everyone that reads this has a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Year's, and many blessings from God.

Eleven More School Days....

I am counting every day, and every day just drags. I still have a lot to do at school before I "walk" out the door Jan. 15, but it's better than it was. Clay and Clayton came and helped me last Monday (8th). I was so exhausted, and then had a school party Thurs. night, and stupid me wanted to go shopping Friday night at the Boardwalk since we haven't been in so long. I paid for it the whole weekend. I had really planned to sew, but it didn't happen. I did start feeling better Monday. I have sure missed my Christmas sewing this year, but just haven't felt like it with everything else going on.

We are having Christmas with our kids and grandkids here on Sunday evening. We are all so excited. This is my favorite time of year. It just goes by so quickly. It's so much fun watching Cayden and Shelby, and thinking back to when our kids were that age. Even as they grew up, we always tried to do something fun for them to "find" their gifts. They always tried to outsmart us, but they didn't always succeed.LOL
Bubba and Clayton are also excited, and we enjoy them so much. I wonder what Santa has in store for them!!!!

I am looking forward to my days off, and then only 9 more until the official retirement day. You will all probably hear me hollering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nineteen more School Days!!

It's hard to believe that is all I have left, even though they will be some of my hardest days. The kids are getting so wired and hard to control.

We had a great Saturday with Emily, Cayden, Shelby, and Bubba at the Grand Cane Christmas Parade. It was an old fashined parade with horses, wagons, and buggies. The kids were so good, and they looked so cute. Cayden wore his snowman shirt I embroidered for him, and Shelby wore a darling outfit Emily bought, and her red coat PawPaw bought.

The pics are here at the house. Our friend, Jay Dawn. sent us this neat music box with the skaters going around. Shelby was just fascinated with it, and Cayden kept shutting it, so we had to limit their time listening so it will last until Christmas. LOL

In one picture, they are looking at my school pictures I left laying on the coffee table. It looks like they are in deep conversation - wonder what they're thinking?

Cayden wanted to open presents, but we finally convinced him it wasn't time. He has grown up so much this year. He talks enough for him and Shelby too, because she won't say much, but then she doesn't need to because Cayden will tell us exactly what she wants.

I hope everyone I know stays well through Christmas. There's been so much sadness lately, and the Christmas season seems to make people so much sadder when they've just lost a loved one. I know because I've been there.

God bless all of you!

Thanksgiving Week

Today is Tuesday, and we've not slowed down since we left school on Friday. I am so thankful to have a week off from school. I had so many things to get done and never enough time. I pushed myself so hard, and today it all caught up with me. I fell asleep on the couch, and had a long nap.

We have so much to be thankful for, and I never want to overlook that fact no matter what happens. Even on my worst days, and when my body is hurting, and my mind thinks I can't make it until the kids load the buses in the afternoons, I am thankful that my outcome was as good as it is. Things could have been so much worse.

I made myself get up during church Sunday night and tell a little of my story. I've wanted to before, but I just didn't want to stand there and cry in front of the whole crowd. I prayed hard, and God helped me through it. God has been on my side and helped me through so much this summer.

I have had to face a couple of battles that I didn't expect, and was a little hurt by some comments made to me. Well, no one knows until they've walked in my shoes during that time. The people that were with me the most, and took care of me, and the people that kept in touch through emails and phone calls pretty much knew my emotions and physical pain. I thank God for them everyday.

My stamina is just not what it used to be even with my sewing. I seem to mess up and have to rip out a lot. I hope that part will get better with time. I love to sew, and I used that as relaxation, but ripping out is not relaxing. LOL

We are both looking forward to Christmas more than ever with all the grandkids and our kids. They don't know what is in store for them.

We have been decorating a little today. I did the tree before my nap, so maybe we can get more done tomorrow in the house. We won't be having Thanksgiving here this year.
I wish all of you that still read this a very Happy Thanksgiving and may God richly bless you all.
Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
Shirley

Another little update...

To start off, thanks to everyone for their prayers. Our family has had a lot to deal with in the past few weeks.
Tonya is doing better, but still having some problems. Cody and Clay succeeded in giving me their crud. I finally had to give in and miss school today. I coughed every breath yesterday, and I was just worn out. I slept half the morning and afternoon. I'm getting better, but I sure don't want to be sick for the holidays.
Emily is doing good with her arm. Luckily, it was some type of crack below the elbow, and it is the one kind that doesn't require surgery. She didn't have to have a cast, but has had some pain. It could have been so much worse. They all love their new home, and we are so proud for them.
We are getting ready to decorate for Christmas. It will probably take us several days, but that is one thing we enjoy. Christmas will be so much fun with Cayden and Shelby this year. Cayden has grown up so much, and we now have real conversations on the phone. He'll say, "What are you doing?" I'll say, "What are you doing," and he'll say, "Talking to you." LOL
Shelby gets on and says "PawPaw" or "Mimi", and of course, "Bye,bye". She's a drama queen for sure.

What a Week!

Thank goodness, Tonya finally came home from the hospital. She is very weak, but improving. Cody finally got over his crud/cold thing.

Clay called me on Wed. before I left school that he'd been in an accident. Apparently when he was leaving McDonald's in Mansfield, a group of teen girls were trying to cross the street, and one darted right out in front of him. He hit her, but she was ok. They didn't take her in an ambulance, but word is that her grandmother took her to the hospital later on. Clay didn't get a ticket, and the officer assured him that it was not his fault. He had some witnesses. One was an 18 wheeler truck driver that stayed to give his statement. Clay is ok, but I'm sure it shook him up. I know it shook me up.

I took off school on Friday to go to Cayden and Shelby's Halloween parties at daycare, and also it was senior night here at the ball game for Bubba. I've been so tired, I knew I'd never be able to enjoy these things otherwise.

The parties were fun. After that Emily took the kids home for naps, and I came to Logansport.

She brought them down here to trick-or-treat. They were so cute. When she was getting out of the Hummer, she must have missed the foot board and slid to the concrete hitting her arm on the foot board. She wouldn't go to the ER Fri. night, but Clay took her on Sat., and her arm is BROKEN. It just makes me sick for her. It will be hard having a 3 yr. old and an 18 month old to care for. She can only lift Shelby with her right arm, and can't even attempt to put her in the carseat. Cayden can do for himself mostly.

This MIMI needs to be retired NOW!
Clay has a terrible cold, so I'm trying to stay clear of him hoping not to get sick.

Just remember us all in your prayers, please.

Please Pray for My Daughter-in-law

My daughter-in-law, Tonya, has been sick this week, and she went to the doctor Thurs. to get a shot. While there she had an asthma attack and had to be rushed to the hospital.
She is very ill, and hasn't made any improvement with her breathing. We are all very concerned and appreciate your prayers.

Thanks so much.

5 Month Check-Up

Today was my 5 month check-up with Dr. Ghali and Dr. Kim. They did a very thorough examination poking and checking all around my neck and throat, and then inside my mouth. As sensitive as my skin is, it really hurt.
At least everything looked ok. When I go back in February, they will do lab work. Please keep me in your prayers.
I got some sweet hugs from Dr. Ghali and Dr. Milton when I left. They were so excited to know I was getting to retire in January.
I also got some sweet hugs from my grandbabies on the way home. I can't wait until I can spend more quality time with them.

3 months and 1 day until retirement

I would like to pay tribute to 4 of my true and faithful friends. These people: Jay Dawn, Jerry, Bettye, and Carlene have been holding me up throughout this whole ordeal of surgery and recovery. Your care, concern, and positive thoughts have kept me going many days when I thought I couldn't go any longer....Especially since school began, I know my whining and complaining got worse. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Click on the link below.
http://www.link4u.com/angelfriends.htm

It's Official!!!

I will be RETIRING in January. I had to wait to make an announcement after I informed my principal and co-workers.
I had hoped to make it until the end of the year, but after my surgery it is just too physically exhausting. I am so drained mentally and emotionally as well.
I know things will work out just fine as God has helped us to come through so much. I am just taking each day and week as it comes while doing my best as a teacher. I really hate leaving in the middle of the year, but I'm sure whoever replaces me will also do the best they can for my kids.
Thanks again for your continued support and prayers.

5 months Ago Today...

It's just hard to believe it's been 5 months. It some ways it seems like yesterday, and in others it just seems like a dream. I know I am so blessed as things could have been much worse, but it has been quite an ordeal some days just to get through the day. I don't know how people who have to work can do chemo or radiation and continue to work.
I am so exhausted most days that I can hardly drag home. Clay has been doing most of the cooking when there is any cooking in this house. When I do, it's something I can cook quickly in the oven.
By the way, I wish I could think of something great to get him for his birthday, Oct. 24. (Don't worry, he seldom reads this anymore.) I just want it to be special since he's been so great to me.
Emily and her family are getting ready to move into a bigger house. I am so excited for them, and I can't wait to see it.
I wish it was next door to us so I could see those babies everyday.
This Mimi had better get to school. Thanks to all of you who still check in, and to those who call or email to check on me. I've come a long way.

Four months ago today....

...I was still in surgery. It still seems like a bad nightmare at times. The last month has flown by because of school starting and being so busy.
I do get very tired by the end of the day, and this will be our first full week of school so it will definitely be a challenge.

Our pastor today was preaching about the body of Christ and comparing that to our bodies saying that one part of our body can't do the work of another. I wanted to stand up and say, "Ummm, mine does! My arm now does the work for my tongue!" Clay said he would have died if I had done that. LOL

Since my surgery (surgeries as one of my friends always reminds me), I feel like my life has changed a lot, and some things will never be the same. A few things happened that I never expected, and I am still trying to reason with, but with God's help I'll be able to overcome and move on with my life.

I had so many friends affected by Hurricane Gustav, and now we are threatened by Hurricane Ike. I do pray that it will fizzle out or stay away from Louisiana. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but South Louisiana just can't take much more.

I am ready for fall weather to arrive. I love the fall temperatures.
Love to all,
Shirley

"GOD SENT EACH PERSON INTO THE WORLD WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO DELIVER, A SPECIAL SONG TO SING, AND A SPECIAL ACT OF LOVE TO BESTOW. NO ONE ELSE CAN SPEAK MY MESSAGE OF SING MY SONG OR OFFER MY LOVE...THESE ARE ENRUSTED TO ME." Author Unknown

Back in School and Out for Hurricane Gustav!

I mean I haven't even had time to learn my kids' names (I have 5 classes) in 4 days, then comes the hurricane. We were already out for Labor Day, and then Gov. Jindal added Tuesday and Wednesday.
I totally understand why we had to be out, and some of the worst hit parishes are still out, but it sure is hard to keep up with our lessons.
I enjoyed my 5 days of rest. I surely needed it, but now I'm overwhelmed again trying to do lessons for next week, and I haven't even finished the ones for this week. Of course, I'll have to carry some things over. To make this clear, lesson plans for next week were due yesterday, but of course, we weren't at school. Wednesday will be coming up again real fast.
I've been telling my classes about my surgery, and it's so funny to watch the expressions on their faces. Some are just in awe, and some are full of questions. One boy said, "Well, at least you didn't have to use parts from a dead person!" Another boy said, "Man, we've got to be good!" Ummmm, I need to focus on that one.
I've just glad to be able to talk about this so openly. It's taken me a while to be able to do that. Only one class so far has asked to see my tongue. LOL
As always, thanks for the many prayers and taking the time to check on me.
Hugs,
Shirley

"GOD SENT EACH PERSON INTO THE WORLD WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO DELIVER, A SPECIAL SONG TO SING, AND A SPECIAL ACT OF LOVE TO BESTOW. NO ONE ELSE CAN SPEAK MY MESSAGE OF SING MY SONG OR OFFER MY LOVE...THESE ARE ENRUSTED TO ME." Author Unknown

Back to School!

We have officially started back to school, but our students don't come until Tuesday.
The hardest part is having to get up early and wear clothes (not pajamas!)
I had to stop therapy for a while as my shoulder was starting to hurt worse. I made an appointment with another orthopedic dr. - Dr. Googe. He's very young, sweet, and caring.
He sent me to have an MRI, and I have a slight tear in my rotator cuff as he suspected. He does not want to do surgery at this time because he said I had been through so much this summer, and I was so relieved to hear that. He gave me a shot, and he said I could have one every couple of months, plus some antiflammatory meds.
I can continue my stretching exercises because they help and are not damaging to my shoulder.
I'm sorry I've been so long updating, but I was waiting to find out the results of the MRI. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

ShirleyC

Just a little update...

Hello everyone,
I've been back to therapy twice. We went to New Orleans for 4 days so that's why I've only been twice. I will be going 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks, and then I'll just have to see what I can work in since school will be starting. It sure was nice to go somewhere as I have been homebound for so long. We really had a great time.

I am always sore afterwards, and some of it hurts a little, but I can tell it is helping. How do I know this? Well, when I thread my sewing machine I can now reach higher to get the thread through the thread guides, so I guess that is an accomplishment. I haven't got to sew a lot, but I am trying to get a couple of pillows monogrammed for my bed. Then I hope to start something for Shelby.

This next week will be a busy week with doctor's appointments and therapy. It just amazes me that I am still getting some nice little surprises in the mail. I have been so blessed receiving tons of cards, flowers, and gifts. Thanks again to all of you who have helped me travel this unexpected journey. I could have never made it this far without you.

Happy Anniversary!

I know its late in the day but just wanted to say Happy Anniversary!

I hope you had a great day and great dinner! Here is to many, many more!

Starting Therapy

Hi everyone,
I met with a PT today, and he did an evaluation on my shoulder. I definitely need therapy. He showed me a few things to do at home in between visits. I can tell it is really going to help.
I feel good otherwise, and I'm thankful for that. I go back on Thursday, but then I won't be able to go back until Friday week - the 1st, as we are going out of town for a few days.
I will also be getting the synvisc shots in my knees again starting Aug. 6th, and then 2 after that.
School starts on the 21st, but I will be going before then to work in my classroom in between therapy and doctor's appointments. I can't believe school is almost here.
Again, thanks to those of you who check my blog and keep me in your prayers.

Two Month Check Up

Hello everyone,
I went back this afternoon for my check up. Today I saw Dr. Ghali, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Milton.

They were very pleased with the way everything is healing, and especially pleased with the way my tongue has healed and with my speech. I can tell it's getting better all of the time.

I explained the problem with my left shoulder being so stiff and not being able to raise my arm very high. Dr. Ghali said that is fairly normal for this type of surgery as I lost some the muscle in my neck area. So that makes more sense to me as to why it is so stiff.

He said I could have therapy, and I'm going to check into it asap. I think I probably need it with school starting August 21st.

I appreciate how many of you still email or call to check on me. It feels so good to know that so many care and still pray for me.

Hugs to all,
ShirleyC

Still Trying to Heal...

I thought I'd leave a little update. I'm doing pretty good, and I'm trying to get out more and build up some stamina. I'm able to eat pretty normal now. It just takes a while for me to chew my food.

I still have one place on my forearm that hasn't quite healed. Plus I've been having problems with my left shoulder. It's been really stiff, and I can't lift my arm up all the way. It is also very uncomfortable.

I went to my knee doctor today so I got him to check it. He thinks it is all related to my surgery and all of the cutting they did around my neck area. He gave me a steroid shot and said he thought that would help. I sure hope so. I am ready to get back to some normalcy.

School starts August 21 so I've really got to work at getting all healed. I know it will be hard to get back in a routine.

Please keep me in your prayers, and also an internet sewing friend of mine that has also had a major surgery.
Thanks so much,
Shirley

Thanks to my Friends...

I would just like to say thanks to my many friends who have helped me through this challenging ordeal in my life. I wouldn't even to begin to list names for fear I might accidently leave someone off the list.

I have depended on my friends throughout my life because my own family was never very close when I was growing up.

I am so touched by all of the love and support you all have shown me through phone calls, emails, cards, flowers, and gifts. I hope I have been and will continue to be as supportive of you all.

So many of you I have never even met, but we have shared a common bond through sewing and embroidery. I want to thank www.secretangelstitchers.com for all of the wonderful embroidered angels you have sent. They will be displayed at Christmas on my angel tree. What a wonderful blessing you have all been to me!

I want to leave you with a quote, and I may add to these from time to time.
Love you all,
Shirley

"A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else." - Len Wein - Sent by Paulo Louro

“Friends are angels who lift our feet when our own wings have trouble remembering how to fly.” Author unknown

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

“I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me, I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be; I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day, as you have meant old friend of mine, to me along the way.”

Six Weeks Doctor's Appointment

Today was my 6-week follow-up appointment. I got a good report. They said I was progressing very well.
Dr. Kim seems to think my arm will heal on its on, but if anything changes just to come back.
My neck is healing good, and I can now take a full body shower including that part of my neck. The scars on my neck are still a little puffy, but he said that will eventually go away.
My neck is still pretty stiff, but I've been working on that with some forced neck movements.
So maybe it won't be long until I can get back to some sewing!

A Little Update...

For those of you that still read my blog, keep checking in because I will try to update a couple of times a week.
I had a little scare on Fri. Well, actually Thursday evening I noticed what looked like a blood blister on my arm where they took the flap for my tongue. It was worse by Friday so we made a trip to the doctor's office.
I saw one of my favorites, and he sliced it open and let it bleed. Gross, I know, but it had to be done. It hurt too!! After all I've been through, I shouldn't even complain.
It looks some better today, and I just pray this arm will heal soon. I go back on Tuesday for my regular appointment.
I had a great birthday with my kids and grandkids, but today I got really stir crazy sitting in the house. I got dressed and made Clay take me to the dollar store for a couple of things, and then we went to eat. I know he was relieved since he didn't have to cook. It was just good to get out.
That's about it! I'm just here waiting to heal.

Happy Birthday to Mimi!!! (06.11.08)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIMI!!!

We have a little treat for you on your special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CODY!!

I just have to wish my sweet baby boy a HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY. I want you to know that we are so proud that you have grown up to be so caring, independent, and such a great dad.
I don't know what your Dad and I would have done without you, Emily, and your families these last few weeks.
Emily, since your birthday is already past, I have to let you know also how proud we are of all your accomplishments and being such a good mommy.
I can't even begin to name all of the people that have praised your efforts to keep up this blog during my surgery and hospital stay. It was so uplifting to me to be able to read all of the posts when I got home.
We love you both,
Mom and Dad
I am one month post surgery today.

Another Doctor visit...

Or maybe I should say "doctors". I walked in and there were 5 or 6 of my doctors standing in the hallway. They said, "Pick a doctor!" Well, I couldn't stop at one.
I had 3 hovering over me at one time. One was checking my tongue, and one was checking the packed place on my neck, and the two of them were checking to see how my trac was healing. I had a few stitches removed in my tongue because they were a little abscessed, but they said nothing to worry about. It's just gook that accumulates around those stitches. They said it was healing just fine.
My arm is doing better also. I keep asking about the numbness in my thumb, and he said I would probably always have some numbness, but the tip of my thumb should get some of the feeling back, but it may take a while. At least it's my left hand.
I had a little more pain in my neck over the weekend, but it seems to be better now, so they are cutting down on my pain meds, or rather changing them to something else, and I can also take some ibuprofen in between.
I don't have to go back for 2 weeks this time. They said in 2 weeks I should see a lot more improvement.
So please keep the prayers coming. I know those prayers have gotten me this far.
Love you all,
Shirley