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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

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

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

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

Thursday, September 4, 2008

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

Saturday, August 23, 2008

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

Saturday, August 2, 2008

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.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

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.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

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

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

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

Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Happy Birthday to Mimi!!! (06.11.08)



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIMI!!!


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









Saturday, June 7, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

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

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Some Other Prayer Requests

I'm asking all of you wonderful people to please pray for some special people in my life.
My sister-in-law, Alvern, that lives in Pasadena, TX had a stroke on May 17. I had just talked to her the day before. They did surgery, and she is responding some - opens her eyes and will answer yes or no by shaking her head, but she has a long way to go. She will go to a rehab soon. She was married to my oldest brother that died in 2000.
My friend, Lynda, that has posted on this blog, fell and hurt her shoulder really bad. I met her the summer my mom died, 1997. Her daughter was in the ICU where my mom was and we sat together in the waiting room for over 5 weeks together. We have kept our friendship going, and I have always felt we were both put there for a reason.
The other request is for one of my teaching buddies, Kristy. She had back surgery on Tuesday. She did OK, but is in pain, and she has 2 young girls who want their mommy up and running.

I am doing pretty good. It's just a slow process. My husband and my daughter-in-law are trying to come up with some more ideas for my meals. Not everything tastes good pureed, but Clay has done a great job trying, and for the most part, I've had some good mushy meals.
Just keep the prayers coming.

Shirley

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Visit with the Cardiologist

Today was my follow-up visit with the cardiologist. I'm glad to say that everything is ok. My heart rhythm is still normal, and I don't have to go back for 3 months.
I will continue taking the medicine he gave me, and if all is still fine after 3 months, then he will gradually take me off of that.
Thanks for your continued prayers. I still have a lot of healing to do.

Tribute to my Husband

I can’t let another day go by without saying this. I would have never made it to this point without my husband, Clay.

I can hardly find the words to express my feelings. He has been my rock and my caregiver around the clock. (Well, almost, except he did have to have a few breaks when I was in the hospital.)

I sure when we repeated those vows almost 37 years ago “for better or worse” that he never dreamed the worst would be like this.

Clay has always been a very dependable and independent person; so being in authority is part of his personality.

He will tell you real quick that tending to sick people and being in hospitals is not one of his best traits. During this time, he has come through like a trooper and has done everything he can that could be done for me (expect change the dressings, but he has helped a little.)

He’s always been great to help around the house, but right now he is doing it all. He does all of the daily chores. Leading up to the fact, that he has prepared everything that I have eaten, and constantly seeks to find different things so I would have some variety with all of this pureed stuff. He has cooked fresh squash and green beans, and talked his aunt into cooking me some peas. I have eaten like a Southern queen this past week. He is the master of smoothies, and now everyone in town is making smoothies. (The store had a good sale on Blue Bell).

I think the one thing he is the most proud of is that he washed, dried, and styled my hair, and it looked great. What more can I say!
I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.

So, Clay, this post is to show my unending gratitude for your loving care and devotion.
I love you so much.

Shirley

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Follow Up Appt. with Dr. Kim

Today was my official first follow-up appointment, and it was with Dr. Kim. He's the one who took the flap from my forearm and built my tongue.
He was very pleased with my tongue and the healing process. I still have to clean and pack the place where the 2 staples got a little infected, but it is getting better.
Dr. Him cleaned up my forearm area, and when I say cleaned, that means he took off the scaly dead stuff. I have 2 places where the graft hasn't quite taken. I was given instructions on how to clean and wrap that area. He says it should be fine, but will take a little longer because of the tendons. He said I need to limit the use of that arm a little more.
The best part is that the vent hole has healed together, and I can now wear a smaller dressing. It is still healing, but this is a major step for me.
Just keep praying for all to keep healing. My worst pain is in the neck area below my chin for now. I am getting some feeling back in other areas of my jaw. It is just a long process, and everyone is very pleased. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since the surgery, and my voice is nearly back. Of course, when I'm really tired and have just taken a pain pill, my speech is a little sluggish. Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers, cards, and emails.
Love you all,
Shirley

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Team of Doctors

For those of you that have kept up with the surgery from the beginning, I thought you might be interested to know a little about the doctors.
Dr. G. Ghali.DDS.MD.FACS is my main doctor, and the other doctor is Dr. D. David Kim. They have a team of interns working under them. There were at least 9 or more that worked on the surgery. One of the nurses asked Clay one day just how many doctors I had because they had counted at least 9 going in and out.
Dr. Milton and Dr. Ringeman were the 2 that I saw the most, and they are at the top of my list. They were so caring, and so careful, and always tried to make me laugh about something. As I told many of you from the beginning, being good looking didn't hurt a bit either.
I had to make a trip today because a place where a staple was still in my neck was kind of getting infected. I saw Dr. Milton. He went ahead and redressed my trach area so he could look at it (and it's doing good). When I was asking where I should hold it to talk, he said, "Do you want me to mark it with an "X"." I rolled my eyes at him and I thought the nurse was going to fall out laughing. Their little humorous comments along the way have really kept me going.
They assured me today that I should not expect any kind of major problems. This was so very minor, but it's good I got it checked.
I'm enclosing a link about Dr. Ghali. It's kind of interesting. He is one busy man.

http://www.oms-education.org/faculty/ghali.html
I go back on Tues. to meet with Dr. Ghali and Dr. Kim for my first follow up appointment.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

SECOND WHOLE DAY AT HOME!!

Hello Everyone!
I can't even begin to tell you how good it is to be at home, not in my own bed yet, but home. I sleep on one end of the new couch we bought with double recliners. That was a good decision since I have to keep my head elevated. I keep my cell phone by my side so if I need to get up, I can just call my dear hubby.
I have been sleeping soooo much better. I know a lot of it is getting some of those drugs out of my system. Oh gosh, that was the worst time those first few days after I woke up in ICU, and then a few days in the room. Everytime I closed my eyes, I was hallucinating - just awful stuff - so I just couldn't rest much.
My incisions are healing nicely for now. I go back to the doctor on Tuesday. The nurse called today and I had to answer the phone as hubby was outside the back door. She was amazed at how well I can talk. When the trac hole heals up completely, I'll be non-stop because right now I have to cover it to talk and to cough.
My nurse/niece, Robin, comes everyday to help with my bath and dressings. She washed my hair yesterday, and I felt like a new woman.
My husband has been wonderful making anything I request to eat. I'm still on puree, but there are plenty of good things to fix (if you are at home.) Yesterday I had some really blended potatoes, and my daughter-in-law brought some purple hull pea juice that I put on top of those, so I felt like I was eating from the garden. I have 2 recipe books of smoothies which have been a tremendous help, and of course, coke floats.
I've had some company today and yesterday, which is nice to break up the day.
I will just be glad when the worst of the pain is gone.
Thanks again to all who have sent beautiful cards, emails, and flowers. I really feel loved.

Love you all,
ShirleyC

Now to Alexis - my precious little student, if you can, please send an email to my school email. Your mom should have it, and I will try to read it at home. I want to write you a note, and the Webmail doesn't show addresses I have at school. I appreciate all of the sweet notes you wrote to me. My daughter would tell me everytime you wrote, and that really meant a lot to me.

Monday, May 19, 2008

We Are Home!!

We are finally home! I thought this day would never come. I was so overwhelmed when the nurse rolled me out to the car, and the sunshine hit my face for the first time in nearly 2 weeks, I could not stop crying. It was just so wonderful to be OUT!

Can you believe that I am typing - with both hands. Not too fast, but typing.

I haven't had a chance to read all of the messages yet, and when I do I just want to be able to absorb every encouraging word.

There are no words to express how blessed I am to have such a wonderful, caring, and concerned group of people to support me (us) at this time.

My kids and husband have been my rocks, and my strength. It has been a long, hard journey, but thank God, it is going downhill now. I want to thank all of my friends and other family members who have held us all up in prayer and kept encouraging everyone.

To my niece, Robin, I just don't think I would be at this point physically and mentally without you. Oh girl! You are the best nurse/friend ever.

I am not through. I have so much to say as I get stronger, but I just couldn't go to bed without writing something.

Again, thanks sooooo much, and I love you all.
ShirleyC

Going Home!

After a very long stay in the hospital, mom is being released today.

They had to do the conversion (shock) and after 2 tries the heart when back into a normal rhythm. She said it hurt.

They were still at the hospital when I left at 3:00 and waiting on Dr. Ghali to get over there to sign her release papers. They cardiologist had released her and Dr. Ghali is ready to....he just has to get there! Busy man I'm sure!

She is thrilled to go home. Ready to begin this part of her recovery! She has come so far but has a long way to go! We are just so blessed that she will be us for many, many years!

Once again, I cannot even begin to express the gratitude we have for ALL of you. The messages, emails, calls, cards, visits, flowers and gifts have all been so much more than we could have ever expected. But we truly believe it was your prayers that have worked more than anything. We have learned so much about Family, Friendship & Faith during these two weeks. We know that God is a good God and he still our Lord & Savior. And we truly believe that he has been with every doctor and nurse that has take care of mom. Thanks again for all of your love and support!

And the next post just may be from the woman of the hour herself! :)

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Day 12....sitting.....waiting

They are still there. The cardiologist came by this morning. Heart rhythm has not gone back to normal. They are trying one more round of medicine tonight and if it doesn't work they will do the shock treatment in the morning and she SHOULD be able to go home tomorrow afternoon.

Her heart is good and strong, just a little out of sync. So PRAY PRAY PRAY it starts beating normal. They insist the shock treatment isn't that bad but there is a possibility the trache would have to go back in during that time and she really doesn't want that.

Robin is coming back tonight. Mom has really enjoyed her. She said they laughed and laughed. There is a story that has to do with mom using the bathroom and and some EKG cords getting caught in some undies. Mom said they got so tickled. Thank God for Robin! She has been a true God-send!

With Cody's new job and my crazy work schedule and two small kids it has been nice having someone to give dad a break that also makes mom happy. I think a bond has been created between them that no one ever saw coming. For those that don't know, Robin is dad's niece (Aunt Nancy's daughter.) She also took care of MaMaw in her final days. It was nice having someone in the family able to do that so we didn't have to send her to the nursing home.