Update
It has been awhile since I have posted anything here. It has been busy and frankly I have been down. I saw my doctor and got some med adjustments. It seems to be helping somewhat. Or it could be that one of my big stresses is out of the way - our Community Picnic in the Park. It is a lot of work but it was fun and watching the families enjoying themselves with activities, free popcorn, hot dogs, lemonade, popsicles and a piece of a decadent birthday cake to commemorate Canada's 150th birthday. Now I focus on the retreat. I am so looking forward to our get together and I love Seattle!
A great thing was our visit to see our great grandies in Ottawa. They are sooo beautiful. Andrew and Tiina came too so we had a family reunion of sorts. I loved watching Andrew with the babies. I was sort of sad because A & T are unable to have children.
Now for the sad stuff. Tiina's mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. She was told that without treatment she would have about 7 months to live. She was in the cancer hospital for aggressive chemo (she has diabetes so they wanted to monitor her closely). After 3 or 4 days, she was discharged because her blood sugar levels were so high. She is a lovely lady and we are all devastated. I am not sure what the next step is.
We are in a heat wave here - the hottest summer in a long time. I am rather enjoying it but Joe has a hard time with it. Having said that, I am not going for my 5K walk today!
Both Joe and I are suffering the ravages of age - Joe more than me. He has arthritis which seems to be getting noticably worse. We both have senescent memory loss - forgetting names etc. (so don't expect me to remember your name in Seattle LOL). We decided that we have a memory between the 2 of us.
That is it for me for now.
Lisa: Your grandbabies are the lights of our lives. I hope you were watching as Andrew played with them. I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
Replies
I love the fact that you both have a memory between the 2 of you! Lol! Enjoy the retreat, my friend. xxx
Hi Marlene,
It's MAJORLY hot here in the Southern states - today in Ga. the high is 93 degrees F. but when you factor in the humidity, it feels like 98! I was wondering how hot it gets there in Canada. I'm looking so forward to seeing you again in Seattle; can't wait for the Retreat!! Enjoy your beautiful great-Grandchildren! Love & Hugs to Lisa & you from Charlie & me, Donna
The aging process is not always an easy one and thank goodness it's something we're all doing together. No worries about names as the hugs are what will be the most valuable reminders. :)
So sorry about Tina's mom and her diagnosis. I hope that the best possible outcome can be hers. It's a difficult one to companion that is for sure because every emotion and feeling is running on overdrive. May she feel loving cared for and supported in every way.
You take care sweet Marlene, and I'm happy to hear that your time with the babies was the BEST! There is just nothing like new life with all its endless possibilities. I can feel your smile when you talk about them. Bring pictures!
See you soon in Seattle and hope those temps begin to go down where you are living.
Loving care from Douglas and me to Lisa and you,
XO Joanie
It is always good to hear from you. Keep posting those pictures on FB. I love all babies. Cannot wait to see you in Seattle. After our talk the other night, I found the perfect stone. I have a lady in this store looking for it. She will call me with the price. While we were talking her good friend just lost her child, of course I gave her an FMO card. She will tell her about FMO when she is ready because this happened a few days ago. I do keep gravitation to people who have our same journey.
Sending love and hugs your way
Penny
Just got a call from Israel, granddaughter is engaged! So, maybe I'll be joining you in the great grandparent status, soon. I haven't had a photo for many years, and to see them all grown up, is overwhelming. I got so upset, good, but off balance. How Jake would love to see them, & maybe he does.
Tell Joe I know just how it hurts. Both big toes are growing towards my little piggies. Still can fit them in shoes. That's what counts. I hope Joe gets good pain relief. It helps a lot. Love you, take care, and will try to post photos.
Too awful, death, dying, illness and aging! Thank G-d for the new babies. Would love to see them. Now, I've got to start thinking of going to a wedding! Every joy is lined with grief. We miss our kids, enjoying the places they should be.
Hi Marlene,
I am so looking forward to the retreat to meet you face to face. So many times your responses to my journal have been so "right on" - it will be great to meet you!!
Aging is not an easy journey. Seems like everyday there is some new ache or pain. Weight doesn't come off easily, it's harder to exercise, blah blah blah, RIGHT? I've been told the alternative is "pushing up daisies" but sometimes I'm okay with that....Day by day I keep moving along as I know you do too!
Those babies are so cute!! I love the pictures on FB.....the joy they bring is priceless. I never forget Marlene that your heart wants Lisa here too , to enjoy them but I know through you they will know their grandma LIsa!!
I hope the adjustment with your meds is helping. Sometimes I wonder if there will always be a heavy cloud that I carry.... SIGH
Sending a hug your way and counting the days until I meet you! Vicki, always Jennifer's mom
Hi Marlene, so sorry to hear that Tiina's mom is so ill. Prayers for her comfort.
I haven't been feeling well either. I've lost 22 lbs but I can truly say it's not helping me to feel well, lol. I have more to lose so hopefully I will at least look better if not feel better. I have to laugh about it. What else can we do! I love that you and Joe have a memory between you. Ken & I often joke like that about our aging bodies and brains. My former supervisor used to say, "This aging thing is not for the faint of heart!" I agree!
Those great -grandies are adorable! I know how much they enrich your lives.
Love to you and dearest Lisa, Linda ♡
Thank you for your understanding and caring. FMO moms rock!
I was at a former colleague's birthday party last week. I chatted at length with another colleague with whom I shared an office. She lost her husband several years ago - she was bereft. She now is in a relationship (she swore it would never happen) and is very happy. I commented that I shed a wee tear almost every day (some days it is Niagara Falls). She assured me that time would make it all better. It was all I could do to keep from telling her that she could have a new man in her life. Daughters, not so much. I know people mean well when they say such things but it does hurt.
So the retreat is coming together. I can't wait!!!