Who'd a Thunk?

I think that sometimes I thought MS was the worst that could happen to me. Wrong! So wrong…

 

We finished Christmas prep/cookies, and had a beautiful celebration. All the family was there, and we had a great time. As things wound down, I decided to get the swollen feet checked out again, by the doctor I like. He put me right in the hospital for treatment on January 6^th, and thus began my whirlwind journey.

 

I received care for the swelling and blisters and was ready for some rehab. However, just before my release, they decided I had pneumonia. Three days later that diagnosis changed and tests began. I had cat scans, fluid draws, bone scans, biopsies, and blood drawn.

 

The end result? I have lung cancer which metastasized to my bones. It’s stage IV and incurable. I’ve opted for symptom treatment and eventually hospice. Right now, we’re living at my daughter’s, and I’m receiving excellent care.

 

Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we move along. I’ll stop in to update.

 

Peace,

Muff

 

Off Day

Taking more time off to get things done!!

Less is More

With apologies to Mies van der Rohe, this statement is so true. With my trimming away of all things Christmas, I’m doing way less this year. But sometimes I feel as if I’m doing way more. That’s how my physical decline has affected me. I just do a little and I’m ready to stop.

Today the ugh..bought cards will be labeled and mailed. I cannot write anymore, and my husband’s penmanship is atrocious. So, I’m just putting our names on labels. I’m also enclosing a change-of-address note. I know my friends and family will be surprised, but I know they’ll understand.  Hopefully, next year, I’ll resurrect that tradition. Or… maybe it’s over.

My new form of decorating is gorgeous liquor store boxes. They’re everywhere. I think I have close to forty in the living room – filled to the top with books. What a lovely décor! By the time we celebrate Christmas, I may stack some to resemble a tree. I’d like to use one of my Christmas table cloths and some dishes, but I’m trying to hold fast to my resolve.

I’ve now finished fourteen kinds of cookies, and I’m winding down. Today I’ll make the palmiers and the sugar cookie dough. Tomorrow, I’ll roll, cut, and decorate that dough. I should be finished by Friday and then I’ll send out the basket gifts. Maybe I’ll do some chocolate pretzels, too.  Yesterday, we did the spritz – and my husband is a pro with the cookie press – even with my barking instructions!

Do you see how I can make less be more? I just keep adding on! Maybe I should just settle for a real “less!”

Peace,

Muff

Laughter

I find that I’m crying a lot more than I ever did before. I was never a big crier, and this change baffles me. Sometimes, the tears flow out of sheer frustration. I want to do something I’ve done before, but I can’t. Then I cry. Sometimes, I cry in pain, even though it might not be great pain. At other times, I cry because I’m feeling blue, and everything hits me at once. At these times, I need laughter.

I don’t laugh enough. Sometimes a simple hee-hee will escape over something on TV, but real laughter doesn’t come. So, I try to find humor in the things around me. At times, the ploy works. Yesterday, I just had to laugh at my husband – and he didn’t mind.

He’s my helper when I’m baking. I’ve explained many times that baking is an exact task, unlike regular cooking. Measurements must be precise, temps must be exact, and timing must be perfect or the results will change. Yesterday, he was helping me pour ingredients for the cookies. Every item was just a little off, and the end result showed it. He added a little too much sugar and a little less flour. I tried to correct it but was too late. Then came the vanilla fiasco. The recipe calls for three teaspoons, but he skimped on the first. Then he kept trying to compensate. I have no idea how much ended up in the bowl. The cookies should be flat and crisp. They ended up curved and soft.  We laughed. They still tasted good.

Today, I have to get him back on track with being precise. I may end up with all new cookies! The laughter definitely helped!

Peace,

Muff

Plugging Away

In my past life, I remember how much I could do. Now, if I get one or two things finished, I feel accomplished. I just want to be where I was three months ago – not great, but better than now. Sitting here at the computer is deed number one. I’ve been avoiding wearing regular clothes in order to keep my legs free. I just wear my robes. So the task of dressing doesn’t exist.

Deed two will be more cookies – ones I call Swillies. They’re a copycat Otis Spunkmeyer recipe. I’m finishing all the easy ones first. Then, I’ll concentrate on the fancies – pizzelles, spritz, palmiers, sugar, meringues, and shortbread. Chocolate chip is always last because my boys would eat them all!

Last night, my boys finished boxing the books from here in the den. Tomorrow, they’ll pack some of the books from the shelves in the family room. I’m giving most of my clothes to charity, and that’s the next project. I can’t wait until it’s finished.

I just heard from my hairdresser, and that’s another task to add to the list. I’m just not sure when or how. I wish I had a teleporter!

My world right now feels so foreign, but I just keep plugging away!

Peace,

Muff

Catching Up

I’ve been away from the blog for a while, but with good reason. My husband was working on Thursday, and I get scared to go too far when I’m alone. My doctor’s appointment was on Friday, and that took up most of my day!

I couldn’t find the shirt I wanted, so I took longer to dress. Then, none of my shoes were working – even my Mukluks! I ended up just wearing socks. Getting to the car has become monumental. It takes forever, and I get too worked up. Then, when we arrive, it’s into the big wheelchair – in a very small space. The nurse was kind, and she let me stay in the chair. The doctor explained what I pretty much knew, and he prescribed 1. Water pills – yuck; 2. An antibiotic – working well; and 3. Lying on my back with my feet elevated -- I just can’t do it. I know it must be done, but my back goes into spasms. The doc also suggested a short hospital stay, where it would be resolved quickly. I vetoed that. I just want it all to go away.

In a bit, I’ll be making biscotti – my ninth variety. With my husband helping me, it goes quickly. Of course I’m only halfway to my goal, but it will happen. I’m not making cards – a new decision. I’ll buy them – first time in thirty some years!! And – all gifts are going into bags. Is that streamlining or what?

I’ll try to be more regularly on here, but we’ll see.

Peace,

Muff 

Handling Change

I try to be flexible, but I often find myself stuck in my ways. With all that’s happened and all that’s coming, I have to change that mindset. I’ve surprised myself that I’m doing so well with it.

When I had to move downstairs, I did so willingly. It’s not the greatest, but I’m doing all right.  The bed didn’t work, so the boys took it out. I sleep in my big wing chair, and that has caused my foot problems. I’ll wait until they’re healed and try to find another solution. The bathroom isn’t ideal, but I’m making do with it. In my former life, I’d never have been so easy.

The house is changing around me. All the familiar is being packed, and the rooms look stark. Without all my Christmas decorations, it seems even colder. In the past, I’d be a bit down, but I’m trying hard to look ahead. I try to think how I’ll arrange everything, and my world gets brighter.

So, I think I’m doing well with accepting change. I wish I had the same feelings about all my physical changes.

Peace,

Muff

'Tis the Season

All around I see that Christmas is coming quickly. I’m not decorating, but I’m doing other things. With my husband’s help, the cookies are getting done – five kinds, so far. Today, I’m making a salted caramel one – new for me. I’ll still make a variety, but not as many in each kind. My gift list of cookie baskets has diminished, so I don’t need as many. When I finish, I’ll try to remember to post a photo.

No decorations, but I still need to do a card. I have an idea in mind, but I need to execute it! Otherwise, I’ll just do a computer one. In the cards, I’ll add a note with our new address. Many people don’t even know we’re moving! I should do a little newsletter, also, to let our friends from afar know about my husband’s illnesses. Time will determine that move.

No decorations, but we still do gifts. It’s mostly for the little ones, but we do a family Pollyanna, too. Then, I need something for my son’s girlfriend. She doesn’t want to be in the Pollyanna, so it means a separate gift, and she doesn’t like gift cards. I’ll probably get her some art supplies. I have a list for the boys – now, I just have to get it all!

No decorations, but we still visit. We’ll be seeing my husband’s family on the 21^st, and I’m looking forward to it. We’re also going to get our first look at the new house. We’ll have my sister here over Christmas, and my nephew will come for Christmas day. I’m hoping to have another family dinner, too.

So, the season is definitely here, but I try to keep my inner self in a peaceful mode, remembering why we celebrate. My Advent meditations help me with that. I also sneak in a prayer that my feet and legs will heal. I hope it’s something simple.

Hope you’re starting to get in the mood, too.

Peace,

Muff

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Our Thanksgiving – the last in this house -- went well.  All the foods that I had frozen came out to thaw, and my children helped with preparing everything else. One son worked on the turkey, potatoes, and gravy. The other made fresh veggies. My daughter made her pear-cranberry relish. I had two stuffings, green bean casserole, cole slaw, and two pies – apple and pumpkin. I made three breads – pumpkin, pumpkin cranberry, and pumpkin pecan. I missed Thanksgiving last year because I was staying at the hospital with my mother as she was passing away. Then the kids took my recipes and handled the meal. So, this year was somewhat bittersweet. My mom reminded us that she was still with us in spirit when I forgot to put out the cole slaw. She always forgot one item.

I never did Black Friday, so I just watched all the crazies on TV. Cyber Monday is another thing…Most of the long weekend was spent relaxing, reading, and watching my husband enjoy football – maybe four games a day! We’re also making cookies together – he has become my hands. So far we’ve made four kinds and quick froze them. Today we’ll make two more kinds. We also have to get back to packing/tossing. I’m not decorating for Christmas this year – it would be crazy with the move looming over us. I will miss seeing the house all aglow, though.

This afternoon/evening I’ll be alone. My husband wants to get back to his little job, and I’ll have to fend for myself. I’m a little scared, but I’ll try. The worst part is getting into the bathroom, but I think I can manage. I’ll have my cell phone and life-alert button. Fingers crossed…

I finally decided to see my doctor about my swollen legs. Blistering has started, and I don’t know what it means. If I get an appointment this week, I’m hoping he can fix me quickly. I just don’t want to be hospitalized, though. I have a premonition that such a move would not end well.

I hope everyone enjoyed his/her holiday and you’re looking forward to Christmas,

Peace,

Muff 

Prep Day

I finished several dishes for tomorrow, and everyone is helping. So,I’m resting today.

Is There a Normal?

What is normal? For me, it’s a changeable entity. When we first started this roller coaster ride, I wasn’t doing that badly, and I only viewed a swift decline in the distant future. Now, I’m not doing that well, and I realize that a decline can be close at hand.

I have so much trouble with steps that I was moved to living on the first floor. A twin bed was set up in the family room, and the powder room was turned into an accessible bathroom. Then, I just couldn’t sleep on the bed, so I moved to sleeping in an armchair. Huge mistake! My feet and legs have swelled so much. I also don’t walk enough anymore. I’m moved from chair to wheelchair and back. I need to start getting up and walking more. I know I can’t do it all at once, but every day, I try to do a little more.

At the height of my husband’s illness, my boys took turns staying at the house. In the middle of the night, I’d call them on their cells, and they’d come down to help me. No complaints were ever made – they were so giving and caring. Now, my husband and I are trying it alone, and we’re making it work.

I don’t want all of this to be my new normal. I need to try and get better. It will help me both physically and mentally. When I accomplish something, the frustration and sadness go away. 

On a side note, for those of you who knew Herrad Ford, she passed away last week. It’s so sad – she was such an inspiration!

Peace,

Muff 

Climbing Out of the Rabbit Hole

It seems more like Odysseus’ journey to Ithaca than Alice’s to Wonderland, though. I’ve been gone for such a long time, but I’m trying to get back to normal again. My husband had two heart procedures, and he’s now on the mend. My stress level was through the roof, and it greatly affected my MS. I went into a swift decline. Now, I’m trying to get back to my baseline. I’ll get back on schedule with my writing, and I’ll be reading all your blogs. Just be patient with me, please.

We’re planning our move for the beginning of January, and I have lots to accomplish.

Thank you for your comments and private contacts. I really appreciate it.

Peace,

Muff 

Short Note

I’ll only be on here occasionally. My husband is in the hospital, again. This time, it’s his heart.  I’m petrified. My wonderful children are stepping in as before. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Friday Fragments

I realize I was away for a while, but it was busy-ness, not sickness that kept me off the computer.

Change in Plans:  My daughter and family came home from Disney World on Tuesday, and she called me to tell me all about it. While we were talking, she asked me to move at the same time they are. I told her that our apartment wouldn’t be finished. She assured me that they had plenty of room, and I could oversee the construction. I readily agreed because this living downstairs here is driving me nuts. So we’ll be moving on Thanksgiving week. I told my daughter that we could pull together and make TG dinner together – even if it isn’t as elaborate as other years. The little guy begins in his new school on the 30^th, so they have to move the week before, despite the holiday. Of course that meant I had to get things packed in a shorter time. Anything worth keeping is getting boxed and labeled, and if we can’t use it in the new place, we’ll chuck it then. My wonderful sons said they’d help by fixing/cleaning after everything’s gone.

Years of Accumulating: The packing of which I wrote above is tough on the heartstrings. Realistically, I know I can’t keep everything I’ve amassed over the years, but it’s hard to say good-bye. I’m fortunate that my children want to keep so many things for themselves. On Wednesday, the boys wandered from room to room, tagging with Post-It’s the things they want. I have a box started for my daughter, too. We also have a lot at the curb on trash days! I just try to envision how nice it will be in our new home!

Food: For Wednesday’s dinner, I made a slow cooker pot roast. It was simple but delicious. It amazes me that with adding only four tablespoons of liquid, I end up with so much gravy! The aroma wafted through the house all day, and by dinnertime, I was starving! The boys made up their doggie bags, and the clean-up was easy.

Kasey Sitting: We have our favorite fur baby here again. My son is running in the Detroit marathon on Sunday. It seems like a long way to go just to run, but he’s excited about it. He flies out tomorrow, will sightsee in the afternoon, run Sunday, and come home Monday. The race route also takes them into Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and that’s great. Kasey will miss his boy, but we have lots of doggie treats!

A Star:  My little guy was chosen to play the “Beast” opposite Belle in a rendition of Beauty and the Beast at Disney. My daughter sent me the video, and I got such a kick out of it. He wore a cape over his shorts and tee, and ‘danced’ with a full-sized Belle. At the end, he takes a bow. I know I’m a doting grandmother, but I thought it was adorable. I hope he catches the acting bug and wants to perform again.

Have a great weekend.

Peace,

Muff

Baby Steps

I continue to improve, albeit in very small increments. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, and I believe that it’s his encouragement that propels me forward. When he notices how well I’m doing, he remarks on it, and even though I still need his help, he allows me to try out my independence. He read me accurately last week when I noticed that he was completely healed from his diverticulitis bout. He said it must seem unfair that he got well so quickly while I go in the opposite direction. It’s true – I was a bit jealous, but I got over it.

Again, I survived Saturday being alone. In the morning, I said I thought I might try moving around the downstairs as I used to do. But by the time my husband left, I felt panicky, and I just stayed in my one small area. I just need a bit more confidence, and then I’ll be able to return to my former ways. It’s not a big deal, and I have to convince myself that I can handle it. Over a pizza dinner that evening, my ‘motivational speaker’ told me to try a little extra each day, and before long I’d be back to my old self.

Yesterday, I decided to go to church. My husband helped on Saturday night by getting my preferred outfit together. It was coolish, so I could wear a fall jacket in earth tones. It took me for-e-ver to get ready, though. I started early since I suspected I might struggle. I even put on makeup to feel like myself again. While we were driving over to church, I tried to convince myself that this was a major move. I had not been outside nearly the entire summer, and I had only gone to church twice the whole time. That’s just not me. I always made the effort, no matter how rotten I felt. Once we went inside, I realized that I was too exhausted to do the whole getting out of the wheelchair into the pew and doing all the sit/stand/kneel maneuvers. So, I stayed in the chair and we remained in the back section. This was a wise move.

All my buds came over to see me and tell me they were glad I was back. Even the priest gave me a separate blessing! I didn’t try fumbling with the hymnal, but I still sang. I was able to transfer back into the car with no problems, and I felt very accomplished. I was tired when we came home, but it was a manageable fatigue. I was buoyed by the fact that I did, indeed, get out!

Today, I’ll take it easy and just do small things. I realize these are mere baby steps, but the fact that I didn’t give up gives me the incentive to continue!

Peace,

Muff 

Friday Fragments

With all the commotion around here for the past few weeks, I haven’t had much to save, but here’s my offering for this week.

Success: I was nervous about being alone yesterday, but I quelled my fears by reminding myself that my husband was only ten minutes away, I had my alert button, and I really was stronger than my doubts. I did stay in a very small circle, though, going no farther than the family room, breakfast room, kitchen, and powder room. All I did was watch TV and read. I can get my email and FB on my phone, so I didn’t venture out to the computer. The time went by quickly, and I was proud of myself for getting through it. Now, I’ll venture a little farther each time, until I’m back to my old ways, again. I just have to keep my mind on what I’m doing, so there will be no more falls.

Party: We celebrated my husband’s birthday on Wednesday, and all the gang was here. The two little guys were beside themselves with anticipation of the Disney trip, so it was wild around here. They both went to their little art room and painted pictures for Poppy, and insisted that he hang them. The meal wasn’t as great as I had hoped, but that was my fault. I had my husband help me, which we’ve done before, but I think I need to be right there while he’s working. The lasagna was all right, but it needed more sauce. The meatballs should have been mixed more thoroughly, and the cake could have used another fifteen minutes in the oven. No one complained, though, so it was fine. It’s just my Virgo perfectionism acting up.

Weather: We had a lot of wet weather last week, but we missed Joaquin – yay! Our poor beaches are a mess with all the wet windy weather. Now, the temps are either in the 60s [coolish] or 70s [nice.] We may get rain again tonight, but otherwise we’re having stretches of beautiful days. No colored leaves, yet, but that will happen soon.

Learning More: My two boys will be overseeing the construction of our new ‘home,’ and I’m starting to get enthused. First of all, the space is huge – about the area of our downstairs here. They’re designing a living/dining room with a kitchen/eating area attached. Then a large bedroom with accessible bathroom will be off a hall from there. We’ll have our own storage/closet space. There are steps to the main house, but we’re getting a stair lift! So the idea of losing the suite didn’t bother me as much. I wish they could get started before settlement, but my husband said that’s not legal.

Books/TV: For a little while, I seemed to have lost my sense of concentration. I think with the falls, my husband’s hospital stay, and our nebulous future, my stress level rose dramatically. I just couldn’t stay focused. That alone was scary, but when I realized it might stay that way because of the MS, I worried. However, little by little, my mind is starting to heal, too. I’m finishing The Girl on the Train, but it’s dragging. I have more books waiting, so I’m going to try to read more each day.
The only new network show I’m watching is Code Black. I love medical shows. My son said he’s enjoying Limitless, but I haven’t tried it. My Saturdays are filled with watching all my DVRed shows.

That’s really all I’ve got. Have a great weekend.

Peace,
Muff

While I Was Away...

…a lot happened. It’s funny how we can become so absorbed in our own little worlds, we forget that there’s a much larger world, still spinning and affecting people. So what went on?

Well, for me the biggest one was the Pope coming to America. I think he’s such a great person, and I try to absorb the message he sends us. I watched him in Washington and chuckled at his simplicity among so many movers and shakers. I felt sorry for him with such a hectic schedule, but he seemed to thrive on it. His message to the UN and at MSG in NY was a call to all of us. When he came to Philadelphia, he was just a few miles away. I never got to see the last pope in Philadelphia, but I wished I could have seen this one. Unfortunately, I could never have made it with all those crowds. So, I sat glued to my TV. My husband watched some of it but slept through most. Of course, the post-visit made me steam. Why is there so much negativity in the media? First, there were so many comments about the crowds being fewer than anticipated. What did you expect after so many reports centering on the security measures, lack of transportation, and miles of walking? You scared visitors away! Then, restaurant owners complained that they had fewer patrons. Keep in mind, the visitors were on a religious pilgrimage, not a social event!! And the ones that really got to me were those who misquoted the pope, took his words out of context, or berated him for not saying certain things. For me, it was uplifting, and I want to bask in it.

A small thing that occurred, too, was that my little guy lost his first tooth. I’ll see it today when they come. He’s so funny. He loved the idea of the tooth fairy leaving money and a gift. But after a day, he wanted to get the tooth back and reinserted! What goes through their minds? The little family leaves for Disney tomorrow for a long weekend. They love it there and go every chance they get.

I’ve finished my list of furniture and where all the pieces will go. I left off when it came to the rest – paintings, china, books, seasonal decorations, etc. It’s too overwhelming. I think I’ll just pack what I want to keep and let my kids take whatever they want. The rest will be sold or donated, and I’m asking the kids to help with that.

I’ve done very little cooking or baking in the past few weeks; however that ends next week. I plan to do what I did last year – bake Christmas cookies and flash freeze them. Of course, that means using the chest freezer, which I don’t plan to take with us. I’m just not worrying about it. Que sera, sera!

Tomorrow will be my first full day alone, but I’m psyching myself into it. In order to stay safe, I’ll be in the family room all day. So, no post tomorrow!

Peace,

Muff 

Tuesday Tidbits

I never got to my Friday Fragments because…

So Sick:  After my husband came home from the hospital, he didn’t seem to be able to hold food in him. Everything he ate – all on a prescribed diet – went through him quickly. We both assumed [such a bad thing to do] that it was the result of either the trauma to his system or the side effects of the antibiotics. Then last Tuesday night, I had the same problem. Immediately, I blamed the dinner I had eaten – roast chicken, baked potato, green beans which would hardly cause tummy troubles. I only ate crackers on Wednesday and Thursday, but by Thursday night, I was really sick. My husband was also still suffering. When my husband went to his regular doctor on Friday, he found out that neither the diverticulitis nor the type of antibiotics he was on would cause such a thing. The doctor put him right on Imodium and gave him a prescription for something stronger if needed. The doctor felt that my husband had picked up an intestinal ‘bug’ at that hospital and shared it with me. We both started taking it, and by Sunday, I started to feel better. After that, I’ve stuck to a bland diet, and I’m only introducing things a little at a time. It was horrible being that sick.

Sleep: I’ve never had the insomnia that other MSers talk about. I used to sleep like a baby. When the stress of my husband’s illness, my sudden spurt of falls, and the uncertainty of our future began to weigh heavily on me, I couldn’t sleep. I’d lie for hours, begging sleep to come, but just tossing around and thinking. Then, during the day, I’d start to nod, only to be jolted awake. An hour here, minutes there, were all adding up, and I was exhausted. Finally, yesterday, after I found myself dozing and jolting all day, I knew I had to do something. I tried some yoga breathing, took some Benadryl (although I was worried it could affect my stomach,) and changed my pillows. I had the best night’s sleep! Now, I just hope it continues.

Future: At least that’s one area which has been somewhat remedied. My daughter and SIL bought a house. It came with a beautiful suite that we would use as our apartment. It even had two bathrooms – one regular, one accessible. I was really excited about this and began to relax. Then, there was some kind of fight between my SIL and his sister, and before I knew it, he was putting his mother in the suite and having a new one built in the house for us. I was hurt and dismayed, but I keep my mouth shut. They’re settling on the house on November 19^th, but we’ll have to wait longer now. It’s upsetting because I was really beginning to look forward to the future. Now, I’m just drifting.

Dinner: We were supposed to celebrate my husband’s birthday this past Sunday, but with my being sick, we postponed it until tomorrow – his actual birthday. It was a major shift, but I’m learning to be flexible. It won’t be a lavish affair; I just made lasagna, meatballs, and a pineapple upside-down cake – his usual birthday request. I probably will only eat a small bit, but I want to stay well.

I don’t want to get overly tired, so I’ll end here. I need to read all your past posts, and soon, I’ll be leaving comments again.

Peace,

Muff 

Sidebars

While I wrote about the main events from my miserable week, I noticed little things that also happened. First – I had no cash here. I could have sent my kiddoes to the ATM, but since I never use it, I’m not sure where the extra card is. Fortunately, I have a debit cash card – my husband puts money in it, and I can use it for online purchases. I gave it to the kids whenever we needed food, etc. It worked out well.

Then there was the whole phone debacle. I always carry my cell when I’m alone, but when I dropped it, I was in trouble. Van reminded me that I could have used Siri to call the police, but I didn’t know that. Just to be safe, Van bought me a life alert button. I can wear it as a pendant or a bracelet. I still need to go through it all again with him. He also bought me a shower head with a hose to attach to the sink in the powder room. Great, but where does the excess water go? I’ll have to put on my thinking cap.

Meals were haphazard during the week. I couldn’t get into a cooking frame of mind, and I couldn’t plan anything. That’s how addled my brain was! Two nights were takeout, one was the gift from my neighbor, then we just winged it once my husband came home – soup, sandwiches, eggs, etc. On Sunday, I’m planning lasagna which I’ll make ahead on Saturday. I have to get back to my normal routine by next week.

I was very fortunate that my daughter did all the laundry when she was here. I could never have done it. I didn’t ask them to clean, but my boys did it anyway. It was as if I had my own minions! Now, they just stop by to check on us, and I can see the difference. I’m lucky that my husband is feeling so much better. He can start doing these things again, little by little.

When the boys did any shopping, they put the groceries away – in the place they were when they lived here! If we can’t find something, I wrack my brain trying to remember where it used to be. Funny how they hearken back to previous times. I can definitely find humor amidst the chaos!

Tomorrow I’ll do some fragments.

Peace,

Muff  

TW3

Episode 3:

So this cutie officer sits me down to talk. (He went to school with my daughter.) He assured me that they didn’t mind coming out, but he was concerned about me. He suggested that I sleep on the first floor. I said I’d think about it. In the meantime, my husband was getting out of the hospital.

Kurt and Van left work early and drove here. I was in the family room, reading when they came, so they knew I was all right. I told them to go pick up their dad. My husband was pale and weak, but he looked all right and I was relieved. I told them all about what the police officer said, and they agreed with him. Traitors!

They quickly moved out the love seat from the family room and assembled a twin from upstairs in its place. That was going to be where I stayed from then on. It seemed all right, but it’s not a perfect solution. Sleeping isn’t the issue, but I only have the powder room. After three days of using it as sponge bath central, I balked. I had to have a shower! So on Sunday, I climbed up the stairs, my husband helped me, and I showered and shampooed. I also did it yesterday, and will continue to do so on Friday. Shhhhh…don’t rat me out!

My husband gradually got better. He has dietary restrictions, and we’re following them. His birthday is next week, and we’re celebrating on Sunday. He can have what he wants – lasagna and pineapple upside-down cake. They’re on the ‘good’ list. He sleeps a lot and goes to bed early, but he’s improving every day. On Friday, he’ll go to see his doctor, and hopefully, it will all be over. It was such a stressful experience for him – me, too!

So, that’s where I was last week. There were smaller issues mixed in, but these were the highlights. I’m trying to get back to normal, and I know things are looking up. I’m so grateful for my wonderful kids and all of their care and concern. I need them to get back to normal, too.

Thanks for listening to my saga!

Peace,

Muff