More Watching and Waiting...

My last post was about needing hope and courage in the face of life's storms.  While I continue to battle the waves of my own storm, there are so many others out there also trying to stay afloat. 

If you have an extra moment today, say a prayer for Gabriel's Heart.  You can read about baby Gabriel and his family Here.  Pray for his sweet momma too, for strength and for continued peace.

Watching and waiting

Prayers are going out to our East Coast friends during this terrible storm we're calling Irene. 

Storms like this one remind me of storms that come into people's lives.  Some are just passing minor events, and then there are those big ones.  The ones that do damage, that leave sorrow and devastation in their wake.  All we can do when faced with such ferocity, is stand fast and be courageous. 

For my friends who are going through personal Irene's, I wish you peace.  For those facing this natural monster of a storm, Irene, I pray for your protection and a huge measure of courage.

Melancholy...

In between moments of fun and the busyness of life, I've had a weird, weepy melancholy the past few days.  My grandma's best friend turned 80 on Saturday.  I wanted to be there to celebrate with her, but travel is not an option right now.  That was also the one year anniversary of my grandma's passing.  I guess that added to the emotions.

So many things have happened in my life over this past year.  I'm in a place of reflection and self-examination.  I have a clearer picture of things I want to accomplish, and I'm hoping to have the strength to get them done.  I also know what I'm ready to let go of.

I dusted off my piano the other day and sat down to play.  I was shocked at how difficult it is now.  Music is one of those things that requires practice to maintain, and I can't remember the last time I played.  I wasn't very good, but I discovered it still gives me great joy to make music.  I've promised to make more time for the things that give me joy.  Playing the piano, reading a good book, spending time with family and friends.  All those things and more.

I just found this post by a friend.  She shared the poem, The Pleasures of Ordinary Life.  It speaks to what I've been feeling.  You can find it Here, at Gathering Round the Table. 

No Surgery!

The lesions on my spine are significant, one in particular is responsible for the loss of feeling in my feet and legs.  I'm still looking at some nasty MS drugs to stop the progression of this disease, but I do not have to have neck surgery at this time!  There are bone spurs in my neck that can be treated with an epidural of steroids.  I'll have to do this treatment once a year.  I'm also starting physical therapy, which will address the neck problems and the MS.  They are going to put me in a class that does exercises in the pool!  Nice!  Now if I can only find a cute "supersized" swimsuit!  Lol!

I have decided I need to try to find work I can do from home.  A little extra income would be so nice.  Any ideas out there?

Nina Simone is singing "Little Sugar In My Bowl"... it is so bluesy/jazzy/relaxing... My home is nice and cool.  Outside it is another blistering "hot sauna" afternoon.  I think I'll go watch a little HGTV!

Time For Courage

I received the results of my MRI last night.  My GP phoned me.  It was two-fold, spinal cord lesions from the MS and further collapse of the vertebrae in my neck.  For me, this means going on some pretty dangerous medication for the MS and surgery on my neck.  Not the news I'd hoped for.

I had a few minutes of crying last night, but then I remembered... the women in my family have courage in the face of danger and despair.  So I'm grabbing hold of every grain of courage I possess.  I may still have moments of tears, but I can survive this too.  I have survived so many obstacles in my life.  This will not beat me.  I am a survivor.  My word of the day is Courage.  Courage!

 

 

 

Make that "I Can Do It!"

Hot August Days

We have been having a heat wave, typical for August.  It was like stepping into a sauna yesterday.  I went out to get my mail earlier, and it was gearing up for more of the same. 

Do you live at a slower pace in the hot summer days?  I do.  The days seem to stretch out so much longer in the heat.  I bumped my AC down a notch and enjoyed walking around my house with icy, cold toes for a while.  I'm listening to music while I type... Etta James is singing "A Sunday Kind of Love"... so nice!  My Snapple Peach iced tea drink just hits the spot right now.  I have an urge to pull out a favorite book, curl up on the sofa, and read for hours. 

Enjoy the lazy days of summer, soon they'll be just a pleasant memory.