Friday, May 29, 2009

plans change, life happens

Life happens and plans change. We got word during the road trip that Mama has cancer. Trip has been cut short and we are heading home. Spent the last 2 days driving, driving, driving and are in Kennewick, WA tonight.

After today's long drive, during which we talked through our emotions, cried, and came to initial terms with this, our exhaustion level is too high. Mama said to stop for a day and go to a couple wineries since we are in the area. 

I've always been a good girl and done what Mama says.

...may there be mercy and healing for my precious Mama.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

road trip

Am currently on a road trip with my sweet husband. We have already traveled almost 2000 miles!!

Most of this trip is in Colorado, chasing the wild steam train. But we've found a winery or two, not to mention the odd fabric store.

More after we get home!

...may there be traveling mercies...

Friday, April 24, 2009

ramblings

A few rambling thoughts...

herniated disk in back = owie. big, major, want-it-gone-right-the-hell-now owie.

brother #2 massive heart attack followed by quad-bypass surgery = wishing to be with family in san diego. big, major, wishing-to-be-there. (really glad he's doing well in his recovery now.)

sunshine days = happier spirit. big, major, happier spirit. yay.

...may there be mercy in my ramblings.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

same sweet smile

Each time I see her, she has the same sweet, "lights up the room" smile and a killer hug that makes you feel like you are the most important person ever.

Unfortunately she's already moved from cane, to walker to wheelchair. Hard to see such quick progression in just 7 weeks. But, as we were told today, the familial type of ALS moves quicker than the sporadic type. There isn't any prognosis of specific time frames, but it was said clearly that this is moving quickly. She may move from a bi-pap machine to an a-pap soon.

Today a large group met to join forces for practical support and help for the family. Meals, household help and social times are all a part of the needs being met for this precious family. With the number of folks there willing to help, it's going to be a harder task to wait one's turn than to get the help needed. 

Hallelujah! This will allow them to spend their now limited family time as a family, making precious memories.

My emotions are kind of shot, but it is okay. It's the reality of it, right in your face and right now, that really hits hard. In my day to day normal life, I can easily forget the major issues others may be facing. But when I see her, it all comes home again that she is going to die from this.

I gave her an extra hug today... but to be honest, it was selfishly for me.

...may there be mercy and time for more extra hugs - for me and most importantly, for her family.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

clutter busting

clutter busting weekend has helped me to sort out my emotions. 

...may there be mercy and peace for us all.

Friday, February 06, 2009

hold us close

She put on her sweet smile and said, "I have Lou Gehrig's disease." As she said it, I saw the deep pain in her husband's eyes.

They were in my office today to sign some papers, these friends of mine. And with those words, spoken with a lovely hope behind them, she shifted my thinking about life... again.

No, I don't have any more answers now. It's only been a couple hours. Quite frankly, I'm still reeling from the shock and throwing a massive temper tantrum at God. Thankfully, he's treating me like an overstressed 2-year-old and just holding me close while I rail, catching my tears until I tire and allow his comfort in.

...may there be mercy and grace to support my friends however they need.

Monday, January 19, 2009

UAQ

Poor little Ugly Ass Quilt. It's become the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in my heart. 

I still think it's totally ugly, but I feel so sorry for it that I am finally finishing it today. Well at least the piecing part of it. I'll take it to Kim's in the next couple weeks with some other (prettier) quilts to do the quilting on her long-arm machine.

...may there be mercy and the UAQ be a much loved treasure for the one who loved these fabrics.