PILLOW TALK

Yes we ended up in the bedroom while the heating ducks were being cleaned.  Leah arrived with one baby in the bassinet, and the other tucked in under her arms.

It was a disappointing day for dad as his stomach was upset again.
It means checking what his ate and again watching the diet for no fat.

Lunch was delivered right on schedule by Lila and I was tucking it into when Helen came and brought some added food.  Our frig is full and so are our tummies.

Kim dropped by and took a turn holding Astrid while Ophelia played happily on the bed.

Leah had a difficult time when Ophelia had a high temperature and both little ones were unhappy.

Daddy came to the rescue.


I also had a turn at feeding Astrid . a good Norwegian name.  I believe.


Joan dropped by with supper and a visit.  She was very concerned that what she had made was okay for me.  A delicious chicken and rice dish.

  What a wonderful party we had together to end a busy day.

Healing is not easy and often it is one step forward and two back.

Hoping for more energy but I have never been a high energy person more like to turtle.


The message is slow and steady wins the race!

ADVENTURE

Outside or inside every step is an adventure because I have to be so careful and it is easy to trip.

I was planning to go to the eye doctor with dad but he cannot find his wallet so I decided to stay home and look for it again.  Boy I sure looked.  Every pocket, every drawer, everywhere I could think of.  I was completely baffled when I saw his new bath robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door.  Sure enough it was in there.

Dad seems to be feeling better taking his Metamucil and I really think he is feeling a lot better.  Less feet pain.  He walked around in a Second Hand Store in White Rock and then we drove to Langley and walked several blocks to see a room.  Right now he is not in pain!

He bought me some new bread.  It is very heavy and filling.  I am giving it a try.

So to-morrow the fellows are coming to clean our ducks, heating ducts, and one lady is coming to bring us lunch and another supper.  Crazy adventures with comings and goings.

A very nice entrance to the Seniors Home.  We saw the one bedroom one and it was a little bigger than we expected.  It had a fire place and a balcony.  Every one seemed happy and friendly.  Our friend Dreena gives painting classes thereand they plan to move in several years from now.

I told dad that I would go for a short walk when he left because I want to be honest.  It is the only time I take big steps.  It was cold but sunny.

Our adventures will continue.

TRUST

Trust is a very important value in any relationship.  It is built up over the years and hopefully becomes stronger as we age.  I hope that we can face life with honesty and openness.

I know that I trust my children to help us make right decisions.

Today I seemed to be weaker but the heavy rainfall is depressing for us all.

Scripture talks about trusting God who sometimes feels distant and stern.

Each day I pray for my loved ones trusting that even in our struggles we will be over comers.
Dealing with chronic pain is not easy for dad but we take it a day at a time.  There are new treatments being discovered and the right one is waiting for us.

I trust in the power of prayer but also in the power of pills to help us. 

I am trusting too in the power of exercise that I have to make the effort to do.

I spent the morning calling friends to thank them for all they have done for us.

I also phoned my brother who tried to phone me when our phone was not working.
,They know all about chronic pain.  Traudl is hoping to find relief from her knee pain that is crippling her.

A life built on trust is a life that is healthy emotionally and spiritually.

WARMTH

Missey is enjoying her favorite spot lying right in front of the fire to enjoy the warmth.

It was a wet drizzly day but it did us good to go for a drive.  We enjoyed our dinner in the nook in the kitchen.  The tale was set all beautiful as usual.  Others had been invited but unable to attend.

Mary joined us by Skye with two excited but tired children after a ween-end away with friends.


Tasha trying to make plans for her move in the next few weeks.

Leah not well with an ear infection but the babies are happy.

I am doing well but did not walk in the rain.

I spent time in prayer thinking about my family.  I do not want any of them to worry about me or about dad.  We both have to learn to make adjustments in what we can or cannot do. Dad did a bit of shopping so we have all we need.

I like the thought that prayer can take us into a safe and warm place
bigger even than our imagination.

THRESHOLDS OF LIGHT

Yes the future is unknown to any of us but light will break through all of our darkness.
Yes it can be beautiful with new opportunities, new friends and new views.

Yes, I did go for a walk around the block.  The walker is just something I trip over.  It seemed like it was up hill all the way but to-morrow I will go twice.  Much less pain!

Yes Eve came over for a visit and made us lunch using the soup we have here.  She also brought some home made tomato soup.  I am so thankful for the community of Colrook which is even more important to help us as we age.  What excellent cooks!

Yes, age can have its fearful moments especially when one is not well.
We need listening ears and caring family and friends.

Yes, even Jesus suffered, first he had to surrender, to the will of His Father in Heaven.

While God does bring good out our suffering it is not because He believes suffering is good for anyone.  He takes our sounded souls and minds and shines the light of truth upon us to create renewed hope and faith and healing.

Each of us possess the power to overcome
or to endure chronic pain that takes away our feeling of control.

Yes prayer will first take us to a place of asking forgiveness
and a place os surrender.

"When I am lost help me God
when I am hurt shelter me in Your loving Presence.
May I always have the courage to choose life and keep fighting!

BETTER AND BETTER

Lots of big puddles around with more rain forecast.  This is at the doctor's office in White Rock.

Had a good visit on Thursday.  The doctor is pleased but when he asked me to walk told me I must take big steps.  This takes an effort that will result in back pain if I just shuffle along.  I found that to be very true when I woke up this morning with so much back pain I could not sit or stand or move.

To get better I went back to bed and felt much better and was able to enjoy a visit from a friend.  She was the kind of friend who ignores the mess and can make me laugh.

She is going to come and make us lunch tomorrow.  There is a lot of food  being dropped off.  Soup salad desert etc.  The frig. is full and overflowing right now.  Too bad I do not feel quite up to having a party.

I know I am getting better because I notice the dust gathering on the furniture.

Dad dropped off some used stuff to the Salvation Army and picked up a couple of shirts.  He wanted something not as warm as a sweater.

We had a visit from Pat and John who had taken advantage of the sunny afternoon and went walking in the Watershed Park.

I am looking forward to doing a short walk in the first sunny break in the next few days.

Life can seem unfair at times but hope springs eternal.  I believe that we can create our own hope that sees the good in the knowledge that there will be better days ahead!

OVERWHELMED

Overwhelmed with sadness when we heard the heartbreaking news about the breakup of the marriage by of one of ou family members.  What a tragedy that has caste a deep sadness over our day.  It is beyond understanding and totally unbelievable.

 A loving family broken and shattered.

If every thought is a prayer our prayers are with this familt.

Love is such a fragile thing and yet  we risk all we are to take some one into our hearts hoping for love to remain strong even in the darkest times.

Families need to support one another especially during the difficult times.

LMITS

Yes, our diet is becoming limited especially no fats and lots of uncooked vegetables, which seem better than the cooked ones.  Kim has brought these with some vegetable   She is like a breath of fresh air.

All our visitors are!

Our friend from church brought spit pea soup which we just finished before Kim arrive...
The time flys when you talk to old friends, catching up on their lives and laughing about the past.

My church experiences has had no limits I have enjoyed both the exhilarating times and also even a few downers.  We are all very human and can learn from it all.  At one time I was afraid to speak at a Baptist Bible study as they knew so much more than I did.  They became good friends who loved me just as shy little me!

At this moment in time we cannot escape the limitations that are now a part of our daily lives.

These limitations cause us to wonder about the future but prayer will help me face the future with confidence and hopefulness.

"Teach me Lord to reach out for your power and energy to guide my way"

Off to see my doctor today  Which vegetable should I chew on first?

"To understand God and His Wok in our lives we need to recognize and deal with our limits our naivete and the complexity of human suffering."  Kelly M. Kapic

TOUGH COOKIE

I started out the day decided I would be a tough cookie and take charge of what dad is eating.
The problem Sandra explain when she dropped by he was not getting enough roughage.  He had an egg and toast for breakfast, beef broth for lunch, a muffin and a boast for tea.   and a salmon sandwich for supper.

I had some healthy salad Cathy and Glen brought over   We had a good long visit with them.  Cathy brought a note from Ava saying how important we are to them.  Just what we needed to hear.  Feeling sad about several things and worried about dad and Rick.

This tough cookie completely crumbled when dad could not find his wallet.  He is always suspicious of me so I have to wear myself out trying to find it. 

He found it in a pair of old pants her rarely used and was not wearing lately that we had remembered/
Sandra told us a story about finding her car starter thing lying near there mail box where she had stopped to pick up her mail.  Think she advised and dad did.

Worried about Rick and his strange dreams.  It may be codeine.

It can re-act on some people.

I mustget to bed or I will crumble into nothing!

CHEER

A very ordinary day that makes life seem a little dull.

Then a parcel arrived from Trinidad from Ranu and Lucas.  Yes, we miss them too.  A bright cheerful shirt for dad and a stylist top for me.  So very kind of them

Then a very confident Kim arrived in her beautiful car.  Dad even got to drive it.  I was going to sit in the back seat but they took off so quickly I did not have time to grab a coat.

Kim cheered us up with her visit and happy spirit.

Where does one find the courage and strength to cope with chronic pain?

Pain drains the cheerfulness out of our souls and effects us physically and emotionally

Prayer has been for me a source of comfort and strength.  I share my pain with the One who comforts each one of His children.

The One who in some mysterious way cheers me on.

Dear God,
I need to know you are with me.
I long to feel your presence especially when I am in pain.
I am thankful that I have found Your strength in the past to over come
and I will continue to trust in Your love for me.

I pray for your dad having another painful attack.

Watch over him Lord and all my loved ones.

WINDY AND WILD

Yes the wind was extremely loud but I never thought the power would go off.

I got up early to make a cup of coffee as our gas stove worked after I found something to light it with.

Dad had a bit of a sleep in but was up when our neighbor Todd arrived with tea and muffins from Starbucks.  What a delightful surprise.  He stayed and had a good chat with us.

I have to remind myself that it is Sunday.  I miss going to church as it is one of the ways I look at life in a different perspective.  Over the years I have had to rethink my early beliefs but this has strengthened my faith as it becomes what I believe and what I value.

I was so pleased to go to the library with Sandra and even found some of my favorite authors waiting for me on display.  Hard to believe I had to give her directions as she does not travel these streets.

I am learning from my pain.  I am learning that where there is pain there is life.  I feel pain when I try to walk too much and when I put the wrong foot forward.  I have to concentrate on each step.  By night time I feel tired but happy.

Dad is doing some feet exercises which I think is good.  He sat out on the front porch in the cold sunshine for awhile.

I am thankful that my faith does not demand stoicism but only to keep trusting and resting in God's love expressed through family and friends.  Amen!

PROUD

Last bit of Christmas red.  Such fun putting things out but it has been a work in progress putting them away.

Very proud of our son in law Craig going on C.B.C. to-night about drivers ignoring people walking in the crosswalk.  I have had a bad scare so am extra careful.  Our good friend Drena was hit in the back crossing one of the same kind of cross walk.  Very badly hurt with broken ribs and pelvis.  She has been in hospital since the middle of Dec. 

Good on you Craig!

Also very proud of Randy doing such an excellent job fixing our dishwasher.  In good time too as we will be down stairs more now.

Dad's feet are still painful and we were thankful Sandra went to the store for us.

Sickness as well as health seem to be a reality as we all are getting older.
Thankful for Leah and Astrid improving.
Shawna is back driving with her foot in a cast.

Happy Holidays to all the Australians!.

SNEAKY

Some sneaky people, like my daughter Sandra, come in and start taking pictures of their husbands.

Yes, that is Randy trying to put our new dishwasher in and having some difficulties.

Our quiet morning was disturbed when we heart the nose of he old clunker being torn out.  This was the project we had on our list for this year, but sadly dads health combined with me being ill completed put the project on time out.

We are so very grateful for their help and we await the job being finished when Randy can drop by again.

Sandra's car is getting a new window put in because of the rattling noise and a crack starting.  She will get good service because she is Craig's Auntie.  Craig has an excellent reputation.

A friend from church dropped by with a meal for our supper.  We enjoyed  tasty food and also her taking time to visit.

I am glad I do not have to feel like I am sneaking around when I walk.any more.

Sandra smelled a dead mouse but we do not know where it is.  Seems like the laundry room.

Imagine it trying to sneak in here.

"We want to feel that we are in control of our own existence
In some ways we are and in some ways we are not.
We are ruled by the forces of chance and coincidence"
Paul Auster

I will never forget all the good and even sneaky things that creep into my life.

POWERFUL

A long wait st the Patterson Center for results of the x-ray.

I was very fortunate to have Randy's powerful shoulders to lean on as I carefully took my first steps down the stairs.  My weaker leg first because the stronger more powerful leg could bend and follow
a very slow process.  He did a great job of pushing me in the wheel chair and cheerfully taking a back seat as Sandra drove to the Clinic.

I was fortunate to have Sandra go with me to my visit with the doctor.  We could see the x-ray but thought we could see it was not mended.  We were not looking at the right place at all and even the doctor had to look at another screen to see where the fracture actually was.  Fortunately it was not a tiny bit bigger as it would have meant an operation.  I had been confident but I started to get worried.
What if I had caused damage and I sure did not want an operation.

My relief was powerful when the doctor said it was healing and I could continue to walk a little bit each day.  I have to take responsibility for my healing and not over do things.

Doubt is a powerful enemy!

Fear is a powerful adversary!

Faith grounded in love is my protection.

Came home to phone calls from Ken, Tahsha, Kim and Carol and Rick and  friends.

Everytime one person phoned there would be beeping on the line some one else was phoning, untilI realized my phone was dying.

There is amazing power in out relationships especially in the family.  I am thankful for the love that accepts me just as I am!

Love is an amazing powerful healing touch that renews and strengthens.

WAITING

Waiting for sunshine but a blustery wind came and nearly knocked dad off his feet coming out of the store.

Waiting to hear news of baby Astrid and praying she feels better.

Waiting to hear the Nurse Next Door is next door but the phone call was she was sick and unable to come.

Waiting for a visit from Pat and John.  They come in with a package that was left on our front doorstep.  A exquisite shawl knitted by a prayer group at the church sent with healing thoughts and prayers.  Around my shoulders as I type right now.  It is such a blessing to know people care and keep me in their hears and prayers!

Waiting for our journey to-morrow to see the surgeon and see what secrets the x-ray reveals.  I must confess that I have been untruthful sayinf I am not putting weight on the leg.  I have felt confident that as long as I am not in pain I can walk a little bit.

I was forced to confess when Sandra came and saw my walker on the other side of the room from where I was sitting.  She was very annoyed.

Waiting to throw my walker out the window and journey downstairs once again!

Waiting to make future plans as we are betwixt and between times right now.

Waiting for answers to all our prayers as we prepare for a new future when ever the time is right.

HEALING

Healing will only come as I tap into the inner strength and determination that is in my soul.

Healing comes as dad and we learn to listen and serve each other.  I tell him not to do too much and he does the same for me.

Healing comes as I realize how important we are to our family.

Healing comes by accepting our limitations and finding strength in caring and sharing.

Dad went to the library and got some mysteries for me to read and he can read some too.

Lee phoned to ask what we need and I said my greatest need was for prayer for dad to find some relief from his pain.

Healing comes in sharing our pain but more importantly sharing our memories.

I am learning to try and accept this time as a gift where I can go deeper to find new strength and courage!

TRAFFIC JAMS

An old picture but there are buds on the bushes all ready.  I cannot wait to get outside and take a few pictures.  Sun rise was amazing and sparks a new sense of awe and wonder with life.

We end up having traffic jams in our bedroom as dad and I try to go from one area to another.  I am not a good driver so he has to watch out for me.

Another good day with a friend from church stopping by with more good food.  A shepherds pie and brolli and fruit and gluten free bread.  We leaned more interesting things about her life as she stayed to visit and had a few good laughs.

Dad was thinking of going to the store when Kim stopped by.  She quickly got our supper ready and then off to the store. 

Carol continues to check up on us as does Rick and Sandra.

I am being hopeful about my visit to the doctor on Thursday with Sandra and Randy taking time of to drive us.  I expect to be told good news.

Happy people make good choices! 

I am ready to create some major traffic jams out on our crazy roads.!

MOOD

My moods can change as quickly as the evening sky.  This was Saturday night.  A colorful sunset.

My mood this morning was grumpy and frustrated at having to rest in bed but making an effort to sit in the wheel chair or try a few steps with the walker.  I am thankful to be at home and dad and I enjoy our breakfast by the window.

This way I get to spy on the neighbors.  It helps to improve my outlook a little.

I was surprised that dad bought me a new comforter, electric, for when I get chilled at night.  I felt bad his feet got so sore they brought him a chair at the store and even took his parcel out for him.

Carol phoned to see how we were doing.  There was a mix up with her flight making her run from one airplane to another and then back again.  She is happy to be home again but happy she could help us.

Things started looking up when Sandra came for a visit bringing her fantastic spaghetti.  She hlped us work out our plans for the Norse Next Door.  What a great help.

Our neighbors right next door, the ones who built the fence, dropped by with a chicken and potato salad.  We had a cheerful visit.

We have wonderful neighbors who want to help in any way.

We have two wonderful daughters who cheered me up today.

Dad has taken another pain pill so I hope it helps.

I will go to bed with a more positive mood!

FAREWELLS

It is amazing all the different shades of green.  We are so fortunate to still have green ever greens and grass around.  A dull cool morning but not raining.

Dad had a very painful night but he worked too hard getting his table stronger in our bedroom.
Very thankful the doctor was helpful and his stomach is finally settling down.

Yes we had a quiet evening last night sitting across from each other at our little table with tears in our eyes.  Our thoughts in the morning would be with her flying high on her trip home. 
We value any time spent with family especially, any time short or long
I am constantly reminded how much love has been woven into our lives by our children, grand children and the greats!

Love is always a gift!

I am thankful to be inless pain.

My prayer for you all is to take care of yourself first!

Only then can we help others.  Kind words and honest evaluations are healing!

SHARING AND CARING

Our nurse arrived right on time and waited for us to open the door.  One look at her face and you could tell she was a warm and caring person.  We enjoyed getting to know her and she helped by vacuuming upstairs and then went down and put the Christmas ornaments away. 

She was an older lady but we were surprised when she announced she  was not able to go up and down stairs very much.  We were a little shocked because we need some one to go up and down to take the load off of dad. 

Both Sandra and Carol agreed.  It was partly our fault in in giving the impression we wanted companion because we could do a lot ourselves.

It may be a challenge to find the right person.

We will miss Carol a lot, she has been up and down a lot.  We appreciate all she has done for us.  I would have not been allowed to come home without her presence here.

Sandra will contact the nurse people so we do not have to.  We do appreciate this.

It would seem a reasonable request for some one who can go up and down. 

EUPHORIA

Things will take time.  Stress and illness take a toll on relationships and that is reality.

Dad got worse last night so I made him a doctor's appointment for today at 3:30.

 I talked Carol into going to the stem cell lecture at Tawasseen.

She made us eggs and granola first thing.

The nurse is too sick to come today but that is okay.

No matter what path we choose even if it is spiritual and maybe more if it is, there will be hardship
But what we discover is that no matter what the treasure we carry in our jearts is our own worthiness.  Worthy of the love that flows daily into our lives,

I felt so euphoric when I got home and happy with what I could do.  Now my arms are sore and so is my back.  To be expected I am sure.  Everyday that passes I am closer to my goal!

THE DYNAMITE DUO

Our final 

Christmas card arrived from 

down Under,

It was steaming hot!\

Thanks to our special family!

Hope you have a great holiday on the 20 and 

Dad  is doing much better and we awe more of a team nteam!  He is better at pushing my rusty wheel-chair.  I have gotten out and hopped to the back to give it a little turn,  I am being careful.  ha ha

Life is what happens but good can always be found. We are so thankful to have seen Rick and have Carol hereto to help.   They join the team of Sandra and Randy!hep1!Carol is helping kind the right car car with Kim  They are very happy.  Driving lessons today,

The Nurse next door comes today. We have to leave something for her to do.

I am hoping and praying for us all to get better  The Bennents always find the inner strength to cope and chase away bugs and trying to keep up-standing!

Courage for a new journey will come!

We have turned the corner! 

SUNSHINE

This is where we eat in our bedroom so nicely set up by Rick and Carol and dad, I enjoy being able to look outside.  It is always good to see the world going on about you.

I had a bad night with some messes but dad and I cleaned it up.  I am worried about dad too.  I woke up with more pain than I have had since I came home.  Carol is now doing some washing of the rug in our bedroom. 

I know I am  A Nuisance but I will do better.

Right now I need my energy and strength to transfer from bed to walk or bed to wheel chair.  Keeping the one food free of weight is tricky.

Kim and dad took off to interview the crossing guard about the accident,  He was able to confirm it all.  The lady was going to declare her innocence but has now faced the truth that it was her fault .
I watched them leave and for a brief moment was tempted to sneak down stairs.

It helps that the sun is shining and I am certain that my faith will continue to shine  on us all.

DIZZY LIZZY

The good news is that the bladder pills were making me dizzy.  Yes, I knew I was having dizzy spells and felt dizzy when I fell.  I am not taking these pills now.  I do honestly feel light headed and weak and I do make mistakes keeping off my foot.  I am trying.  I know I annoy especially dad but really I am doing well!

I am dizzy hearing about all the sickness.  Morgan and Theresa have the stomach flu (Morgan) and a sinus infection.  (Theresa)

Rick stood in line at the clinic and he has a lung infection and is on meds. 

He is very ill and we are worried.

I am hoping dad is better with ha new diet for diarrhea,

We both have appointments on the 18.  I go to have my hip x-rayed and he goes to the prostate cancer clinic right after me.

Dizzy with delight at the visit with Ophelia and Astra her baby sister, and their mom and dad.

I have more pictures but it is not working and I am dizzy trying.

BREAKING NEWS

I knew some thing was wrong this morning when Rick did not bring up when Rick did not bring up my morning coffee.

Rick I feel so bad that you got so ill you had to return home.  You probably have pneumonia.  You were a great help in all ways.  From helping to answers questions from the Nurse Next Door with insight and wisdom.  Helping me move around etc. and fetching things.  We need to train Haiti better.
I am praying for a safe journey home and hospital care.

I am so thankful for your visit. and it cheered me up extreme.y.

Km and Hamlet dropped by and we had extra medical information along with laughter.

Sandra and Carol you are the best daughters  a mom could hope for.

Theresa and Morgan thanks for the visit on Friday and help.  You are wonderful too.

Ken loved talking to you on the phone.


Love you

VICTORY

Victory comes as the sliding hospital doors open before me with Carol waiting with the get-a-way car.  My partners in crime are beside me, Sandra, and and dad. pushing me as fast as they can.  I was very afraid up to the very last second that I would not be able to escape from the hospital.

The conditions of my release were that I am to put no weight on my right leg and so that the fracture can heal.  I am to use a wheel-chair and to walk I hop with a walker.  I should have some one with me when I am hoping.  I find I get very tired but my goal is to keep renewing my strength,

I believe in the healing power of love and the love that is surrounding me with  my family in unbelievable.

Falling and cracking my hip because I lost my balance and felt dizzy was not a good day.  Their were two angels named Morgan and Wendy who came to help me.  A man stopped and phoned the ambulance which seemed to take a long time coming.  Dad arrived on the scene as he was worried about me.

I cannot write too much now.  I believe that we can each survive the most difficult circumstances, that we would have never chosen to be part of our lives.  Victory comes with the courage to keep trying and believing!