June 01, 2014 - Msg 98032: RIP Alice... The Brady's will miss you! She may have not have qualified as a "housewife" but she sure could clean a mean house and still have time to do Mrs. Brady's work too....

Hang in there Boo, I know how hard it is to be a caregiver, Stay Strong....

Romeena, Those GFI's can sure be problematic, but they sure are better than the alternative...."electrocution"

G-F
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98033: In remembrance to honor Alice...A clean sweep!...
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98034: RIP Ann B. "ALICE" Davis..

*******************
possum under a rock
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98035: Just caught up over in the archives- Boo, I'm sorry for your friend's loss of her son and will keep her in my prayers. I hate that you're having such a time caring for your mom-prayers for you,too.

Ro, hope you feel better soon!

Goodnight,Mayberry..

possum again
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98036: Good sweep G-F !..RIP Alice...just so sad about the fall in the bathroom..hey Possum,Romeena,Boo prayers for your friend...well here at work ..its about 4:30 am ..off at 6 and back at 2pm...my busy week...garden doing great..okra,peas,squash (all kinds), 30 better boy tomato plants..48 pepper plants...silver queen corn...well let me get the reports ran...breakfast at waffle house on Boo and I...prayers...SPOT
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98037: Sounds like SPOT has a whole vegetable world going on in his garden, but where are the green beans? I planted mine, and they came up in like 3 days with all the heat we've been having lately.
I planted a lot of sunflowers so my critters would have the seeds to eat this winter.

Romeena, I hope you are starting to feel better, wouldn't want to have to call Miss Ellie for a prescription ;) (right Sterling?)....

Asa, I forgot to thank you for another memory flash back when you were talking about your alfalfa. Growing up a famer near us would dry/process his into those little pellets and the smell of them drying would hang in the cool morning air. (better than the smell of napalm in the morning).

Where art thou TOM?

G-F
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98038: Thanks for those prayers and encouraging words, friends. :)

I'm a little stiff and sore this morning and realizing just how out of shape I am! I really need to work on that so I can be a help to mom.

I have the neighbor girls sleeping in the living room this morning. Their stepdad was in a drunken rage last night and Erin came home saying he was yelling things at those little girls that I could never repeat...he has been hitting their mom, too. Things were getting better over there but now the alcohol has taken back over and they no longer attend church. I brought the girls here last night to get them out of that situation but I cant protect them from it every night. I just wish their mom would get them out of that situation but she is about as messed up as the stepdad. If they were being physically abused, I would call child protective services, but I know from experience that nothing will be done if the abuse is verbal. I think they have been down that road before, and the cops have been there during their domestic "disputes" (drunken rages). Poor kids..not much else I can do, though.

Boo
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98039: Morning porch, hope everyone had a good week end.
back to work today, busy day ahead.

Prayers please for my brother in law. We learned last night that he is likely going to have to start dialysis. He is almost 59 and has a long history of high blood pressure. Not sure if that is the culprit or not but his kidneys have stopped filtering the toxins out of his system and he has been struggling with anemia as well. Apparently he is going to be admitted this morning for 2 units of blood and is having a port put in to begin dialysis. Since I am not a doctor or nurse I am not sure what all that really means. Not sure if once he begins dialysis if will be able to stop or not. He is divorcedand lives alone which makes me worry about having someone to take care of him through this. He never had any children either. He lives 2 hours away so it is hard for us to do much with out work schedules.

thanks for breakfast SPOT and Boo.
Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98040: Good afternoon, porch. So sorry to learn about Ann B. Davis. She was a very funny lady, and a very kind and loving person, according to everything I've read about her. Also, physically she reminded me very much of my MIL. The older she got, the more she looked like my MIL, who died recently. She was about six years older than Ann.

Big Maude, I'm sorry to hear about your BIL. If he's had high blood pressure all these years, that's almost certainly what has damaged his kidneys. If they can get that under control and keep it under control, there's a small chance that his kidneys will recover at least some of their function. We will pray with that in mind.

Boo, that's awful, those poor little kids having to live in that terrible situation. God will bless you for whatever you do to try to make their road a little easier, and safer! You know, I mean no offense to anyone, but I can't help thinking that if alcohol were removed from the equation, that might just be a happy home. As most of you know, I don't drink, not at all, never have. So, as a totally sober observer, I can say with conviction - I have never, ever seen any situation that was improved because alcohol was present, but I've sure seen a lot that were made much worse because of it. It does no good, it often does much harm, and I just never saw any need to take a chance with it. Those poor little kids.

The line power is still out for most of the back yard. Sure is dark back there at night! I ran an outdoor extension cord from an active outlet in another part of the yard, and at least got two of the pond pumps going. That will keep the fish safe until Ted can get here to fix it. He was coming today, but hit a snag on the job he was working on this morning, and it was going to be after four when he got here. I told him to go home when he finishes the other job. He's bound to be so tired, as he starts work around seven. His knees are worn out and cause him a lot of pain, and he's been on a ladder all day. No way would I hold him to his promise to come by here today.

Well, guess I'll go settle in and watch a little TV. I've been messin' around in the back yard for a while this morning, and am tired. This cold is still hanging on, and wearing me out. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98041: Ha! So much for settling in and watching TV. Right after I posted, David called. He was about to pass through Irving, and wanted to take me to lunch. Yippee! We went to my favorite Mexican place (his favorite, too) and had a great lunch. I only ate half of mine, brought the rest home, and now I've got supper tonight.

He told me about a situation which has been brewing, and boiled over yesterday, involving his oldest boy's baseball team. It's a select league team, with a paid coach. This can be a good thing, or it can be bad. In this case, it appears to be bad. First of all, the present coach schedules practices on Sunday morning, which is not cool, but David has tolerated it - not happy, but tolerating it. The boys are very serious about their baseball, and eager for all the coaching they can get. Well, yesterday morning (Sunday) at a game, the coach blew up. The boys lost, and the coach went on a rampage in the dugout. He was yelling, swearing, dropping "f" bombs and worse, and screaming at the boys to the point that other teams who were waiting to play were pulled back and out of earshot by their coaches. David wasn't there (good thing) but Brittney was, and she told David all about it.

Well, Dave is here now. He plans to request a conference with the coach this week. He will basically say this: "I have allowed my son to be kept out of church on Sunday mornings, which I didn't like, but tolerated it. Now he is being cursed at and subjected to language that absolutely would not be tolerated in our home, and should not be tolerated anywhere, and I'm paying large bucks for the privilege. I believe you owe the boys and the parents an apology, and a change in your behavior. If you can't conduct yourself like a decent man, and control your temper and your mouth, then my son will no longer be on your team. I bought into this team so he could learn, but I can't accept what he's being taught."

He fully expects the idiot to tell him that he's the coach and it will be his way or the highway. Dave is prepared to take the highway. There are other teams, and Landry is a good player. He'll find a slot.

Now, if the coach accepts David's comments, and apologizes, that will be the end of it, provided the behavior isn't repeated. David won't discuss it with anyone else. However, if he doesn't, then Dave plans to take it to the league board and make them aware of his behavior. At the same time, Landry will be removed from the team. There is absolutely no room for that kind of tantrum and behavior in front of impressionable kids. They're there to learn, and learn they most surely will - good or bad. So, please pray for David as he goes forth to slay Goliath.

Blessings! --Romeena
June 02, 2014 - Msg 98042: Wow Romeena What a Slug! That guy needs to find another thing to do that requires NOT working with Kids. I got it, he can be in charge of recreation at the State Prison and see how that works for him. I have a real problem with those kind of coaches. It can really ruin a kids sporting experience. Lucky when my Son was in Soccer he had a real good coach.
Glad your feeling some what better, must have been that Rx from Miss Ellie that did it. If not, maybe the heat from your Mexican dinner?....

G-F....


June 02, 2014 - Msg 98043: MESSAGE REMOVED
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98044:
I'll email Floyd. Boo- thank you for what you did with those kids. You are an angel. I wish the
lady and kids would go to a shelter there. They are in
my prayers for sure. It was a beautiful 112 here today. ha
MDC
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98045: Hey gang !..112 MDC?..wow...hey G-F,Boo,Romeena,Maude,Possum...well covering some shifts that techs are taking off...will have about 32 hrs OT..dont really mind that every once and in a while...got some house upgrades planed...well im here all night again...off in morning and off till wed...yard work tomorrow....FB porchters will post garden pics....back with breakfast menu in a bit...SPOT
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98046: Thank you for your kind words, MDC.

Well, Mom had a pretty bad stroke late this afternoon. She told me she was ready for supper and when I went to feed her, she couldn't raise her left arm (her good arm) to pick up her food, and things went quickly downhill after that..within a few minutes she couldn't speak and it got so bad I really thought she was dying. Her wishes are to be left alone and to die at home and she is already a DNR. I called the home health nurse and said we needed a hospice nurse to help us ASAP. It took some time but by 11:30pm, we had a hospital bed, a suction machine and oxygen here at the house. Mom is in bed and comfortable right now but is unable to swallow so we have to suction the secretions from her mouth. they are supposed to give her a med tomorrow that will dry some of that up. Anyway, we are in a bad place around here and not sure how we are going to handle the coming days, or how long she will be with us. I know you will remember us in your prayers. I got so scared earlier. I just don't want to watch her suffer. It seems that hospice is going to help us with that. St. Susan is here with me. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt much stronger when we went through this with Dad...not so much now with Mom. My eyes are burning from all the crying I did tonight. It's tough, but I know many of you have been through just what I am going through and I know I will make it. Love you all and will check in when I can.

Boo
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98047: Boo, So sorry to hear of the latest developments with your Mom, you ALL have been thru so much. All I can say is stay strong, and know your porch friends have you guys in our prayers...

G-F.....
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98048: I removed the message in question. Please let me know if you have more trouble. --Floyd
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98049: Prayers for you, your Mom and your family Boo. Please keep us posted.

My brother in law us still in the hospital and being evaluated. He says they are giving him blood to help the anemia and doing some tests. We also learned that for a long time now he has had issues with low T. Apparently it is at about 0. He says his PCP has known about it but said he did not want to deal with that at this time, but wanted to deal with the kidney issues and his anemia. Well, apparently having low T for a long period of time can cause anemia and lead to issues with the kidneys not working properly which may cause all of his issues. The urologist is wanting to hold off on the dialysis for now until he sorts all the other things out. His PCP also reported he is diabetic which is not true as his blood sugars generally run about 97 to 100 fasting.I think he needs a new PCP. thanks for listening. he is a good man and is close with Mr.Maude so I know he is worried about this.

Floyd, thanks for taking care of out porch. someone is certainly very cruel and warped! and does not realize our porch family does not tolerate folks who behave in that manner.

lunch will be: Philly cheese steak sandwhiches from the grill, SLAW, chips. cheese cake brownies for dessert. tea, strawberry lemonade to drink.

gotta get back to work.
prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98050: Morning all. Sounds like we had an interloper. Thanks Floyd. I didn't see it. Glad you are here.

Boo, Gosh, I am so sorry to read that about your Mom. You are all in my prayers. Be strong and remember the Lord is in control of things.

How is your jaw doing GF? Did they pull that tooth? I hope the tooth fairy left you some cold cash for it buddy.

That's quite a coach your Grandson has Romeena. I hope David can resolve it gently, but I suspect not. I coached both baseball and football, well and even a little basketball years ago. And I had to get out of it, not because of the kids, but the parents. My goodness, the way the parents carried on was a sight. I had more than one young player come to me an apologize for their parents bad manners during a game. I remember one parent real good. Her son was a very gifted athlete. He could play just about any position and play it very well. The problem was he was good, and he knew it. Well I had one very strict rule with the players. That was you come to practice. If you don't, you wont start the game. Well this young feller felt that he didn't need to practice. Perhaps he was a bit correct because he was so gifted. But I would tell him no matter how good you are, practice will make you better, and will assure you start every game. Well he didn't take to my advice one week, so on Saturday, instead of starting at Q.B. he was riding the bench. He was pretty upset, but he knew I meant business. His mom on the other hand went nuts. Throughout the first quarter all I could hear was her screaming to put her kid in the game. She was always vey noisy, but she was almost out of control. At halftime she came after me, right in my face, demanding to know why her son was on the bench. I told her my rule about attending practice and he had missed both practices that week. She yelled he was busy both nights and besides that, he was so much better than the other boys on the team, he didn't really need to practice. I counted to 10, smiled at her, and said, "if he wants to start on this team, he will come to practice". I thought she was gonna have a cow. I turned and went back to the team before she could respond. After the game she came back over and told me she might just let him play on another team. Well we both new their was a rule that you couldn't change teams in mid season like that. But rather than argue the point, I simply told her, "My loyalty is to these boys and to this team. This is a tam sport. If Auggie feels he is to good to come to practice, so be it. But he knows the rules. If he chooses to ignore them, he is putting himself before the team. I don't need that kind of player on the team. So if he wants to leave the team, let me know so I can recruit someone who wants to be here and part of the team". I awaited what I thought would be a yelling response, but instead she turned around quickly and stormed off. And was shocked the following week when he showed up for practices. That was just one example of many that took the enjoyment of the game away. Thankfully, most parents are good and decent. But it only takes one or two like the one I just described to ruin the experience. I had other occasions when parents would come to me with calm and reasoned questions about things that I really appreciated. So maybe David will have some success with him. But my experience with guys like that has been that they figure they have it all figured out. They run on emotion rather than reason sadly. I hope it all works out.

Well, I better get moving. Lots to do today.

Again Prayers Boo.

Asa
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98051: Thanks Floyd, That's why you are the best #3 Auxiliary Deputy...If trouble pops up what are you going to do?? Nip It! I can't hear you #3.. NIP IT!! That's better #3....haha

Asa that (lady?) The boys mother, she's a Sight! Did she hold her breath, stomp her feet, and roll on the ground and have a fit? You coulda told her "Good lung exercise" & "Don't get your clothes dirty"...

Asa, Yep, they had to pull it, much better now only it's kinda hard to chew on that side. But you know, now-a-days they don't pay for a tooth, they make YOU pay! I shoulda gone to the Dentist in Raleigh, I hear they pay better up there...haha Thanks for asking.....Continued *P-P-P* (Porch Powered Prayers) for Maude & Boo...

G-F
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98052: Dirty dirty me. I didn't even see Maudies post about her brother in law. Prayers for him and Big Maude for sure.
Thanks GF.

Asa
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98053: Thank you G-F, Maude, and Asa. Things are easier now. Hospice showed up around midnight and the equipment she needed came, also, so we were able to get her into a hospital bed to care for her, and we have oxygen and suction when we need it. They have prescribed some meds for anxiety and to help dry up the secretions that were choking her last evening. Now she is resting well, thank God. Thank you for your prayers. Now it's just wait and see.

I'll check in again now and then. :)

Boo

PS-saying a prayer for your brother-in-law, Maude.
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98054: Boo, My experience with hospice was Awsome with my Mom, they sure know how to take the stress and anxiety out of the equation, glad to see they are doing the same for you...

G-F again....
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98055: Thanks Floyd !...who has leftover Lunch...just woke up from an 18 hoot owl shift...SPOT
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98056: Well, I missed something. And I am probably glad I did. Thanks Floyd!

Romeena, it's bad enough to schedule practice through church. But then to curse in front of impressionable kids. I would find another coach anyway.

Boo, praying for your mom and your family. Hope everything works out. Praying also for your BIL, Maude.

A couple nights ago, I saw some flashing lights out in front of our house, and thought it was someone getting pulled over. But as it turns out, there was a police car and and ambulance in front of our neighbors house across the street. And I saw them wheeling one of the occupants into the ambulance.
Please give them a minute of prayer, please, if you could. They are a very nice and God-fearing couple, and I haven't seen either one of them at home for the last couple days, and their home is always dark at night, so it must be pretty serious.
I don't know their names but I have talked with them at times. I would like to see if they need anything, or just to watch the house or get the mail, but I have no way to get in contact with them. So hopefully they will be home soon. And well.

-Sterling Holobyte

-Sterling Holobyte
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98057: Boo, I was shocked to read about your mother's stroke. Do you know if it was the rare hemorrhagic stroke (blood vessel rupture), or the more common ischemic stroke (blood clot)?
I am very concerned about something you did not include in your posting. Before my mother had her stroke, I read a lot of medical literature for the layman. So I knew that if a patient receives medication to dissolve a clot within four hours of the common ischemic stroke, the chances of recovery were good. So when I first noticed her symptoms, my first thought was to call an ambulance to get her to the hospital quickly. But in your posting, there was no mention of an ambulance or emergency room. Can I ask why?

Also, I offer prayers for others here in need of them.

Sorry I missed the offensive post. I would have liked to try a simple investigation, but with the evidence deleted, that is no longer possible.

from Poor Horatio
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98058:
Sterling Holobyte, sorry to hear about your neighbors. The simple method to try and find their names is to ask the neighbors on either side of them.
A second method is to visit your county's assessor web site to search for property information by typing in their address. That should give you their names. Then visit www.zabasearch.com to search those names and you should be able to find their telephone number. And some of the listings will include the names of children or other relatives.
A third method is once you have identified their names from the county assessor's office, telephone the local hospital to see if you can speak with him or her.

from Poor Horatio
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98059: Poor Horatio, thank you for your concern. It would be a rather long post to explain the medical risks/reasons for not giving the stroke med you mentioned. It would have required diagnostics to rule out a hemorr. stroke before the med could be administered, and in mom's case you have to take into consideration the whole picture...her age, her physical state prior to this episode, her own wishes. Folks with mom's medical history and age are sometimes prone to TIA's, which will cause stroke symptom and resolve sometimes within just a few hours (mom had one recently that did just that). Mom had expressed wishes to be allowed to let nature take its course because she has been suffering in a body that is very broken for years and things were getting worse since her hip fracture in February. Mom had advanced directives, living will, and a do not resuscitate order to prevent medical intervention. To have given her the stroke med, would have at best only returned her to a miserable level of existence, or could have easily killed her. It really wasn't an option with mom. Knowing her will, we chose to let nature takes its course, keep her here among family that love her and make her as comfortable as possible. I know she is ready to join my Dad and was asking last week why he hasn't come to get her yet, so she wants to go. She has suffered more that I can tell you for 17 years now. I took the time to explain because I sensed your distress in your comments, and I appreciate that. I hope this helps ease your mind and that you can understand why we didn't send her to the ER for treatment. It's not always the right choice for every situation. Again, thank you for your concern for Mom.

Boo
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98060: PH, I forgot to mention that mom had a major stroke 17 years ago that left her in an invalid state...that is the suffering I was referring to..

Boo
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98061:
Boo, I knew that with your nursing background, there had to be a good explanation. Thank you for sharing that with us. I did not know how much she has suffered in the past. Forgive me for prying into your personal business. I pray that her wishes are granted in a peaceful way with a minimum amount of discomfort.

from Poor Horatio
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98062: Oh PH, no apology needed. I thought it was very kind of you to be concerned. Thank you for your prayers and wishes for mom.

Boo
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98063: Good evening, porch. Wow - I'm away from the porch for just a day, and look at what all has happened. Boo, you're in the same place I was with my dad. He prayed, out loud, several times a day for God to take him home. We had all the paperwork you mentioned in place, and were reconciled to the idea that when the trumpet sounded for him, he would go. A few weeks before his death, he suffered a stroke while sitting beside me in Sunday School. He just leaned over on my shoulder and couldn't straighten up. We got him into a wheelchair, I sent someone for my car, and we put him in it. His friends quite naturally didn't understand why I didn't call an ambulance. I just explained that I was following his wishes. They didn't understand at the time, but later, when I had time to explain, they did. People are kind, and concerned. I will be praying for the very best outcome for your mom, for you, and for your family. "Recovery" may not be the best thing, at this point. Recover - to what? Full robust health and activity? Not going to happen. Recover to more waiting, sitting in a wheelchair? Most likely. We must remember that "Tis not the whole of life to live, nor all of death to die." -James Montgomery.

Sterling, you're very kind to be concerned about your neighbors. PH has offered some good ideas for getting their information. You might also try taping a note to their door, or if they enter through their garage as I do, tape it to the garage door. They may be coming home late at night, unseen.

Big Maude, it sounds like there's a ray of hope for your BIL, and I would most definitely be looking for another PCP. A good place to start might be the urologist - ask for a suggestion. He or she would know of a PCP who would have had a better grasp of the issues here, and since those issues are foremost right now, you need a PCP who is cognizant of the metabolic influences on kidney function.

Asa, bless you. Volunteer coaches are the cats! Good for you, standing your ground with that pushy woman. She had no idea of the disservice she was doing her own son, behaving like that. As for David and Landry's coach, believe me, David will handle it right. He takes the calm, non-aggressive approach, doesn't get upset or raise his voice, he just states his case and that's that. So much like his dad. He will definitely stick to that position in this case. David is 6'5" and weighs about 275. The coach is a skinny little guy, less than half David's size. That actually puts David at an advantage, but not because he's bigger. It forces him to really maintain his self-control and take a gentle approach, to avoid coming off like a big bully. He has never had a bullying nature, and even as a child, he defended the underdog. So he will speak softly, state his case, remove his son from the team, and go his way. He probably will report the incident to the league, as the man needs to be stopped, but I would bet someone has already done that. That's what I'm hoping for, that the league has removed him, and Landry can stay with his team. They're a good team, and play well together. That makes the man's tirade even harder to understand. He was screaming at them that they were all losers, that even if Ron Washington was coaching they would still be losers, all of this peppered with expletives that should absolutely not have been uttered anywhere, let alone directed at 12 and 13 year old boys. I have every confidence that David will handle it well, and corrections will be made.

Oh, Ted came today, and found the source of the short out back that tripped the GFI. Ants have invaded two of the ground light bases. Like Ted said, little ant bodies will conduct electricity, and if you get enough in there, they can make contact all the way to the ground, and short the fixture out. So, while I don't like using pesticides, I do keep a small container of Orthene on hand for such as this. A couple of teaspoons sprinkled directly on their area will kill the colony by tomorrow. Once that's done, I'll sprinkle dirt over the area to cover the Orthene and keep other critters out of it. So, at the moment, the lights are on. Yay!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 03, 2014 - Msg 98064: Boo, listening to what your Mom's wishes are reminds me a lot of what my Mom's wishes/requests/demands were. As she stated to all us kids..."Like it or not you kids, I'm still the Captain of this ship"! And yes she was right up to the end. As Frank Sinatra said she did it HER way..... We never regretted bringing her back home and taking care of her with the help of hospice. Stay Strong....

Romeena, Good to hear Motel 6 is back in business..(keeping the lights on) haha "Romeena Bodett"...

G-F..
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98065:
Prayers for all the Porch!! My goodness, I don't know what to say that hasnt already been said,
except that I am indeed praying for all these situations...Boo's mom, Maude's relative, the kids,
and all.
The post in question was, I think, our interloper from awhile back. The sentence structure and the complaints about porchsters issues were much the same. Floyd dealt with it. Thanks Floyd!
Sleep well,
MDC
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98066: Oh,my,Boo.. I don't know quite what to say,so I will just send love & blessings to you & your mom. Love you,girl..

Prayers for Maude's B-I-L and Sterling's neighbors.

Thank you,Floyd. Some people's children.. geesh! Hope they go find another neighborhood to play in!

Y'all take care-love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98067: HIS CALL.
Count ourselves many a blessing-
Or are we even aware...
How many the things to be grateful for...
Especially that others care?

Even when we are all alone-
The Lord e'er remains in our heart;
How marvelous to have Him near-
To know He'll never part.

Share with another our comfort
When they are in time of need,
How He is the Rock to lean on
And how upon Him we feed.

He is ours for the asking
And never will fail us at all,
Respond to His summoning kingdom
By answering "Aman" to His call!

TOM
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98068: Thanks Possum and MDC..and thank you for your poem, Tom. Love you all

Boo
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98069: Thanks TOM, Good to hear from you!.....G-F
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98070: Well, taking a break to see who is on the porch...hope you are all having a good day. We are carrying on and appreciate your prayers.

Boo
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98071: Good afternoon, porch. Eloise and I did a little mousing around this morning, she got a manicure, I got a pedicure, we visited Hobby Lobby, had lunch and then I came home!

Nice to see TOM stopping by - thanks for the beautiful poem!

I talked with David. He visited with Landry's coach yesterday, and it went well. He used a non-threatening approach, told the man he didn't want to make it an issue, but wanted to be sure that his position is clearly understood. Basically, he said "I know you know where we stand on things like this. We believe in encouraging, not brow-beating. We definitely will not tolerate that kind of language, or a temper tantrum directed at the boys." At this point the man interrupted with a very profuse apology. David let him finish, thanked him for the apology, and then said "Since you have offered an apology, I'll accept it. However, please understand that if this happens again, Landry will be removed from the team at that moment. We do not intend to be paying for the privilege of having our son cursed at, and having him witness someone who is supposed to be a role model as he throws a tantrum." The man assured David it would never happen again. They shook hands and David left. Now, it remains to be seen.

If I may dip my toe into political waters for a moment - I'd like to encourage everyone to pay attention to Dr. Ben Carson. I've read his book, "America the Beautiful", and am now reading his biography, "Gifted Hands." I have "One Nation", but have not read it yet. We all have the right to our opinion, and can vote as we please, but that vote should be an informed choice. So far, Dr. Carson has impressed me as a highly intelligent man, a patriot, and a grass-roots American. I have been told more than once that I was a "racist" because I didn't like Obama. Well, to those who hold that opinion I say - just hide and watch while I vote for Dr. Carson. That is, if he runs, and I pray that he will.

OK, that's all I have to say on that subject, except this: Vote as you please, but before you pull that lever, be sure you know, really know, who and what you're voting for.

It's warming up around here these days. It's 92° here right now. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 04, 2014 - Msg 98072: Romeena, That's what I did today too (except minus the manicure) I went mousing at Hobby Lobby with my Granddaughter, to look for some "projects" to work on now that school is out.

G-F....

June 05, 2014 - Msg 98073: Ro, I really like Ben Carson and read his gifted hands book a year ago. He would be a great president, I think.

Sitting up with mom on my shift. She is requiring morphine and Ativan every few hours and someone has to be up to make sure she is kept as comfortable as possible. Susan and I are really tired and I am letting her sleep for a few hours and then she will let me sleep. Her husband is coming at around 5am to take over for us for awhile. This is harder than I thought it would be. I feel kind of blind-sided. I never would have believed I would have the kind of emotions I am having now. I thought I was ready...I mean mom is 87, has been having such a tough time of things for years, but I am just not feeling like I am ready to let go. I thought I would feel like a grown woman losing her mom, but instead I feel like a little girl losing her mama. I imagine of you can relate to what I am saying. It is painful but I have every confidence that all will be well...its just getting through this that is tough. Thank you for your prayers, they are so needed and appreciated.

Boo
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98074: Really, G-F? You took your granddaughter shopping at Hobby Lobby? Good for you! I'm pretty sure my Dale wouldn't have done that. Well, maybe he would, but I'm not sure. He would dress our girls, and even comb their hair as long as they weren't wanting braids or something, but he wasn't much on taking them shopping. May your tribe increase!

Don't you love Hobby Lobby? What a great store! I find all sorts of neat stuff in there, and the prices are reasonable. In fact, they're very reasonable if you watch the sales. You can usually find additional %-off coupons online, as well. Today I bought a 9" reproduction of Dürer's "Praying Hands" for just $7.48. That sculpture has long been a favorite of mine, so I snagged it. It looks very nice above my fireplace.

Boo, what you're feeling is perfectly normal, and of course you know that. I don't care if the mother is 100 and the daughter is 80, the mother-child connection is about to be broken, and it hurts. Just keep reminding yourself that this isn't an ending, it's just a transition. Keep the prayer lines open, and you can do this, my friend. Remember too, that you are modeling peaceful acceptance, to provide a guide for your own children to recall, one day. They will remember your strength, your courage, and the loving support you're giving your mom now. Sunrise, sunset....

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98075:
BOO- my prayers continue for your mom and you and your family. As Ro said, you are experiencing "normal." I went thru it with mom, and that was after watching her go thru 10 years of Alz.
God be with you. Prayers continue for all.
RO-your words are fine here. Infact, i was going to
bring up how i emailed the whitehouse about this prisoner fiasco, but also didnt want to cause any problems. But really, what else can that man screw up? OK, my soapbox goes back under the porch.
Have a good night,
MDC
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98076: Thanks Ro, just the right words, as usual. :) Thanks MDC, too..I guess I'm experiencing the normal. I think one of the toughest things is the lack of sleep. I just haven't been able to...very little and that effects emotions as well. I am just to beat to think straight. It really does help though, to hear from friends who have been through it and came through it. :)

I can tell that mom's breathing is changing...quicker and more shallow, but heart is going strong and there really aren't any other signs to suggest that is will be very soon...anything is possible, though, I know. I am praying for strength and I ask my friends to pray that specifically, also for a peaceful, comfortable passing for mom. Thanks.

Boo
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98077: Hang in there Boo. I know how hard a situation it is that you are in, but I agree with what Romeena said so beautifully, it's a transition. I do pray that if will be a smooth and comfortable one and for you to be blessed with the strength and stamina to endure it. I hope you can get some sleep. Blessings on you all.

Asa
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98078: Boo- Continued prayers for you and your family,and may your mom leave this world in a loving and peaceful way.
God bless you all-love to you,my friend.

*******************
possum under a rock
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98079: Boo, Stay Strong, I hope you feel the P*P*P and know most of us have been thru the same thing so we share in your pain. I always thought this to be the final act of love, for them to have their family embraced around them. Love conquers all..

Romeena, Yep H/L is one of my favorite stores, being creative & crafty it supplies my needs. I think todays project is wacky sunglasses. We bought big wooden glasses that we will decorate, they have photo frames where the lenses go so we can put pictures in them.
We also have a store called "Pat Catans" much like H/L it's a craft superstore, so I frequent both.

G-F....
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98080:
Boo, in a sense, you, your sister and your mother are very lucky people. Many people pass away suddenly and away from their families. You and your sister are lucky because you both have the chance to prepare for the end. And your mother is lucky because she is being cared for by family members who love her the most. This is exactly how it was when my father was dying. When he learned his condition was terminal, he made us promise to allow him die at home. Although my mother and sister (a nursing student at that time) did a great job caring for him, unfortunately, I was away on active duty in the military. I stayed in touch with frequent telephone calls. And I would fly home on weekends when I didn't have the duty just to provide much needed relief for my mom and sister. All this helped us when the end came.

from Poor Horatio
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98081: True and helpful words from loving friends! Looking back to when my mom was in her last days, one thing comes to mind. She was just hanging by a thread, eight weeks following open heart surgery, complicated by a stroke during the surgery, and another one (at least) in the following weeks. She was back in the hospital, and had one more, a big one. Yet, through all of this, she seemed to be struggling, not really aware (according to her EEG, which was essentially flat, indicating little or no brain activity) but not peaceful either. Finally, I realized what the problem was. She needed reassurance, and permission. I'll never really know what her brain was capable of registering, but I held her close and told her she was not to worry about my dad (he had Alzheimer's), that we would take good care of him. I told her that she was to just relax, rest in Jesus, and answer when He called. Her little hands, which had been tense and clenched, relaxed. In about two hours, she slipped away. Sometimes that's all that's needed - just the assurance that the ones they are leaving will be fine, and that it's okay to leave. It really can be that simple.

I love you folks! Blessings. --Romeena
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98082: What wonderfully wise and loving friends you all are. Thank you for sharing your own experiences and wisdom..it helps so very much. You people really are the cats, you know that?

G-F said, "love conquers all"...even death. So true.

Today is a much better day for me and my family..and for mom. I managed four hours of sleep this morning and now I am not such an emotional basket case. ;) Amazing what a little sleep will do. For the last couple of days, everytime I would lie down, the memories would race through my mind and I couldn't not cry. I guess I am more excepting now and know that mom is doing alright so I could sleep. We are now at the right amount of meds, on the right schedule and that she is not anxious. Yesterday she was..you could see it in her face and in her heart rate, but today, clam..relaxed and heart rate is a nice calm rate. She can no longer respond to us when we speak to her but I know she hears. Sometimes when we talk to her, her breathing slows enough that you can tell she is listening. I'm not sure how much she comprehends, but we sit with her, hold her hand, tell her how much we love her and that she will be ok. Yesterday evening my sister had a long talk with her about letting go and going to see Dad..maybe that is what calmed her. Today is a much different day and peace just pervades the house. I think it may not be long, since she now has a fever and I am starting to see some blue discoloration in her fingers and hands. Someone will be with her, sit with her and we will continue to keep her comfortable and rejoice in all she is and has been to us while we have her here. It's all ok now. Thank you for your prayers...I feel them. Love you all.

Boo
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98083: "calm"...not "clam" hehe

Something else I did that really seemed to help me for some reason, is I put up pictures of mom and dad in the room she is in, and I displayed the childhood story book she used to read to me every day...I had it memorized by the time I was five...still do. :) I also covered her with a beautiful quilt that was lovingly made by hand by a dear Aunt of hers. Not sure why, but doing those things to honor her and her life helped me.

Boo

Boo
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98084:
Boo, you and your sister are doing all the correct things for your mother. If she can't see anymore, then you need to stimulate her senses of hearing and feeling and smelling.
Each time anyone is in the room, hold her hand or stroke her forehead.
In my readings about near death experiences, I remember how many patients reported that they could hear even if they could not respond. When you or your sister can't be in the room with her, have something playing some of her favorite music or religious preachings like from the Bible. Chose from what tapes or CD's your family owns and check with your library to see what can be checked out.
Or if she listened to a particular radio station, that would also help.
Also have something that emits a pleasant aroma. Does she have a favorite scent?

from Poor Horatio
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98085: You know folks, these tough times that Boo is going through now solidifies my belief that God puts people in you paths for when times are tough. Not only for the people experiencing the pain, but for the folks who are helping others thru it also. It rekindles those memories of our loved ones too. I always comment about "Memory Blasts" when we talk of things that we have done or experienced in the past. I find it strange but calming by hearing some of the things that Boo is going thru are exactly the same as what I also dealt with, it kinda reassures me that we did was right too?
So I'm saying, it's helped me as much as we may be helping you, kinda odd but true...

G-F....
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98086: PH Just as I was describing Memory Blasts you posted. I really believe that they can hear and feel even tho they can't speak. When Mom was in what we thought to be a comatose state my 2 sisters were arguing about something stupid and Mom slightly lifted her hand and gave us the "hooked" finger", which was always her way of saying: "NIP IT"!! Wow, I had forgotten that moment, thanks PH for the Blast!

G-F again....
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98087: My prayers continue for all. This is quite a porch! :)
God bless,
MDC
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98088: Oh, Sterling, have you heard from your neighbors? mdc
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98089: This is just such a special time. Boo, I want to thank you for sharing this experience with us. I believe each of us will take something away from this, that will be helpful to us. It may be a reawakened memory, or a bit of insight, or just the joy of being connected with other people at an important time in their lives. We have a unique little community here on the porch. Even though most of us will never meet on this earth, still we feel a sense of connection that's is so precious. At least that's the way I feel, and I think you do as well.

PH, what a great suggestion about having a pleasant scent in the room. I had never thought of that. I wish I had - my mom would have enjoyed it, I know. She did have a cologne that she wore frequently, and it would have comforted her, I think, made her "feel pretty", so to speak. The rest of us would have enjoyed it as well, something to cover the antiseptic smell of the hospital. I never objected to that smell when I was working, but I remember I didn't like it in my mother's room. So, take a bottle of your mom's favorite fragrance and spray it on her sheets ever so lightly, or put a drop or two on a cotton ball and tuck it somewhere nearby. If she doesn't have a favorite, just choose something light and fresh. What a loving thing to do!

Well, I've been in the yard working most of the day, am tired, grubby, and probably smelly! Gotta hit the shower, much to Toye Starr's horror. She hates it when I get in the shower, paces outside the shower door, whining, and usually when I do step out, I find a little pile of her favorite toys by the door. I think she brings them to me to try to lure me to come out of that awful place. I bathed her in the shower - once - and to her, stepping through that door is like entering Gehenna. She just knows that I might never return! Funny little creature. --Romeena
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98090: MESSAGE REMOVED
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98091: MESSAGE REMOVED
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98092: MESSAGE REMOVED
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98093: MESSAGE REMOVED
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98094: Our interloper returned and is not welcome. I removed all messages related to the user from the Chicago area. -- Floyd
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98095: Wow ...just got here...Interloper?...thanks Floyd..hey ROmeena,MDC,PH,GF,Boo and all...well its a long night here...bad storms came through....send food....SPOT
June 05, 2014 - Msg 98096: I'm glad you made it through the storm, SPOT. Have a great evening and I hope the get you something to eat. --Floyd