I'm Baaaacckkk...

Well, actually I haven't gone anywhere.. just haven't posted or been on the computer much except for working.

Sir Michael is doing great!! I can't believe it, in October last year (when he was first diagnosed with bladder cancer) they gave him "a few weeks to a few months". Then when he had his surgery on January 2nd, the said "a few weeks to a few months". And here we are approaching another Christmas at 14 months later, and my boy is still alive and barking and the joy of my life. I just love him so much. Who would have thought, last year, as he was passing those huge clots and in so much pain that he would still be with me to see another Christmas. To look at him, you'd never know he was sick... except for his belly band and diaper, he looks and acts perfectly normal for a 12 year old dog. He is truly a Miracle Mutt, and along with the Miracle and Magic that is Christmas, I am grateful beyond words.

Before I go any further, I want to thank each and every one of you who has taken this journey with us. Without all your love, support, prayers, donations, caring and compassion, Mike would not be with me now. I couldn't ask for better friends than all of you special, wonderful people I have found since Mike got ill. The words, "Thank You", just don't seem to be enough. How can two little words tell you what's in my heart? How can they even begin to relay the comfort you have given me? At one of the worst times in my life, you were there for me when even some family members and "friends" were not. No, "Thank You" isn't enough, but I'm afraid it will have to do, since I don't know of any other way to show my gratitude for my boy's life. May God bless each and every one of you and bring you all the love and peace and blessings that you've brought to me.

Princess Gidget is still being the pesky little sister and wants Mike to play with her all the time. When he ignores her, she starts on me... always wanting the attention and more and more playtime every day. Of course, she'd much rather Mike play with her... I guess I'm second best in her book. LOL As I write this, she's tearing around the living room... running around like Speed Racer.

Since it's been so cold out, I haven't been able to take her out for walks or to let her run (with her 15 foot leash) around me (like on a pony ride). I feel bad about this, but the cold gives me headaches, and no matter even if I wear a hat, the least bit of cold on the top of my head starts them up. It's going to be a long winter. I'd love to have a fenced in yard where I could just open the door and let her run, but I don't, so I guess we'll have to make up for it in the Spring or when it finally warms up a little. Until then, I'll be happy she has enough room to run around and expel some of that puppy-dog energy.

As for me... I'm doing fine. Actually, I've had some REALLY good days. Last week, I had a day that was remarkable for me. Except for waking up with a little headache that was gone by 9:00... I had a fantastic day. I went to the store, went to work, came home, fed the dogs, made dinner, cleaned the house a little, did laundry, took a shower and still felt great when I went to bed. This may not sound like a lot to you all (or anything out of the ordinary for normal people), but for me, it was a day to mark on the calendar. The reason is... I've been extremely tired for so long... not sleepy tired, but weak tired.. no energy at all. It's been a chore just to get up sometimes. The thing is... I didn't realize how bad I felt until I had a good day. I can't remember the last time I felt so good. All I could do was Praise God the entire day. Another reason this day was so odd was the fact that (as usual) I didn't sleep hardly at all the night before... and when I did sleep, I'd wake up within 45 minutes. I've felt really good ever since then except for one day when I did have to take a 20 minute power nap to recharge. And... after a couple days of feeling good, I've actually been able to sleep pretty decent at night. Yep, I've got a multitude of blessings to be grateful for.

Hi Gabby,

It's so good to hear from you. I've been worried about you. I'm glad to see you're back. I haven't been to IMOM for awhile to see if you've posted there. If you have, I'll stop in and check on you. How are you feeling? How is your back and neck? Have you had surgery? Are you going to? So many questions. E-mail me your phone number, and I'll call you over the weekend.

Sending tons of love, blessings, hugs, nose and whisker kisses from all of us to all of you. Thank you so much for being here for us.

Love & Blessings,
Mike, Gidget & Joanna

Gabby said...

So glad to hear this. We think about your and yours quite often. Hope the holidays are bringing you comfort and joy and a sense of togetherness. You three have fought some tough battles, now its time to enjoy yourselves.

Happy Holidays

Love,
Gab N Gang

December 7, 2008 4:41 PM