I don't know if I'll get a chance to get to IMOM today... I'm going to try, but I didn't want this day to pass without wishing each and every one of you a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year. You have all been such wonderful friends... in my entire life, I never thought I would have so many people who could (or would) care for my best friend and myself like you do. I truly wish nothing but pure happiness and blessings for all of you.
Well... we're back to snow again. There are high gusting winds, and the temperature is 23 degrees with a chill factor of 5. Yep, winter is here to stay. I don't know if I told you, but the other day (don't remember which one... maybe Friday), we broke the record at 65 degrees!!!! Oh my gosh, it was a WONDERFUL break from winter weather. We all knew it wasn't going to last, but boy did we enjoy not having to bundle up that day.
I don't think Mike feels too good today. Around 6:30 or so he started scratching on the carpet (like he was trying to get comfortable). He does this at night sometimes... silly puppy, still doesn't realize the carpet doesn't puff up like his comforter does... but usually once he lays down, he doesn't do it anymore. Well.. like I said, he started doing it, but wouldn't stop. I kept telling him to stop it and lay back down again. He'd stop for a few minutes and then start all over again. Then he came next to my bed and looked at me, so I asked if he wanted to go out. Well.. he did. He went out and then came in and just sat looking at me. Then he told me he was hungry. I heard his belly grumbling, so I didn't want to give him anything heavy. I made him some oatmeal, but he wouldn't eat it unless it was right out of my hand. He only ate a couple of tablespoons full, so I know it wasn't enough to satisfy him if he was really hungry. I did manage to get him to take a Pepcid. So far, I don't think it's kicked in since his stomach is still rumbling. Also, his breathing sounds like you would if you had a cold... kind of heavy in the chest or like it would sound if he was snoring... don't know what that's all about, but I'm praying he's not going to get sick on me.
Gidget is doing great. I've "finally" decided I could trust her to go in to the rest of the house, so I've taken the table leaf that I used as a divider by the hallway away. She's so funny. She will go in the bedroom and sit on the end of my bed where she can see herself in the long wall mirror... and... she barks at herself. It's even funnier when she lays down in that spot and looks at herself and growls at that silly puppy in the mirror. She is such a card. Right now, she's sitting on the arm of the couch (her favorite perch... like a cat) and watching the cars go down the street... just waiting for something to bark at. She just loves this snow (and wind).. I swear she'd stay out there all day if I let her. She bites the snow and chases the wind. She really does make me laugh sometimes.
Judy, Gracie and Rylee said...
Joanna...what a beautiful Christmas post you wrote!! I want to send you the best thoughts and prayers for this Holiday Season...I am so far behind, forgive me...I so appreciated you visiting Gracie's thread on IMOM...THANKS!
Just wanting you to know that you, Mike and Gidget are always in my thoughts...
I tried to post on the blog the other day that WE were at the Crown Classic on Saturday also...we were there in the morning...my two friends and I celebrated our Christmas that day and after the dog show we went to tea...very nice day!!! I didn't see the Westies or the Collies but it was fun...
Best wishes to you and yours for a happy and HEALTHY New Year!! Hugs, Judy and the girls
Hi Judy (and Gracie and Rylee too of course)...
We were probably at the Crown Classic at the same time. Gee, we could have passed each other and didn't even know it. That was the first dog show I'd ever gone to. I loved it!! I'm planning on going to any other ones they have there in the future. Maybe we can meet there some day.
Give Gracie and Rylee some big hugs and belly rubs for me.... and I'm sending lots of hugs to you and Dale too (no belly rubs though) LOL.
Have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2009!!!
December 27, 2008 7:28 AM
Michelle, Sydney and Charlie said...
Hi Joanna! I'm so glad you had such a wonderful holiday and that Mike is still with you. You and I are so fortune to still have our babies. Give him some serious hugs and kisses from us.
Michelle & Syd (Char too;)
Hey Michelle...
Mike LOVED the hugs and kisses (especially the kisses from Syd and Char). It's funny that he loves kisses from other puppers but gets really upset when his little sister attacks him with those whisker kisses. LOL
We're both so blessed to have our fur-babies with us this Christmas and New Year, and I'm already planning for us all to be together again for the next one. On January 2nd, it will be a year since Mike's surgery. I am so grateful... 12 months since the surgery and 14 months since his diagnosis. WHOOPPEEEEE!!!!
Give bunches of hugs and belly rubs to the furkids and bunches of hugs to you and the skin kids.
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2009!!!
December 27, 2008 10:09 AM
Alexandra said...
Wow, Joanna your Christmas sounds so wonderful! And what a great writer you are! I sat here giggling as I read about Mike opening his presents and Gidget trying to get in on the fun. And it's so funny that once he opens them he doesn't care that Gidget snatches the prize and runs off with them. I wish you had a video camera to take a movie of this event. I would love to see it.
I'm just so glad that you had such a blessed Christmas. You really sound so happy. You really are an amazing woman, Joanna! Thanks for sharing so much on your blog. It warmed my heart:)
Take care...
Alex, Shakespeare, and Maleah
December 29, 2008 5:51 PM
Oh Alex...
You always make me feel so good. You are such an inspiration to me. I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas antics of these two little white monsters (well.. only one is a monster LOL). I've got to tell you... "you" are the amazing one. You have come so far and been through so much... and yet... your faith grows stronger with each obstacle that comes your way.
Give those adorable litte furbabies some ear skritches and belly rubs from me and nose kisses from my two.
Have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2009!!!
Ok everyone... I'm off to get done what I have to get done on the last day of 2008. I have to say one more thing first though. I don't know about any of you, but my "typical" midnight saying on New Year's Eve is "thank God this year is over"... but... know what? This year, I almost hate to see 2008 end. Even with all the challenges, this has to have been one of the most rewarding years I've had in a very long time. God has taken every obstacle from me or helped me to get over them. And with each and every obstacle... He has given me something to be thankful for... it goes to prove that "All things work for good for those who love the Lord".... even the bad things work for good.
I mean, look at it... Mike was deathly ill, and I found new friends and new faith in humanity. I was so financially stuck that I couldn't get through the first two weeks of the month, and then He helped me find a part time job that gets me through the month. I don't have anything extra at the end of the month, but I get through it. And... I even found the job because of Mike's illness too... if I hadn't looked for a vet to come to the house to euthanize him when the time comes, I never would have found Dr. Blaha.
I don't think any of you know this, but three years ago... (it's embarrassing to say, but it goes to prove there is always hope)... I was getting food stamps (but not much in that allowance), and I was actually standing in line at a food bank once a month to help get through the month with food in the house. I couldn't work at all.. not even part time or from home, so I did what I had to do to survive. Thank God Mike's needs were very few back then, but had he gotten sick at that time, I would have given up anything including my apartment to save him.
So... now you know "part" of why I am so grateful and hold so much faith. Everything I've gone through has been a lesson. I've had lessons in life, finances, friends, stamina, patience, humanity and most of all the meaning of faith and hope.
I pray that each and every one of you finds peace and happiness in the new year and always... that you never have need for anything... that you be healthy and all and any illness you may be facing are released and returns you to health... that you find hope when it seems there is none... that you find beauty in the smallest thing that perhaps in the past has gone unnoticed (a butterfly, a flower, a snowflake, a child's giggle, a pet's kiss)... that you find love in every turn you make... and most of all... that you find all the peace and blessings that is offered by God and that you accept His love and friendship and wholeness in your life. He is all we ever need, because when we have Him in our life, He takes care of all our needs.
Peace, Love and Joy To Each And Every One of You
God Bless You
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
As I sit here writing this... Mike is laying on one side of my chair, Gidget is laying on the other, and there is a beautiful video of a fireplace on my television playing the most beautiful Christmas music. I guess I accidentally taped it the other night when I thought I was taping something else. How restful and peaceful this feels right now. I'm not going to tape over this video... it seems to relax both of the dogs as much as it does me. It was sponsored by McDonald's "McCafe"... no commercial interruptions, but "McCafe" is on the bottom of the screen. I'm going to have to e-mail them and thank them for this beautiful tribute to Christmas. It's refreshing... when so many other large companies are taking Christ out of Christmas, that this company is making a point of playing songs that praise Him and His birth.
Christmas Eve was really nice. I went to my brother's house, and it was really good to have both my brothers and their wives and me (along with my sister-in-law's children from out of town and my brother's daughter) there. Michelle and Brandon were in Missouri visiting Chris and Rebecca, and I really missed them, but I know they're totally enjoying their visit with them. We ate a lot and played a couple of games. It was very relaxing and peaceful. I didn't get him until about 10:30, and I was really tired so the pups only got to open one gift before I was totally worn out. I saved the rest of them for Christmas Day.
My Christmas yesterday was wonderful. The first thing that made it so wonderful was that Mike is still with me. I could never ask for a better gift than this, so I was grateful from the first moment of the day.
In the morning, I went with a group of Christian singles that I do things with on occasion. We went to a children's hospital and visited every precious child in there that could not go home for Christmas, and some will never go home, and some will go to nursing homes when their time at the hospital is done. There were twelve precious souls in that hospital... ages from 6 months to 19 years old. Oh my God, how they touched my heart. Each child got a number of gifts, some Christmas carols and a lot of love from us and the staff. I was so happy to see that almost everyone had a parent or grandparent with them, and a couple of them had Mom and Dad and siblings with them. The families (as much as I could tell) spent the night with them on Christmas Eve. The one that had two little boys (maybe 2 and 3 years old) set up an air mattress on the floor next to their infant daughter's crib so they could all be together in the morning.
It was heart wrenching but beautiful at the same time. I've never felt so humbled in my life, nor more grateful for the health of my own children and grandchildren. It was such a blessing to share a little bit of our Christmas with these beautiful, strong and loving children and their families that are fighting so hard to maintain life... the faith and love these people show to each other (along with the loving staff we met) just gives me even more faith in the love of humanity when we see so much inhumanity in the world. There IS love and faith in the world, and we are all strengthened by it. God Bless those wonderful babies, toddlers and teens and their families who remain so steadfast in their love and faith.
After I got back from the hospital, I was hoping I'd have time to let the dogs open their presents, but we got home later than expected, so it had to wait until I got home from my brother's after dinner. Again... lots of food, fun and Christmas love.
Of course, the best part of the entire day (besides the children, of course) was watching Mike and Gidget open their presents. Oh my gosh... what a trip. Mike REALLY comes to life when he knows he has gifts to open. He doesn't really care what's in them... he just loves ripping them apart. My brother gave me a digital camera to use, so I got pictures, so when he downloads them on the computer and sends them to me, I'll post them. There were a lot of pictures of Mike's head since I couldn't get him to get to an angle where you could actually "see" him ripping them apart. But I think I got a few good ones.
It was so funny, because until Gidget actually got the hang of opening the gifts, she'd try to get in on helping Mike opening his... well, he wasn't thrilled with that and let her know.... BUT... as soon as he finished opening it, he didn't stop her from grabbing the presents and running off with them. Like I said, he doesn't care what's in them. Mike's not in to the squeaky toys... he likes the stuffed ones, but by the time he finished opening everything, he was pretty warn out with the excitement and slept for a couple of hours while Gidget finally had enough to keep her busy and out of trouble. LOL
This morning, I've already had to toss out the two squeaky toys (rubber slabs of ribs that "seemed" strong enough for both dogs to play with), because little Miss Gidget got hold of both of them (one at a time) and just kept chewing on the corner until it started coming apart. The rubber was hard, and I didn't want her to choke on it. So, after I threw out the first one, she started on the second one (Mike's) and that one lasted about another twenty minutes. Good thing Mike didn't want it anyway.
I've done surgery on one of the soft toys already this morning, and it's ready to go back into the operating room again when I pick up a thread and needle again. That was one of Mike's favorites... for awhile. A little while ago, he got a burst of energy and started playing with one of the smaller ones that apparently isn't as easy to tear. I got each of the dogs the same toys, and of course when Mike was playing with this little toy, Gidget wanted the same one.... no way... he wasn't gonna give it up (WAY TO GO MIKE... YOU KEEP HER IN CHECK)... so I gave her the one I had gotten for her, and she played with it until she saw Mike put his down for a half a second, then she swooped in and grabbed his... she is SUCH a little thief.
I was playing with Mike when he had the toy, and he was sooooo funny... growling and rough housing with me, daring me to take it from him... of course it was all in play, he'd never bite me for taking something from him. But it was just so much fun. And then Gidget would come up with her's in her mouth, and I'd have to rough house with her with the other hand. I LOVED IT!!!! I AM SOOOOOOO VERY BLESSED!!!
I hope and pray each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas too and that the blessings that are Christmas stay with you throughout the entire New Year.
God Bless You My Wonderful Friends. Without you... my Christmas without Mike would have been very bleak... but you've kept him (and my spirits) alive throughout this entire last year. You are so very special.
Jennifer and Emma said...
Joanna,
It has been so long since I have posted. Where does the time go. I am glad to hear that mike has been doing well. This cold weather is awful and my furbabies are starting to get cabin fever. I have been thinking of you guys.I wish you guys the best and hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Love and aussie kisses,
Emma and her family
December 25, 2008 11:16 PM
Hey Jen,
It's so good to hear from you again... I know how busy you are, and I'm so glad you stopped in. Thanks for taking the time to read and post. I hope and pray you had a wonderful Christmas and a have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year. Hugs to you and Sweet Emma and the rest of the gang.
Sending So Much Love And So Many Prayers and Blessings To You All
Christmas Eve was really nice. I went to my brother's house, and it was really good to have both my brothers and their wives and me (along with my sister-in-law's children from out of town and my brother's daughter) there. Michelle and Brandon were in Missouri visiting Chris and Rebecca, and I really missed them, but I know they're totally enjoying their visit with them. We ate a lot and played a couple of games. It was very relaxing and peaceful. I didn't get him until about 10:30, and I was really tired so the pups only got to open one gift before I was totally worn out. I saved the rest of them for Christmas Day.
My Christmas yesterday was wonderful. The first thing that made it so wonderful was that Mike is still with me. I could never ask for a better gift than this, so I was grateful from the first moment of the day.
In the morning, I went with a group of Christian singles that I do things with on occasion. We went to a children's hospital and visited every precious child in there that could not go home for Christmas, and some will never go home, and some will go to nursing homes when their time at the hospital is done. There were twelve precious souls in that hospital... ages from 6 months to 19 years old. Oh my God, how they touched my heart. Each child got a number of gifts, some Christmas carols and a lot of love from us and the staff. I was so happy to see that almost everyone had a parent or grandparent with them, and a couple of them had Mom and Dad and siblings with them. The families (as much as I could tell) spent the night with them on Christmas Eve. The one that had two little boys (maybe 2 and 3 years old) set up an air mattress on the floor next to their infant daughter's crib so they could all be together in the morning.
It was heart wrenching but beautiful at the same time. I've never felt so humbled in my life, nor more grateful for the health of my own children and grandchildren. It was such a blessing to share a little bit of our Christmas with these beautiful, strong and loving children and their families that are fighting so hard to maintain life... the faith and love these people show to each other (along with the loving staff we met) just gives me even more faith in the love of humanity when we see so much inhumanity in the world. There IS love and faith in the world, and we are all strengthened by it. God Bless those wonderful babies, toddlers and teens and their families who remain so steadfast in their love and faith.
After I got back from the hospital, I was hoping I'd have time to let the dogs open their presents, but we got home later than expected, so it had to wait until I got home from my brother's after dinner. Again... lots of food, fun and Christmas love.
Of course, the best part of the entire day (besides the children, of course) was watching Mike and Gidget open their presents. Oh my gosh... what a trip. Mike REALLY comes to life when he knows he has gifts to open. He doesn't really care what's in them... he just loves ripping them apart. My brother gave me a digital camera to use, so I got pictures, so when he downloads them on the computer and sends them to me, I'll post them. There were a lot of pictures of Mike's head since I couldn't get him to get to an angle where you could actually "see" him ripping them apart. But I think I got a few good ones.
It was so funny, because until Gidget actually got the hang of opening the gifts, she'd try to get in on helping Mike opening his... well, he wasn't thrilled with that and let her know.... BUT... as soon as he finished opening it, he didn't stop her from grabbing the presents and running off with them. Like I said, he doesn't care what's in them. Mike's not in to the squeaky toys... he likes the stuffed ones, but by the time he finished opening everything, he was pretty warn out with the excitement and slept for a couple of hours while Gidget finally had enough to keep her busy and out of trouble. LOL
This morning, I've already had to toss out the two squeaky toys (rubber slabs of ribs that "seemed" strong enough for both dogs to play with), because little Miss Gidget got hold of both of them (one at a time) and just kept chewing on the corner until it started coming apart. The rubber was hard, and I didn't want her to choke on it. So, after I threw out the first one, she started on the second one (Mike's) and that one lasted about another twenty minutes. Good thing Mike didn't want it anyway.
I've done surgery on one of the soft toys already this morning, and it's ready to go back into the operating room again when I pick up a thread and needle again. That was one of Mike's favorites... for awhile. A little while ago, he got a burst of energy and started playing with one of the smaller ones that apparently isn't as easy to tear. I got each of the dogs the same toys, and of course when Mike was playing with this little toy, Gidget wanted the same one.... no way... he wasn't gonna give it up (WAY TO GO MIKE... YOU KEEP HER IN CHECK)... so I gave her the one I had gotten for her, and she played with it until she saw Mike put his down for a half a second, then she swooped in and grabbed his... she is SUCH a little thief.
I was playing with Mike when he had the toy, and he was sooooo funny... growling and rough housing with me, daring me to take it from him... of course it was all in play, he'd never bite me for taking something from him. But it was just so much fun. And then Gidget would come up with her's in her mouth, and I'd have to rough house with her with the other hand. I LOVED IT!!!! I AM SOOOOOOO VERY BLESSED!!!
I hope and pray each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas too and that the blessings that are Christmas stay with you throughout the entire New Year.
God Bless You My Wonderful Friends. Without you... my Christmas without Mike would have been very bleak... but you've kept him (and my spirits) alive throughout this entire last year. You are so very special.
Jennifer and Emma said...
Joanna,
It has been so long since I have posted. Where does the time go. I am glad to hear that mike has been doing well. This cold weather is awful and my furbabies are starting to get cabin fever. I have been thinking of you guys.I wish you guys the best and hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Love and aussie kisses,
Emma and her family
December 25, 2008 11:16 PM
Hey Jen,
It's so good to hear from you again... I know how busy you are, and I'm so glad you stopped in. Thanks for taking the time to read and post. I hope and pray you had a wonderful Christmas and a have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year. Hugs to you and Sweet Emma and the rest of the gang.
Sending So Much Love And So Many Prayers and Blessings To You All
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I couldn't go another day without posting. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I just feel so very blessed to have all of you as my friends. Without all of you, I never would have gotten through some of the worst times in my life, and I want to thank you all (again) so much for being there (here) for me.
Up until today, Mike has been doing great. He just had a bad day today I guess. He woke me up at 6:00 the morning having to go out, and his stomach was grumbling all day. He refused to eat anything and slept all day. This afternoon, I sat on the floor with him and brushed him for about a half hour. He loves to be brushed. While I was at it, I trimmed his fuzzy fur face. I know it relaxed him and made him feel a little better to be brushed and looking so handsome. Finally about 8:00, I broke up a piece of toast with butter and blackberry jelly on it, and thank God, he ate it. What a difference a little toast could do. He seemed so much better really fast and even wanted to cuddle a little. Then he fell back to sleep, and when I went to let Gidget out, I called him to go out out... nothing... out like a light. Well... Miss Gidget wouldn't have that.... she decided Mike HAD to go out with her, so she went right up to him and woke him up with tons of whisker kisses... yep.. got him up and outside. LOL
Like I said... up until today, Mike has been doing really well. Believe it or not, he even slept on my bed the other night... ALL NIGHT. When we were going to bed, he put his two front paws on the bed (something he hasn't done in a very long time), and I knew he wanted up, but again, he's afraid to jump up. At the risk of getting bit or snapped at, I picked him up really quick and practically dropped him on the bed before he knew what was happening. He was so happy to be up there and slept there all night long. The next night, he didn't put his paws on the bed, but I thought he might want to sleep there again, so I did the same thing (hate doing it like that though cuz I know it hurts when I pick him up.... that's why I do it so fast)... it didn't take him long to get comfortable, but sometime during the night, he jumped down (maybe I was moving around too much for him).
Gidget is getting pretty bored being housebound. She loves going outside. That wouldn't be a problem if it weren't so cold, but I can't possibly leave her outside as long as she'd like to stay out without her freezing. This makes it tough for me, since she's always wanting to go out, be it to pee or just feel the wind in her face or bark at something (or nothing in hopes of getting a response from another barker somewhere in the neighborhood).
I'm going to close this now and I want to wish each and every one of you all the blessings that the Miracle that is Christmas offers. May you find happiness, love, peace, health, joy and goodness now during Christmas and throughout the New Year.
God Bless You Our Dear Friends,
Love & Blessings,
Joanna, Mike and Gidget
Up until today, Mike has been doing great. He just had a bad day today I guess. He woke me up at 6:00 the morning having to go out, and his stomach was grumbling all day. He refused to eat anything and slept all day. This afternoon, I sat on the floor with him and brushed him for about a half hour. He loves to be brushed. While I was at it, I trimmed his fuzzy fur face. I know it relaxed him and made him feel a little better to be brushed and looking so handsome. Finally about 8:00, I broke up a piece of toast with butter and blackberry jelly on it, and thank God, he ate it. What a difference a little toast could do. He seemed so much better really fast and even wanted to cuddle a little. Then he fell back to sleep, and when I went to let Gidget out, I called him to go out out... nothing... out like a light. Well... Miss Gidget wouldn't have that.... she decided Mike HAD to go out with her, so she went right up to him and woke him up with tons of whisker kisses... yep.. got him up and outside. LOL
Like I said... up until today, Mike has been doing really well. Believe it or not, he even slept on my bed the other night... ALL NIGHT. When we were going to bed, he put his two front paws on the bed (something he hasn't done in a very long time), and I knew he wanted up, but again, he's afraid to jump up. At the risk of getting bit or snapped at, I picked him up really quick and practically dropped him on the bed before he knew what was happening. He was so happy to be up there and slept there all night long. The next night, he didn't put his paws on the bed, but I thought he might want to sleep there again, so I did the same thing (hate doing it like that though cuz I know it hurts when I pick him up.... that's why I do it so fast)... it didn't take him long to get comfortable, but sometime during the night, he jumped down (maybe I was moving around too much for him).
Gidget is getting pretty bored being housebound. She loves going outside. That wouldn't be a problem if it weren't so cold, but I can't possibly leave her outside as long as she'd like to stay out without her freezing. This makes it tough for me, since she's always wanting to go out, be it to pee or just feel the wind in her face or bark at something (or nothing in hopes of getting a response from another barker somewhere in the neighborhood).
I'm going to close this now and I want to wish each and every one of you all the blessings that the Miracle that is Christmas offers. May you find happiness, love, peace, health, joy and goodness now during Christmas and throughout the New Year.
God Bless You Our Dear Friends,
Love & Blessings,
Joanna, Mike and Gidget
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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
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
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hi All...
I'm still alive and well and living in Ohio. I know it's been forever since I've been here (or anywhere), but time just seems to get away too fast. I haven't even been on the IMOM threads to catch up on my favorite kids and their parents. I'm going to try to get on IMOM today since I don't think I'm going to work today. I might try to go later, but as of right now, I don't think I'm going anywhere.
I took a great tumble this morning and twisted my entire body. I'm so lucky I didn't break anything. I can't believe I did something so stupid. I have a table leaf that I put sideways from the kitchen to the hallway to keep Gidget out of the bedrooms (I love her and don't "think" she would do anything in there now, but sometimes if I can't see her.. I just feel like I can't trust her not to get in trouble). Anyway.. I didn't sleep at all last night, and I guess that contributed to my stupidity. I was walking from the hallway into the kitchen and didn't even think about the board being there. I guess I tried to walk right through it. The board fell over with a thud, and I fell over the board with arms and legs going all different directions and the kitchen table looking awfully close to my head. Thank God my head didn't hit it, or I'd be laying on the floor right now. But I didn't come away undamaged. My left hip and top of my left leg hit the board really hard, my right arm hit the door way and my body was really twisted. I just stayed there for a minute with both dogs watching me until I knew I was ok. Oh man.. what a klutz. Then five minutes later, I stepped in one of the dog bowls and had to clean a half bowl of kibble up off the floor. Nope... I think it's safer (for me "and" the world) if I just stay close to home today.
On to happier things. Mike is doing great! No more panting at all at night, and he's able to fall asleep fast and sound. That Previcox has worked miracles for him. He still has the bladder spasms, but up until two days ago, they were nowhere near as often or as hard. It seems the last couple of days they're a little more often... plus he's had some granules in his diaper too, so I know it hurts him when he passes them. But.. he's eating great (too often sometimes) and still plays with his sister on occasion. Of course, he always wants to play after he eats (gets a burst of energy), but I have to stop that or he will puke. So, he has to wait a half hour before playtime.
Gidget is as sweet as she can be lately... makes me wonder what she's up to. LOL I've learned that if I close the door to the laundry room, she doesn't want to go out anywhere near as often. I think that big window door was what was tempting her to go out even if she didn't have to go.
I spent Thanksgiving with my Son and Daughter-in-law. Oh man.. what a wonderful vacation. I always feel so relaxed and loved and comfortable when I'm there. We really did "almost" absolutely nothing.. but we did it together. We cooked together, watched tv together, just sat and talked together, played Monopoly and Balderdash together.... I didn't want it to end. Chris threw me a curve ball on Friday though. He said... "I know.. let's go get some hair color and do Mom's hair auburn." Hummmmmm.... I told him I've tried going red, but every time I try, my hair turns pink or orange. He said he didn't want it "red" but "auburn"... said it was time for a change. And quite honestly, I've been ready for a change for a long time. Soooooooooo....... Saturday they gave me my Christmas present. He made the appointment for me to have my hair colored and styled, had makeup done, and (get this) he and Rebecca took me to have my portrait taken. They have a wall with some family pictures but none of our family (except my Mom and Dad). He wanted one of me up there. So, that's what we did. I have to say, I was more nervous to have my picture taken than I was to have my hair drastically changed (which by the way came out really pretty).
I was right to be afraid of the camera. Even though I've lost 20 pounds since I've seen them last, I still couldn't figure out how I could look decent in the mirror and so fat on the camera. They, of course, thought the pictures looked good, but I was really not happy with them... and the one they picked for the wall had a big smile (which is what they wanted, and I only did it for them... I have such chubby cheeks). When they asked me which ones I wanted for myself, I chose one where I was kind of sitting sideways toward the camera. They asked if I wanted a copy of the one they had, and I told them "no.. that's for your wall.. I'm glad I'll only see it once a year". BUT.. even though I hate the camera.. I had a blast having the pictures taken. I got them and the girl who was taking the pictures laughing so hard that I almost forgot that people are actually going to "see" them.
No matter how I felt the pictures came out... Chris and Rebecca loved them, and I feel so blessed. I mean... how many sons and daughters-in-law out there really "want" a picture of their mothers (in-law) on their wall.. and here is my son and daughter-in-law, taking the time and having the portraits taken so he would have one. They are really amazing.
I had to laugh at the two of them every day too. After 17 years of marriage, they are still so in love and play and tease each other and have "real" conversations with each other. They are so blessed to have found each other. If more people had marriages like theirs, there would be no divorce. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I'd love to find a husband like my son. Rebecca is wonderful too, and he's lucky to have her.
I was suppose to come home Sunday night. On Saturday, I told Rebecca, "I don't want to go home. I miss the dogs, but I know they're doing fine... but I'm so relaxed and enjoying it here so much, I don't want to leave". Well.. I got my wish. My flight to Chicago (for layover) was canceled, and there was no way to get there to get my connecting flight to Cleveland. At first I was a little upset, but then I decided to forget about it and just enjoy the extra time with them. Rebecca took me to the airport at 7:00 am the next morning, of course the flight was about 90 minutes late but that was fine with me.. no rushing. When I finally got to Chicago, I was really lucky that my connecting flight had been delayed too. However... once we boarded the plane, the runways were so backed up (and icy) that we sat on the runway for 3 1/2 hours before we finally took off. I just took it with a grain of salt. Actually, it didn't bother me at all... I tried reading for a bit, but I ended up dozing the entire time.
The only thing I regret about the trip was that I was so looking forward to meeting Debbie and Jack. Things didn't turn out the way we had hoped they would, so we didn't get together... I'm hoping we manage to hook up next time I get to Missouri. We were both so looking forward to it.
Karol did such a great job with Mike and Gidget. Of course we talked everyday. It was so funny though because she called me on Thanksgiving (her first morning here) and said (kind of panicky)... "Joanna.. it's quarter to ten, and Mike won't wake up"... I laughed so hard and explained to her that he is just not a morning person. I also told her don't be surprised if, after he goes out, that he goes back to bed. I told her if she really wanted him to wake up that she should let Gidget go into the bedroom and give him whisker kisses.. that gets him every time. LOL
I never got such a beautiful welcome as I did when I got home. These guys were all over me... never even got a chance to take off my coat for almost five minutes. Karol wasn't here, she had left about 1/2 hour before I got here. But.. I couldn't believe it... she had everything done for me. I left the house pretty clean, but didn't expect her to have stripped the bed, washed the sheets and towels, put the bed back together, vacuumed the living room, washed the dishes and even left a fresh pot of coffee for me. There was nothing left for me to do but enjoy my kids. She's a wonderful lady and a great puppy-sitter.
I think it's time to take a break. I'm really starting to feel sore sitting here. These old bones (and muscles) just can't take a fall like they did when I was a kid. I just called Joanne (Dr. Blaha) and told her I wasn't going to make it in to work today. She's really awesome... I really got lucky when I found her, not only for the dogs but for myself as well.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm going to try to get to IMOM today to catch up with everyone a little later. Take Care and God Bless.
Love & Blessings
I'm still alive and well and living in Ohio. I know it's been forever since I've been here (or anywhere), but time just seems to get away too fast. I haven't even been on the IMOM threads to catch up on my favorite kids and their parents. I'm going to try to get on IMOM today since I don't think I'm going to work today. I might try to go later, but as of right now, I don't think I'm going anywhere.
I took a great tumble this morning and twisted my entire body. I'm so lucky I didn't break anything. I can't believe I did something so stupid. I have a table leaf that I put sideways from the kitchen to the hallway to keep Gidget out of the bedrooms (I love her and don't "think" she would do anything in there now, but sometimes if I can't see her.. I just feel like I can't trust her not to get in trouble). Anyway.. I didn't sleep at all last night, and I guess that contributed to my stupidity. I was walking from the hallway into the kitchen and didn't even think about the board being there. I guess I tried to walk right through it. The board fell over with a thud, and I fell over the board with arms and legs going all different directions and the kitchen table looking awfully close to my head. Thank God my head didn't hit it, or I'd be laying on the floor right now. But I didn't come away undamaged. My left hip and top of my left leg hit the board really hard, my right arm hit the door way and my body was really twisted. I just stayed there for a minute with both dogs watching me until I knew I was ok. Oh man.. what a klutz. Then five minutes later, I stepped in one of the dog bowls and had to clean a half bowl of kibble up off the floor. Nope... I think it's safer (for me "and" the world) if I just stay close to home today.
On to happier things. Mike is doing great! No more panting at all at night, and he's able to fall asleep fast and sound. That Previcox has worked miracles for him. He still has the bladder spasms, but up until two days ago, they were nowhere near as often or as hard. It seems the last couple of days they're a little more often... plus he's had some granules in his diaper too, so I know it hurts him when he passes them. But.. he's eating great (too often sometimes) and still plays with his sister on occasion. Of course, he always wants to play after he eats (gets a burst of energy), but I have to stop that or he will puke. So, he has to wait a half hour before playtime.
Gidget is as sweet as she can be lately... makes me wonder what she's up to. LOL I've learned that if I close the door to the laundry room, she doesn't want to go out anywhere near as often. I think that big window door was what was tempting her to go out even if she didn't have to go.
I spent Thanksgiving with my Son and Daughter-in-law. Oh man.. what a wonderful vacation. I always feel so relaxed and loved and comfortable when I'm there. We really did "almost" absolutely nothing.. but we did it together. We cooked together, watched tv together, just sat and talked together, played Monopoly and Balderdash together.... I didn't want it to end. Chris threw me a curve ball on Friday though. He said... "I know.. let's go get some hair color and do Mom's hair auburn." Hummmmmm.... I told him I've tried going red, but every time I try, my hair turns pink or orange. He said he didn't want it "red" but "auburn"... said it was time for a change. And quite honestly, I've been ready for a change for a long time. Soooooooooo....... Saturday they gave me my Christmas present. He made the appointment for me to have my hair colored and styled, had makeup done, and (get this) he and Rebecca took me to have my portrait taken. They have a wall with some family pictures but none of our family (except my Mom and Dad). He wanted one of me up there. So, that's what we did. I have to say, I was more nervous to have my picture taken than I was to have my hair drastically changed (which by the way came out really pretty).
I was right to be afraid of the camera. Even though I've lost 20 pounds since I've seen them last, I still couldn't figure out how I could look decent in the mirror and so fat on the camera. They, of course, thought the pictures looked good, but I was really not happy with them... and the one they picked for the wall had a big smile (which is what they wanted, and I only did it for them... I have such chubby cheeks). When they asked me which ones I wanted for myself, I chose one where I was kind of sitting sideways toward the camera. They asked if I wanted a copy of the one they had, and I told them "no.. that's for your wall.. I'm glad I'll only see it once a year". BUT.. even though I hate the camera.. I had a blast having the pictures taken. I got them and the girl who was taking the pictures laughing so hard that I almost forgot that people are actually going to "see" them.
No matter how I felt the pictures came out... Chris and Rebecca loved them, and I feel so blessed. I mean... how many sons and daughters-in-law out there really "want" a picture of their mothers (in-law) on their wall.. and here is my son and daughter-in-law, taking the time and having the portraits taken so he would have one. They are really amazing.
I had to laugh at the two of them every day too. After 17 years of marriage, they are still so in love and play and tease each other and have "real" conversations with each other. They are so blessed to have found each other. If more people had marriages like theirs, there would be no divorce. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I'd love to find a husband like my son. Rebecca is wonderful too, and he's lucky to have her.
I was suppose to come home Sunday night. On Saturday, I told Rebecca, "I don't want to go home. I miss the dogs, but I know they're doing fine... but I'm so relaxed and enjoying it here so much, I don't want to leave". Well.. I got my wish. My flight to Chicago (for layover) was canceled, and there was no way to get there to get my connecting flight to Cleveland. At first I was a little upset, but then I decided to forget about it and just enjoy the extra time with them. Rebecca took me to the airport at 7:00 am the next morning, of course the flight was about 90 minutes late but that was fine with me.. no rushing. When I finally got to Chicago, I was really lucky that my connecting flight had been delayed too. However... once we boarded the plane, the runways were so backed up (and icy) that we sat on the runway for 3 1/2 hours before we finally took off. I just took it with a grain of salt. Actually, it didn't bother me at all... I tried reading for a bit, but I ended up dozing the entire time.
The only thing I regret about the trip was that I was so looking forward to meeting Debbie and Jack. Things didn't turn out the way we had hoped they would, so we didn't get together... I'm hoping we manage to hook up next time I get to Missouri. We were both so looking forward to it.
Karol did such a great job with Mike and Gidget. Of course we talked everyday. It was so funny though because she called me on Thanksgiving (her first morning here) and said (kind of panicky)... "Joanna.. it's quarter to ten, and Mike won't wake up"... I laughed so hard and explained to her that he is just not a morning person. I also told her don't be surprised if, after he goes out, that he goes back to bed. I told her if she really wanted him to wake up that she should let Gidget go into the bedroom and give him whisker kisses.. that gets him every time. LOL
I never got such a beautiful welcome as I did when I got home. These guys were all over me... never even got a chance to take off my coat for almost five minutes. Karol wasn't here, she had left about 1/2 hour before I got here. But.. I couldn't believe it... she had everything done for me. I left the house pretty clean, but didn't expect her to have stripped the bed, washed the sheets and towels, put the bed back together, vacuumed the living room, washed the dishes and even left a fresh pot of coffee for me. There was nothing left for me to do but enjoy my kids. She's a wonderful lady and a great puppy-sitter.
I think it's time to take a break. I'm really starting to feel sore sitting here. These old bones (and muscles) just can't take a fall like they did when I was a kid. I just called Joanne (Dr. Blaha) and told her I wasn't going to make it in to work today. She's really awesome... I really got lucky when I found her, not only for the dogs but for myself as well.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm going to try to get to IMOM today to catch up with everyone a little later. Take Care and God Bless.
Love & Blessings
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