Up and Downs

This year started with a roar or shall I say ended and started with a roar.
Health issues in family, trying to still have Christmas, New Years, taking care of business. Whatever. I also found myself questioning and doubting some things. I read another blog by Laura
a girl I have known since she was a baby. She really got me to thinking.
I always worry. In fact, people who really know me, know this is an understatement. But I have found myself worrying about events in my life that do not deserve them.
I have decided to share goods and bad:
Art made it through a very bad time, and Jerry, myself and Barb managed to take care of Chloe for two weeks until Callie was off for the holiday.
My cousin and her family are having a very difficult time, but somehow we have our "fireside chats" and we are coping together. I will do anything I am able to, to help them, as I know she has been and still will be there for me. My nephew and niece lost their baby which was a very unhappy and sad time for all.
A friends daughter was told she has a horrible disease, I think of her all the time and pray for her, hoping time will bring better and swifter answers.
I have learned that all I can do is try to do my best for others, I like to think I have, but sometimes you find yourself wondering what you have done to offend someone. But I cannot fix everything I would like to. Still care so much but have to let it alone.
My son is engaged to a wonderful girl, Chrissy. November 2. So happy and excited.
We have wonderful extended families. Charlene, George, who also helped us through the holidays.
Her son is also getting married this year. And I love Michael as a son, and hope to enjoy times with his new wife. Am excited about making his grooms cake!!
My future new family members, Michelle, Jennifer, also were there this year and I am looking forward to many happy times with them.
My church friends, Joyce, Joyce, Katie, Dawn, Sue, Suzanne, Madelyn. They are all so good.

So although this year, as all years started have good times and bad times, there is always hope for the future.
I thank God he provides me with this insight and keeps all of us going.

Family Ties

My Father would be proud. This Christmas proved to be quite a challenge. But I learned from it what a strong and wonderful family I have. My siblings and I have never had a Christmas without seeing each other. I am 64, so that is quite a blessing. This Christmas my brother in law fell and broke his hip. He has been in ill health for a number of years now, but this time Christmas was going to be different. After much talk to my sister, who always opens her home at Christmas we convinced her that this year it would be to much. She agreed, but was not happy. All was put into seeing Art through and making the holiday still shine. Well, for starters, my son Devins future mother in law called and asked us for hor dourves Christmas Eve.
Jerry and I had a quiet dinner alone, and my sister met us at Church for a wonderful Christmas Eve service. Then we dropped her back at the hospital and went on to Michelles. My sister came over to Michele's about 9 and we stayed for a while with delicious little pastries, cheeses and wine. Then all went home. Chrissy has a awful cold but still managed to share Christmas with us. Then my daughter Erin's mother in law invited us to eat on Christmas day. It was so good seeing them.
In between I talked to my brother and he said that we should all come to Erie where he lives Christmas night. All of our grown children could not be happier. So I went to Church Christmas morning, then dinner at Charlenes, opened presents at Erin's and off to Erie we went. We were all together.
I had just started a new job, that I have been searching for, for months. A crossing guard in Dearborn. I love it. The children are so polite and so sweet. Only problem, Chloe needed someone to watch over her. (my nephew Brians adorable little girl) So Jerry and I would go to my post, together so we could go right on to my sisters to watch Chole. Oh, did I mention our dog Max went too? We stayed until Barb got home and went back to my post at school closing time. And I had the time of my life with a beautiful little red headed two year old.!! My brother was so great at keeping my sister together and being there for her at the hospital. He even played baloon basketball with Art in rehab. Then, he said something, a memory. Do you remember three little kids, (being us) standing in the corner window on Christmas waiting for Daddy to come home Christmas morning. The minute we saw his car turn off Goddard, our Christmas began. And that is what it is about. Not money or gifts, Family who cares about each other. I know my Dad is proud of all of his family. He always was when he was here, and I know he is still giving us that wink and words of encouragement. I miss Mom and Dad so much, but they are with us, through our memories. The love is there and that is what will always count. You get through good times easy, it is when you get through bad times that matter. I am blessed with a wonderful family. We have chapter of memories and nothing can take that away. Our extended families are always there too and of course Jerry, my husband. By my side, always. Jerry is a rock and has been there for me many years. He encourages me, stands by me when I am down and loves me. Who could ask for more?

A simple walk

This morning I got up as usual, had my coffee, took a shower, looked out the window and thought. It will be winter soon, Max come on let's take a walk. (Max, being my dog, who is also my best friend) So, I put on his coat even tho he did not need it and we set off.
He was chipper and I looked down and him and said, happy are you little guy? And I swear he smiled at me!!
I was only going to take a short walk, but as walks sometimes are a way for me to think, let off steam, or simply relax, I decided we would walk longer.
I am glad we did.
This has been an extremely hard year, and many things have happened which I have no control over.
I have always been able to problem solve and keep moving but the last two weeks have been hard. Well,,, we turned the corner and I heard the wind blowing in the trees, what a beautiful sound, then I watched the leaves and listened really listened to them rustle. I started to relax.
Then we crossed the street and walked next to a house that a young baby was crying from. Nothing serious was going on, just a young baby. Just? My mind then went to my two children who are grown and in my mind I could hear each one of them at some time, their little cries, their big cries. I thought to myself, why did I not cherish this more? They are older now, and I know I did a good job with them. They are both wonderful adults. I somehow managed to make them both independent. They are my greatest joys. I also have a wonderful husband who has stood by me in many times of pain and happiness. How lucky I am!
I have never been a person to speak up for myself, but as I am getting older I am finding that it is getting easier, because I know only I can make myself happy. If a friend gets mad at me now, I do not dwell, I just say to myself. This to shall pass. I cannot make myself sick over small events anymore. I have watched someone I love very much struggle with all her being, and she does not complain. She is an inspiration.
Before I got home I thought of my Mom and all the wonderful baking she did and how she entertained on very little money and very little space. So much fun was had in that small little basement. My short walk turned into a long one, but I came home feeling good.
I got out my bake things, and baked. I made a dinner my Dad could have had every night, and now I am going to read for a while. Life is good. I treasure my family, they are your lifeline. They accept you for you. I am one lucky lady. Enjoy the fall everyone. Listen to the trees and leaves!

My Best Friend

It is a well known fact that animals can provide comfort and love to human beings of every age.
My Max is the sweetest, lovable, dog you could ever want.
He has recently acquired an ulcer on his eye.
I really do not know who is hurting more, me or Max.
After 1 week of treatment at home, he was sent to a specialist, who treated him for a week at home. Upon his check up it was shown he had a melting ulcer. So my dear Max had to spend time in the hospital.
Needless to say, Jerry and I had a very uneasy night.
After calling twice, I felt reassured enough to fall asleep.
The next day they said they felt he should spend one more day of treatment around the clock.
We went and visited him and it was so sad. Next day they sad he could come home, but that we would have to do 24 hour eye drops (4 different ) kinds every 3-4 hours Jerry and I worked very well together. But we were very nervous.
I was supposed to go to Chicago with my sister, by it goes without saying that was not going to happen.
We had a difficult morning this morning, but made it through. All the medicine is making him anxious and his stomach upset.
People may think cancelling a trip is silly, but not me. When you love a person, animal, whatever, you do what you must do. And that is what I did. Hopefully, when we take our little guy next week, we will hear better news. Until then, all you animal lovers out there please say a little prayer for my Max.