Happy birthday to you…


I hardly received any 2013 New Year’s wishes.  Normally I would receive so many beautiful wishes but this year I received messages for a” peaceful New Year’s Eve filled with laughter and good memories…”

Last night my sister said in a text message “what tears do 2013 hold for you?  Maybe it should stay 2012”…

Jared went a friend’s home; Danie went to bed early – he is coming down with flu; Vic was asleep so that left Jon-Daniel and I.  We watched Comedy Central and had some good laughs waiting for 2012 to end.

Jon-Daniel loves making his Mommy laugh.  In a way I suppose he uses humour as a coping mechanism.

“I think we should wake Mom up at 12” I said

“Okay…Let’s sing Happy Birthday to Mom….” He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

As the hooters and sirens started going Jon-Daniel and I sneaked into Vic’s room and sang “Happy Birthday to you…”  Vic opened her eyes and said “What is happening?” and immediately fell asleep again.

The joke was on us.

Today was a quiet day.  The boys spend some wonderful quality time with their Mom.  Danie remained in bed until almost 4pm as he is feeling lousy from the flu.  We all drifted in and out Vic’s room.  In the afternoon Jared went for a swim.  Vic went outside and spoke to him.

Jared had some questions and she patiently explained to him what an “Executor’s” duties are.  She explained why Leon and I were the Executors of her will and the Trustees of their Trust. (I got some lovely photos of Vic chatting to the boys!)  Vic tried to show Jared that she could whistle through an acorn… Jon-Daniel taught her! As much as she tried she could not get a sound out of the acorn.  To everybody’s laughter she said “But I can do it!”

We convinced her that she should get onto the inflated lilo.  The cold water would reduce her body temperature and the sun would be good for the jaundice.  Very reluctantly she got onto the “non- life-saving inflatable device”.  I got into the pool with Vic.

Esther and Yuri arrived and she made a dash for her camera…  later Leon and Henk arrived.  The boys swam and laughed and played…

It was a wonderful day filled with glorious memories.  We laughed and joked and eventually ate.  Esther lay with Vic and they spoke about where Vic was in her journey.

It was a special day.

I think friends and family don’t know what to wish us…How do you say “Happy New Year” to a household where death is knocking on the door?  I would not know what to say to us if I wasn’t me…

But from our home to yours: We wish you a great 2013.  We hope that 2013 is filled with laughter, good health, abundance and time to do some good every day.  We thank you for your love and support.  Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.  You have been such an amazing source of comfort to us.

Thank you Hospice for giving us the means to have these special memories!  Thank you to the manufacturers of Morphine, Pethidine, Stemitil and Buscopan…

 

Jon-Daniel teaching his Mom to whistle through an acorn...
Jon-Daniel teaching his Mom to whistle through an acorn…
Vic trying to whistle through an acorn...
Vic trying to whistle through an acorn…

 

 

Jared gently helping his Mom
Jared gently helping his Mom

 

Jared and Vic having a chat
Jared and Vic having a chat

 

Esther and I with precious Vicky
Esther and I with precious Vicky

 

Hi Sis, you know I love you....
Hi Sis, you know I love you….

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the Heart Welcome 2013


Sunrise at Umshlanga
Sunrise at Umhlanga

Reposted from the blog of one of my favourite poets, Aarthi.  http://sickocean.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/follow-the-heart-welcome-2013/

 

as a new dawn begins
and light shines anew
lets breathe a fresh breath and sing
a new song of love and life

follow your heart
your dreams
make a new start
and let the journey begin

its not just another year
its a new new year
fresh as a blossoming rose
or a tender blush of love

so cherish it in your heart
burn it as candles scented
and let joy overwhelm you to new heights
wherever you are and whoever you are

let the turns be joyous all along
and all paths lead to the best of destinations
and lets hope more than ever
and love better than ever before

as the sun rises on this New Year
let us celebrate ourselves
and all that was blessed upon us
by the hands of a higher power

WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFUL AND JOYOUS HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!!

At the end of the year…


IMG_9662

Reposted from Dr Bill Wooten – http://drbillwooten.com/2012/12/31/at-the-end-of-the-year/

“The particular mind of the ocean
Filling the coastline’s longing
With such brief harvest
Of elegant, vanishing waves
Is like the mind of time
Opening us shapes of days.

As this year draws to its end,
We give thanks for the gifts it brought
And how they became inlaid within
Where neither time nor tide can touch them.

The days when the veil lifted
And the soul could see delight;
When a quiver caressed the heart
In the sheer exuberance of being here.

Surprises that came awake
In forgotten corners of old fields
Where expectation seemed to have quenched.

The slow, brooding times
When all was awkward
And the wave in the mind
Pierced every sore with salt.

The darkened days that stopped
The confidence of the dawn.

Days when beloved faces shone brighter
With light from beyond themselves;
And from the granite of some secret sorrow
A stream of buried tears loosened.

We bless this year for all we learned,
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.”

~ John O’Donohue

 

 

 

I read in the Bible that Heaven is a great place…”


Dr Sue putting up the drip. "If we knew you were going to take a photo we would of had our hair done..."
Dr Sue putting up the drip.  “If we knew you were going to take photos we would have our hair done…”

Sue came in this morning and managed to find a vein.  The vein held for the Perfalgan and she also managed to get a bag of saline into Vic.  This will hopefully rehydrate her.  It has been a rough 24 hours with so much vomiting.  The poor child…

We hooked the saline onto a hanger and it now hangs from her ceiling.  Leon, SiL, put a hook into her ceiling and we have suspended the drip from it.  I have to keep the drip flowing until 12pm tonight when I can run another lot of Perfalgan.  Tomorrow Sue will try to find another vein.

I suggested that Vic is mainlined or a stent is fitted.  Sue agreed that it would certainly make life a lot easier.  It would be easier to administer all Vic’s IV medication.  Vic said “Sorry Mommy, no hospitals…”

Vic's drip suspended from the ceiling
Vic’s drip suspended from the ceiling

Her heart rate, even whilst she is sleeping, is constantly above 110.

The IV medication immediately helped.  Vic’s breathing is better.  Vic has not vomited since 11 am this morning!  She even managed to have a bit to eat tonight.

When Sue left today she asked me what is holding Vic back.  Medically and clinically speaking there is no explanation why Vic is still alive…. She said that she has never seen anybody fight death the way Vic does… She asked me whether we have given Vic permission to die…

Sue says that Vic still says we are going to Italy next year…. Her kidneys and liver have failed.  That is what the blood tests show.

What is holding Vic back?  Sue says death happens when one relaxes completely and deeply!  Vic’s adrenaline levels are preventing her from relaxing and dying.

All I want is for my little girl to find peace and her suffering to end.

Esther and Leon brought dinner tonight and just visited.  Vic even got out of bed for a while and had a laugh.  It was great being surrounded by the love of the family.

I wish I knew what to do to make Vic accept the inevitable.  I wish with every fibre of my body Vic will find peace.   That she will find the strength to let go…

Vic has been ill for such a long time.  Maybe she just thinks this is how life is.  Maybe she cannot remember what it is like to feel good, go out, be carefree, move without pain.  To play with her kids, go out for drinks or a movie with a friend.

On Christmas Eve Siza said to Vic “I read in the Bible that Heaven is a great place”….

Here On Earth …, There In Heaven…

Here on earth imperfection, there in heaven perfection
Here on earth discontent, there in heaven content
Here on earth disgrace, there in heaven grace
Here on earth disease, there in heaven ease
Here on earth hatred, there in heaven love
Here on earth war, there in heaven peace
Here on earth decay, there in heaven freshness
Here on earth selfish, there in heaven selfless
Here on earth oppression, there in heaven liberty
Here on earth agonize, there in heaven relax
It’s either on earth, or in heaven
The decision, all yours 

Obed Akuma
vicbaby

 Baby Girl it is time for Heaven…   You have to let go!

I am scared


perfalgan_jg-1

Today was an horrible day.  Dr Sue spent a lot of time with Vic.  Siza (Hospice Nurse) was here too.

Vic’s BP is elevated and her heart rate fluctuates between 115 and 120.  Her breathing is laboured.  She appears to be a little jaundiced.  Sue says the vomiting is due to the kidney failure.

Tomorrow we will try and run some Perfalgan intravenously.  If only her veins were strong enough to tolerate an IV drip…

I am scared.

 

Sweet 16


On the 26th of December 1996 Jared Colin Sadie was born. He was a beautiful, healthy baby boy.  I cried with joy when I first saw him and that first “rush of love” hit me.

Baby Jared
Baby Jared

Vic fell pregnant 6 weeks after she got married.  When the kids asked us whether they could get married I had a LONG talk to them about NOT having babies.  They both said “We know…”  I explained the dangers of passing the Osteogenesis gene onto a next generation of innocent children.

I will never forget that dreadful Sunday night when they told us that Vic was pregnant.  My heart stopped.  I sobbed in the shower.  For the first time in her life I feared for Vic’s life.

Vicky refused flat out to have an abortion.  She said the baby a gift from God.  And so he was….

Jared is an amazing young man.  According to our government he is now old enough to vote, get his learners licence for a motor bike and work…  I look at him and I see a little boy who was going to be a stuntman;  a young child helping his Mommy cook;  get out of bed; walk down stairs…

Both Jared and Jon-Daniel are loving, compassionate monuments of Vic love and mothering.

Jared is a “computer nerd” with a wonderful personality.  He has a keen sense of humour and wise beyond his years.  He is fiercely protective of his mother.  A very dear Saudi friend of mine says Jared has a “white heart”.  (Albak Abyad” an Egyptian expression that indicates a person with a good heart. It’s literal translation to English is “You have a white heart” as opposed to being a bad person with a black heart).

Vic, once again, managed to get out of bed.  She was falling asleep in her chair, but managed to visit with most of the guests who came, ate something and left.  Laughter and joy reverberated through the house.  Vic was the proud mother. It was a happy home for the day…

The boys have a hard time coming to terms with the stage that Vic’s illness is at.  Jared’s first words when he comes back into the house after Siza leaves is “What did Hospice say?”.  He researches every symptom and sends me links on liver and renal failure.  He is an expert on Osteogenesis Imperfecta and was 9 years old when he spoke about his Mommy at a Public Speaking lesson at school.  The subject was “My Hero“.  We all expected him to speak of Nelson Mandela, but he chose to speak about his Mom.  (His brother followed suit two years later)

He said that his mom is his hero because despite the fact that she is so ill she still looks after them…

Jared and his Mommy
Jared and his Mommy

Jared had a wonderful 16th birthday.  He was absolutely thrilled with the Docking Station Vic had bought for him. As soon as he gets his license we will buy him a motorbike.

She ain't heavy - she is my mother
She ain’t heavy – she is my mother

Yesterday was a milestone in Vic’s life.  I fear it may be the last she will reach.  It is clear that Italy will not be possible.

I was so tired last night that I slept through Vic’s 23:31 and 03:00 “Vomiting” text messages…. Vic refuses to use the intercom!  She feels it is “disrespectful”.

Mother and Son
Mother and Son

As much as Vic resents the fact I may have to bring in a night nurse.

I remember Vic’s 16th as if it was yesterday.  Now she is a grown woman with two teenage sons – nearing the end of her tenure on earth

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/08/27/kidney-stones-on-the-move/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/10/10/i-am-taking-a-break-from-your-blog/
https://tersiaburger.com/2012/07/07/chronic-illness-versus-terminal-illness/
https://tersiaburger.com/2012/05/28/22-2-2002-to-28-5-2012/
https://tersiaburger.com/2012/06/09/9-6-2012/
https://tersiaburger.com/2012/10/16/and-the-winner-is/

being – reposted


IMG_7130

One of my favorite poets posted this poem today.  It touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you.  Thank you Aarthi!  http://sickocean.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/being/#respond

for someone we love
we can be
the best of the needs, of love of life

what beautiful essence of life
is hidden in the moments when
you smile not for your own but for someone else

your love forever increases in amount
you grow all the more still and calm
you forgive and forget the greatest of harms

its the serenity of love when
you are holding someone to save
in empty moments their voice you crave

and when indeed life offers you a chance
you run away and hug them
singing to their heart your precious song

being human
is to love someone
so much beyond yourself

perhaps to an extent that
you forget your own pains
and their wounds make you cry…

 

Written on Christmas Eve 1513


I rebloggend this from Dr Bill Wooten http://drbillwooten.com/2012/12/24/written-on-christmas-eve-1513/  Thank you so much Bill!
 
A ton of gifts ....
A ton of gifts ….

Written on Christmas Eve, 1513

December 24, 2012 by Dr Bill

“I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep.
There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much,
very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can
come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.
Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within
our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see.
And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!

Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering,
cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you
will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power.
Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel’s hand is there.
The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Your joys, too,
be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering,
that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all!
But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together,
wending through unknown country home.

And so, at this time, I greet you, not quite as the world sends greetings,
but with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and
forever, the day breaks and shadows flee away.”

~ Fra Giovanni

A time to be born and a time to die…


A ton of gifts ....
A ton of gifts ….

It is Christmas.  It is a warm, and sunny-day, and my heart is cold.

This is our last Christmas as a complete family.

Vic has been vomiting non-stop.  The acid has burnt the inside of her mouth.  Her derriere is so lumpy, black and blue from the constant injections.  Sr Siza popped in.  She examined Vic and started drawing up a Clopamon and Morphine injection.

“Please Sister, not my bum.  Please do it on my thigh.”

Vic no longer has an appetite.  She is sleeping at least 20 out of 24 hours.  Vic is very warm to the touch and appears flushed.  The thermometer reflects a temperature of 37 degrees C.

“Do you understand what your body is telling you Vic?”  Siza asked

Vic nodded and whispered “I do not want to die…”

“Nobody wants to die, Vicky.  We all will walk this path.  Some sooner than others… You have a degenerative illness and your body is tired…”

“You must surrender your body to God.  It is time for your brain to make peace with what is happening in your body.” Siza said.  “Where is your Bible?”

Siza read from Ecclesiastes 3 – New International Version (NIV)

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
    a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
    a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
    a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

Siza prayed for Vic and the family for peace and grace in this time.  Vic cried and Danie gently held her.

Danie, and I walked with Siza.  Her eyes were sad when she said “Her body is shutting down.  It could be quick or it could be a few weeks.”

The rest of Christmas Eve passed as if I was in a daze.  Lani and the kids arrived, my dear friend Judy arrived after a marathon charity event and the smell of gammon and roast lamb permeated the house.  The tables looked festive and there were tons of gifts under the tree.

Vic handed out the gifts.  The kids shrieked with delight.  A  lot of thought went into the gifts.  The gifts were truly gifts of love.

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

   a time to be born and a time to die,

Vic doing the Santa thing
Vic doing the Santa thing
IMG_7949
Vic, Lani and Tom
IMG_7913
Love is family…
IMG_7968
Our dear friend Judy, with Vic, and I. How beautiful is baby Izak?
IMG_7985
Danie and I with Vic

I don’t want to die


Today has been a very, very bad day. Sr Siza was here when Vic had a violent vomiting spell. Yesterday Vic fractured a vertebra again. Her pain is out of control. Her breathing was shallow.

“I don’t want Jon-Daniel to see me now Mommy. It freaks him out when I can’t breathe” Vic pleaded

I lay behind her back, gently holding her whilst the tears wracked through her little body.

I don’t want to die Mommy. If only I can live for another year….. But I am so tired!” Vic softly cried

Do you think we will be able to do Italy Mommy?” she asked after a long silence

I hope so Baby. I think we must take the boys with us…” I replied

Oh Mommy, can we? We don’t have to go for a long time…” Vic said

We lay quietly for a while. Vic trying to breathe through her nausea and pain and I contemplating how I am going to pull off this Italy thing… Just imagine flying with a caseload of injections and a litre of morphine syrup…

Mommy, I don’t care what you do with my ashes… It was so hard putting my father’s ashes into that wall of remembrance! Are you going to be okay Mommy?” Vic cried

My heart stopped. This was so out of the blue… “You will always be with me. I will not put you into any wall” I said

“I will be your guardian angel.” Vic said

I know but remember I will need some privacy… “I said

Don’t worry Mommy! I will make sure my father doesn’t peep as well” Vic laughed through her tears

“I am scared Mommy…”

I am scared too Vic…”

Christmas’ Past…


Frozen turkeys to be cooked and carved!
Frozen turkeys to be cooked and carved!

Many years ago we started a project, where on Christmas Day, we would feed the under privileged.  The first year we fed approximately 300 people.  The last year (2008) that we ran the project, we fed 1500 people on Christmas Day.  We had three feeding points in different squatter camps and we also handed out little gifts of face cloths, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes at a TB Clinic.

My late father, who suffered from Alzheimers, came to live with us in 2009, and since then I have not had the time, energy or finances to continue running the project.  The community has however started running a similar project, and they now fundraise themselves.  For many years I cooked up to 50 turkeys, made salad and cooked rice…  (I cannot handle the smell of turkey and my husband becomes nauseous when he has to carve turkey…)  I suppose we are all turkeyed out….

121912_2235_ChristmasPa2.jpg
One of the feeding points. The children are so patient and well-behaved!
121912_2235_ChristmasPa3.jpg
There is no greater joy than giving
Vic and her friend Lee and a community member sharing a happy moment!

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” ― Amy Wilson-Carmichael

We also visited the TB Clinic and gave the children in the Pediatric Section gifts.  Young Elizabeth, an 11 year old girl, died two weeks later.  She never let go of her Christmas Teddy Bear…

Elizabeth and her Christmas Teddybear
Elizabeth and her Christmas Teddybear

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”
― Carlos Ruiz ZafónThe Shadow of the Wind

A rare treat - a piece of cake for a TB patient on Christmas Day
A rare treat – a piece of cake for a TB patient on Christmas Day

“Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
― Steve MaraboliLife, the Truth, and Being Free

When my dad came to live with us I had to stop many of my community projects.  It broke my heart but I knew that it was my “family’s time”  In the words of Mother THeresa – “Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”

2012 will be a Christmas of making time for my family.

A couple of days ago Vic wistfully said “This is my last Christmas Mommy”  I hope she is well enough to have a Christmas that her boys will treasure and remember for the rest of their lives.  This may well be our last Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2009 - (L to R) Lee, Vic, My Dad and I
Christmas Eve 2009 – (L to R) Lee, Vic, My Dad and I

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa

The right to live with dignity


Live_Life_to_the_Fullest_by_HM_Photography

I just read two very insightful posts that Andrew of http://lymphomajourney.wordpress.com posted/reblogged.  The first was under the heading “Why not choose death” http://lymphomajourney.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/why-not-choose-death-sunrise-rounds-sunrise-rounds/ and the second “Morphine too little or to much?” http://sunriserounds.com/morphine-too-much-or-too-little/

I read the articles through the eyes of a primary caregiver who has prayed for her child’s death many, many days.  https://tersiaburger.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3&action=edit .  BH, (Before Hospice), I often blogged about The Right to Die with Dignity…..

Over the past 10 years I have seen my child suffer so much indignity and indescribable pain.  I have seen the despair in her eyes, the helplessness in the eyes of her boys….I have stood next to her bed and physically pulled my hair in frustration – tears pouring down my cheeks.  I have wept before God and prayed for Vic to die.  I begged God to take away her suffering.

I advocated the right to die with dignity.

Vic has been in the care of Hospice for the past 3 months.  In this time Vic has been given a new lease on life.  Hospice cannot change the prognosis but they have given Vic quality of Life.  For the past three months Vic has been able to occasionally get out of bed, go for milkshakes with her boys, she went to Jared’s confirmation and Jon-Daniel’s honours evening.  She completed her photo albums.

Vic is in renal and hepatic failure.  Her tissue is horrendous.  Her pain is under control!  As and when symptoms surface, Vic’s medication is adjusted.  She is treated with compassion and respect.  Her wish is the teams command….

As the situation is now I am so grateful that my child is alive.  I treasure every breath that she takes.  We chat, laugh and cry.  We dream of going to Italy in 2013.

So given the situation now what would I advocate – The right to die with dignity or the right to live?

I have no doubt that if Vic’s pain and symptoms got worse, I would want her suffering to end.  If it remains as great as it is now of course I want her to live.  But it is key that Vic is allowed to live with Dignity!

As much as I advocate the right to die with dignity I believe that the final decision lies with the sick person.  It is not for family or physicians to play God.  The patient has to be the only decision maker.

I must admit that if the decision was mine to make, my child’s suffering would have ended a long time ago.

We all have the right to Live with Dignity.   There is a huge difference between breathing and living…

Breathe may refer to:  Breathing, to inhale and exhale consecutively, drawing oxygen from the air, through the lung http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathing

Life (cf. biota) is a characteristic that distinguishes objects that have signaling  and self-sustaining processes from those that do not,[1][2] either because such functions have ceased (death), or else because they lack such functions and are classified as inanimate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life

BH (before Hospice) Vic breathed.  Now she lives.  She may not live for a long time but she has the right to live with dignity!

 

Relevant posts:

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/06/04/5-6-2012/ No one will love me ever again

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/06/12/12-6-2012/ (Eat, sleep, Vomit)

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/08/17/the-right-to-die/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/11/15/an-end-of-life-discussion-is-one-of-the-most-important-things-to-do-right/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/10/01/sometimes-the-pains-too-strong-to-bare-and-life-gets-so-hard-you-just-dont-care/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/09/14/palliative-care/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/08/22/rest-in-peace-tony-nicklinson-brave-warrior/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/08/20/768/ (How to die in Oregan)

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/08/02/5-stages-of-dying/

https://tersiaburger.com/2012/06/13/im-going-to-dance-my-way-to-heaven-because-ive-already-been-through-hell-14-6-2012/

Thank you God


I just finished a batch of choc-chip cookies.  The house is quiet and sweet smell of the biscuits has permeated the air.  The Christmas tree lights are flicking and the first batch of gifts beautifully wrapped.  It is the season of Christmas. Two weeks ago I despaired that Vic would not live to see Christmas. Dr Sue came and saw Vic this morning.  She lanced the cellulitis
abscess on Vic’s arm.  My baby girl was so brave!! Sue told us of a young man who came to see her in her rooms with a small abscess in his face.   He cried with pain.  Sue told Vic what a brave person she is…I was so proud of my little girl. Vic’s heart and pulse rate is very elevated.  She has a kidney infection.  Kidney infections make her tired. I just checked on Vic and she is sleeping so peacefully.  She has a serene expression on her beautiful face and she is truly pain-free tonight. Sitting here I am counting my blessings. My baby girl is home.  I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it would have been if Vic lived elsewhere or if she was married or involved.  I can now care for my child without having to consider my “position” in her life.  I am able to be her mommy and take care of her. The boys are settled and happy living with us.  We love having them so close to us.  They are such well-behaved, kind and helpful boys!  Before Vic moved home the boys, mainly Jared, had to cook most days.  Now they are able to be children. Life has settled into an easy routine.  We have laughter and fun.  We cry and despair.  We hug.  We talk and constantly affirm our love for one another. Vic is spending a lot of time with her boys – talking.  She helped with the preparations for Jared’s 16th birthday party.  Vic passed me the spices when I baked this year’s Christmas cakes.  We laughed when we decided the cake needed another “splash of brandy”.  Vic “chose” her Christmas Cake. My wonderful husband is such an amazing person.  He is my rock and pillar.  He loves and protects us. I am happy and content with our lives. Thank you God for this time of closeness.      

The end of Maxine….


This was so funny I just had to reblog this. I do plead guilty to sharing most of the behavioural traits listed below…..  Thank-you Shirley for reblogging this.  
 

Reblogged from 

http://boudicabpi.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/the-end-of-maxine/

The end of Maxine….

Posted on 12, 10, 12

maxine

 
As we progress into 2013, I want to thank you for your educational e-mails
over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I can no longer open a bathroom door 
without using a paper towel,
nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying
about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can’t sit down on a hotel bedspread 
because I can only imagine
what has happened on it since it was last washed.

I have trouble shaking hands 
with someone who has been driving
because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one’s nose.

Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because
 I can only
imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can’t touch any woman’s handbag 
for fear she has placed it on
the floor of a public toilet.

I must send my special thanks 
for the email about rat poo
in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with
every envelope that needs sealing.

ALSO, 
now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I can’t have a drink in a bar
 because I fear I’ll wake up in a bathtub
full of ice with my kidneys gone.

I can’t eat at KFC 
because their chickens are actually horrible mutant
freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.

I can’t use cancer-causing deodorants 
even though I smell like a
water buffalo on a hot day.

Thanks to you 
I have learned that my prayers only get answered
if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

Because of your concern , 
I no longer drink Coca Cola because
it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer buy 
fuel without taking someone along to watch the car,
so a serial killer doesn’t crawl in my back seat when I’m filling up.

I no longer use Cling Wrap 
in the microwave because it causes
seven different types of cancer.

And thanks for letting me know 
I can’t boil a cup of water
in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring
me for life.

I no longer go to the cinema 
because I could be pricked with a
needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.

I no longer go to shopping centers 
because someone will drug
me with a perfume sample and rob me..

And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask
me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to
Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan ..

Thanks to you 
I can’t use anyone’s toilet but mine because a
big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant
death when it bites my butt.

And thanks to your great advice 
I can’t ever pick up a
dime coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed
there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.

I can’t do any gardening 
because I’m afraid I’ll get bitten by the
Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.

If you don’t send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in
the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land
on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the
fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you
to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it
actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor’s
ex mother-in-law’s second husband’s cousin’s best friend’s
beautician!

Oh, and by the way…

A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study,
has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity
read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse

Don’t bother taking it off now, it’s too late.

P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because
I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet..

NOW YOU HAVE YOURSELF A VERY GOOD DAY…