My Friend, Sherry

It was so good to connect with my very long-time friend, Sherry, tonight on the phone.  She lives in Georgia with her husband and 5 kids - the oldest getting married last month.  Sherry also has a daughter with Down Syndrome.  Now, how many best friends (over 30 years) do you know that have daughters with Downs?  We had a nice long talk and laughed about our daughter's antics.  My goal is to go visit Sherry and her family in October.  I hope it works out. 

Today was a better day for me, although I had to change my plans.  I wasn't up to going to a baby shower for Shannon (triplets are doing very well!).  Jon went with me to the grocery store then to Barnes and Noble to get a book I had ordered that came in. 

That's about it.  Jess had a good day with Jane today.

Second Down Day In A Row - Yuchk!

While Jessie is having some great days, I have been in a slump the past 2 days.  I've prayed and asked God to help me out because I don't like being here.  I'm really trying, so I hope tomorrow will be better.  Guess this is part of the grieving process.  Most of my days are very good, but I do know that emotions are like a roller coaster.  I just plain miss my Willie.

I took the van in to get the oil changed, tires rotated and a recall taken care of.  When I went to get back in the van to come home, the door wouldn't shut.  Seems the last time I was at the car wash it damaged my running board, pushed it up and when they put it on the hoist, it jammed into the door frame.  I either have to have it fixed and repainted or take off the running boards.  I had them specifically put on for Mom S. and Jessie, but neither one is using them.  Mom because she's up north and Jess because she just climbs in on her knees. 

I fixed a nice chicken dinner but stuck the noodles to the bottom of the pan.  Jess wouldn't even eat her chicken tonight and just wanted cereal.  Her eating pattern sure has changed.  I wouldn't give her cereal because I didn't damage the chicken!  She finally ate it. 

Another Appointment

Both Jess and I had a hard time getting up this morning and we were still in bed when Debbie came!  That's a little embarassing!  I had gotten up earlier and let the dog out and fed him, but then went back to bed just for a few minutes.  It was a little longer than a few minutes.

I had a kidney doctor appointment at 12:20.  Arrived there at 12:00 and didn't get to see him until 1:00 p.m.  That's so frustrating.  My next stop was to the Outpatient center to get supplies for a 24-hour urine test and I had to wait there for almost a half hour!  I figured I'd jump on the expressway and stop at Meijer's on the way home.  Not.  Bad accident that had M-53 backed up for miles.  I was able to go 5mph, though.  For 3 miles.  I discovered that you don't have to have your hands on the wheel when you are going 5mph.  I got off early at 23 Mile and still didn't see any accident, although a wrecker and ambulance had gone by earlier.

I never did make it to Meijer's.  I went home and took a nap instead.  Hopefully, I'll get there tomorrow.  That's about it.  Oh, yes.  Jess and Debbie went on a walk and had a nice time.  Another good day for our Jess.  In fact, there are times she is SO good and does something that I've never seen her do before, that I'm wondering if someone replaced her with a clone? 

Surgery Went Well

Diane's shoulder surgery went well.  They thought she had a tear but it turned out "only" to be arthritis and cartiledge that needed removing.  I went to see her tonight at home and she was doing well ... most likely because she's hooked up to a continous pain medication pump - right into her neck!  Eeuw!  She's in no pain, but doesn't like it that she can not feel her arm at all.  It's not numb, just "dead".  It's a terrible feeling, she said, to try to move it and nothing moves. 

Jessie had another good day.  In fact, we're not sure if this IS Jessie!  Debbie had her remove clean dishes from the dish washer and put dirty ones in, then Jess noticied (on her own) that I had brought down the dirty clothes hamper.  She took all those clothes out and put them in the hampers in the laundry room.  They went today to help at the Gleaner's Food Distribution, and although she wouldn't get out of the van, she had several girls who came in the van to see her and she seemed fine with them.  Things definitely are looking up!  Thank you for your constant prayers.

H & V Testing

That would be Heart and Vascular.  I went to TBH today to have 7 H&V tests done as preventative "maintenance".  They do these tests to see if you are at risk of heart attack/and or stroke.  Insurance doesn't cover any tests and the charge is only $70.00.  Not a bad deal.  I  will get the final results in 2 weeks.  I also had an endocrinologist appointment 3 hours later.  In between I went to Lowe's, Salvation Army and Barnes and Noble.  Tonight, I am pooped.

Jess, once again, has had a good day.  When we started her on the anti anxiety medicine last week the doctor said that we should see a change in 3 to 4 weeks.  I'm sure no medical professional will believe me, but the change in her attitude has been within days of taking this medicine.  She's asked to do something and she stops for a moment than says, "OK", rather than screaming, then does it.  Please keep praying that this change would be permanent.  That would be nice for us, but especially for her.

Diane's surgery is scheduled for noon tomorrow.  Thank you to everyone that is praying for her.

Have I Said This Before?

Have I mentioned before that I REALLY like our new first floor laundry room/Jon's office/work room?  I can do a load of wash whenever I want.  Before I wouldn't go to the basement if I was home alone or if everyone was sleeping.  Not to mention the wear and tear on my knees going up and down so much.  Well, if I haven't said it before, let me say it now:  I REALLY like our new laundry room!!!!!

Jon and I went to breakfast then to Target to purchase baby gifts for Shannon's baby shower on Saturday.  She's having triplets, but I don't think I told you that she is having 2 girls and a boy.  Should be an interesting household in a few years!  That poor boy.  He's gonna have 3 moms!

Jess and I went to Bellacino's for lunch and my friend, Mary, joined us.  We had a nice chat when we returned.  Jess has had yet another good day.  This is almost too good to be true.  She's been so much happier.  Let's hope it continues. 

Jessie's Birthday Party Day

Yesterday we celebrated Jessie's 22nd birthday with a small party at 6:00 p.m.  First of all, I need to THANK Jon for all he did in getting us ready.  While I worked outside, he dusted, vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms and watched Jessie.  Because of his help, I was able to sit down and relax a little before the party began.

Jess had such a great time.  First we ate pizza and salad.  She opened her presents and then we ate cake and ice cream.  She was in a great mood and all went well.  I think everyone had a good time, too!

We always have Jessie's party on what used to be Super Sunday in Washington.  Now, it's a 4-day extravaganza and last night was the second year in a row of fireworks.  Again, 27 minutes of wonderful fireworks.  All we had to do was bring our chairs to the side of the house and we had a great view of everything. 

Today, Jessie has had another great day.  She's been very happy and has spent alot of time in her bedroom watching and reorganizing videos and DVD's.  I'm not sure what her method is, but they're NOT in alphabetical order.  But, the main thing is, she's been very happy and hasn't complained or screamed all today.  That, is something to write about, for sure!

This coming week looks busy for me.  I have alot of doctor appointments and tests.  PLUS, please pray for my sister, Diane, as she is scheduled for shoulder surgery on Wednesday.  Please pray that it would be successful and her recovery will be good.  Thanks!