Last Post….

of 2013 that is. I gotcha didn't I? 

Another year is coming to an end.  I look back at this time last year, MyHubby and I were "Homeless". The home buying process was coming to an end and there were delays of getting it on our property.  We spent Christmas and New Years living at my awesome Mother-in-law's. 

God works in mysterious ways because since then I think my MIL and I have bonded in certain ways. I think she has learned I am not totally disabled and am capable of taking care of her son. I have learned that she is only a concerned mother and she is full of more wisdom than I can imagine.

My health was overall stable until my hospital visit this month. It hit me hard. But I am still kicking. The tendinitis is still bugging me but oh well.

I used to make New Years Resolutions but I find them useless for me. 

Anyway our Christmas of 2013 was memorable. Christmas Eve, we shared it with Hubby's family. We went to the Memorial service in remembrance of his dad and all others who had lost a loved one. I think it is a beautiful event.  After we enjoyed a nice dinner at my brother-in-laws home and visited with his nieces and mother.

Christmas Day, we went to my niece's as my sister is remodeling her home so my niece volunteered. She was a great hostess. We again had a great meal. I was able to meet my second great nephew. Now we have 3 small children in our family again. It was fun to see them.

The oldest is 2 year old Andrew who is very busy, energetic and all boy. 

Then there is cutie pie 1-1/2 year old all girl Lillian, happy, quiet and rather do her own thing.

Jonah is the youngest 5 months who is also a happy boy who wouldn't cry with anyone who picked him up. I got the chance to hold him, kiss him and squeeze the cut little cheeks (Softly). 

The blessing was everyone was there. Sometimes someone was offshore or off to another place. This year all of my family was together. 

Oh and I met BabyGirl's boyfriend for the first time. I gave him a subtle short talk about not hurting my daughter. He took it well. I wasn't able to talk to him one to one like I would have liked to but if he is around I'm sure I'll get to know him more. He seems like a nice wholesome guy.

After we left there we decided to go see if my BFF, JoAnn was home. She lives right down the road from my sister and niece. My niece lives a few doors down from my sister. 

The few times I had gone no one was home. They didn't even know where we lived. But our friendship is like that. We may not talk to each other for months or even years, but we continue where we left off. Miraculously, she was there with her crazy husband and her Mom who I hadn't see in a long time.

JoAnn's husband and I get along great. We pull tricks on each other and jokingly insult each other. I am thankful my best friend finally found this man. She deserves the best.

They have an X-box for when her grand kids go. We checked it out. It is pretty cool. It is better than the Wii and PlayStation that we have. I laughed until I cried watching MyHubby and Joann play a game. It was so funny to see their faces and movements. Ahh that will be a memorable time.

We came home later than we expected but it was all worthwhile. 

We are going back to my brother-in-law's New Year's Day to have a meal and watch some LSU football!!!!! GEAUX TIGERS!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I wish you a safe and Happy New Year! Be careful if you go out New Year's Eve or Day!

My Best Friend, Jeff--Happy Birthday!

Today I want to dedicate this post to an awesome person. It is his birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!

Jeff, I can just picture you reading this blushing royally! YEA! You know I LOVE YOU! It's been so long that I made you blush, I think this is a great time. Happy Happy Birthday My Handsome BFF!!

Jeff and I never met face to face. But he has been my best friend for years. I wonder if he remembers just how long. Geez its been a while for sure!

We met several years back as we were in a game room on POGO He was respectful, charming, kind, friendly, flirtatious and funny.

We eventually took our chatting to YAHOO messenger. I saw him on Video chat a couple of times and talked on the phone with him so I know he is not a psycho.

We spent countless hours on Yahoo Messenger Chat. You can't ever imagine.

A treasured friendship grew.

I won't lie. After my divorce I saw in him as a potential husband.  However, it just wasn't going to happen. Here are a few reasons among many.  

We live 877 miles apart, he in Illinois and I in Louisiana. We both had kids and neither one of us was capable of moving. And I don't think he was into me that way as I was into him.

As I look back now,  I think that was just what God wanted. God put Jeff and I together to be friends. I really wasn't ready to jump into another marriage anyway.

God knew I needed a friend like Jeff.

Jeff makes me laugh. Oh My! How he has made me laugh in the middle of blubbering! He had that knack with me. We had so many times we laughed I almost peed in my pants.

Jeff is my confidant and I trust him wholeheartedly. He saw me go through many dark moments and he was there for me. 

Jeff is a loving and caring man. He is an excellent father. He is an extraordinary human being.

Jeff never judges me. He accepts me for who I am.

He is honest (sometimes brutally but always with compassion) even when I do not want to hear it. I am sure sometimes he had no clue what the hell I was doing or thinking (I realize now, I didn't know either). I'm sure there were times he wanted to say, "I told you so" or wanted to reach into his computer screen and shake sense into me.

But he didn't. He listened. Never judging. He helped me pick myself up, brush off and move on. Sometimes only to go through the nonsense all over again. But he never left me. And he could have just pressed that disconnect button so easily.

He is so patient.

I had not met many men with such a kind compassionate heart. Any special lady would be so very lucky to have him as a husband. (But as I have told him, they have to go through my screening first HA!). Yes he is still searching for that special someone. 

He gave me advice I sometimes did not take. (If I had I might now have gone through so much heartache!) But no matter what he was ALWAYS there when I fell. He was there through cyberspace to read my pain and then to console and comfort me.

At times he knew me more than I knew myself. It could be frightening. He was able to penetrate through the false tough exterior I showed.  

He was with me going through the dating game. He gave me advice on what I shared with him, which was almost everything.

Typically, when a girl meets a man for the first time, they always tell (or should anyway) a friend or family member for in case something happens. Jeff was that person for me and boy did I drive him crazy. I am sorry my friend "SMILING"

He shares my joys. He was so happy for me when I found my Hubby. He said I deserved a good man.

I can go on and on about his positive traits but you get the idea. He will always be in my heart and I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

We don't chat like we used to. Life changes sometimes but never the love, thankfulness and joy i have for him. THANK YOU JEFF.

I have said I will travel and meet him one of these days. That still stands. One of these days he will hear a knock on the door and when he opens it there I will stand.  Hubby and I had it planned out once but it never panned out. But as soon as our finances ever stabilize or just if we get a few pennies, I am determined to meet my Handsome BEST FRIEND FOREVER!

In the meantime, Jeff, I wished you had that special someone to celebrate your birthday with you. I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you. I hope someone helps you celebrate.

I know! You say Birthdays are just another day. But you know how I am. :)

I miss you. I really do. We need to set up a chat date.

I hope you enjoy this special day the way you want to. You know I wish you all the love and happiness in the world. Always remember you are a very special friend to me!

I love you bunches my Handsome BFF!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!!

Love, Hug and kisses!

Easy Come, Easy Go Update/Generoisty of Others

In a previous post I had mentioned that the lawnmower and weed eater was broken and dental bills took the money we had saved for home improvements.

 As mentioned before, Hubby works at a Do It Yourself Home Improvement store. He is able to watch for sales. You wouldn't imagine how many people will bring an appliance to be repaired and never return to get it. Or how may appliances are damaged when they come from the warehouse. Hence they are sold at a discounted price.

On Memorial weekend, there was a 10% off sale and because he is a Veteran, he received an additional 10% off plus his employee discount.

A stand up freezer was one of my wishes when we moved here.  It wasn't a priority but finally had the space to put one. I hated having to figure out how much I could buy that would fit in the puny freezer of the refrigerator. It drove Hubby crazy when I tried cramming more than the freezer held.

He saw a freezer that was on clearance. He knew it wouldn't stay long because we've paused several deals missing out.  The only thing wrong with it was a few dents here and there which wouldn't be visible as they were on the side. And the vent was crushed at the bottom. I tried talking the salesperson down more from the already ridiculously low price before the discounts.

Hey! You can't blame a girl for trying!   He said we could call the manufacturer and they would probably send another vent.

Also, we had to get a lawnmower. The grass was growing and needed to be mowed badly. I left the decision to Hubby as he knows more about lawnmowers than I do. I assumed he would think of me when he bought it because I don't mind mowing grass.  He bought a Husqvarna which is nice and I can start it with a key. However, it is one of those mowers you have to constantly keep your foot on the gas pedal all the way down for it to move. I can do it (and will( but its hard and tiring. Hubby even said it is tiring for him. But we got it a good price and it is one of the best that we could afford.

He brought the weed eater to get repaired. It took them 2 weeks to repair it as they needed to order a part.

Later in the afternoon the day our purchases were delivered  Hubby checked the freezer  more than I did. I was just so excited and scheming how I would fill it up and with what!

We noticed that there were no dents and the vent was not crushed. Hubby said the delivery guy must have grabbed the new one as on their ticket they just have the make and model. So we got a brand new freezer similar to this.

So we got two things off the list, not in the time frame we would have liked but its our life.

But then Monday, I get a telephone call from BFF from college. We had enjoyed a BBQ at their home Saturday.

She exclaimed, "Hey, I hope you don't get mad at me."

You have to know my college BFF is a wonderful person. She has been a real friend to me. We had a lapse of communication for years due to  a misunderstanding but we reconnected and it is so nice. I love her dearly.

Her and her hubby are a pair of selfless generous people I've ever know. I am not kidding you.

"Umm...I doubt if I will be mad at you. What did you do?", I responded.

She explained her and Hubby wanted to give us a  house warming gift. I thought and said certain words, okay, not necessary and not expected but I know how she is so I was rolling with it. I was thinking a clock or picture? Something nice but not as big as what it actually is.

She said she ordered it and it will be delivered Wednesday. She went on to say if I didn't like it or the color I could call and exchange it within 48 hours or get what I wanted.

I kept thinking and saying, "Y'all didn't have to do this." She said she knew that but she was blessed and they could do this. She loved us and wanted to help us out.

Like she didn't help me before?? She had already given me a sofa and recliner when I left my ex because once again I had no furniture years ago. I know if I called her she would be there in any way she could. And I would for her certainly.

She continued to explain the store would call the next day to make arrangements etc. I was overwhelmed and surprised. i was choked up with tears. So I asked her if she was going to tell me what it was. At first she said it would be a surprise but then she relented so I'll know what it was supposed to be.

Well they were delivered yesterday. They are two reclining chairs. Very nice.

How do you say thank you and much it is appreciated it in words. To really convey how much their generosity and thoughtfulness means to us?

Has anyone done anything so nice and thoughtful for you?

Embarrassment because of Cerebral Palsy In Family and Friends?

From time to time I go onto a CP Community Board on Face book. It is for all who have CP to congregate and ask questions and/or share their stories.

As I was scanning through I came upon this question. 'Ever see your child "embarrassed" because of you? '

Surprisingly to me, many had stories about their children being embarrassed.  Some kids requested they not walk with them etc.

It sparked a reminder of one of my online friends/fellow blogger had a set of parents who were not accepting as she grew up.  When I heard her story, it also boggled my mind. It still does when I think about it. She is a strong person getting through it all but I can't even guess how she felt.

One girl shared that she was asked to  walk in her friend's wedding. However, when the parents met her they said she would ruin the wedding. 

SERIOUSLY?!

The girl told her friend it was okay to find someone to replace her. She wanted her friend's day to be special and go smoothly. She knew her friend wasn't embarrassed.  

I admit she took it better than I would have. I probably would have done the same thing for my friend. But on the other hand I think I would have been hurt because she did not stand up for me. 

Reading other people's experiences make me realize how blessed I am. I have a family who have never been embarrassed by me.  They accepted me for who I was. 

I can say without a doubt that my sister was not embarrassed by me. Yea, like every sibling rivalry she probably wished I would go away as I was a pesky little sister. It was my job to make her annoyed, I admit I did it well sometimes!

None of my friends were embarrassed by me. But then again, I would not have friends who didn't accept me the way I am and were embarrassed of me. I was in two of my friend's weddings. I couldn't believe they asked me. I had voiced my fears of falling down the aisle with the long dress to one. Her response was it could happen to anyone and if I did, she would just come pick me up. It meant a lot to me that my friends accepted me and loved me enough to ask me to wobble in their wedding. (It was supposed to make you smile!)

My worst fear was for my child to get teased or embarrassed by me. But early on she showed she was not. She defended me when one of her classmates teased me and let him know it was in his best interest to keep his thoughts to himself. And in the fourth grade, she had a 4-H project. She did a presentation on Cerebral Palsy. 

It's unimaginable to me that people who are important in your life would be embarrassed by your CP. I just can't wrap my head around it.

I am sure I will be thinking about this for a bit, trying to figure it out. 

My jumbled thoughts are:  

It is not like you can do anything about it if you have CP. None of us with it asked for it. Probably all of us would agree that if we had a choice we wouldn't have it. But we're stuck with it and we just have to make the best of it. 

I understand children can be selfish and inconsiderate at times but to treat their parents who gave life to them like that, is incomprehensible.  

I understand some teens go through a phase of independence and embarrassment of their 'normal' parents. And maybe that is also true for children of disabled parents. 

As mentioned by others in the CP community  my worst fear came true for them. Their kid were bullied because he had CP so the kid requests they stay clear of him when they are at the school.  Or their sibling has CP and they are being teased because of it.  

Maybe it is not totally embarrassment but fear, of them not being accepted by others because of their parent or sibling with CP. 

It is such a cruel world. 

I don't know. I guess it never happened to me and I can't understand it. In my life, family was important. We were to love, respect and accept each other, period. 

What do you think? How do you think you would feel if you had any kind of disability and your child was embarrassed? 

Happy Birthday To My BFF

Today is a very special friend's birthday so I want to dedicate this post to HIM and the friendship I cherish with him.

He and I have never met face to face but yet we feel we know each other. I pray and hope that one day we WILL meet. I will probably be the more capable one to venture the 900 miles some day.
We have talked on the telephone and spent thousands of hours on chat as well as emails.

We met on Pogo several years ago. We were flirtatious and continue to be, in honest fun. Mostly with our pet names, Handsome and Beautiful. We chatted and played games against each other. We gravitated to Yahoo Messenger and email.

He has become a friend I love and adore.

He has made me laugh when I wanted cry.

He has been an awesome confidante and supporter.  He has been an advisor.  He has been a true friend. He acted like a parent waiting for my email or chat to let him know I made it safely after meeting a potential new love interest.

He is always there for me. He has made me laugh when I wanted to cry.

We have accepted one another unconditionally. Our friendship has never had any stipulations.

We can always depend on each other to be honest. We never sugar coat anything. Sometimes, it was brutal for the other but we knew it was what we needed. We knew what we said to the other was  not out of malice.  And at the same time, we knew the other was there to comfort after the blows we encountered.

He and I have a special bond that we refused to let anything or anyone break.

When we had a love interest enter our lives, we made it known that our friendship was not up for negotiation. I know a few times I've had to tell the potential love interest at that time to not even try because they would lose.  I can see when someone has not experienced a friendship like ours could be skeptical. It is one of those things you don't understand until you are in it.

I am blessed to have a wonderful, handsome, funny compassionate friend like Jeff.


Although we don't talk or email as much we know that we are here if we ever need the other.

I hope and pray his birthday is as special as he is because he deserves all the joy, love and happiness in the world!

Happy Birthday to My BFF, Jeff!

Searching For A Person Who Has Impacted My Life

I know have so many other things to catch up with on here but here's something that's been on my mind.

When I was a little girl, I had several surgeries on my legs because of my CP. I remember my mom and dad driving me in their un-airconditioned and hot leather seat Buick 134 miles to New Orleans Touro Hospital. Those were some hot and sweaty trips!

The hospital had a ward of children having surgeries or recovering. I would drop their kids off and was never seen again until they picked up their child. I remember Mom acting surrogate to them.

Anyway, I also remember the Candy Stripers. There were young girls who came to visit the children, like Pink Ladies do. Do they even have Candy Stripers anymore?

Anyway, one girl I got attached to. She was a lifesaver for mom because she would come visit me and spend time with me. Mom would walk to the store across from the hospital and buy me treats and our puzzle books. Faith Rochon, the candy stripper and I played cards a lot. I remembered looking forward to her visit.

After my surgeries for several years she and I wrote to each other. The last time I wrote to her the mail came back to me. I've been trying to get in touch with her by finding her but all I remember is her maiden name. I think she got married.

I guess it is one of my missions is to try to find her. I have no clue on how to do that because I've lost all of her mail. I have pictures of her but it sure would be nice if she happened to look up her name and find this blog. I want her to know what kind of impact she had on me and my family. I want her to see how I've grown and would love to see her again. I want to see what happened in her life.

I found a person with her name on Facebook and have sent her a message. But I don't think that is her.

I have no clue how to find her. She could have moved out of state. So just say a prayer that God will lead me to her.

Thanks for stopping by and if you wish, say hi and direct me to your blog!