It Was A Week Ago

That my dearest friend departed this world to join her dearest husband who passed at the age of 79 a little over a year ago on January 7, 2019.  She was 80 years old.

This beautiful photo was taken on December 28, 2019 prior to her attending the event of her son's sixtieth birthday and (would you believe) wedding. How nice of the family in sharing this photo that shows me the beauty of her soul.  She told me that she had a wonderful day - that her lady friends at the Care Facility had done her make-up (what a nice gesture) and she was very thankful for her power wheelchair that facilitated her getting around to enjoy all the activities .  It was a thrill for her to enjoy her son's wedding and all of its celebratory niceties .

During the past few years her physical challenges have been huge and I marvelled at her continued ability to rally following many serious events (including kidney failure , lower extremity neuropathy,  infections and a foot amputation to name a few) that easily could have been her last beautiful presence on this earth. Her heart and soul was filled with so much love and kindness for others.  Her joy was recognized by many if not all of the personnel who cared for her in whatever medical facility she was in .  Her need for personal care was extensive .  She was no longer able to get out of bed alone nor was she able to walk .  Her time was spent in bed or in her wheelchair .  But , she continued to participate in the planned activities of the Care Facilities . Impressive !

Her one and only son and family members were so very caring and supportive in this journey .  Her son went way beyond "the call of duty" in providing all necessary and more, provisions for his mother and father as they traveled their sunset years.

A few years ago I received a phone call from her son prior to my friends approaching birthday . He wanted to know if I could come to New York (I live in California) at his expense to celebrate her Birthday with her . What a thoughtful idea ! Unfortunately , I had reached the position of being a little fearful at my age of traveling alone in this current world with all the aspects of stress with navigating Air travel .

At one point her son had a chair lift installed in the two story home where they were living with him at the time .  Truly , lovely people !

Sending healing thoughts for the grief of the present time and beautiful memories to be celebrated and enjoyed throughout the coming lifetime for the family .

Mary

Very Sad Days

Written Friday - - -  Day by day my Dear Friend in New York who I met in High School is slipping away .

She has been in and out of the hospital with one very serious issue after another .  I so wish I could be with her .  Two days ago was the last time she was able to talk on the phone and I more or less was able to say goodby in the event I can't in the future . She says she is not in any pain but extremely weak and coughing continuously from the current issue of aspiration pneumonia and weak from other serious conditions that have been increasing in severity .  It really broke my heart when she said "I do not want to leave you " .  We have developed a bond like I have never experienced in my life, knowing each other inside and out with never a restriction on talking about absolutely anything .  Quite Remarkable .  And, since her husband passed a little more than a year ago and having known her from a young age has given this friendship/love an expansive dynamic !

Her son has been out of the country on a business trip and is due home on Monday .  I am certain that will be a comfort for her .

Written Tuesday - - - We were able to talk on the phone during the last two evenings which we both were very grateful . She was very alert with all of her cognitive faculties .

Tonight I received the call from my friend's son to tell me that she is moving to Palliative Care for further care .  The tears are running down my face !

Mary

WOW      Powerful Winds Have Been Wreaking Havoc

(newspaper source)

Across California .  And, in some places as strong as 125 miles per hour .  Here , the wind has been blowing fiercely throughout the day.  My power is still on but over 100 PG&E customers are already without power due to power lines down from the strong winds .

(newspaper source)

I hope and pray that people will be safe and there will not be serious results from injury .

Mary

Precious Friends From High School Days

It is over 10 years now that a friend from high school succeeded in looking me up and found me through the Internet . As many of you know , my high school days were not the most enjoyable for me because of the severe restrictions and control by my parents . I was not allowed to attend school dances , could not curl my hair - - - -  and the list goes on and on of all the many activities I was not allowed to participate in .  The activities were mostly associated with fun and social activities that aided in developing maturity . It really is not funny but I have been known to say "I never had the opportunity to learn how to play well with others ".  But , eventually I did !!!  Thank goodness those were the days when human beings treated each other with kindness and not bullying or life threats .  I guess it could be said that we were in a blissful state of peaceful coexistence with one another - for the most part - compared with today .  My situation was one of just feeling terribly alone and perhaps feeling unloved and confused!

But, there was one student who sat next to me in Physiology class that became a friend .  We were the same age by a few months . She too was not involved in many school activities but it was by choice, not because of harsh parental control .  Our friendship flourished to the  point that when we were young marrieds we would socialize and following becoming parents we were known to have dinner at one of another's home and after "putting the kids down" and "cleaning up the kitchen" we would play cards .  Those were the simpler days !

Let's move forward .  About the time that my friend found me in about 2010, I had started to see a new widower friend that I had met at church .  I had been divorced since 1969 and certainly not interested in a marriage .  Just a friendship, PLEASE !  In the photo below , I am on the right side and he is behind me . My friend who had been having many medical issues for a long time is on the left with her husband of almost sixty years  behind her . 

They lived in New York and I was in Michigan with my gentleman friend at a family reunion of his. It was so delightful that we were able to arrange to meet midway and spend a wonderful weekend together in Canada on our way home to California .  Yes and they drove back to New York .  Photo taken in hotel lobby .

Her husband passed away (cancer) in 2018 at the age of 79 .  

And, my Special Friend passed away (cancer) in 2014 at the age of 86 . Yes , he was a young looking man for his age !

My friend and I have become so close that we feel like sisters and talk on the phone every day !  It is a real blessing !!! Sadly , she has many , many medical issues and been near death many times .  But, she has been exhibiting a lot of spunk and determination in staying around longer !!!

She is now living in a Care Facility that is exceptionally nice .  And, she has one son (age 60) who has always been a loving protective gentleman of both of his parents .

My friend enjoying Mothers Day this past year . 

And , the photo on the right is a few months later showing off her new motorized wheelchair that I was able to purchase for her .  That was such a happy day for me , that I could share some of my God given resources of late .  The wheel chair has given her so much more ability to get around independently . And, I understand that she is a pretty good driver with only one speeding ticket !!! 🔆

And , here she is showing her Great Grandson the controls on her wheelchair while at a special holiday event this past December.

Now, we are both 8o years old !             Doesn't she look lovely ?

Mary

Time To Turn The Page On The Calendar - Already

Not a lot going on around here that is blog worthy .

                HAPPY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

For some reason I am not feeling so good . No energy , No appetite , No excitement .  Adjusting to new antidepressant medication (don't think I am feeling different than before)  as well as a new prescription in my eyeglasses (they don't seem quite right) but I'll wait and see how I get along .  I have stopped taking the CBD oil for now . I have been having a headache and a lot of back pain that has been quite harsh .  Knees and other joints hurting more than usual . Psychologically I am doing fine and feel happy .  Medically, we never did figure out why my Spleen is enlarged !  There is a big difference between emotional and physical pain . However, sometimes they can get very entwined !

This little sweetheart continues to get more snugly , trusting and loving everyday .  We have come a long way since the days of hissing and scratching .  I am so grateful for her tender love .

I've been in the kitchen preparing for the freezer this recipe that includes Ramen noodles . Simple and tasty ! It is a challenge to grocery shop and cook when I truly have no appetite . I have always had a good appetite and been grateful for food especially when I think of how hungry I was at times when going to school to become a nurse .  I was living away from home and supporting myself and my parents would not help but my boyfriend at the time (who became my husband) would !

Check out Twomenandalittlefarm.blogspot.com for the recipe.

Please don't call me Miss Grumpy .  I'll figure all of this out .

Mary