YESTERDAY

We are very fortunate where we work, in that we have a lot of perks. One of them is being able to "pop" in and out of the theme parks when we want to do so. Yesterday, one of my favorite people gave us VIP passes to see Paul Revere and the Raiders at the "F & G" show. This year, I was able to go with my husband. Which is another perk, as far as I am concerned.

I am getting ready to go to KY for my "step-brother's " service. We waited because of winter weather issues. Emily, my "sister", has had to shoulder the burden of all that has transpired since Marshall's disappearance. She has done a wonderful job. It is very hard dealing with the death of a loved one, but his was so sudden and so surreal that it made it harder for me, and I'm sure almost impossible for her.

She had to deal with 2 governments, attorneys, courts, and all the "legalese" of everything that has transpired. So, on Sat we will deal with a service. The last time I was in London, KY was for her Mother's funeral several years ago. This will not be any easier, especially since we haven't any "person" to bury.

But, as I sat at the concert last night, I was reminded of the last time I was at the park with Marshall. It was for the Food and Wine Festival. He called it the "Wine and Food" Festival. I asked him why and he said that I had my priorities and he had his. His dry sense of humor comforts me even now when I can hear his voice as I walk around the park.

I wish you had known him. He had a brilliant mind and eclectic taste. I loved being around him because he knew so much about everything and taught me more than I could ever describe in this limited space. I wish I could have known him even better.

If you think of us this week, remember us as we travel and especially on Saturday around 1:00 pm. We could use your prayers.

Something New

This life, as I know it, is chaotic, at best. I don't know whether it is me, or just the whirlwind around me, but sometimes when I stand still I can "feel" the world moving. That is when I know it's time for me to be still and listen.

We got Bob's test results today. As far as the Dr can tell from the tests that were run, the cancer is contained within the prostate. The Dr has suggested surgery within 4 weeks. Bob has agreed. There are always complications with any surgery, but less if they do lapaorscopic, and minimal time off. God is so good.

A new addition to our "family" is a miniature daschund. She answers to the name of "Wiener" and has more energy than Bob and me put together. But, only for about 4 minutes, then she has to sleep 3 hrs. Bob likes her and she adores him, so I guess we will keep her. She will also be great company for him while he is "recooping" from his surgery.

I "got to" take her to the vet today to be "violated" as Bob calls it. But, examined, shots, and recommendations from Andrew who is a vet that also happens to be a friend. She did very well, but acted like a "maniac" while she was there - running in circles, sniffing everything, trying to get to know a VERY LARGE dog whose name should be 'GODZILLA', if it isn't. I swear to you - I thought it was a bear when I first saw it. Any dog taller than me, has to be one big dog. He weighed in at 167 lbs. It wasn't a Mastiff nor St Bernard. I had never seen one like this before. (It probably has it's own zip code) But she was willing to take it on - all 8 lbs of her. (I didn't say she was smart).

Yes. Today was a good day at all the doctors.

POSTSCRIPT:

I have been severely chastised for mentioning names in my blog. AND RIGHTLY SO!!!

I have lived with my life being an open book for so long that I forget some people are VERY private. I have apologized to the person I mentioned and will "try" not to mention names again. And now, to those of you few who read my blog, I'm also sorry that I gave out personal information on someone else. (Life is so daily). I am reminded of the song by Billy Joel - "Only the Good Die Young" and if that is true I will live to be a ripe old age. But, I prefer to compare myself with good wine and cheese - getting better with age.

St Patty's Day

Aw, tis the wearing of the green today, and my friend Emily, husband Mr. Ray, and 2 of her friends are visiting for a few days.  They are staying at one of our hotels, and I got them into one of the parks today.  We're having dinner together tonight.

I love Emily.  She is like a sister to me and Mr. Ray, as I call him, is so perfect for her.  I just enjoy being with them any time.  Em has had to deal with all the "events" that have taken place with her brother, Marshall, dying in Sept.  She was the executor of his will and property, dealing with 2 govs (he died off the coast of Nassau) and all the emotions that go with that.  Death is never easy; no matter if it is quick or slow and drawn out, but it is reality.

I much prefer "FANTASYLAND".   That is probably part of the reason I work where I do.  I can escape, at times, and just pretend that I live in a world where all is beautiful and bad things never happen.  Eventually that has to end and reality comes creeping back in and I have to be an adult again.  Sometimes I really hate that!  [Don't forget to eat your corned beef and cabbage today]

One year

This time last year I was getting ready for a wedding.  In fact, tomorrow it will have been one year married to this man.  Sometimes it seems so long, and at other times, I can't believe it has been 12 months already.  

We have had to deal with many things this year.  Those who know me, know some of them.  Our latest is Bob's health.  He has been diagnosed with 2 types of cancer.  One type is non-aggressive and the Dr isn't worried about it, but the other kind is very aggressive and the Dr said he would have taken it out before now.  We are going through all the testing and have a meeting with the Dr on March 24 for the results and prognosis.  

I finally know why I am with this man-it's because without me being in his life he would have had no one.  No family, no one to care about him, no one to love him, no one with friends who are strong prayer warriors.  And, these things are very important, whether he knows it or not.  How are we doing?  We are dealing-one day at a time; one test at a time.

I went to my manager and started to tell her about the situation.  She stopped me and said, "I am getting you the forms for the FMLA program.  For those of you who are like I was, I didn't know what she was speak about, so she went on to explain it is a Family Medical Leave Application.  It enables you to take off and not hinder your job or give any reason.  I just call in and say, "I'm calling in FMLA."  and, the rest is taken care of.  

I took the papers to the Dr's office and they told me it usually takes 2 weeks to get them processed.  I called and talked with the nurse who works on these.  I explained that my husband had never been sick and was very upset by all of this new "sick" thing going on with him.  God gave her compassion and she had them ready for me in 2 working days.

I took them to the company Health Dept and they told me it would take at least 48 hours to process the paperwork and they would have lots of questions.  My manager called me 2 hrs later and said it had been approved-no questions asked.  Now if that is not a God thing, I don't know what is.  

I don't pretend to know WHY  God does things.  I don't even try to guess any more.  Right now, it's enough for me to know, He is still in control.