Yesterday I heard the news that my Aunt has been given 18 months to live. This is my Uncle's wife, just to be clear that it is not one of my Mom's siblings.
About a month ago I was at my Mom's house when she got the call from her brother that his wife had had two seizures and was in the hospital. With further testing it was determined that she had inoperable cancer in her brain but that they were going to do chemo and radiation to try to shrink it and there was hope that she would find some benefit from that and would show improvement.
In the meantime though her condition continued to go down hill and she was losing the ability to communicate etc. I'm not sure what changed between a week or so ago and yesterday but now they have given her 18 months and it made me think. If you or your spouse were given 18 months, what in the world would you do?
My first thought was quit work, and do everything you ever wanted to do in life. But, as it turns out my Aunt is already slightly incapacitated and I'm not sure that it will improve and my Uncle has to work to pay the bills. I tried to look at it from my Uncle's prespective and wondered how on Earth he will manage to continue going to work every day and not be just desperate to get home to spend time with her rather then "wasting" time at work that could be spent on more meaningful things and creating as many memories as possible.
I also tried to imagine it from their adult kids perspective and that was just awful. They're youngest can already hardly bear to be with her Mom in this condition and I just pray that she finds a way to get over that and make the most of her 18 months.
18 months people! Honestly how can that even be comprehended! I'm completely dumb founded and I will admit that I typically only saw my Aunt at holiday's for the most part but it's just really gotten to me, I can't imagine what it's doing to anyone closer to her. It's incredibly sad, she will never be a Grandmother, my Uncle will have to find a way to live the next 40+ years without her assuming he lives into his 90's and her kids will have to learn to know life without their Mom. It's unimagineable to me.
So, the point of this blog was not to depress everyone, or collect sympathy. The point is thought. Think about it, if the most awful of awful things was to happen and you were given 18 months with a loved one, what would you do? How would you spend it? In your day to day life, please remember what you have and what others are losing and reconsider how much attention you devote to the stressors of life, how long you hold onto a grudge. Pay special attention to the small moments that make the day awesome and never for a second take advantage of what you have or think too long about what you wish you had, because you never know when someone will drop 18 months on you.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cute Story for the day....
Bub was outside with Hubbie and I last night and fell down and got his first really scraped knee. He was tough though, he didn't cry a bit, not even when I was cleaning it. Such a big boy! He's pretty proud of his Elmo Band-Aid too. I didn't put one on at first, but after I cleaned it he went outside and crawled under the camper to chase a ball. So, after cleaning it a 2nd time I decided a Band-Aid might keep it a little cleaner. We went back out after that and he would stop about every five steps, pull up the hem on his shorts and say Elmo, go back to running around and then do it again about 5 steps later. He's such a crack up.
Yesterday after work Bub and I went to Kohl's to try to find some shorts since this week is going to be so warm. We weren't successful in finding anything but we did talk a lot and of course counted (he can go to 15 now) and went through his animal sounds (which he is very good at). After one time of going through the animals I gave him a big kiss and said Bub, you're smart, then all through the store he said "I'm smart". Too cute, and yes, he is quite smart. ;0)
Update on the house business. We have had 8 showings on the house, all within the first week and so far no takers. Kind of discouraging but we have an open house scheduled for this weekend so we're hoping something comes from that. Keep us in your thoughts. Poor Hubbie has been working so hard to get the outside of the house looking better since we're finally having some dry/nice weather. He's already painted the exterior windows on the house and garage. He also weeded the flower bed while I chased Bub around outside and is going to work on the yard further tonight. Poor guy needs a break!!! We won't be able to work on the house Sunday due to the open house so we're talking about what to do that day, something fun and relaxing. My goal is to get some flowers into our big planters and move them to the front of the house to improve curb appeal before the open house. I'll update more later if anything exciting happens.
Yesterday after work Bub and I went to Kohl's to try to find some shorts since this week is going to be so warm. We weren't successful in finding anything but we did talk a lot and of course counted (he can go to 15 now) and went through his animal sounds (which he is very good at). After one time of going through the animals I gave him a big kiss and said Bub, you're smart, then all through the store he said "I'm smart". Too cute, and yes, he is quite smart. ;0)
Update on the house business. We have had 8 showings on the house, all within the first week and so far no takers. Kind of discouraging but we have an open house scheduled for this weekend so we're hoping something comes from that. Keep us in your thoughts. Poor Hubbie has been working so hard to get the outside of the house looking better since we're finally having some dry/nice weather. He's already painted the exterior windows on the house and garage. He also weeded the flower bed while I chased Bub around outside and is going to work on the yard further tonight. Poor guy needs a break!!! We won't be able to work on the house Sunday due to the open house so we're talking about what to do that day, something fun and relaxing. My goal is to get some flowers into our big planters and move them to the front of the house to improve curb appeal before the open house. I'll update more later if anything exciting happens.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Trying Again.....Quick Update
Well, somehow I posted before I had typed anything. Not sure how that happened, not sure how to correct it, don't have enough time to mess with it, so here I am starting over.
Our house is officially on the market now. YAY, and thanks to everyone who helped us get it "Realtor Ready". It posted on the internet sometime between Friday when I left work and Saturday morning when I checked to see if it has posted yet. Anyway, by Saturday afternoon we received a call that they wanted to show it that day at 4:15. Holy Cow! Unfortunately those people weren't interested. Dang. But, I got a call this morning that someone wants to see it this Saturday. YAY! Then, about an hour later I got another call that someone wants to see it TODAY! Holy Cow again! Hubbie also has a friend at work who's girlfriend might be interested in it.
So, we're hopeful that it will sell quickly given the response that it has had so far. Please send lots of good thoughts and prayers our way that it sells quickly and that we can get our stuff packed up and moved within whatever amount of time we're given.
This afternoon will be a whirlwind. I'll be leaving work in about 14 minutes to do the mail run downtown and then I have to go by the house to get Boomer and of course I didn't make the bed today. Sigh, I shouldn't have let my guard down on that one. I've make it every day sense the house went on the market, except for today. There's also a checklist of other small things to do to make the house more inviting before I got to get Bub. I'll post again if anything exciting happens!!!!!
Our house is officially on the market now. YAY, and thanks to everyone who helped us get it "Realtor Ready". It posted on the internet sometime between Friday when I left work and Saturday morning when I checked to see if it has posted yet. Anyway, by Saturday afternoon we received a call that they wanted to show it that day at 4:15. Holy Cow! Unfortunately those people weren't interested. Dang. But, I got a call this morning that someone wants to see it this Saturday. YAY! Then, about an hour later I got another call that someone wants to see it TODAY! Holy Cow again! Hubbie also has a friend at work who's girlfriend might be interested in it.
So, we're hopeful that it will sell quickly given the response that it has had so far. Please send lots of good thoughts and prayers our way that it sells quickly and that we can get our stuff packed up and moved within whatever amount of time we're given.
This afternoon will be a whirlwind. I'll be leaving work in about 14 minutes to do the mail run downtown and then I have to go by the house to get Boomer and of course I didn't make the bed today. Sigh, I shouldn't have let my guard down on that one. I've make it every day sense the house went on the market, except for today. There's also a checklist of other small things to do to make the house more inviting before I got to get Bub. I'll post again if anything exciting happens!!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
63 Things
So, I orignally saw a post like this on a blog that is linked to my friend Michelle's blog and then she did it too so I thought I would keep the ball rolling. I kind of like things like this because even though I've seen lots of them, each one has different questions and you learn stuff about your friends that you didn't know before. This one certainly takes the award for original questions.
Oh, and before I start.....Our house will be on the Weigand website Friday according to our realtor so lots of prayers and good thoughts our way for a quick sell. And, a quick Bub story, he really LOVES balloons right now. Every time he sees one he points and says ba-loo, it's adorable. A shout out to hubbie today too, he's the big 2-9. I think I'll make a favorite dinner for him that is not a favorite of mine, but it's his birthday so I'll eat something else. ;0) Now, on to 63 things....
1. Song that always makes you sad? Christmas Shoes.
2. Last thing you bought? A can of pop.
3. Last person you argued with? I don't really argue with anyone and I try not to hold grudges. If hubbie and I have a disagreement it rarely escalates into an arguement and whatever it was is typically over and forgiven within an hour.
4. Do you put peanut butter on your sandwich before the jelly? Yes, but I'm not sure why it matters, I just do.
5. One of your stuff animals names as a kid? I had a bear Charlie, after my aunts dog.
6. Did you ever own a NSYNC CD? Yep.
7. Favorite day of the week? Friday night.
8. Favorite sundae topping? Carmel.
9. Did you take piano lessons? No, but I took flute lessons for a short time.
10. Most frequent song played? I don't have favorites that I play, but I have a few that I turn up when they're on the radio. I've mentioned them in an earlier blog.
11. TV show you secretly enjoy? I don't know that I enjoy it, but I've been know to zone out on That's So Raven on a lazy Saturday morning.
12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey. If I was remotely athletic I would like be good at basketball.
13. Date someone older or younger? Depends on the maturity of the person but hubbie is younger by 4 years so I guess that answers that. He's an old fart at hear.
14. One place you would travel if you could? Not sure, somewhere out of the country with lots of history and pretty places to tour.
15. Do you use umbrellas? No, I'm not even good about wearing a jacket half the time. Getting out of the house with an umbrella would be a miracle.
16. Do you know all the words to the Candian national anthem. No, why would I?
17. Favorite cheese? Depends on what I want it for. Nachos, cooking, crackers....
18. Distrubed or My Chemical Romance? Not sure I've ever heard any music by either but I think Disturbed is probably a freak show.
19. Do you prefer rain or shine? Shine!
20. Best job you've ever had. Babysitting.
21. Did you go to your high school prom? Only my senior year.
22. Perfect time to wake up. When Bub does.
23. Perfect time to go to bed. 10:30.
24. Do you use your queen right away in chess? I don't play chess, couldn't tell you which one the queen is.
25. Ever been in a car accident? Yep, got rear ended about 2 weeks ago in fact. The car is fine.
26. Closer to Mom or Dad? Mom but Dad is right up there too. I'm not talking about my bio-Dad by the way.
27. What has been your favorite age so far. I've liked them all, I've had good experences at every age. I've not found any of them particularly traumatizing.
28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager? I would still pick the 90's because I like my life the way it turned out and it wouldn't be the same life if I was a teen in a different decade. I have always been a fan of some of the music in the 50's though.
29. Favorite shoes you ever owened? I had a blue pair of tennis shoes with white clouds on them. They're still in my closet, I think they're still in my closet. Unless I gave them to my sister.
30. Do you ahve an article of clothing that you've had since high school? Nothing I still wear.
31. Were you in track and field? Are you kidding me? Uh, no.
32. Were you ever in a school talent show? Yeah, sort of, band/flag competions.
33. Have you ever written in a library book? Not that I can remember, I doubt it.
34. What are you allergic to? Some metals.
35. Favorite fruit. I don't know, pineapple?
36. Have you watched Sex and the City? I've seen every season on DVD and saw the movie.
37. Baseball hat or toque? Neither, what's a toque?
38. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap? Shampoo.
39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste. Wet the toothbrush, add toothpaste and then wet it again.
40. Pen or Pencil? Pen.
41. Have you ever gambled at a casino? Yep, went to Vegas for my honeymoon.
42. Have you thrown up on a plane? No, gross.
43. In a car? No, ewww.
44. At work? No, new question please!
45. Do you scream on roller coasters? Yes, very loudly and very high pitched.
46. Who was your first prom date. Ben.
47. Who was your first roommate? My sister.
48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time. I've never been drunk. And no, I'm not just saying that because my Mom and my sister may read this.
49. What was your first job? Worked at the movie theater.
50. What was your first car? Silver 1983 Chevy Impala.
51. When did you go to your first funeral. In college, my Grandma's.
52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? I still live here.
53. Who was your first grade teacher? Mrs. Diem.
54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? Vegas, baby!
55. When you snuck out of your housefor the first time, who was it with? I never snuck out, didn't need to.
56. Who was your best friend and are you still friends with them. My first best friend was Anthony, we met when we were 2 and hung out together all the way through grade school but became very different in junior high and high school. Even though we lived next door to each other we pretty much lost touch after 6th grade other then saying hi once in a while.
57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents house? With my husband.
58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? Either my husband or my Mom, whoever I feel is more likely to make me feel better.
59. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or groomsman? My 2nd best friend Rebecca's wedding, the dress was awful and Pepto Bismol pink with poofy sleeves.
60. What is the first thing you do in the morning. Assess whether I can stay in bed a little longer.
61. What was the first concert you attended? New Kids on the Block. Going again this summer too!
62. First tattoo or piercing. I got my ears pierced in the 5th grade and re-pierced in college.
63. First celebrity crush? I don't consider celebrities crushes because in order to have a crush I think that person has to be attainable.
Oh, and before I start.....Our house will be on the Weigand website Friday according to our realtor so lots of prayers and good thoughts our way for a quick sell. And, a quick Bub story, he really LOVES balloons right now. Every time he sees one he points and says ba-loo, it's adorable. A shout out to hubbie today too, he's the big 2-9. I think I'll make a favorite dinner for him that is not a favorite of mine, but it's his birthday so I'll eat something else. ;0) Now, on to 63 things....
1. Song that always makes you sad? Christmas Shoes.
2. Last thing you bought? A can of pop.
3. Last person you argued with? I don't really argue with anyone and I try not to hold grudges. If hubbie and I have a disagreement it rarely escalates into an arguement and whatever it was is typically over and forgiven within an hour.
4. Do you put peanut butter on your sandwich before the jelly? Yes, but I'm not sure why it matters, I just do.
5. One of your stuff animals names as a kid? I had a bear Charlie, after my aunts dog.
6. Did you ever own a NSYNC CD? Yep.
7. Favorite day of the week? Friday night.
8. Favorite sundae topping? Carmel.
9. Did you take piano lessons? No, but I took flute lessons for a short time.
10. Most frequent song played? I don't have favorites that I play, but I have a few that I turn up when they're on the radio. I've mentioned them in an earlier blog.
11. TV show you secretly enjoy? I don't know that I enjoy it, but I've been know to zone out on That's So Raven on a lazy Saturday morning.
12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey. If I was remotely athletic I would like be good at basketball.
13. Date someone older or younger? Depends on the maturity of the person but hubbie is younger by 4 years so I guess that answers that. He's an old fart at hear.
14. One place you would travel if you could? Not sure, somewhere out of the country with lots of history and pretty places to tour.
15. Do you use umbrellas? No, I'm not even good about wearing a jacket half the time. Getting out of the house with an umbrella would be a miracle.
16. Do you know all the words to the Candian national anthem. No, why would I?
17. Favorite cheese? Depends on what I want it for. Nachos, cooking, crackers....
18. Distrubed or My Chemical Romance? Not sure I've ever heard any music by either but I think Disturbed is probably a freak show.
19. Do you prefer rain or shine? Shine!
20. Best job you've ever had. Babysitting.
21. Did you go to your high school prom? Only my senior year.
22. Perfect time to wake up. When Bub does.
23. Perfect time to go to bed. 10:30.
24. Do you use your queen right away in chess? I don't play chess, couldn't tell you which one the queen is.
25. Ever been in a car accident? Yep, got rear ended about 2 weeks ago in fact. The car is fine.
26. Closer to Mom or Dad? Mom but Dad is right up there too. I'm not talking about my bio-Dad by the way.
27. What has been your favorite age so far. I've liked them all, I've had good experences at every age. I've not found any of them particularly traumatizing.
28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager? I would still pick the 90's because I like my life the way it turned out and it wouldn't be the same life if I was a teen in a different decade. I have always been a fan of some of the music in the 50's though.
29. Favorite shoes you ever owened? I had a blue pair of tennis shoes with white clouds on them. They're still in my closet, I think they're still in my closet. Unless I gave them to my sister.
30. Do you ahve an article of clothing that you've had since high school? Nothing I still wear.
31. Were you in track and field? Are you kidding me? Uh, no.
32. Were you ever in a school talent show? Yeah, sort of, band/flag competions.
33. Have you ever written in a library book? Not that I can remember, I doubt it.
34. What are you allergic to? Some metals.
35. Favorite fruit. I don't know, pineapple?
36. Have you watched Sex and the City? I've seen every season on DVD and saw the movie.
37. Baseball hat or toque? Neither, what's a toque?
38. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap? Shampoo.
39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste. Wet the toothbrush, add toothpaste and then wet it again.
40. Pen or Pencil? Pen.
41. Have you ever gambled at a casino? Yep, went to Vegas for my honeymoon.
42. Have you thrown up on a plane? No, gross.
43. In a car? No, ewww.
44. At work? No, new question please!
45. Do you scream on roller coasters? Yes, very loudly and very high pitched.
46. Who was your first prom date. Ben.
47. Who was your first roommate? My sister.
48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time. I've never been drunk. And no, I'm not just saying that because my Mom and my sister may read this.
49. What was your first job? Worked at the movie theater.
50. What was your first car? Silver 1983 Chevy Impala.
51. When did you go to your first funeral. In college, my Grandma's.
52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? I still live here.
53. Who was your first grade teacher? Mrs. Diem.
54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? Vegas, baby!
55. When you snuck out of your housefor the first time, who was it with? I never snuck out, didn't need to.
56. Who was your best friend and are you still friends with them. My first best friend was Anthony, we met when we were 2 and hung out together all the way through grade school but became very different in junior high and high school. Even though we lived next door to each other we pretty much lost touch after 6th grade other then saying hi once in a while.
57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents house? With my husband.
58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? Either my husband or my Mom, whoever I feel is more likely to make me feel better.
59. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or groomsman? My 2nd best friend Rebecca's wedding, the dress was awful and Pepto Bismol pink with poofy sleeves.
60. What is the first thing you do in the morning. Assess whether I can stay in bed a little longer.
61. What was the first concert you attended? New Kids on the Block. Going again this summer too!
62. First tattoo or piercing. I got my ears pierced in the 5th grade and re-pierced in college.
63. First celebrity crush? I don't consider celebrities crushes because in order to have a crush I think that person has to be attainable.
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