Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tootless Tuesday - for me

As usual, I've been busy as a bee. Just normal summer stuff. Nothing exciting. Last week though, was able to take a quick trip up to Richmond to see a couple of my cousins. A wonderful visit! Here's Tia and I when we were little. She's a few years younger then me and I use to treat her like my little life size baby doll. I loved her so.And here we are last week at her house. She still means the world to me!!!

So, anyway, the other thing I thought I'd share is a post from last year. Exactly one year ago. August and September were some of the hardest months I have ever lived through. My Step-Dad's battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in July and he flew to Jesus in September. Here's a link to my September posts.

It's nice to have this blog and be able to go back in time....

Saturday, August 16th 2009
HOWEVER LONG

Wondering if I’ll be on my blog very often over the next
“however long.”

As I write this, I am sitting in a hospital room next to my Step-Dad, Tom. He has stage 4 lung cancer. He went for his first chemo treatment on Aug. 4th and on Aug. 9th was admitted into the hospital having had severe reactions. We weren’t prepared for this. We didn’t consider that within just a few weeks of learning of his cancer that he’d be here, as sick as I’ve ever seen anyone. Sure, I’ve had skin cancer. Just the pesky basal cell. Not life threatening. Not serious. This is stage 4, Incurable. We were told that he would never be healed. We were told that without treatment he would have just months to live. But there is no way that we could have grasped the reality of it all. I’ve never watched anyone die.

Tom is not dying today. He is “fragile” they say. He’s developed an infection. His kidneys are struggling. He is lethargic. He opens his eyes, but I wonder what he sees. His stare is completely blank. He wouldn’t take his medicine tonight. He clinched his teeth as I tried to feed him the crushed pills mixed with applesauce. The machine next to him signaled that his fluid bag was low. Tom reacted to the beeping. He was alarmed. He groaned, he opened his eyes! He reacted… He’s in there!!

Day by day we wait. The doctors can’t give any prognosis right now. He may recover from this “bad reaction.” He may not. We may get him back for a bit, but eventually we will lose him.

Less then 2 weeks ago I was sitting in paradise. I saw rainbows every day. I know God is watching over all of us. I understand that I'm not suppose to understand. I only know to acknowledge Him in all my ways and in return He will direct my path.

More Hawaii pictures... Aren't I blessed?! Hard times will come, but it makes the good times that much sweeter!

Here we are under the banyan tree in maui. It's one of the oldest banyans in the US and it takes up an entire city block. It's amazing!




You're welcome to still play along with Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Wouldn't want to keep you hanging again!! Believe it or not, I check out your blogs every week and dream about all the things I'd love to try. Remember to keep your "titles" short so that they will fit well within my borders! Kisses!
Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants
1. DIY Giveaway
2. A Bushel Full of Laundry @Paisley Passions
3. Karen@LadybugCreek
4. Menu Board
5. Easy as Pie Pie
6. PB knockoff shelves for $3!
7. How I Organized my Junk Drawers
8. Folded Fabric Hair Flower
9. The Caffeinated Globe ~ I FOLLOW BACK!
10. How to make a bra
11. Rockin' Deals
12. Lucky Teacher Frame Gift
13. Carrot-Zucchini Bread
14. Magnet Game Board
15. 1 Year Blogiversary! Blogging for 1 year!
16. Krista
17. While He Was Napping
18. Folded Ribbon JCrew Inspired T-shirt
19. Scalloped Petals JCrew Inspired T-shirt
20. Sister Sister Linky Party
21. Western Round-Up
22. Kids Craft, Penguin
23. Top 5 Hits
24. No Sew Tee Rescue, Red Ted
25. Great Grill Rub
26. Patio Tour & a $100 GIVEAWAY
27. future fashion designers
28. An Old Milk Can
29. Three Sided Doily
30. Pretty Necklace Display!
31. My Favorite Things
32. Fluttering By
33. Dictionary Lamp Shade
34. DogsMom:Thrifting
35. Suite Little Guest Bedroom
36. Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
37. Purse GIVEAWAY!
38. Roaring 20s Party and cake!
39. Safe Raw Cookie Dough Recipe
40. Back 2 School Binder for Moms
41. Paint Sprayer Tips-Chairs
42. ginny
43. Anthro Inspired Cupcake Stand
44. French Bench
45. Earring Photo Clips
46. Ruffled Petal T
47. Bird Cross
48. CABLE AFGHAN IN BONE
49. it's come 2 this -Party Backdrop
50. Pretty Pantry Makeover
51. $50 Bathroom Makeover
52. Woven Washer Bracelet & Martha Stewart Visit
53. Kids Clifford Kazoo
54. School Pencil Cookies
55. S'More Dessert Buffet
56. Bathroom Makeover
57. FREEBIES: Back to School Printables!!!!!
58. Mod Podge Necklaces
59. Pesto with cauliflower n peas
60. hemming your jeans
61. Workout Shorts Pattern
62. Sea Shell Shadowboxes
63. Quick and Easy Layered Skirt
64. Rose Petal Dress Giveaway
65. Drawers to shelves redo
66. AWESOME PARTY TREATS
67. Grilled Avocado @ Domestic Dame
68. Easy Tomatoe & Goat Cheese Appetizer!
69. C.R.A.F.T.
70. Ladybug Party Crafts
71. FRENCH SOUP
72. PINA COLADA SHAKE RECIPE
73. Summer Reading Makes Me Feel Fine
74. Barbecue Stain Removal
75. Coupon Blog Directory
76. How To Clean Coffee Maker
77. FRECKLES AND FUDGE
78. Buffet into Dresser
79. 2 Shirt Refashions
80. Anthro Shirt
81. Butterfly Soap
82. School Supply Box
83. MY NEW/OLD COCKTAIL TABLE
84. Grow Your Own Sprouts
85. Odd Crafting Dilemma
86. Sicilian Style Pizza
87. Oreo Cookie Ladybugs
88. Easy Fruit Growing
89. Sidetacked Jewelry
90. Repurposed Cabinet Door
91. Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Sauce.
92. memory wire bracelets
93. Geometry in School Dress
94. Sassy Fresh & Easy Salad
95. Gold Clay Deer Antlers
96. Butterfly Garden Wall Art
97. super mario goodies
98. Cute Thank You Card
99. Trash to Treasure Lap Boards
100. On a Pink Cloud
101. oops - the real salad link!
102. Ear Flap Beanie
103. Grilled Pizza Dough
104. My Painted House!
105. My 1st Giveaway!
106. Brandy
107. DoodleBug Designs! Yippee!
108. black damsk table
109. Theresa
110. Cousin Carolyn's Courtyard
111. Gatto999 =^.^=
112. Inspiring You To Save!
113. Moon River Stained Glass Pendants

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31 comments:

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Leah, Thank you so much for hosting. Hugs, Sherry

Karen said...

I had a similar experience with both of my parents in 2009. My mother in July and my father in October. It was such a difficult year. I'm so glad I wrote down a lot during that period of time. You think you'll never forget what you were experiencing and living through.. but it does dim with time. Glad I can go back and read a little bit when I want to.
That first year is so hard without the ones we love.
Take care.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

malia said...

What a moving post from last year-- thanks for sharing it. Sending you and your family a big hug-- Malia

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing such a touching post.

Renée said...

Talk about sorrow, I had a similar experience when my father died almost 18 months ago. My faith got me through it and I know I will see him again. May you feel the same comfort.

glor said...

What a touching post. Sometimes when we look back its amazing how we are able to take the walks that we do. You have a blessed day.

Jingle said...

It sounds like you are doing well considering. I hope you are able to remain in peace through this process.

Lindy said...

Thanks for hosting the party. This is my first time - love your blog!

L.

Colette said...

Thanks for sharing such a personal story. I stopped by to link up and left feeling inspired to give my kids a tighter squeeze today. :)

Colette
www.mycomputerismycanvas.com

ginny said...

what a touching post. Thank you for sharing your heart!!!

Melissa said...

Thanks for sharing such an intimate and difficult time in your life.

Doodle Expressions said...

Thanks so much for the party!

Tricia said...

Thanks for hosting the party, and also for sharing your life experiences with us. You have a very good grasp of what's important and how to stay anchored.

Unknown said...

My prayers are with you.

Christi said...

Thanks again for always hosting this party! I love looking through all the links.

The Single Nester said...

I am thinking of you as you remember this time last year. I love how you said "he flew to Jesus." Recently, I lost my brother and that is a lovely way to put it.

A Lady's Life said...

Beautiful family!
We live through our loved ones.
We see God's work done by those who raised us to be good and able to pass on the torch to future generations.
:)

rose, finecraftguild.com said...

i stuffed up my link, meaning to send you my butterfly soap.

butterflies are so nice reminders that life is beautiful and is transitory.

my belated condolences, and yet, as i sit her on 140 million year old rock, life moves on.
it's important that we see beauty in the fullness of life, the open flowers, the flying butterflies.

Anonymous said...

thank you for the opportunity to share my cocktail table. It's funny what you come up with sometimes when you shop you house!

Ami Allison said...

Proverbs 3: 5-6 is my favorite (for lack of a better word) scripture. Saying "fav" seems so insignificant when it comes to God's Word. It helps me through everything. It's my next tattoo. I realize telling you that may be silly, not everyone is the tattooing type. I love that scripture, as long as I am here on earth I want it permanently on me to remind me everyday. I will be praying for your family. Thank you for sharing and Thank you for hosting.

The Frantic Mother. said...

Made me think about when my favorite Uncle Died a few years back. HUGS. Stop by my blog and join in the Comment Exchange program.
http://theadviceofamadmother.blogspot.com/

Electra said...

I really love your photos this week! Thanks for hosting for us to toot our horns!

Denise@thesassyhomemaker said...

Sorry I messed up my link, but can't find a way to delete it. I posted the right one later. Just didn't want you to think I was dumping my url and running!

Thanks for hosting, and for sharing your story. I love the pictures!

Star @ A Load Of Craft said...

Thank you so much for sharing that :)

Anonymous said...

I'm new to your blog and wanted to thank you sincerely for sharing this.

Laura said...

Hi Leah! I was just blog-hopping, one of my fav pastimes and came across yours! It's precious and I appreciate your love of faith and family! I linked up and hope to keep it up! Just gotta start making more! hehe! Have a great week!

decorating diva {aka deanna} said...

sounds like fun, i love visiting w/ family!

Anonymous said...

Just a quick little note to thank you for the opportunity to share! I'm #109 up there...and I forgot to give my project a title...so my name appears instead...oops!
Cheers!
Theresa @ alliswell@home.blogspot.com

Inspiring You To Save! said...

Visiting from the blog hops. Great blog! I can't wait to see more. Follow back if you can.

http://www.inspiringyou2save.com

PS. I have a Meet me Monday Blog hop. Would love if you would join in.

Anna Sams said...

I linked up and I am for sure following your blog! Love it... very inspirational! I would love for you to visit my blog and even join up with my weekly party if you have an opportunity! Thanks for hosting! Anna Sams "Moon River"

Lindy said...

Thanks for hosting and letting me share my carport re-do. It was such a long time coming....
L.