OT ... We're out of the hospital and at the Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan

    Barb, you are in my prayers daily and I know that sarah is your number one priority but take care of yourself. Get your fluid, eat and tend to your kidney stone as you are not going to be any help to her if you wear yourself out and don;t take care of you.Don;t forget your vitamins, water and protein and most importantly that we all love you here

Hi Barbara,

Thank your for your thoughtful note. You are so very right, it is imperitive that I take care of me so that I can take care of her. I'm making sure that I'm getting in my protien, fluids and suppliments. I'm also taking my pain meds when I need 'em. Actually, getting out of the hospital was a positive move for me. I can rest a little easier and that's a good thing. Not only am I watching out for Sarah, but my dear girl has been watching out for her Mom too. She checks on me regularly to be sure that I've taken my meds, supplements, water or had something to eat. I'm soooooo lucky. I have friends, family and my health.

Thanks for the support.

Barb

Barb, I just read all the threads about Sarah, I'm glad things went well with her surgery and I hope she's getting the pain under control.  I hear the Ronald McDonald house is a wonderful place and I'm sure you'll have a great experience there.  I will continue to keep Sarah and the family in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!!!   Take care of yourself too!   Sheryl

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for your thoughtful note. This Ronald McDonald House is the largest one in the world and it and all of the others a truly a Godsend to families facing major medical issues far from home. I appreciate it more than I can say.

Thanks for your well wishes and prayers,

Barb

I'm glad all is well with the transition out of the hospital to Ronald McDonald house. I hope your next transition is equally smooth. Therapy after surgery is tough. Sounds like your daughter is tough and a trooper. Praying for a smooth and speedy recovery. Belinda

Hi there, I haven't spoken to you in ages.  Very very busy here also. I got a new job at duke and I'm working my butt off.  You look fantastic. Your wasting away to nothing girl... So glad to hear everything is going good for sarah. Hope you begin to feel better. Keep us informed. Hope to see you when you get home. Kelly

Hi Stranger!

I've missed you too! We really need to get back to our movie nights. I'm glad to hear that you are well. Be sure not to work TOO hard.

While I'm getting close to where my Dr. said would be my 'ideal' I have to say that I think I'm looking older. I'm not skinny by any stretch of the imagination ... I definitely still have a tummy roll, but I still don't want to be any thinner.

I hope to see you soon.

Barb

Hey there, I think YOU look great. I have to tell you though. When I lost the weight I gained alot of years in my face. I think being heavy just fills our faces out. People always thought I was much much younger when I was real heavy.  Guess its a trade off. I'll take it though! lol...I notice in most peoples before and after pics, though they look fantastic, unless they're 25 years old, they all look much older also. I remember before the surgery it really scared me. Definately have to get back to movie night. I don't even remember the last time I went. Once your back and things are calmed down give me a holler. Talk soon, Kelly

Hi Kelly,

I think that to a certain extent we look more 'matronly' as a whole when we are heavier, but as you say our face are less lined and fuller. I do think that as we slim down we tend to look younger as a whole ...and are more able to 'dress our age' ..., but I also think that there can be a threshold you cross where you are losing volume in your face, chest, rear, etc... that begins to take it's toll and makes us look older than we did when we were heavier.

I also think that this past couple of weeks have been hard on me physically and emotionally. I think that is also taking it's toll. I'm looking every one of my 50 years this week ... if not more.

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Hugs,

Barb