Proof that you can make it

We've had a lot of bad things happen in our family lately. Let me just list them in order:

1) About 3 months ago my wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had been having some facial spasms, slurred speech, and a drooping eye from time to time for the last several months. The neurosurgeon did several tests and found that she had a tumor. From all indications it is benign and because of the location, he decided not to try and remove it. He said that there is too great a risk of more damage, so they will just monitor it every 6 months to make sure it doesn't change or grow. He put her on some medications and she is doing well so far.

2) Memorial Day weekend, we were on a motorcycle trip to Tellico Plains, TN when we got the call that my 79 year old mother passed out and nearly went into a diabetic coma. My brother happened to be there and called 911. They got her to the hospital and discovered that she had some other issues that needed immediate attention. She ended up having two operations within a week's time.  One on her intestines and the other on her bladder.  She was in the hospital for 8 days. 

3)  Five days after my mother was taken to the hospital, our daughter-in-law was in a serious auto accident. A guy ran a red light and hit her head on. She suffered a compound open fracture of both the  tibia and fibia in her right leg, broken knee cap, severe concusion, and cuts and abrasions on her forhead, shoulder and arm. The 2005 Altima that she was driving was a total loss. The front end was nearly torn completely off. They had to insert a titanium rod from her knee down to her ankle and put plates and pins in it. She was in the hospital for 11 days. The doctors said that it will take at least 8 to 12 months for a full recovery.

4) The weekend after our daughter-in-law was released from the hospital, we kept our grandkids, Olivia and Ethan, so she could get some rest without any distractions.  Our 2 year-old grandson, Ethan,  was riding his bike (with training wheels) on that Sunday afternoon and ran off the sidewalk, fell ,and broke his left arm just above the elbow. My son and I took him to the Women's and Children's emergency room and were there for about 5 hours. They wrapped and immobilized his arm, put it in a sling, and made an appointment for the next day with an orthopedic specialist.  He put it in a hard cast, which he had to wear for 6 weeks. (Ethan is definitely his Pop's grandson - he picked a red cast because he said "it's like  Woollll Tide, Pop!" ).

5) As most of you know,  a good friend of mine passed away a few weeks ago.  He had gastric bypass just 6 weeks before his death and was so excited and looking forward to life again.  We had already planned 2 or 3 motorcycle trips for this fall. His death really hit me hard.

6) Last Thursday we went on another 4 day motorcycle trip with some friends back to Tellico Plains just to get away and relax after all of that had happened lately.  Saturday morning at 4:30 a.m. my wife's sister called to tell us that their step-father had passed away. We loaded up the motorcycle and headed back immediately. His funeral was last Tuesday. My wife has had to stay with her 84 year-old mother since we got back last Saturday. She finally got to come home this afternoon. Needless to say, she is worn out from all this.

On a much needed bright note, I had my annual heart check-up yesterday. Pacemaker test and check, stress test, etc.  Everything checked out great! My cardiologist told me that he is extremely pleased with everything and that I am in "great shape and everything looks perfect". He said "Just keep doing what you're doing because it's working." He told me that having the gastric bypass, losing the 216 pounds, and being able to exercise regularly again has been the best thing I could have done for myself and my heart. Can't argue with him on that one.

I'm not posting this for sympathy, but rather just to let you guys know what's been going on in my world. It seems that it's just been one thing after another the last few months.  One thing I know is that I have been able to cope with all this much better than I would have had I not lost all of the weight in the last 15 months after having my gastric bypass surgery.  There is no way I could have done all I have had to do at nearly 400 lbs. - I would not have been able to hold up physically. The point is that no matter what life throws at you, hang in there and just remember that you CAN make it through it! 

After all of this, I think I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.   Man, I just hope it's not a freight train!! 

Bob, that was surreal   even for me to believe.  All the events, mental strain, pressue to act, and care giving all wrapped in a short period of time.  You are the IRONMAN in my book. You have my admiration and respect. The light you speak of is the light of hope and inspiration

A great loser from the south-land
Good lucl

Thanks Dean.  Life isn't always fair or easy, but it sure beats the alternative! I've learned to just take it one day at a time and try to make the best of things however I can. After all, it is what it is and we all just have to deal with each situation as they arise.

Damn Bama! 

For your sake I hope it is not a freight train as well.  Pretty good chunk of life has been thrown on your platter here lately.  Keep hanging in there!

Changing gears your buddy up in TN, one of the Bob's, we have not heard much from him lately - he doing okay?

Thanks Don. Yep, we've had a lot thrown at us lately, but I'm sure there are others who have had worse. Cryin' and feeling sorry for ourselves won;t help things a bit. Just gotta keep pluggin' and do the best we can.

My good friend Bob L. (from Clarksvile, TN) is who you're talking about. He's doing great with his WL journey.  We talk on the phone pretty regularly, although not lately with everything going on. He's really been an inspiration and source of support for me, that's for sure. I'll tell him you fellas are asking about him and that he needs to get back on board here!

You have my sympathy and prayers.  You seem to be writing examples of Murphy's Law.  Not only is it good that you are able to hold up physically and mentally, but it's also good that you haven't gone back to the old ways of coping by eating irresponsibilly.

I appreciate that sjbob. Murphy's Law has definitely applied to us lately!  Ol' Murphy SUCKS!!!   BwaHahahaha!!!  Hope you're still doing well with you weight loss and exercise. Hang in there buddy - you know you can do it!

Wow, Bob - draw me out of lurking twice in the same week.

I feel for you. That's about all I can say - you have the right attitude - sometimes life sucks, but it beats the alternative.

Just look at the positive, keep on putting one foot in front of the other, and keep smiling the best you can. 

Meanwhile - know you have some friends here.

Thanks Dave. I'm almost afraid to say this - but it could always be worse. Thank God my wife's tumor is benign, my daughter-in-law survived and will eventually mend, my grandson's arm is now out of the cast, my father-in-law is not suffering anymore, and my cardiologist gave me a good report.
Yep - always gotta try to find those positives!

Boy Bob, proof here that when it rains, it pours.  I hope that things turn around for the better, but most of all, I wish your wife prayers and good thoughts for a speedy and full recovery.  If this is a test, you passed with flying colors.  Just take it one day at a time and wait for some good news to start rolling in.

Best Regards,

 Lou