Sunday - What's going on with you today. . .

Hello, everyone!

I dont post often though I DO read daily..or almost daily.  My life is rather hectic anfd not all that interesting to others, Im sure.

Bev, I understand what you mean about having to explain...been there...done that. 

I was one of the founding members of the Niagara Breast Cancer Surviviors Support Group 22 years ago. It was very therapeutic because we all had breast cancer or were headed INTO or OUT OF treatment and/or surgery so there was alot of support. WE attended weekly meetings..bald, sad, happy, scarred, scared too at times, tearful, turbans and all got hugs if they wanted them, information shared and sometimes just experiences shared..as well as alot of love and laughter. It sure helped alot! and NO ONE asked why some of us were bald!

Today I went to see my 91 yr old Mom..her nursing home had been in lockdown due to influenza for almost a month now..the residents had all been confined to their rooms even for meals but today, they were back in the dining room.  Of course I was allowed to go visit her tho I called her daily, it's not the same for her.

I took her a month's wprth of the local newspapers that she loves to read, magazines and letters from the kids..they also email her...luckly the staff makes sure that she gets her emails.

I'd made homemade beef, vegetables and barley soup yesterday..and took enough for a whole week for the dining room staff to give mom every day...lunch & supper..she loves it!

The nutritionalist had called last week to tell me that Mom was now at the LOW end of her ideal weight and asked if they could start her on pureed food because she seems to choke on the minced.....Mom had always been a big woman and is now getting so skinny..she doesnt eat enough to keep a bird alive.  So I march in with my soup and they heated it right away..well darned if she didnt eat AN ENTIRE BOWL FULL! 

Then she proceeded to eat her entire plate of mashed potatoes & gravy, squash and pureed chicken which I mixed with her potatoes..everything was eaten! Staff was shocked but very happy! Mom looked so proud! The head nurse asked me to move in with Mom so she will eat!  LOL...

I had also made a special MANDALA book for Mom..her photo on the front cover..called a BOOK OF CHOICES!

Each page had a mantra such as "I CHOOSE to feel happy".."I CHOOSE to eat all of my food because it makes me feel stronger".."I CHOOSE to drink my fluids because it helps my body work better"..."I CHOOSE to wake up with joy in the new day"..I CHOOSE to rememeber HAPPY memories that make me smile"...each page has one mantra and a large mandala that she can colour in...I made 28 mandala pages for her. I even brought her a big box of coloured pencil crayons..I no sooner gave her the book when she started colouring.  The back cover was signed by me with love and has a small photo of me (in case she forgets where the book came from) and it says that this book was made ESPECIALLY for HER!

And on the back of the book is a poem called DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER:

 DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER –

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped thru again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do.
I realize just how lucky most of us really are.

Tonight, I feel very tired and actually look forward to going to bed.

Monday I go swimming for three hours workout then in the evening, I am attending a CRYSTAL BOWL Concert..a man from NYC is coming..apparently very well known, the "play" these crystal bowls. I am told that the vibrations caused by the chiming of the crystal bowls actually cause the fluid in our bodies to vibrate and raise our own physical vibratin as well as our SPIRITUAL vibrations!

My legs hurt alot lately..the lymphodema make my stockings tighter which ounches then at the ankles which hurts even more..consequently, my legs hurt and I move less...NOT good.
Hopefully, the water exercise will help me feel better.

This cold nasty weather (MINUS TWENTY CELCIUS at 7 am on Thursday morning) keeps me more inclined to isolate at home. I have to force myself to go outside. I'd rather hibernate!

Nancy B

Nancy,

I beg to differ with you, your life is very full and very interesting. . .  but understandably with all that you do, posting daily can be tough, trust me, as I don't think I'm quite as busy as you are and there are times I barely am able to get on here to read. . .

Hugs and glad your Mom ate all her food ;)

Laureen