Thursday, August 1, 2019

Thank you all for being here. How wonderful the internet has the capacity to be when it can bring together people from all walks of life to share, commiserate, support, laugh and sadly grieve. To have never spoken to Shel and still feel she was my friend is pretty amazing. I feel the same about all of you .

I know as much as you, DD. Her brother-in-law posted on her FB page that she passed away yesterday. I still can't fathom how quickly things progressed from her climbing a mountain to this. Remember when she asked us how she should come back to let people know she was okay if she could? Did she ever tell us what she decided?

I dont think she did Cec .......

Only tears here. Boy that was quick. My heart is so very heavy. Hugs and love to you all

Heavy thoughts for sure.

Eating has been off today. Grazing. Grief eating I guess. That is ok for now. Bacon tomato sandwich tonight.

Tomorrow I go to Searcy to take my mom to the orthopedic doc. She has an early appointment so maybe the wait will not be long. She is having mobility issues with her knee. I went to orthopedic doctor here today for knee injections. The last round didn't do much. So he didn't inject. He did put me on the surgery schedule for right knee replacement.

We can be "knee buddies" :) I saw my Orth Surgeon yesterday. Will likely have another cortizone injection before I come to the States but he reviewed the Xrays and I am booked for a further MRI in Oct when Im home. His plan has gone from we will wait as long as we can to now - its progressed substancially and I will be guided by you as to when the pain is too much. The MRI will show if it will be a half knee or total - I will put it off as long as I can. Lots of things to consider as to timing......

How long will you have to wait? Thinking of you

I do not have to wait long. The end of this month. He said I have no cartilage in both knees. He asked if one was hurting more than the other. When I told him the right one he proceeded to squeeze in a particular spot and ask if it hurt. I about came off the table. Bourbon ibuprofen and Oxy only go so far. I thought If not now when? Looking at maybe December on the left knee. Too much weight for too many years in a concentrated area.

Ouch - you poor thing. I cant take Oxy... Mine is a mix of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol as the ****tail..

Wow thats quick. As my surgeon said yesterday - the first week you wont like me but after numerous months you will feel a lot better. This is my wish for you :)

So thankful for many things this morning. To Cecily for inviting me to this group, to all of you for making me feel very much a part of the group/family and most of all to Shel who was one in a million and I will always remember for everything she did for each and every one of us. Her care, support, sense of humour, wit, tenancity and drive - I am in true awe. Though we didnt meet face to face, the connection was there - as it is with all of you. Such a blessing to be able to share her journey and learn so much from her. RIP our darling Shel - Fly free.

Going to take todays lesson "If not now when" and spend some more time with my mum. I have been cooking meals to pop into her freezer while Im in the States. Also have to repair her Walking frame so she has it for when I take her away on Sunday. Have booked a unit in Cobram for the week. Will work from there then take her out in the afternoons. Its her birthday next Saturday so DH will catch the train up next Friday evening and join us.

Take care all - you are in my thoughts x

Shirley

I love you all and though my heart was very heavy today I also thought about how much beauty Shel showed us. She will truly live on in all our hearts. I will show you what I did with the picture of the angel that Shel took in tomorrow's post.