Monday chat

JackieG

I guess I'll get things started

I was beginning to think that my computer was messed up cause no body started chat :)  Jackie hugs for you and good vibes for Twister.

Its hot hot hot and dry dry dry here.  That is about all I have

 You tell'em Twister! Glad he ate and has kept it down. Lots of hugs still coming your way

Same here re the heat although I think we are 'supposed' to get a break this week. I just need a long break from storms - I posted a pic on FB of a mushroom that is 7 inches across LOL

I am so scattered in my head - I still don't have any confirmation of when this company wants to interview me and fear I'll be in Costco or something and they'll call to do it. I am a fairly spontaneous person but this is just crazy

I did just get a call from the Vet School to do a talk for the students - thrilled to have that opportunity (of course this other think likely means I need to cancel that, sigh)

Duke Canine Cognition Center asked for Bugsy to come back..........they must like working with mutts who are nuts 

"It was such a pleasure to test Bugsy this past year on the emotional arousal inhibitory control task, and I'd like to thank you again for bringing your dog in to the DCCC. We would love to have the opportunity to test Bugsy again, this time on additional inhibitory control tasks"

hahahaha this will be another laugh for all involved

ETA Gin I keep trying to send all these storms to you but so far it isn't working! 

I got an email from a coworker that his mom passed away this morning. She'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago, so it wasn't unexpected but still makes me sad :(.

I'm off today and getting ready to head to the grocery store. Such an exciting life I lead.

I have been totally out of the loop around here lately.  The last month has been a total whirlwind for me.  I figure since you guys have been along for the ride with me from the beginning you might like an update.  And we could use some of those vibes for mom to pass soon and peacefully.

This has been a long week here with a lot of ups and downs.  Mom went to hospice last Monday.  They gave her phenegrin to help keep her sedated and from getting car sick.  I brought the kids up to see her Monday night.  She was awake and eating but a little out of it.  She doesn't remember seeing them.  Tuesday morning she started heading downhill fast.  We really didn't think she would make it through the day or night.  They told us she had 24-48 hours.  I was really suprised when I got her Wednesday morning and she was sitting up in bed talking and eating.  She was confused, but she had what they call a rally.  What a gift, a very confusing bizarre thing to happen, but a gift just the same.  By that evening she was headed downhill again.  She is actually pretty stable when looking at her vitals etc, but they have been increasing her pain meds daily almost.  Saturday she became unresponsive.  She is showing signs of progressing towards passing but it is slow goingg and still day by day.  Last night I came up to see her during our usual daily phone time.  I talked to her and encouraged her to let go.  I promised her we would be OK and just said a lot of stuff I needed to say and tried to make her excited for some of the people she would soon be seeing in Heaven.  I haven't had alone time with her in weeks.  She cried the entire time that I was talking and moaned as if she was sobbing and moved her jaw.  She can't speak anymore but this meant a lot to me.  What a gift for me.  A little time alone to share some of our emotions.  She didn't have to say a word, just knowing she knew I was there was enough for me.  It has been a really long rollercoaster week and the same as in the beginning of the week, I am just praying for her to be at peace soon.  This is so very hard to watch.

I meant to add, we did do some really special things last week.  Mom saw her grandchildren 3 times, although she doesn't remember any of them, they got baptised in her hospice room, surrounded by her loved ones.  Her kitty got to go up and see her twice and he did great.  And we have had a lot of laughs and cries together as a family, including mom.  I am so thankful for the outpouring of support from my friends and family.

(((Sarah)))  You and your family are in my prayers.

 Folks, please send me some positive thoughts at the bottom of this hour.  I'm going to be telling my boss that I'm dropping her lika a hot potatoe and changing jobs.  More detail later.  Time to get my thoughts together. 

JackieG

Sarah, I've seen some of your posts on FB and knew that your mom's time was getting closer.  My heart breaks for you and I hope she can pass without any further pain knowing that her family wants her to let go and join her loved ones in a better place.  ((((((hugs))))))

(((Sarah)))

Good thoughts, Barb!  can't wait to hear the details.

((((Hugs)))) for Jackie, Sarah, & Barb.

 Running through the library on my way to my massage.

 ((Sarah))

Good vibes headed your way Barbara!  

I dyed my hair this weekend.  The color was SUPPOSED to be black with soft violet undertones.  The end result is mostly a reddish-brown-black (I can't describe it) shade.  In some lights it looks purple, in other lights, burgundy, and in some respects magenta lol.  I've been shell shocked but I'm coming around to liking it.  The significant other thinks it looks good and my boss and coworker think it looks good.  Let's just say though that in direct sunlight, you can see at least my head coming from a few miles off  

boneyjean

I meant to add, we did do some really special things last week.  Mom saw her grandchildren 3 times, although she doesn't remember any of them, they got baptised in her hospice room, surrounded by her loved ones.  Her kitty got to go up and see her twice and he did great.  And we have had a lot of laughs and cries together as a family, including mom.  I am so thankful for the outpouring of support from my friends and family.

Barb - I'm thinking "be strong and calm" vibes for you. I hope this works out in the best way for you.

((Sarah)) Peaceful passing prayers for your Mom

Barb, I have missed seeing you and the hooligans  Stay cool and strong vibes coming your way.

Sarah, sending you and your family lots of good thoughts and sending your Mom special vibes for a peaceful passing.  My experiences with losing a loved one after a long illness were more like Cathy described -- in hospital rooms that were less than comforting, with a great deal of fear and confusion due to the whole situation and my young age.  While I'm sure you and your family are dealing with tremendous sadness and a roller-coaster of emotions, it sounds like the time you've been able to spend with your Mom has been as positive as possible, under the circumstances.  Saying goodbye is truly heartbreaking, but to have the comfort of all that special time together is beneficial for all of you, as well as your Mom.  Hugs to you.

Jackie, I continue to think about Twister and am glad to hear his spirits seem to be good.  I hope his digestive system remains cooperative.  Please give him some gentle ear rubs from me.

Barb, good luck with the job change announcement.  I've always hated having to tell a boss I'm leaving, even when I'm THRILLED to be going.  We'll be eager to hear the details of how it goes, and where you're headed next!

On a sillier note, Sharon, I had to laugh at your haircolor "misadventure."  My hair needs to be colored every 3 or 4 weeks, so to save money, I do it myself often and go to the salon every 3 months or so.  One day I decided to try something more interesting than the "Dark Brown" I'd used for ages, so I bought Mahogany Brown.  The image on the box was dark brown with a hint of reddish brown highlights.  Well, it was much more than a hint.  It was almost a burgundy color!  I freaked out and called my hair stylist (who's also a very good friend) to see if I could immediately apply the usual Dark Brown over it.  He laughed way too hard and said, "The minute I heard you say mahogany, I knew there was a problem.  That color doesn't work on grey hair.  You need to leave that color for furniture."