5 NEW ANGELS

faithandfifty

Norm: starting another big adventure today. Sitting @ airport, thru security, headed to NY. It's my first, ever 'road-show' of presenting in 3 different cities across the state on 3 successive days.

The company coordinating the conferences has provided a driver, so I just have to get to the first destination and then will be transported to the others. So that's an enormous support/help.

Thinking of you today, hoping that you've had a good weekend so far with something to look forward to today, as well. Do you care about our NFL? Or maybe you're more of a hockey-guy?

Puppy, it's so great to see you popping in. Guard your strength and energy for your healing.

hugs to KimberSIS, Footie, Suzy, and Joy....... thinking of each of you

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

SISKimberly

Angels, I'm not myself. For the first time, I've allowed myself to just get down and really cry.

OK, so I’ve been feeling kind of…not my upbeat happy self on the inside lately…on the outside, I’m putting on the face.  I think that being a year from dx, then my sis getting diagnosed a year later at the exact same time, feeling like an old lady at 47 with aches in my muscles and joints and not having the same flexibility I used to due to surgery, not feeling like the sharpest tack in the box anymore, and not just having much of a sex drive – vaginal dryness, not the same sensation… yada, yada, yada…has got me down.  I know it’s only been 6 months since chemo, but I hoped for feeling much better by now.

I also know that being positive really was the key to getting through the past year, but I’m feeling tired and worn down…I just want to be done with it all, and now I’m going to be going through it again with my twinsis. Don’t get me wrong,I absolutely want to be there to support her…I just don’t want her to have to go through this!!!!!

I'm sorry you've been feeling so down Norm.  Those twins sure made me smile, I hope they had the same effect on you, Norm.  Brenda wouldn't want you to shut down and not let love in, Norm.  Heck that what this life is all about...loving eachother.  I take it you're not seeing your counselor anymore.  I wonder if now would be a good time to see her again with the anniversary of your loss fast approaching.

Puppy, thanks for your well wishes and hugs for me and my sis.

Faith - thanks for always carrying this thread for us...I for one so appreciate you and your words.

Footie, Joy, and Suzy...hope all is well with you. 

OK, thanks for letting me vent.  SIS Kimberly

footprintsangel

Hi Angel Friends, I have been busy taking breathing classes to help me breath better. And its 2 hours in the afternoon. So my angels on call have to hold me up. I hope it helps, To all my angel friends please be good to yourselves and hang on to your dreams. I need to go and be grateful on my line that hasn't got alot of grateful people  lately. Take care, God loves you and so do I. Hugs Debbie

norm

Dear Angelwatcher's,hope your having a good week

hollyann

Norm, I have been reading some of the posts here.....so tragic......No great words of wisdom from me....just a hug and prayers for peace......I can't imagine a loss such as yours.......may the Good Lord keep His Loving arms around you as you face this next "first".......I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....Please know you have a lot of wonderful ladies keeping you company and holding you in their hearts thru this difficult time...Hugs and love to you...Lucy

hollyann

SISkim......At my 1 yr mark I too broke down and let myself cry a really good cry...It was healing and empowering for me......I hate all the SE's of the AI's, the surgeries and all the people telling me to be positive....I (and you) have every right to be UN positive every once in a while......we have earned that right.....Let someone who hasn't been in our shoes be positive for us.......My latest setback has been a detached retina and lump in my right eye.......hoping that lump is B9!....i really don't feel as if it is cancer....I believe I am healed and will continue until I hear the words "you have mets".....Until then I will either be positive if I am happy or have a great big pity party if I am not....Hugs to you SISkim and to your twin sis...She will be just fine just as you are.......You must remember to take care of you too during her journey and she must take care of herself......You both need to take time for each other ...Meaning have "me" time and pamper yourself.......It does get better...my older sister was dx 5 months before me with stage 2  if she hadnt I would have not gotten an MRI and found my stage1.......Just as my sister saved my life, you saved your sister's life......and no we're not twins but we're just as close........But we are both just fine and NED......Good luck to you and your twinsis.....Hugs and prayers to you both....Lucy

faithandfifty

norm. thanks so much for checking and for the happy face greeting. made my day. (even if you're "faking-it-till-you're-making-it") i sincerely appreciate the effort.

KimberSIS. seems to me that your recent emotions are part of the whole process. i'm sure that it feels quite foreign to not be your 'perky person' but give some light of day to all of your emotions and i think that will allow them to be expressed and then be gone. sending you energy for continued movement toward wholeness. drop in with an update on your sister, when you are able. that's got to bring the whole quagmire right back to your face. so sorry.

footie. i know that you've had more than your fair share of suffering thru all of this and must continue to seek support for the basics. know that i'm in your corner.......

and you too Puppy. it's good to see you periodically posting, but i hope that you are protecting your energy and strength -- primarily for the healing process.

Joy and Suzy........ it's time for an update. i'm concerned when i don't hear anything for a while.

holly -- welcome to norms. it is a special group of folks who've assembled round him.

prayers for each and everyone gathered here to support Norm. we've got our work cut out for us in the coming month.

i'll be spending the weekend getting ready to leave for next week in Dallas.

xx00xx00xx00xx

SISKimberly

Welcome Lucy, and thank you so much for your words of support and understanding.

Norm's, like Cheers, is a place where we can find that kind of commraderie...you'll fit right in!

Norm, I'm with Faith...thanks for making the effort to wish us all well and put on the happy face.  Know we're all here waiting to hear how you're doing...and it doesn't have to be rosy...we know that this time of year is going to be really hard for you...but just remember the gifts you have here (your kids and grandkids, your friends, and your Angelwatchers) and how much you have to offer those less fortunate. Are you still helping teens?

Faith, how's business? Haven't heard much about your projects beyond your speaking engagements. Any news?

Puppy, I know you're conserviing your strength...(((HUGS))) It's raining and the perfect day to just curl up with a blanket- the one you had sent to me. I think of you and all the gals on the Afghan thread everytime I use it.

Joy, and Suzy...I once again agree with Faith...an update is in order.

Written on the spot as I sit in my home office looking out the window on this first day of November, 2008.

It's raining outside,

and raindrops 

patter upon the roof,

and swoosh through the downspout,

then careen down into the storm drain

to be reclaimed for other uses. 

Can you hear them,

the raindrops,

screaming with delight,

like children on a roller coaster

eager to run, wait in line, and do it again? 

It reminds me that those curve balls

life is fond of throwing my way,

are mearly opportunities to reclaim experiences I may have ignored,

or let fly by because I was too afraid

or unprepared to catch them.

I may want to approach them with more delight

and a glove.

Enjoy the weekend.

SIS Kimberly 

suz45

Hello Angelwatchers! OK Im not even sure when I last posted I think its been a while.

I went ahead and had the surgery done, oopherectomy on Sept 9th, just as I was dealing with that I had a big scare, they did two mammo's two ultrasounds and two mri's on my right side (cancer was on my left) as they thought they saw a tumor. I was going in for a mri guided core biopsy as the final test and that was it, they set me up on the mri machine and then sent me home. Said I was all clear without even doing the biopsy!!! So that was a huge relief. I am feeling better everyday and as odd as sounds. I feel sexy & energized and just plain old happy.

Dh and I are taking a well deserved vacation later this week. We are flying to Barbados then going on a Tallship cruise. We will be sailing on the Royal Clipper, She is the largest sailing tallship in the world. This is a much needed break for us both. I almost feel guilty for being so happy right now. But anyway here is the link if anyone wants to have a peek. When you click on virtual tour it gives you about 25 stars or points to click on and get a 360o view.

http://www.cruiserussia.co.uk/tallships/sc/ships/royalclipper.htm

Anyway, Although I havent been here much I think of you all dailly, and keep each and everyone of you in my prayers. So warm hugs all around and will do a check in before I leave, Love Suz

suz45

Sorry this one was about me...promise to read backposts and see how everyone is!

faithandfifty

Suz. soooooooooooooooooooooooo happpppppy to hear this good news & that you're off on an adventure!

KimberSIS. Thanks for asking about all of my various 'projects.' I'm making progress on several -- all at the same time. Our next recording is well underway -- we have 37 tracks underway, with scratch vocals down on each. My next picture book is very near completion -- in the editing/proofing process. I leave for Dallas on Tues & have a meeting there w/publishers regarding a teacher's book on movement & music. Lots of irons in the fire. Can't wait to get something finished!!

Footie, Joy, Puppy: prayers for each and all of you in the midst of all you face.

Norm: you are always in my prayers. Today was "All Saints" Sunday at our church and I went to the communion rail to say a special prayer for you and your saints/angels. I am so often feeling "helpless" when it comes to offering anything tangible to support you. Know that the prayers are always being sent.... and I'm always trying to think of some way to help you know that I'm cheering you onward. 

Have a great week everyone.... one day at a time.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

faithandfifty

norm. thinking of you, as my day unfolds. wishing you encouragement.

SISKimberly

Suz, what great news about the clear right breast....the successful Ooph...the feeling sexy and so happy...and just in time for a fabulous vacation.  WHOOOHOOOO!!!!! Enjoy.

Wow, Faith, that's so great that you've got so many projects going and in various stages of completion. Kind of like birthing children in various stages of labor, eh? OK, there are no good drugs involved, no one is rubbing your back and telling your to breath, and I'm pretty sure your tummy isn't huge.

 Good news on my homefront,too. My twinsis and I will both be getting our pre-op stuff done together on Wednesday. She for her lumpectomy and me for my port removal.  Her cancer is like  invasive lobular carcinoma. 1cm and the surgeon is so confident is hasn't gone anywhere., but will of course do the Sentinel Node biopsy to make sure.  It will be outpatient surgery and happen the week before Thanksgiving.  Mine happens the 26th on November, the day before Thanksgiving. After Kath's surgery, rads and Tamox. No chemo if it hasn't gone anywhere...relief!!!! 

Take care all,

SIS 

faithandfifty

Oh. KimSIS. I'm so glad to hear of the relative good news for your twinsie-sis. Will keep my fingers crossed that everyone is correct in their predictions. Glad that you can lean on each other. Getting your port out is yet another milestone, isn't it?

Norm: sitting at the airport, thru security. I'm gonna take my own advice and hope that I get to spend the afternoon @ the Dallas Aquarium. It's pretty close to where I'm staying. And that's one of my favorite outings. Hopefully I'll get in on time & have sufficient energy to go see some beauties!! Thinking of you today as I wing among the clouds. Keep on, brother.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

Suz, we're hoping for pics. Anybody heard from Joy? Footie, sending you a hug!!

norm

footprintsangel

Sis,  I am so happy for you to get some new that it has not spread. I will be keeping my fingers crossed too. She is lucky to have such a wonderful sister. I have two brother and now I have lots of wonderful sisters on line, God bless you and your family, Hugs

Sis,Faith, Norm, Suz, Hollyann, and all the other angels, We are winners, God bless you all, Debbie 

suz45

Quick note... time to pack... Norm I hope your well, hold you dearly in my prayers, thats all I can do. I feel sad that I'm posting good news so I tend to keep it quiet.

Sis, so glad about twins news. Love hugs and prayers...

JOY please check in!! I posted this in our Dec 07 group too. Im really worried... please just a word to say your there!

Everyone, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers as I step out of routine and spend some quality time being me. Its been a long time and Im not quite sure who I am right now. As I tell my little sister "its the moment that matters" not the plans to get there.

So love, hugs and blessings to all, hate to rush but I leave tomorrow and Im not packed. Suz

footprintsangel

  Faith, I am sending you an angel for safety. To Sis I am still so happy about the news of your twin sis. To all the other wonderful angels, May God give you strength and faith to win. Faith when you get back we will have to have a party. Hugs, Debbie

faithandfifty

Norm. Thanks so much for popping in and letting us know that you're still reading along.

I'm back to my house from Dallas and now have a couple of days to sort out all of the whirlwind that flies in overtime, after an event such as this one. Made some nice contacts for the future and that's what matters.

It was a real shock to my system to come home and find it so cold!! Dallas was in the mid-80s and we've got freezing here. Ye gads. The seasons are indeed changing. Norm, I think of you all the time regarding the advancing of winter. Know that we are sending you prayers for continued healing as we approach the anniversary of this, your second life's chapter.

Suz. so glad to hear of your adventure.

Puppy, Footie, SIS, Joy and Holly: sending you each some good vibrations!!

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Norm))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

norm

Thank's Faith

faithandfifty

Norm. You're most welcome. Your strength in this journey is profound.

Are you planning any sort of 'ceremony' for the anniversary? Is there anything that we can do to be of specific help? Are you going to stay at home, or perhaps you've planned a get-a-way? Know that we care about your alone-ness and your lonliness, too.

Know that you are always in my prayers.

xx00xx00xx00xx

SISKimberly

So, it's been too long again.  Life just gets going doesn't it?  We end the trimester this Friday, so I've been really busy getting things graded and entered. I'm so disheartened again at the results of a reading test for two short stories we read. Too many failing it as if they weren't even present at our discussions of the stories. AHHHH!!!!! I'm hoping that their trimester grades will wake them up for the new trimester, where they start again fresh.

Went to Carmel this past weekend. So, beautiful. Started with an overnight in Santa Cruz visiting some old family friends I've known since I was a kid. This couple is like my second parents. From there, it was on to Carmel Friday morning. I took the day off for a mental health day.  Went to a wine dinner Friday night- not great, and another on Saturday night- fabulous!!!!  Walked around Carmel, ate too much, and enjoyed the light rain.

I will check in this weekend.  

SIS Kimberly 

faithandfifty

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((norm)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

EWB

The little ones are beautiful! This is what keeps me going--my amazing and beautiful little ones, who have grown into amazing young adults, and husband who has gone above and beyond.  I have no words to thank them for all their support and love

faithandfifty

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((NORM))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((norm))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

faithandfifty

Just popping in to remind you that prayers are always going up on your behalf Norm.

You're making it thru each day. Putting one foot in front of the other. Managing thru the circumstances of each new day. I'm proud of you for your willingness to allow us to be involved in your story. I hope that you find something today that brings some small piece of joy to you.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

Angel watchers one and all. Let's surround Norm with our continued care and prayers.

faithandfifty

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((norm)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

thinking of you today. it's really gray here and sputtering snow flakes already. i could use some sunshine..... i'll just have to manufacture it -- thinking of you making it thru all gives me a lift.

off to Chicago tomorrow..... for the next adventure. i've invited a BCO friend to join me in the city, since i have the room provided. we plan to take in the art museum together. we're both giggling like teen-agers.

 

SISKimberly

Happy Sunday,
What a beautiful day it is here in our area today. I am a bit behind aren’t I? Grrr, on the whole work thing just getting in the way, but then again, I am so grateful to have a job I enjoy, even with the frustrations that come along with it.

So, it’s a new trimester, and so my kids all have an A until they prove me wrong.  My 6th period kids have settled a little bit, but I don’t think they’ll really get it until their report card grade is real to them.  Almost 1/3 of my students will be getting below a C-, and I even gave them a chance to retake a test…not many took me up on it. Sad!
Oh well, I can’t change them, only encourage them to make better choices.

I’ll be handing out tickets for completed work and good behavior that can be turned in for things they want: 5 for Sweet Treats, 10 for a Potty Pass, 15 for an Oops Pass for late projects, and 30 for a Pizza Party. I shouldn’t have to bribe kids to do what they should be doing because it is the right thing to do, but I guess intrinsic rewards just aren’t enough in this day and age. Sigh.

My twinsis', Kathleen. surgery is Dec 4th. She’s got a PET scan on Tuesday. They don’t expect to find anything, but are doing it as another diagnostic measure. I get my port out on the 26th....yeah!

Have a great time in Chicago with your BCO friend. I loved it when I went. 

Norm, Suz, Deb, and Joy...and our Puppy-  Love to you all.

SIS Kimberly 

norm

  Faith; A little gray there today,is it?It's been snowing here for two day's now,but rather mild temp.Got about 14 inches so far,guess winter is here!

     Hope your trip tommorow goes well,don't forget to make time for yourself!

                                                                        t/c;norm

norm

PUPPY; Thinking of you.Hope your doing well!

                                                                                                  norm