feels like a sucky day here - thinking of all the screwed up xmas cheer - gift buying and so hard, it's difficult to make or even get a list from anyone in the family - our lifes have been so turned upside down.
We managed to buy a 2 foot live pine tree, we're lacling space since I have so much extra medical crap hanging around (get it? IV) .
The mrs has been busy also with the foodbank, food drives, and helping a few families have a Christman - (remember she's a Director) - I usually help with that, but you already know that's out for this year.
ok - that's enough crying and trying to feel sorry for myself - fighting the depressing side of things is the hardest. right now i'm close to tears but it'll pass.
ok actually there is a tear or two
Ah, husker, it'll get better. I understand your frustration, though. Last year, because of my dad's illness and all, we didn't get a tree up until a couple of days before Christmas - and the house looked like crap because we'd been in and out so much there wasn't any time to do any cleaning much less decorate for the holidays. On top of everything, my son had to take his LSAT the day before my dad died (Dec. 7th) and at the time he (my son) was on his third round of mega-antibiotics for some respiratory thing that was going around the U. Then my husband caught the same stuff, but he managed to only go through 2 courses of the mega-antibiotics...
Okay, Christmas shopping was all done by my husband - even for himself...The couple of times that I went into the mall, it was like being on drugs. Everything was completely surreal to me so, I didn't go back. (Did I mention that my car had died on us in the rain several times during the month of December, and that we had to keep getting rental cars?) Anyway, we finally got the car fixed and then my daughter and I got sick so I wasn't able to drive for about a month...Didn't take the Christmas tree down until the weekend after St. Patrick's Day. For real! Good thing it's a fake one (I'm allergic to real ones). Looking back, I can now see comedy in some of the things that happened to us last year. It was really rough, and sad, but we amazingly made it through it. You will too...
You got medical crap hanging around - hang some Christmas ornaments or bows or mistletoe onto that crap...you're in your own home so you can be a little creative.
As for the lists...those are always hard to get (it's amazing how quickly things that are wanted are mentioned during the rest of the year, but when a list is asked for for a birthday or Christmas, fugettaboutit!)
I have an idea that you may be able to pull off and still feel like you've contributed to the foodbank holiday cheer. You have computer skills - why not make some cards for your wife to put in with the things she hands out. Tie some bows around some candy canes for her to give to the kids. You can still be a part of it only you'll be working from home like you are for your job.
You know, one of the best things I ever did over a Christmas holiday was there was this family who lived in the area - one of the little girls was in my daughter's class at school - and they didn't have much money. The mom and dad were both out of work and they'd just had their fifth or sixth baby. The little girl in my daughter's class was extremely depressed because she'd been told that Santa wouldn't be coming to her house that year. Luckily, "he" knew approximately what ages and sizes the kids in the family were and "he" managed to put together a large package filled with something for everyone in the family. "He" even managed to have the package show up at their door on Christmas morning with a stamp from the North Pole on it. I worked in my daughter's class at school, and when the kids came back from their winter break, the little girl was wearing a new outfit and couldn't stop talking about how Santa hadn't forgotten them afterall - that he'd actually left a package at their door and everyone in her family got presents that year. Even her mom and dad. It was all they got, but I think she was the happiest kid in that school right then. Made me feel really good, because SHE was feeling so happy.
Make some cards or put bows on some candy canes. For some of the kids out there, it will be a huge treat this year. Make some cards and have someone drop them off at a retirement center for you. They love that stuff there! Some of those people never have family or friends visit them and to receive a card from someone really brightens their day...It's all stuff you can do from your home that will make someone else's holiday a little brighter, and in turn it will make you feel like you've participated which will make you feel better.
And, if you feel like shedding a tear or two, that's okay. You've been through a lot and I know how hard it must be for you and your family this year. But, you do have a tree - that's cool! And, you're at home - that's way cool! It'll get better...You'll see. Just hang in there!
Visited the Doctor today - everything is great - can do very minimal exercise then elevate - next appt. is 01/04/05, I have to figure out who is going to pull the PIC line after the six weeks and before that visit - I forgot to ask
That's great news, husker!!! Have been wondering how you've been the past few days.
Re forgetting to ask something at the doctor's office - who hasn't done that??? Just call 'em...it's no big deal, but I'd do it ASAP - especially with the holidays coming up.
Again, that's really great news about your leg!
Husker, your situation kind of reminds me of what happened after the separation from my only child (divorce). We were truly buddies.
I would come home from work, sit down to read the paper and then the tears would pour. After a few minutes, they stopped. This went on for months, then one day I realized I hadn't cried for awhile.
Whenever we lose something special, I believe we go through a grief process. My daughter hadn't died, but I had lost a part of me. I would miss all those little things: singing in choir, cheering for her at the soccer games, watching her at the church Christmas pagent and talking to her. I wouldn't be able to see her grow up.
You, for the moment, have lost some parts of your life. To make it even worse, you actually observe what's happening.
Hoping everyone here is able to find some happiness and joy in their lives during this holiday season.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, everyone!
Husk, wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday ~
Husker, I didn't know you had been ill...I havn't been on this thread before. This time last year I also had a Hickman Line (after two PICs). My thoughts are with you. Take care. X
thanks and same to all you guys
Looks like during the night the heating furance has decided to die. Must be some thing plugged in the gas line - pilot is on and fan blows -just cannot get chamber to heat up - the house was down to 55 - chilly. About an hour ago what had a family work effore to get the wood stove going (since I was in the hospital that area was turned into storage and then we had to haul wood in from tha back yard.
Good thing I have about a cord hanging around.
now to get the heat from the basement to the upstair living area where I'm at - LOL
scheduled the PIC line (IV) to be removed on Monday - count down to freedom = however leg is still sensative to standing on it to much - swelled up lastnight = after doing some work in the house to get a new furnace - remember we're heating with wood since the 25th
and furnaces are not cheap - another difficult blow, along with tuition for the kid - things kind a suck.
Gosh Husker, you and your family sure deserve the best New Year! Sending lots of good wishes for a better day.
Try and have a good Birthday <even with the danged challenges>
Still thinking about ya, man. :wink:
oh thanks folks! I think I forgot to mention my homeowners insurance is being cancelled due to filing a claim last January when temps reached 30 below and 8,000 home had claims for pipe damage.
But truth is through all these trials I have much to be thankful for going into this new year - I'm sure there will still be a little more frustration between now and Monday (IV out) but I'm making lemonade fast as I can with all the lemons.
That's the spirit Husker!
Hey Husker
I have been watching your progress and I'm glad you are feeling better.
Also.......I admire your strength in adversity. I think we both know where you get that at! :wink:
It's a new year Husker...and I hope you will be feeling brand new
