tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78283895556208148462024-03-05T16:11:08.440-05:00FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM MY (our)LIFE WITH MS(formerly titled "Know Your Its)..This is STILL a forum about truth and not needing to hide or run from reality/truth. With hope and faith and determination, humor, music and love and some wine people will find freedom and strength as they see how I/we are setting the stage for our "ACT THREE" . Act one and two were amazing - and here we are, our "ACT THREE". We are ready..... fighting for freedom every day from the shackles of MSGailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-60087423702011245542020-03-03T11:31:00.001-05:002020-03-03T11:31:40.136-05:00Life with MS<br />
I decided to rename my blog - to FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM - MY (OUR) LIFE WITH MS. My truths, as reflected in all my blog posts are still my truths, my blessings, my challenges, my surrender, my hope, my love, love, love. And truth be told, our fight for freedom while battling MS is center in our life. All revolves around managing it and living as freely as possible within its' demands. I hope to see some of my old blogger followers back and look forward to new follower friends.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-25081450103191389092020-03-02T11:20:00.001-05:002020-03-02T11:20:26.851-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some photos of "home". We are blessed. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-68147523538882930552020-03-01T11:47:00.001-05:002020-03-01T11:47:46.989-05:00Western NY, Allegheny Mountains, Seneca Indian land, We call it Mount hope<br />
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I have been away for quite a while. Moving from our home in Connecticut to Western NY was very difficult. Thank goodness my eldest daughter lives near by along with three of my grandchildren. They have been beyond wonderful as we have transitioned.<br />
I have yet to figure out how t get photos from my tablet to this computer so I can show better photos of our home, our life, our blessings. I hope to reconnect with many of my blogger friends. <br />
This is my 'opener' to being an active blogger again.<br />
With love and hope for us all<br />
<i>Gail</i><br />
<i>peace.....</i>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-19976603691159597712016-09-06T13:11:00.002-04:002016-09-06T13:11:13.969-04:00As Autumn approachesHello to all -<br />
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It has been a while - I know. I have missed posting however life was calling me in other ways to face new challenges. I have managed and came up well on the other side of an added health challenge to MS - I am blessed to be stable and in rhythm again so I can live freely, prayerfully and peaceably.<br />
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Our loife hwere in Western NY is beautiful. The mountains and our surroundings bring me joy. bring us joy<br />
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our gnome village/garden<br />
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ouyr wishing well and all decorations out front<br />
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the Allegheny mountains - glorious<br />
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We continue to make this home, here on Mount Hope (as we named it) I still miss our familiar life back in Connecticut - and at times I still feel like I am on vacation and will go back "home" soon. Happily, those thoughts are farther and fewer between.<br />
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We just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on August 29th along with BOTH of our birthdays. My sister came to celebrate with us and we had a lovely weekend celebrating.<br />
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Having birthday/anniversary dinner at "Patria - a great Italian restaurant at the Seneca casino.<br />
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And so Fall is approaching - I love the cooler temps and the colors and hues of the world here - I am excited for the Holidays and our first Thanksgiving and Christmas here. Bittersweet too as we make new traditions while remembering what was for many years. One new and wonderful tradition already time honmored since we arrived here is this: Befdore we leave our bedroom in the morni g to start our day we sit n the edge of the bed together - I nestle onto his chest while he holds me close and our hands entwine - we speak words of love and promise - <br />
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Surrender is a gift. This move has and continues to bring me from acceptance to surrender as I have done often in my life. Below is a copy of an earlier post about the journey from acceptance to surrender - I felt it fitting......<br />
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<a href="http://knowyourits.blogspot.com/2010/01/freedom.html" style="color: #2b1e2b; display: block; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #415e42; font-size: 21.538px; line-height: 1.6em;">"The Journey From Acceptance To Surrender".</span></a></h3>
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<br /><br /><br />The journey from acceptance to surrender. It can be long or short, depending on what it is one is dealing with. Winning the lotto? Pretty quick journey! Being betrayed by someone you love? A diagnosis of a life-changing illness?? etc..... These are a longer and more difficult journey. Agreed?<br /><br />For the sake of this writing let's all agree that acceptance happens in our heads. It is a conflict of thoughts; bargaining, arguing, angering, resisting, denying, fighting, wishing, praying, begging, raging - getting the picture? It is pure chaos!<br /><br />So what of surrender then? It happens deep inside. It is a total experience and captures our essence and core. It is: a relief, peaceful, hopeful, freeing, pure, cleansing, and has a new direction. New direction? Yes. A new direction.<br /><br /> So okay, you stop running, you face "IT", whatever it s<br />And so the challenge for all of us is to honor our truths for what they are and then add another meaning to them to bring purpose and light to our truths, our "It's" never possible had these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">IT's</span> not occurred.<br /><br />As I begin my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">exploration</span> of freedom I am reminded that my truth is the foundation upon which my freedom must be realized - otherwise I will be fighting my own reality and spin until I fall. Not happening. I am beginning to 'test' the waters some - to see what I can successfully do with M S. For example - I know I will not be in a dance competition but I sure can dance. - If only for a few minutes I CAN DANCE!! I can drive, not at night or on the highway but I can get around during the day to do errands or visit my Mom or a friend. I can walk- I need support with a friendly arm or my cane or my<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rollator</span> - but I can walk - not all that far but I can walk. Thank God I can walk. Freedom has some new meanings for me folks - I am not the same nor is my life before this diagnosis. That is simply the truth. That's not to say that within these changes I cannot be free - and it is that new meaning of freedom I am defining. Yes, Yes I am!! :-)</div>
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Love Gail, peace......</div>
Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-33167389320073037062016-03-19T13:15:00.001-04:002016-03-19T13:15:46.888-04:00Finding my way 'home'<br />
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It's been a while, I know. We are settling in, adjusting, designing for easy access, decorating, and making our 'Homestead On Mount Hope', home. Some days I still feel like I am on vacation and l that I will find my way back home to Connecticut and my/our life there. Change is truly a process and not an event.<br />
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Here are some pictures of our life here - our world, family and joys:<br />
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The ramp all completed -that is our Grandson Jacob who came to help spread gravel for our driveway<br />
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A perfect back deck - just enough for us. The tree is nature's umbrella<br />
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The foundation ready for our shed to be delivered this Friday<br />
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Skipp buuilding a table to hold the totes we will use to grow a variety of vegetables.<br />
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My granddaughter Leanna and I all spruced up after an afternoon at the hair salon. Nice<br />
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The beautiful view from my daughter Kristie's farm house atop a hill on 110 acres. Glorious. We are reunited and it is wonderful.<br />
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Our life here is simple, free, loving, sometimes a bit too autonomous but we are happy for that too - so it is a balance, ya know? It is a different culture and life style here. For example, they have a redemption center which is where you turn in your cans for cash. Add to that, they will come and pick up your cans, bring them back to the center, cash you out, and if you want beer (which is sold in the same building), they will buy it for you and bring it to you with any change from the cans as well. Can you even imagine? :-) Also, we live on Seneca Indian reservation land - we cannot buy lottery tickets unless we are out of the boundaries of Indian land! They do NOT know how to make decent pizza anywhere close to us. Sigh..... We make our own, thank goodness.<br />
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The folks are friendly enough - simple, natural, neighborly; so we blend well in that regard. There are golf curses, ski resorts, camp grounds, cabin rentals and all types of outdoor activities - skiing, rafting, snow-mobile-ing, fishing, mountain trails, horseback riding, camping sites, the casino, and all within minutes of our home here in the Allegheny forest/mountains. The Amish are all around us living their 1800 century life style, horse and buggy, little house on the prairie style of dress - fascinating.<br />
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As Spring takes hold we will get out more and become comfortable with our surroundings - there is a whole new world to explore. This time of transition is a challenge and a blessing - I stay open to every opportunity - and so long as I/we do all things with LOVE, well, we will prosper. And in time, find our way home.....Amen<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VT-SFgkVlno/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VT-SFgkVlno?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-5083848745815124752016-01-11T10:58:00.001-05:002016-01-11T10:58:21.040-05:00Welcome to our "Homestead On Mount Hope"<br />
And so it is true - we arrived safely here in Western New York to our new Homestead in Hemlock Hills Park -<br />
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It was a very long drive especially since we went through a huge snow/ice storm which added almost thee hours to our trip. I believe 'Jesus' took the wheel and guided us safely through. Our home is lovely - in a small quaint wooded community.<br />
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The pine trees all around us are huge. And the mountains are gorgeous. The view is breathtaking. <br />
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I have certainly been challenged to find a new rhythm in our new home. Every turn and corner, hallway and function requires my/our careful attention and plan for safety, ease and confidence. At first I felt I would not be able to navigate with any feeling of certainty - as time has passed I am finding my rhythm and comfort. We have made adjustments and rearranged the layout for easier and safer movement about. It is difficult to move to a new home and even more so when one has to consider the safety needs of living with a disability such as MS.<br />
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Come on in and take a look around - set a spell - k?<br />
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Our living room and kitchen<br />
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Great kitchen - love the shadow boxes - great space for our herbs and spices<br />
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The relaxing reading-music-computer room. I so enjoy this room<br />
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Our cozy lovely bedroom<br />
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The extra bedroom for family and friends to visit. Nice, huh?<br />
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And so we are here - I have yet to venture out due to the weather and my own weakness from the major transition and energy needed to gain my balance and rhythm, strength and confidence. I am working on it. I am getting ready!! I do miss my/our life in Connecticut. I m honoring that loss as I embrace our new life and adventures. Skipp and I are thrilled to be together here, any where - we are blessed by such love.<br />
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Being back in close touch with my eldest daughter Kristie is a gift beyond words. And her children are beautiful. I have missed them for a long time - but not any more. And so it goes - life that is - each day a challenge and a blessing - laughter and tears - fear and hope - joy and sadness - wonder - hope - faith - and above all else LOVE<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-13458744217279873362015-11-28T12:40:00.000-05:002015-12-13T13:53:15.745-05:00Moving on to The Homestead On Mount-Hope"<br />
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And so it is the plan - with faith and God's will we will be moving one month from today on December 28th to what we have named "The Homestead On Mount-Hope" Here are some pictures of our brand new home.<br />
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The view from our front door - that s the Allegheny forest and mountains<br />
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Our kitchen area<br />
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And living room<br />
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Front door and where the ramp will be built<br />
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Skipp in the living room<br />
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Master bath - there is another full bathroom and two more bedrooms<br />
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It is quite an adventurous move - leaving Connecticut and moving some 400 miles away. There is so much and so many we will miss. Leaving my sister is so sad and complicated. We have seen each other every day for three years since we moved into our cozy bungalow attached to her house. The decision for her to sell her house was agonizing - but so it is done - the decision is made. And we all must move on.<br />
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One of the blessed miracles is that my eldest daughter has softened and opened her heart. I kept candles aglow in the windows for ten years as a symbol of light and hope to guide her home - and she has seen the light - hallelujah!!~ She along with our grandchildren live on a huge farm just 10 minutes from our new home on "The Homestead On Mount-Hope" <br />
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My hospitalization in October was a scary set back for me. I continue to strengthen, adjust and manage my health. I believe that once we are beyond the chaos of this huge move and are settled at "Mount-Hope"that I/we will find a peaceful rhythm again. <br />
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This Christmas season is filled with promise, truth, blessings, miracles, soft and harsh realities, purpose and hope.....Our love and faith is strong and continues to sustain us during the best and worst of times....we count our blessings every day - Amen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-423730643240895322015-10-09T12:14:00.000-04:002015-10-09T12:14:43.811-04:00"WITH YOUR FACE TO THE WIND"<br />
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https://youtu.be/skU5D7MB4Eo<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so the direction is set - our faces to the wind - a journey north-west to upstate NY - where my eldest daughter awaits - with open loving arms and heart - saying it is "her turn now to be there for me" The blessings in this fill my spirit with hope and joy and renewed faith. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I shared in the post before this one (which no one commented on-huh!) anyway - I kept candles in all the windows for over 10 years so she would be guided by the light to find her way home. And so she has in matters of the heart she is "home" with me - my baby-girl came home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having her and my grandchildren waiting on the other end of this emotional journey gives me strength to carry on - keep moving. Our new home is only ten minutes from where she lives. And my other daughter is planning on moving near us come Spring. My son told me he will always find his way to me - always. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am blessed. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-30802741713917772832015-09-25T19:25:00.000-04:002015-09-25T19:34:13.680-04:00SHELTER FROM THE STORM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Great song!! And so it seems that we are seeking shelter from the storm. The reality of our housing situation is upon us. We will be moving within the next six months or so at the longest. We have set sail on the stormy sea keeping our eyes on the horizon as we seek land, calmer shores, shelter. <br />
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Out time here has served us well. Our cozy bungalow has been ever-so-cozy, safe and warm. We were able to be both family and friend to my sister and enjoy many loving times together. She was very generous and we all were in this life boat together here on Old Nod Road. My heart aches for my sister as she prepares to leave her home of 40 years and live all alone for the first time in her life. <br />
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And for us trying to find housing we can afford that is designed for those with a physical disability is a complicated and arduous task. The wait lists are very long and the applications even longer!!. We have an interview for mutual housing in a lovely area of Guilford on October 1st. That would be so wonderful and would feel like we were going back home since we lived in Guilford for years. If we cannot find subsidized housing in Connecticut we cannot afford to live in this state. Which brings me to the next option<br />
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My eldest daughter whom most of you know had been estranged. Well, not any more - it appears that my keeping the candles lit in every window for 10 years as a symbol of the light to guide her home paid off because she has found her way "home", in terms of heart and care and reconnecting - she still lives upstate NY (on a 110 acre farm w/live stock) but her heart is open to me and she said "I will never let you go Mom, never" Amen. And she, of course, wants us to relocate near her - living is very inexpensive where she is. This blessing and miracle of her opening her heart may be the calm shore - the "shelter in the storm" maybe..... (Did I mention she is a CNA?)<br />
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The thought of packing and moving overwhelms me in ways I cannot even express. So be it - because the only way to the shelter from the storm is to navigate and survive the storm, right? We still don't even have a direction though as to where we will live - tough to navigate while spinning!! So for now we are holding on as we spin until we have a direction......and then we can set our sights and sails to get us there-Amen.<br />
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How many of you are seeking "Shelter from the storm"<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-79906719897109996192015-08-12T12:13:00.000-04:002015-08-13T22:27:59.210-04:00"Times, they are a changin"!<br />
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So true, this song says it all - about the cycles of life, ebbs and flows - surrender, change........I always recall when my Dad died years ago - I received a card in which lines from this song were quoted - and so too the meaning of his life was lovingly blended into the whole of things just as the seasons turn.<br />
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And so where am I in the seasons turns. I am in battle with infection. A raging battle my body, mind and spirit are fighting against. I will start round four of oral antibiotics and if these are not successful it is on to IV antibiotics and a stay in the hospital. I am spinning and turning through all seasons in my frightened mind and heavy heart. Overwhelmed by the challenges of MS this battle on top of my daily fight for freedom is taking a toll on me, on us. <br />
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Also, our living situation is in upheaval. This house may have to be sold and we will need to live elsewhere. I struggle because I/we are not making that decision and in that I feel so small, powerless as I wait for decisions to be made that will impact our lives greatly. I am trying to find where my power lies and right now it is in how I handle the waiting. Not ideal. <br />
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So yes, I am turning and spinning and in waiting all at the same time. I am overwhelmed and frightened. I am holding on to Skipp as our world spins. If I were to give an image of how I feel it would look like this:<br />
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imagine a little mouse, in a hole in the bottom of the wall just peeking out to see when it is safe to come out in to the light -<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-37928148730212759192015-07-09T12:21:00.003-04:002015-07-09T12:22:48.398-04:00Robbed or gifted?<span style="font-size: large;">My response was immediate, knee-jerk so to speak when my sister said "we have been robbed of our play time because of MS" - I replied, "we have also been gifted" So which is it? - Both I think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In so many ways we have been robbed, MS has stolen pieces of my life, pieces of me. I remember what I could do before MS - the difference is both staggering and frightening. My sister, as do I wishes we could venture off for the day and walk at the seaport, or a mall, or even a weekend get away, museums and parks and concerts and so forth. Such outings are complicated even with Skipp who knows how to assist me and manage my mobility devices. Such adventures with anyone else would be quite unsettling for me and whomever. And so it seems I/we have in fact been robbed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's look at the gifted side. Because of my MS diagnosis we had to down size and live with less financial burden. My Mom had passed away three years ago this month (oh how I miss her healing touch and love) and her adorable in-law apartment (which we call our cozy bungalow) was empty and we were blessed and gifted to be able to move in here which is attached to my sister's home. We re-did it to our style and moved in December 2012. It is lovely here, and my sis is right next door. We see each other every day and on Friday's we have a "happy-tizer" evening with wines and fun foods. Robbed or gifted? I wouldn't see her much if we were still in our home a few towns away. I understand that it would be fun to have adventures and play dates out and about. I have adjusted, surrendered (for the most part) to a new way to be adventurous and play. My heart does ache when I realize I can't vacation with Skipp too far away or in places that make my mobility issue an obstacle. We too have surrendered to simpler, closer ventures. My mind struggles sometimes to wrap around my limits and yet I am at the same time so aware of my freedoms. Robbed? Gifted? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I navigate a curb, climb stairs, get in and out of the car, have lunch out, visit friends, scooter around a mall, sit by the water on Long Island Sound, enjoy a meal and fine wine at home, kiss, hug, laugh, cry, pray, believe, scream, feel, love, and love some more, I am gifted, robbed, surrendered, peaceful and enraged, I am here!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I ask all of you, as you surrender to your realities are you robbed and/or gifted? </span><br />
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Me and my sister Nancy<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-65573698906653850342015-03-22T13:08:00.001-04:002015-03-22T13:18:00.948-04:00A GENTLE RAIN<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My beautiful Mom one Mother's day enjoying our garden and wooded yard. So lovely. <!--3--><!--3--><!--3--></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My Mom went to a nursing home for the last few weeks of her life. Her surrender was peaceful and her surroundings were filled with good people, excellent care and an unspoken finality that hurt all of our hearts. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And so it came, a gentle rain one day. I could feel my heart break because I knew how much my Mom loved listening to the rain especially when she was in bed and the nursing home didn't allow windows to be open. I knew she couldn't hear the rain and and it broke my heart. We had given her a rain stick one year so I went and got hers and brought it back to the nursing home for her. It wasn't the same. I was very sad. I so wanted her to have what she so loved - being able to hear the rain..........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From this I came to know what matter in life - it's not money, fame, travels, possessions. It's as simple and glorious as being able to listen to the rain and knowing you are loved enough that someone knew it mattered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is your gentle rain? What is the gentle rain in the lives of those you love? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you all know...... </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-58131879390721382015-02-24T18:47:00.000-05:002015-02-24T18:49:51.506-05:00THE GIFT OF PURPOSE, PLACE............<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I wrote in my previous post about what really matters is how we effect one another. If only everyone would take time to consider their effect on others - if only...............perhaps the assumption here is that we all hope to effect for the good, in kind, lovingly and </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>honorably. Not always the case, I know. Let's all agree to be aware of our effect on others and that if it is a person's intention to cause harm, well, don't do that!! DON'T DO THAT!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Okay, enough ranting. Moving on to some more gained wisdom. It is about the gift of purpose and place in someones life. What a wonderful gift we give to another when we let them know we need them. Not in an overly dependent way but in a way that matters by honoring their gifts and talents - for that person simply being who they are - and how the place they have in our lives makes a positive difference, offers counsel and solace and understanding and hope. That they matter to you. And it is a double gift when you are the same to them and they too hold a place for you and value you and you have a purpose in their life. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>These priceless gifts of purpose and place can lift a broken spirit, heal a broken heart, right a wrong, sustain life, give life, save a life and bring light to darkness. I think I have made my point - :-) </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For all the people in your life that need you and hold your place in their life dear -cherish them. And for all those that you have a place held dear and whose life is of value to you - tell them, loudly, softly, shout it, whisper it- and know, really -really know - this give and take, this sharing is at the very core of humanity - it is how we survive - it is how we come to believe we matter. It is how we learn to love ourselves and be loved and love - PURPOSE AND PLACE - be generous with each.....</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-33070244741038801462015-02-04T18:38:00.000-05:002015-02-04T18:38:26.847-05:00How we effect one another is all that really matters. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>I recall, a few days after my Mom passed away. I was sitting on the couch and bracing myself for what I needed to explore. I had a different language for it back then, - I was going to look back over my life and see if I had any regrets as to how I treated my Mom. I was, in actuality, exploring how I had effected her. I was so profoundly relieved to really know that I had always effected her well, considered her, showed her love and honor and kindness and all things good. There was one time when I left the area and moved away for about a year. My leaving had a hurtful effect on her and my Dad - I was so thankful I had made amends years before while they were both alive.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This wisdom about how we effect one another is certainly not new - however it is intensifying, deepening and is the recognizable guide upon which I do most everything. Oh I am not a saint or perfect, and I catch myself doing or saying something unkind from time to time - but not without immediate regret. And immediate amends.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I have people in my life that have not come to embrace this wisdom and one day, they too will have to atone. I do wonder if everyone faces this self realization of how they have effected others. If so, I do hope it is sooner than later and before it is too late. It is hard to atone when the person or persons we effected badly are gone. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I can honestly say that in this moment in time I am free of needing to make amends for how I may have effected another negatively. I do my best to consider others, act kindly, and 'listen'........ This understanding is so gentle and so natural now. I am humbled and so grateful to have received and embraced this wisdom and to abide by its life-giving force.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-75753637192455620272015-01-13T13:48:00.003-05:002015-01-15T12:13:15.382-05:00Resolve and surrender - the freedom and ache of it all<br />
....<span style="font-size: large;">and here we are in the heart of Winter. The Christmas season has been honored and memories created - and the New Year brings renewed hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that 2015 would be a year of resolve. Now there's a loaded topic, right? I don't have a lot of conflict resolution to tend to, thank goodness. One person in particular has left me wounded for quite some time. I have missed her for a very long time and have tried every way I know to rekindle our friendship. I just couldn't believe that she did not want me in her life nor was she interested anymore in sharing in mine. We shared a deep and loving relationship/friendship with promises of forever friends - I guess I was the only one who knew, knows what a promise means.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This is her at a combination graduation/engagement dinner celebration Skipp and I hosted</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ-hLN7WDaBOLB07smN1ezGB2IVSdDUjSw00J54XljWFM2TtoN9g39BoTWflvcOs7HbZaudLmk2fuYKasi80yP1h5Yoyh51VtLOJBqBuPBCns9Zc21m0wEfkFeBb5uRaXiK4pAtEvQCuf/s1600/100_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ-hLN7WDaBOLB07smN1ezGB2IVSdDUjSw00J54XljWFM2TtoN9g39BoTWflvcOs7HbZaudLmk2fuYKasi80yP1h5Yoyh51VtLOJBqBuPBCns9Zc21m0wEfkFeBb5uRaXiK4pAtEvQCuf/s1600/100_0139.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And this is a picture of our strong friendship circle of women - which eventually fell apart. Oh how I miss the strength of our circle. The woman on the right went back 'home' to Australia, we are </span><span style="font-size: large;">in touch' but it is so far apart. The woman on the left stays in touch via a text or a phone call - but they are both rare. And the one in the middle I miss the most and is just gone - moved on so to speak and didn't want me along anymore. So sad. Her reasons were so odd; about our being in different stages of our lives, her in the fast lane and me slowing down - what?? When my Mom died she sent me a text saying she was sorry - oh my - Sure sign things were over, huh? Plus I truly believe she felt my having MS was a or would be a burden to her and stifle her life. Again, how sad is that, huh? I tried everything I know to keep our friendship(s) alive, but I was the only one trying. I fought the good fight until I didn't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I emailed her a week ago where I congratulated her on the birth of her son and told her how I have missed her and would love to see her again and meet her son. She replied after a week. Kind and cordial - wished me/us well and thanked me for the email. She did not respond to or mention our getting together - and so it is - over. I don't or wont or shouldn't or can';t try anymore. Such true surrender is a relief and a terrible heart ache. I knew I was opening myself to such pain again but I had to try - and so I have. I ached most of the night - but in the light if day I am better - a dull sad surrender of grief and loss. I saw a post on facebook that said, "don't look for happiness in the same place you lost it"!! And there it is, right? And Skipp said - "....she has no idea what she is missing in you" :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To friendships that once were - and to those that are true to the end of time. Thank you JoAnn, Larry, Rosann, and Sherry - Amen</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/R3nP9VVdNpY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-60594712989956434192014-12-18T13:40:00.004-05:002014-12-18T13:42:52.957-05:00Tis' The Season<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi to my blogger friends -</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while, I know - summer was tough - some health issues to manage -and my hand/wrist is finally healing from the over-use due to the rollator and cane which puts a lot of pressure on my hands and wrists and arms - upper body. I am still not full strength or full range of motion - I am 60 to 70% improved. Phew..... I am grateful for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Skipp and I are still madly in love and in 'like' - so blessed to have such beautiful intimacy, joy, laughter, music, shared meals and Winter wine, and humble gratitude for our simple, loving life together. Every moment is savored and never taken for granted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Thanksgiving was bountiful with family and a shared meal - </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Christmas celebrations will be glorious in the most traditional and loving of ways - we will honor years of Christmas traditions by preparing time-honored foods for Christmas Eve - a macaroni dish called "pasrierri" made with very thick spaghetti and ricotta cheese and baked, calamari, and poppy seed rolls, to name a few. We gather and share and read 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas day brunch is of Jewish persuasion to honor Skipps heritage - he being adopted and raised Jewish. Like I have said many time, he is the only Jewish - Indian you will ever meet! :-) We have laktes (potato pancakes), bagels w/cream cheese, lox, salmon and smoked white fish, quiche and bakalava........ </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below are some pictures of our home decorated and festive - </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to you all - with wishes of hope, peace and health for us all - Amen</span><br />
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<br />Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-56641233316924133512014-07-17T21:21:00.001-04:002014-07-18T13:11:33.200-04:00LOVE IS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi all - just a few pictures of some of our day trips along the shores of Clinton and Guilford. Glorious and peaceful times together. I am so humbled and grateful. Each day when I awake my strongest feelings are that I am loved and blessed. Even though the challenges and harsh realities are just beneath the surface, most days the love and blessings overpower those realities and keep their emotional impact beneath the love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the adorable and precious acts of kindness and love Skipp does is this: when he opens a new orange juice he will pour a bit out and drink it so that there is room to 'shake' the juice and then he pours my juice. When I saw him do this my heart melted. And the beauty is it is just so natural for him. The best type of selfless giving. It is simply how he loves. And the examples are endless, on going and often new and wonderfully surprising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He would say I am selfless as well and that I am forever considering him in all that I do. And ya kn ow? He's right. It is how I love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We so appreciate our time together. Every moment is a gift and a blessing and neither of us take any of our love and time for granted. We savor one another. And still, after decades he is "still the one" that does it for me and me for him. I need only to think about the magic of his touch and technique and I am halfway 'there' - if you get my drift. Surrendering to him is heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so my friends, love is in full bloom here - reaching new heights and daily simple pleasures. I hope love is within and all around all of you.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0kSpfAoyZs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-9500962553520805592014-05-21T22:36:00.002-04:002014-05-21T22:36:55.675-04:00My relationship with foodI am amazed and shocked about how my relationship with food has changed now that I have dentures. I always enjoyed food, its presentation, aromas, taste, the preparing and the savoring every bite. I loved to eat. Not so much any more. First a little history of me and food.<br />
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When I as a year old and in my hi-chair awaiting my meal my Mom said I would "fly" in the chair and sing with excitement, arms fluttering, legs kicking, smiling and making the best sounds. She told me that one day nuns had come by with prayer cards and a 'visit' and saw me all a flutter in my hi-chair. She said they were amazed at my exuberance. I loved to eat.<br />
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That exuberance, and excitement, flutter and flying have been part of my relationship with food all my life until I got dentures. Now, I eat to sustain myself with little joy. I understand that in time I will adjust, learn to chew better and once again enjoy food. But for now I feel such a loss and I am grieving that relationship with food I once had.<br />
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My gums are healing and I am doing well with the care and rituals that go along with dentures. There really should be a 'denture-rehab' so folks can get support and direction. It is trial and error all the way. And I know of all the challenges one cold face that adjusting to dentures is not high on the tragic list. But for me, it has been overwhelming, draining and when I think of the actual event of 25+ teeth extracted all at once!! I have a bit of PTSD. <br />
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I do like how I look, a lot. And I know that being rid of all gum disease is a real health benefit. Also, knowing I will never have another drill in my moth is a big relief. Now when I go for an adjustment I hand my teeth to the dentist. Cool, huh? :-)<br />
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I am also healing from a blister that became badly infected on my foot. Horrid. I am on heavy duty anti- biotics and hot soaks and I have to stay off it as much as possible and elevate. All my energy is zapped. I had an MS flare up on the same side in my leg which is my weaker side. I am improving each day and as the infection heals my strength is coming back. I am almost back to my 'abnormal-normal'.....Needless to say this has been a rough month. I am fighting every day to be better and heal. Please send your prayers and good thoughts. <br />
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Looking forward to a nice slice of pizza and that feeling of excitement and flying high. :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-42892929578007798702014-05-08T18:23:00.000-04:002014-05-08T18:23:16.881-04:00 A WEDDING AND A NEW SMILE :-)<br />
Hello to all my blog friends -<br />
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I know it has been a while since I have posted. I really haven't had all that much to say. But here I am with some updates. <br />
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My daughter was married on March 22nd. It was a lovely, rustic, natural and loving celebration of love and family.My oldest daughter came with her three children. It was wonderful to "be" together. She did all the cooking and serving. Amazing.<br />
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Here are some photos:<br />
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Another HUGE event is my "new smile" - pictured below-<br />
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I had 24 teeth plus two teeth tips extracted on Friday April 25th so I am two weeks out from the event. I am not sure how I mustered up the courage to walk in that day and actually sit in the chair but I did it. Somehow I calmed myself - so much so that the dentist poked me asking if I was "still with him". ???<br />
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It is certain tat the 'some how' I mentioned had real basis. First I prayed hard and once I sat in the chair I surrendered and I did trust the dentist. A genius. Add to that was my belief that my Mom had her hand over mine and was comforting me. I felt her there. <br />
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The healing and adjusting is on going - learning to talk and chew and so forth - on going! and a series of frustrations and comic relief. I whistle a bit and clack and some times the bottom teeth just lift up. Good Lord! I am a ways from eating in public. :-)<br />
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I know I made a good decision to do this and I was empowered that I could. With Ms - one can lose blood flow to the bone holding teeth in caused by nerve damage, Subsequently, my teeth loosened and shifted and infection was mounting. When I was all through the dentist said that I was leaving the office much healthier than when I arrived. All gum disease leaves with the bad teeth. Who knew? <br />
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So here's to smiles and hope and healing for us all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-26796012604541555792014-01-27T23:07:00.001-05:002014-01-28T11:45:09.862-05:00New PC, first post attempt.<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">My first post since setting up my new PC. There are still many nuances, features, programs, systems and so forth for me to learn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK I can add a picture. here is our Gracie Blue - now four years old. She is a wonderful family pet, a real pack animal. She is our good best friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK, lets try a video now. Here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Huh, I think I did it. I also can create a slide show, but I am a long way from mastering that feature. Love this song.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, let's see. I am doing ok, all things considered. The MS is a challenge to manage and some days are better than others. Skipp and I are still madly in love and madly in like. Both are important. He is cutting back his hours and going on social security. We are so happy for the time together. All of our down sizing and financial woes are resolved. We are so relieved. And our cozy bungalow is "home".....we are settled in and peaceful, blessed and content. We have come through a lot this past year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hard to believe we have lived here just over a year and come this July it will be two years my Mom has passed away. I miss her every day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter is suppose to be getting married. Now the date is March 22nd. I have gotten so excited and involved a couple of times only to have things be put on hold. I am trying to wait for her and her husband-to-be to let us know what they might need help with and so forth rather than direct things. Easier said than done but so be it. Hopefully my eldest daughter will make the trip down for the weekend of the wedding. I haven't seen her or the kids in two years. Her distance remains a mystery and a source of deep loss and sorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Sister is dealing with some medical issues and we are awaiting biopsy results from the lymphectomy on a node in her neck she had last Tuesday. A complicated time and overwhelming on many levels. Please pray for good outcomes. Thanks. It is good we are here and so close. Part of that Master plan...........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a lighter note - we have come to enjoy a weekly gathering on Fridays around 4:30 and we call it "Happytizers"......family and friends come by invitation and/or they will call and ask what the theme is for "Happytizers"....we have Asian, Italian, Greek, Mexican, cheese varieties, and assorted wines. Skipp and I love using our little appetizer forks and knives and pretty wine glasses and making the table look inviting and delicious. Many Fridays it is just me and Skipp and my Sis. Oh, we also make a plate of treats for the dogs, our Gracie and my Sister's Zippy. They have come to know when the time is near and join in our excitement and joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think that is all for now and please know you all have an open invitation to Friday night "Happytizers"....</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-37020254776344146232013-12-27T18:30:00.000-05:002013-12-29T10:33:07.405-05:00A SATISFIED TIRED"ACT THREE"..........here we are. Almost the New Year, 2014. I was quite amazed at the presents I received from my guy. His choices, in many ways, defined many aspects of my life, and his too. Glitter, compression socks, matching shirts and caps that say "Skipp & Gail's Wine Tasting Services", (cool, huh?), a flag for my scooter, a lighted cover for my Kindle, sparkling bangly hair combs, to name a few. I was thrilled and overwhelmed. I cried when I opened the flag and flag holder for my scooter. I never wanted that on my list. But so be it....<br />
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Our Christmas Eve meal was traditional Italian with some add-ons. It was all so delicious and loving and warm and happy. A few tears but way more laughs. Christmas brunch was amazing. Our traditional Jewish buffet with bagels, lox, smoked salmon, cream cheese and potatoe latkas. Delish! Later folks relaxed and Skipp and I prepared for Christmas dinner, a spiral glazed ham, broccoli-corn casserole, two quiches, more latkas and home made apple sauce. As I sat at our table, there were six of us, Skipp and I, Dolan and his girl friend Natalie, my Sister Nancy and her son Ethan - all gathered around a festive table of reds and greens and candles and a bounty of food and blessings. I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. A satisfied tired. Let me explain...with MS I feel fatigued which is heavy and all consuming. But on Christmas I felt a glorious tired and was joyfully laden with love and family and good food, wine and blessings and gratitude. The obvious difference I felt between fatigue and tired thrilled me to my core.<br />
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As we move forward in "ACT THREE" we are hopeful and prayerful. Grateful and optimistic. We have some valid fears too. Such is life...........A family member is going through the diagnostic process to find the source of some concerning symptoms. We are all holding on and hanging on together as the journey continues and questions are answered. I cannot write about it just yet. Please send prayers for all good outcomes. So far, so good!! <br />
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My daughter announced that she and her guy are getting married in January. A small union officiated by a Justice Of The Peace". They will have a reception in the Fall but don't want to wait any more on getting married. They seem very much in love. We are going to have the JP come to a local restaurant and perform the ceremony, just ten people in attendance. We will host the evening, proudly. A small buffet of hours'deurves and wine. Skipp will bring his guitar and sing to her, of course. :-) It will be a simple, loving and elegant event.<br />
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"ACT THREE" is a time of simple pleasures and blessings realized every day. I am thrilled when I enjoy a glass of wine, and feel loved and am aware of my blessings (like being regular!!) for one,) :-), The secret to a happy life regardless of the ACT lies somewhere within those events, ya think? :-)<br />
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With love and hope for us all<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-30877596195177316232013-12-02T15:28:00.001-05:002013-12-02T15:30:25.256-05:00OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS IN OUR COZY BUNGALOW IN CLINTON - "ACT THREE"I haven't posted in a while, I know. I feel my blog has run its course, is coming to an end. Seems many readers have dropped off and fewer and fewer leave a comment. I understand.<br />
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It is time for new traditions, memories to be created, while still honoring some of our old and comforting traditions and recipes and family keepsakes. I miss my Mom a lot! last year we were so busy with the huge move that the chaos distracted the loss. This year? I feel ever emotion of loss and also every memory of what was AND her love is every where, eternal within, ingrained and alive. Such a gift!!<br />
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":ACT THREE" IS TAKING CENTER STAGE. :-) I may re-name or start a new blog titled "ACT THREE". I am thinking about it.<br />
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Here are some pictures..<br />
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Thanksgiving bounty, so many blessings<br />
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Our festive bungalow decorated for Christmas. Warm and cozy.<br />
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And so the Season is here. A time of hope and promise to sustain us throughout the year. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season filled with the love of family and friends and blessings.<br />
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<br />Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-13551535937097176822013-09-07T12:41:00.000-04:002013-09-07T12:41:40.272-04:00North of 50%A dear friend of mine sent me an email the other day expressing her sadness that I wasn't yet 100% in being over an MS related symptom I have been managing as best I can. Her words struck me because I realized that I haven't been 100% for quite some time. I am rather used to my less than 100% status, in fact, anything "north of 50%" is a good day. Seems, when, whatever I am managing leaves me less than 50% 'normal (whatever that is) then my world is quite focused on the issue rather than simply 'being, living', doing, and not so -self-absorbed with the task of managing. So ya, 'north of 50% is do-able......<br />
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Below, are some pictures of me on my new scooter and one of me and my Sister at our town 350th celebration festival. Definitely 'north of 50%!! It was freeing and sobering, humbling and bittersweet.<br />
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That's a dream catcher on the front of my basket. There is a scarf around the steering column which I need to change to a brighter one. Ya think? <br />
Today is a beautiful day. It is cool and dry, breezy and sunny. Old friends from "The Trail" are coming for lunch. And my heart soared as I watched my guy sweeping our deck and readying our bungalow for our guests arrival. I was thrilled at his sense of pride, of 'home' - which has been a long time adjusting to - we are home, and today? We are both north of 50%!!!! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-79739853428099754722013-08-26T13:16:00.002-04:002013-08-26T13:16:58.064-04:00<br />
<img alt="Progress Executive 4 Blue" src="http://www.progressmobility.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/340x356/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/y/lynxl4blue_1.jpg" /><br />
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And here it is, my new scooter. Just ordered it, great deal, on sale, free shipping and it will be here this weekend. I cried after I ordered it though. A humbling surrender to what is. Also a smile for the added freedoms it will allow me to get about further and easier. Still,my heart aches by this truth, this "it", reality, quite harsh to absorb. And I am, absorbing, accepting, on my way to the relief of surrender...........stay close to me, I need you all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828389555620814846.post-54415999920515060392013-08-12T12:04:00.001-04:002013-08-12T12:04:28.889-04:00My Dad's wooden step ladder - This wooden step ladder has seen years of wear and paint and stain and wall paper paste, sweat and on and on. It allowed my Dad to change ceiling lights and fixtures, put up curtain rod hardware, paint trim and window sills, doors and walls, spray for bugs outside and knock down a wasp or hornets nest, repair screens, store things on higher shelves, climb on to the front porch roof to retrieve a frisbee or a kite or ball. I don't recall him rescuing any cats from trees but if the need arose he would have using this wooden step ladder. <br />
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This ladder has a place in our family history. It IS our family history. So I decided to share it with all of you. :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/337/7BAB502B4054F3F0C73FCE1EB6904057.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.com14