Friday, December 11, 2009

~CORRAL POST MANTEL, bad news and my funny family~


Twelve years ago yesterday was the day Patrick was struck down by a massive stroke caused by lung cancer. The 15th is the day I lost him. My tree is loaded with memories of Patrick.

They just found out from my brain scan that I have had a mini stroke. Thus the dizziness. At least I know what is causing it. I like knowing.
So on to whatever I must do next. I feel good. I am happy and I will do everything the doctors tell me to do. Things could be worse..but how can I be sad when Christmas is just around the corner... Yes, I am happy...and so...here are some pictures... :)
Nothing special to anyone but me, really. It's one of those evenings...
Don't you just hate it when you get phone calls that bring you down? I think I may still be in a bit of shock. It's a hard thing to hear..but then, I'm getting up there and things are bound to start happening I suppose.
2010 is going to be a good year. A very good year! :) I can feel it. God is good.


Our mantel is an old corral post. Frank and I went up to the ranch of a friend and cut the barbed wire from it, hauled it home, cut off the burned ends, sanded and sanded and sanded. Then added a bit of stain and rubbed it to a gloss. The top is full of beautiful Woodpecker holes..I love this mantel as it was made by my second husband and I and it is very precious to me. I brought it with me after his death. It will always be with me. Just one of those things... I was so lucky to have had him in my life..even for such a short time.



My steeple clock is another cherished item. A part of my past with lots of memories attached to it.
















This little CooCoo clock ornament came from Miss Tiggywinkles here in Riverside. The tiny red tea pot nestled beside it, was on my first Christmas tree and is about 73 years old or so. My very first ornament.

It's a wonderful world. Even when difficult things happen to us..God somehow gives us the strength to weather the storms.

I have a cute story to tell you.. I KNOW how it can be difficult to read through stuff on all of the blogs..but now and then I get the urge to write..and write.
I just have to share this with you.

I called my daughter in Georgia when I got the bad new yesterday. I wanted my eldest daughter and I wanted her with me. Of course she couldn't be..but another reason is that she manages the office of five doctors and helps me understand some of the things that are happening to me.
So..I tell her, we chat, we cry, and I tell her to please keep this to herself as many of the family have a lot of their plates right now. She agrees. Christmas is coming and the economy is stressing out some of my family and a wedding is upcoming just after Christmas..another bit of stress along with the joy. We need to concentrate on HAPPY right now. Anyway, Daughter #1 agrees and we hang up. About ten minutes later I hear pounding on the front door and in bursts Daughter number #3! I say "what on earth are you doing here..what's wrong..are you alright? But, in seconds I realize what is happening...and she looks me dead in the eye and says "Mom, WE DON'T DO THAT IN THIS FAMILY! We don't do this!" and reaches for me, hugs me tight and says, "you are going to fine...just fine! We make a pot of tea, and finish decorating the tree. We visit, we cry and we laugh.

Later that night emails begin to come in from Daughter #2. Calm, "I am here" type emails..which say "if you don't want anyone to know in this family you must not tell ANYONE!" She is right..of course and she ends with..."Do you want me to bring you a milkshake tomorrow??" (I am having some teeth pulled..) BUT.. the best is yet to come.

Tonight as I am posting this the phone rings and it is Adam, Grandson #1. His sister in law, who is in Australia and is marrying his first cousin, eldest son of Daughter #3, calls and tells him "Your Grandma is in a bit of trouble. I think she is in the hospital! YOU didn't know? Well..you should call her!" Or some such thing as that! Adam has no idea but as you can tell..the story is...getting around and it isn't getting any better. Remember, my immediate family (children, their spouses and grandchildren and their spouses, number nearly 30. Aw well. :)
Since I am fine...I can laugh and it really, REALLY, feels good!! As I said, God is good and I am home clacking away on this computer!
I love you guys!
Hugs,
Mona

29 comments:

  1. Your decorations are beautiful! How wonderful to have a 73-yr-old tea pot ornament that was your first!

    Sweet story about your family! I pray you will be fine, you have a great positive attitude, that always helps!

    Katherine

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  2. But you are here today... and you are clacking away at the computer so to hell with that mini-stroke. You are fine!!

    You are here today. Live for each day, Mona. That's all we have anyway because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not yet here. Live and love for today.

    My motto is Live, Love, Laugh. I keep that sign above my kitchen doorway. It's how I live my life each and every day.

    Hugs
    Di

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  3. Mona,

    If I tell anyone in my family ANYTHING important it is all over everywhere within one hour.

    We all love each other fast and furious. I think the display of affection for your family is simply inspiring.

    Now...those ornaments of yours...scrumptious...

    I know from our little chats how the anniversary of the passing of Patrick must be for you. I hope knowing he's in heaven brings you peace. Surely he is smiling down on you and loving you through these physical problems.

    My prayers are with you~

    Love, Rebecca

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  4. You sure are loved Mona! What a wonderful family you have.

    Now don't be freaked out by the mini strokes. My sister had a few of them and didn't even know until years later. She has been fine.

    Just take good care of yourself. Eat right and exercise.

    Just because you have had a small one does not mean you will have a big one.

    Your decorations are just beautiful and that mantel is super! You should be proud of that.

    Big big hugs,
    Joanne

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  5. My Dear Precious Mona...
    Sweetie you know when Patrick checked in to heaven, he hung out his star. He shines bright in the skies for you every night. You only have to look up, when you find the brightest twinkling star, it will be him telling you not to worry, get a good nights sleep, and that he loves you forever and to eternity. When the pass Mona, they leave such wonderful memories in our heart, that we only have to pull one out when we need it. That is the most wonderful gift of all. Every little thing. Get you a journal and start writing them all down. Everything you can remember. It will be your memory book. It will be on the shelf to add to every day. I have several with my relatives that have passed and I find it quite heart warming. I laugh sometimes, I cry sometimes, but I remember all times.

    Sounds like you have wonderful family around you sweetie. Thank God for that. Such a large family. I am so happy for that. Lots of hugs and love to go around.

    Please take care. Know that I am praying for you, and holding you up in prayer. Keep me posted Mona.

    Country hugs sweetie and so much love, Sherry

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  6. That wasn´t especially nice news to get, but now atleast You know why You felt like You have. Knowing this however is good. Now they can make sure this doesn´t happen again!

    My sister got a rather big stroke two years ago, she was only 48 by that time. But she is almost totally rocovered now. She still has some dizzyness though. So I belive that You´ll recover totally soon!

    I really like Your tree decorations! and that mantle is superb!
    Take care now!
    Christer.
    P.S. It´s always impossible too keep a secret in a family :-) :-) :-)

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  7. Mona my thoughts are with you. So glad your daughter shared this to me is the true meaning of Christmas. What a great family you have!

    I love your decorations, your home looks warm and so festive.

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  8. Oh Mona,
    You are going to be good! I love the Christmas decor at your home, that little red teacup is such a treasure! And that mantle, just awesome! Your family sounds so much like mine, my Mom will say now don't tell anyone and then of course everyone knows very soon! Lol. That's a big family for ya! Hugs, Cindy

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  9. Mona, I am new to your blog but I do love it. Love your house and Christmas things.I shall be visiting quite often.I am sorry to hear you had a mini stroke but take care of yourself and all will be well. Looks like you have a great family. You are one lucky gal.

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  10. Mona, your home is beautiful and that teacup...WoW! God is good and don't let the news bring ya'down. Fact is many people have mini strokes and never know it and go on to live perfectly healthy lives. You get a heads up here and can take precautions with the help of your doctor. It's a positive thing lovely lady. I love your fam's hotline...just show how much they love and care for you.

    God bless and enjoy your beautiful weekend!!!

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  11. Good Morning Mona. So much going on for you right now!

    First and foremost you have to concentrate on being well. Follow those doctors orders and let your family love on you. I'll be thinking of you.

    Hugs,

    Stacey

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  12. Mona, your tree is darling, it is hard to believe that your ornament from babyhood has survived for so many years, undamaged, that is just too precious. Beautiful steeple clock, it looks so pretty nestled in the evergreen boughs and berries.
    I am sorry to hear of the mini stroke, but you will be fine and live to be 100 years old. I am happy that your oldest daughter go the word out to her siblings so you don't have to shoulder the burden alone. Take care, Mona...have a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!

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  13. GOD is indeed good and I shall pray that he wrap his loving arms around you and restore you to good health! Blessings to you and yours!!!

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  14. Oh Mona! I know it was hard to hear, but it's something that you can take care of, now that you know. Love your beautiful decorations full of memories and God has indeed blessed you with a family that love and adores you! And count me in as one of your blogging buddies that adores you as well -- My goodness, how nice it is to be friends with someone you know that you could never have met without this wonderful blogging that has intruduced us!
    Take care and wishing you the kind of Christmas that's so wonderful it just knocks your sox off!

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  15. Mona......Sorry you had to hear some bad news but the good news is you are going to be fine! You have such a good attitude and that is half the battle! I love your mantle and I can see how special it is to you. Don't you think the feeling of Christmas has so much to do with memories.....I know it does for me. Have a wonderful weekend!~Patti

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  16. Since you are sounding so good and typing this post, I say forget the mini stroke..nothing there to worry about, it seems. You are enjoying the holidays, blogging and getting all ready for Christmas....sounds GREAT to me!
    Happy Saturday!
    xo bj

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  17. Dear Mona, I'm sorry you have had a mini-stroke, but please don't worry too much. Lots of people have them. You have so much love in your life that I'm sure you will be supported until you recover fully. Easy for me to say, I know, but we just all want you to get well and 'take it easier?'
    Blessings on your recovery, Star

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  18. Hi Mona,

    I can only imagine how you must have felt hearing that news. Don't let fear creep in, Mini strokes are more common that most realize.
    Just trust in God that you are healed and allow yourself to relax as much as you need to.

    XOXO,
    Dena

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  19. You are lucky to have had a warning.Now you know why you have been feeling like you have. Watch your diet (easy to say) and get lots of excercise. You have a wonderful family. Lots of memory making, when you get together. Christmas will be good for you this year...it will take your mind off serious things.ENJOY!

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  20. Prayers are going up for you as you recover from the mimi stroke.
    I gave a recipe for Peanut Clusters on my blog and I forgot one ingredient. You need to add 12 oz. chocolate chips to the rest of the items. Sorry for the mistake. You said you were thinking of trying them - hope you get this in time. take care.

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  21. Your home, ornaments and decorations are just lovely, as is this very touching post!...Feel better, sweet friend. ;)

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  22. Hi Mona...So I am hear to tell you I have..."Been there, done that"...A few years ago I had three of these mini strokes....My first one happened in the middle of Chick-fil-A
    when I went to order lunch and gibberish came out of my mouth...My husband and the kid behind the counter just stood looking at me strange...My whole mouth went numb...Have you even seen the Seinfeld episode when Kramer has the novicaine shot then goes to the benefit dinner with Mel Torme and they all think he's retarded...Well, that was me...My doctor never checked for a stroke until a month later when he sent me for an ultrasound of my neck....I had a torn vertibural artery on the left side of my neck...they sent me directly to the ER like they had just discovered the cure for baldness....I told them how long I must have had the tear as I was having vertigo for almost a year and the doctor never checked for anything.......I was finally put on blood thinners for about 4 months and I have to go every year for an ultrasound to make sure the tear, which is still there but cronic, hasn't torn any further....Everytime I get a pain in my neck....or in my case I had a terrible ear ache along with the dizziness...I get nervous that it's bleeding again....but so far so good...Atleast they found out the cause of the strokes and the dizziness....Have they told you yet what was the culprit? But don't worry you will be fine...always better to know then not know...Please feel free to e-mail me ifyou have any questions....sueadivari@bellsouth.net

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  23. Daughters are truly a blessing, aren't they?? I have 3 of my own, and if I did nothing else in this world, I did good.

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  24. I know absolutely nothing about strokes, mini or otherwise, but I do know, dear Mona, that you will pull this temporary setback. You're a strong woman and you have a loving, supportive family. Enough said.

    Your vintage ornaments are simply to die for!

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  25. Hi Mona,
    Just checking in with you this morning....too early yet to call you. Now you know why you have not felt your usual self. I pray for you
    my friend, you are so precious to me. So take good care and follow your Dr's advice.
    Enjoy every day, our lives are in God's hands.
    I love your decorations.....
    Have been watching the Palliser's....will drop
    off for you....LOVE how the story is unfolding ! Thanks for sharing.......
    Merry Christmas !

    Mary

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  26. I'm back Mona!...Thank you for your great comment! I hope hubby got that leak fixed! I love your music! I look forward to visiting again and again! Hugs, Paulette ;D

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  27. Dear Mona. I'm glad you found the cause for your dizziness. And I'm so glad you're feeling better.

    Love and Hugs,
    SMB

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  28. Mona....I feel a lot of love around you from your family and friends. You're blessed indeed!

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  29. There is a plethora of limited edition teddy bears to enjoy if you travel to some of the many dedicated teddy bear fairs that are regularly held around the UK. Who recalls seeing the film Brideshead Revisited and remembers Aloysius, the teddy bear? adorable teddy bear names

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