Ruthie - Rest in Peace Dear Friend

 Tonight, I lost the first in my village of courageous women.  My village is not that big, and the loss is immense physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually.  When Stan and I moved to Texas in 1981 she was my second Texas friend.  Jojo was my first.  I needed a babysitter for my 4-year-old son and Stan actually found Ruth. This started what would be a 44-year friendship of love, loss, agonizing heartbreak and laughter.  She was spiritually gifted, and God spoke to her on a regular basis.  He answered her prayers, and she never failed to do what the Lord wanted her to do.  She would get "nudges" and hardly ever failed to answer what inevitably was a call from God.  On the rare times she ignored her nudge she would regret it sincerely.  It might be a call to go to the Electric Co. and pay a bill for a perfect stranger or give her last dollar to someone on the street.  When she answered the "call" her blessings would come in abundance.  We bought her house in Texas, and she moved to a bigger home several miles away.  We both lived in College Station, but I was closer to Texas A &M.  I was in charge of a Humana ED and could not get my house together.  I was too busy at work and was exhausted when I got home.  My house was large about 3000sq f, and it was in chaos.  One morning I was headed out to drop the kids off and Ruth and her two oldest, Tiffany and Jenny were standing there with brooms, buckets and mops. Ruth homeschooled the kids at that time and she said that God told her to come to my house and have home-ec.  with her kids.  I had to leave for work and when I got home many hours later, my house was completely put in order with all the moving boxes undone and put away.  My laundry was done, the dishes cleaned, dinner was ready and the toilets were scrubbed.  I looked in amazement and of course cried.  I told her that what they had done would have cost me 200$.  That was a lot of money 40+ years ago.  She went home and I got a call from her shortly after telling me thru laughter that she sure wished I had said it was worth 500$ because she had an unaddressed envelope with just her name on the front and 200 cash inside.  There was a note telling her that Jesus loved her. Then there was the meat miracle.  Ruth was my rich friend and her husband had lots of oil wells.  They had a big house and a big swimming pool.  This was in the early to mid 1980s and the first oil crisis hit.  They went from boom to bust literally overnight.  They did not tell a soul.  They started giving things away from office supplies, clothes, jewelry, food and their very last penny for their tithe to the Lord. The day of the meat miracle had their house empty of all food.  They didn't have a cracker.  I was oblivious to the need and went to get my Limousin calf that I had slaughtered.  As I was marking off each piece as they put it in the sack a voice inside my head said that piece is Ruths.  It stopped me cold. I was doubting what I had heard.  Next time it was stronger.  I stopped the meat man and made him get out the last wrapped piece and put in a sack labeled Ruth.   Then we continued on until I "heard" again that something was for Ruth.  The man commented that he wished his name was Ruth.  I had multiple bags that we loaded in the car and I was off to Ruthies.  I had no clue what I was going to tell my "rich" friend as to why I brought her meat.  When I got to the house and knocked on the door her husband answered, and I said "I ummmm I  ... well I have meat for you" Imagine my surprise when they both fell to their knees crying and praising God.  Not an hour before another woman who was not a close friend had delivered bags upon bags of groceries, can goods, milk, and all the food that Ruth and the kids liked.  Ruth believed that the four food groups were raisins, chocolate chips, M and Ms and fruit roll ups.  The other woman was a health food mama and didn't condone processed food.  But she was apparently used to hearing God because he took her on a shopping spree buying food that she would not have dreamed of buying for her family, but she obeyed the Lord and brought all the crap food that Ruth and her kids(and mine) loved. Ms. Rose truly did not know Ruth's dietary preferences she just bought what God told her to get EXCEPT MEAT.  God told her and she told Ruth that someone else was coming with the meat.  

Ruth carried me through some of the worst times of my life.  My son was molested at a day care center.  We caught the guy and had to go to court.  She came with me the entire time.  And when Michael Williams got on the stand, she grabbed my hand and began to bind the spirits of lying.  Michael acted like he was choking.  He kept trying to talk and would gag.  He finally was able to gasp out answers to questions but seemed stunned at his own admissions.   He opted for a trial with just a judge and then admitted to pretty much everything after pleading not guilty.  Like I said he was stunned. Ruth's final comment before she stopped praying was God, deal with this man.  He went to prison and was not allowed to finish medical school.  I could probably write a book about the miracles that happened to Ruth.  I was witness to many, so I know that they were true.  God did bless his daughter.  She was not afraid to witness her love for Jesus.  She was dearly loved by my Mom, Ina Lee.  Her girls called my mom their Grandma Ina.  My mom flew from Ohio to Texas to stay with Ruth and help her with the births of her last two girls, Faith and Joy.  Mom didn't stay with me.... 5 miles away... she stayed with Ruth.  Mom told me that I didn't need her, but Ruthie did.  She honestly looked at Ruth as another daughter and they were so close spiritually.  

We attended weddings and funerals together.  She was an equal opportunity crier.  I told her one time as I handed her yet another wad of Kleenex at my niece's wedding that she could hire herself out as a professional weeper at any event.  She looked at me with one eyelash nearly off, tears dripping down her face she said it's just so beautiful..... WAIT you can get PAID for this??  We were hysterical. You really took a big chance sitting us together, we were out of control at times.  But we were immensely fun.  She loved my whole family, and they loved her back.  She was a friend to my friends.  Jill Forbes became another bestie to her.  It was such a kick for me to have friends who genuinely loved each other.  

She was the garage sale queen and had it down to a science.  She would pick me up at 430am on Saturdays with 2 thermoses of coffee and 2 packs of cigarettes.  I told Stan that I quit smoking before we ever got married.  Only I didn't.  That's another story for a different day.  Anyway, I smoked Ruthies.  She had the newspaper, map and a flashlight and off we would go.  She knew where to go first and how long to stay.  I dressed my kids in the most up to date clothes and paid pennies for them because of her ability to bargain.   She would pick up a piece of what I thought was junk, pay a few dollars for it and turn around within a week selling it for 10 times that amount.  I remember an ugly wooden chair she bought for 5$. As I recall she hinted to the owner that the chair might be valuable, but the owner wasn't interested.   She took it home cleaned it up made a few calls and sold it for over 200$. It was some antique that she recognized. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas together every year. What started out as just family at Thanksgiving ended up the first year with about 50 kids from A and M that didn't have anywhere to go.  We had 3 turkeys, about 20lbs of barbecued venison, 10 pies or so, acorn squash by the dozen, rolls, green beans, and her damn tomato aspic that she had to have.  It looked like jellied blood, and I couldn't even look at it. The last Christmas we spent together in Texas was the most meaningful.  Instead of buying ridiculous amounts of presents for our kids we drew names, and we had to do good deeds for strangers as our gift to the person whose name we drew. It was a challenge to do something for a stranger anonymously in the name of Jesus.  On Christmas Eve after Dinner we sat in my game room and each person "gave" their gift to the person whose name they drew.  The entire room, men included were in tears.  It was a glorious being able to bless someone in need.  

The week before Christmas Ruth and I would go to K Mart at night and wait for the blue light specials. it didn't matter what it was whenever the special was announced over head, off we would run(and we RAN) to the area and scoop up whatever it was that was announced.  We scored a lot of toys and clothes.  Then we would take our goodies back to the house and wrap it up.  Then she would take the gifts out and drop them off at houses that she found out were in need.  I was in awe of my friend.  These ideas for giving were all from her.  I was along for the ride and the cigarettes.  All Ruth had to do was call me and say " Hey do you want to........" (fill in the blank) and I was game.   I pretty much knew at that point that God talked to her and if I wanted to witness His will being done firsthand that I had better get my clothes on and get ready to go.  Oh, we laughed all the time.  We loved each other's kids like our own.  I trusted her to always be honest with me and she was.  We shared our heartbreak knowing that we could depend on the other to pray for a solution.  She loved me despite my many flaws and set out to make me my best self.  She would hysterically laugh at a perceived trauma I was going through, and I would often return the favor.  She knew that laughter was indeed good medicine and that I was making a big deal out of nothing.  

 A month ago, she called while in the hospital after a bout of coughing up blood.  I knew then that my friend was in serious trouble. With her nurse in the room and me on the phone she was asking why she had to have an MRI of her brain.  The nurse said because you told the doctor about your confusion and headaches.  I was on speaker and introduced myself as a nurse.  I told her nurse that I had known Ruth for over 40 years and that she had always been confused..... but that I couldn't testify to the headaches though.  Ruth and I cracked up.  It was the last time I laughed with my friend.  She went rapidly downhill and died tonight at her home.  

People prayed for her all over the United States.  I prayed and asked God to give my friend another season that I wasn't sure I could handle losing her.... my friend, my confidant my prayer warrior. I texted her daily and it was placed on my heart to write a text about an angel sitting beside her as an answer to all those asking God to send a ministering angel to her.  I want to share in this blog my last text today.  

            

And the woman asked the Angel "why am I going through this? I'm in pain, I'm confused, I'm sad and I'm scared? Why is this happening?  And the angel answered "And yet with all this poured out on you, you still believe.  Daughter of the King you are being purified.  I have been sent to support you and help you" And the angel raised her hands to glorify the Father and then laid her hands on the woman.  BE AT PEACE..... The Lord is here. 

Oh my dear sweet friend.  I will miss you each day.  I will tell Ruth stories to those who will listen.  I will tell the stories of your miracles so that other will know we serve a living God.   I added a picture by Kerolos Safwat that reminds me of Ruth and her entrance into Heaven.  I know that she leaped into His arms and said I'm home Jesus, I am home. 

Aging, Fragility, Finances and Making the Most of the Time I have left

 I go to counseling.  I occasionally have homework to do and usually am more comfortable with writing.  I like to write and understand that I don't do it well per se because I am not a stickler for punctuation and grammar.  I am more of a content girl.   I am 72 years old, in the twilight of my life, and I have much less time on this side of heaven than before.  I love life and view each day as an adventure.  Admittedly I am more sensitive and tend to get my feelings hurt more easily. I find myself crying over religious podcasts.  I get emotional over TV shows and movies.  I will visit my grands and get teary eyed when I leave them because the love that I feel for them is so intense.  Each hug that they give me is a treasure to me.  I think about their arms around me, and it brings me such joy.  Joshua's kids are less enthusiastic in their outward expressions BUT the last few visits I have gotten a hard hug and when I tell them I love them (which is often to all my grands) I get a return "Love you too" from both of them.  When they left the last time, I cried. When my time on earth is over my children and grands will hold the memories of me.  I want them to hold me in their hearts with laughter and joy.  I want them to remember that I loved them so well.  I don't remember being this emotional when my kids were young, maybe I was but I don't remember.  I do remember that I never left them without telling them that I loved them.  I think I do that because if anything would ever happen to me, I want the last thing I say is I love you.  

I have had a productive life.  I have been married twice.  I was divorced from my son's father when Josh was 3 weeks old.  Stan was my second husband and father to my daughter.  We stayed married 39 years till his death in 2019.  I am alone now and intend on staying that way.  I have no interest in disrupting the peace I have now. I have my dogs and my son lives with me.  I don't know how long he will stay.  Josh says he wants to stay and help me as I get older so that I can stay in my house.  I selfishly like this plan but honestly would like him to have his own life unencumbered by a cranky old lady.   Time will tell.  I know that I depend on him more and more.  I still work as often as they call me and in June 2025 will have been a working RN for 50 years. It's much harder now than it was 10 years ago.  Physically I am a mess, and I am glad that Josh is here.   He helps me up the stairs after a long day, carries in my groceries, takes out the garbage, mows the lawn and cleans.  We have issues that we are learning to work through.  I have to get to the point where he does not need me for anything except occasional advice.  In the past I have taken care of everything relating to bills and appointments because it's something he does not like to do.  The other day he admitted that he needs to start managing more because I will not be here.  It scares me that I will not have enough time.  

I have had 2 hip replacements, I had breast cancer and elected to have bilateral mastectomies at 52.  I have battled my weight for years and elected to have a gastric sleeve 3 years ago this September.  This was the best decision I have ever made.  I can now walk without acute shortness of breath.  I can wear great clothes again and feel better about myself.  I have hanging skin that is a visible badge to my success and I don't care that it hangs out.  Since mid-April I have been suffering with a tendonitis on the outside of my right foot. It is hard to describe that pain that occurs.  I have not missed work because quite frankly it hurts at home so I might as well make money.  Rest does not seem to be effective.  My doctor told me to get custom orthotics to correct my supination.  My overpriced insurance will not pay a single dime.  I went to Amazon and ordered 2 inserts for plantar supination.   They have helped somewhat and cost me 30$ vs the 400$ for the custom made.  I also am using Frankincense oil and helichrysum Oil mixed in almond carrier oil. I massage into both feet 3 times a day.  This is really "woo-woo" science for me.  This was suggested and I am trying anything that might help.  I have noticed a difference in the last 3 days, and I work tomorrow so I am anxious to see what a difference it will make.   When I got up the other day and navigated my way around the dogs to the bathroom it hit me how "fragile" I felt.  I am old.  I cannot do the things that I used to with ease.  I have early osteopenia and osteoporosis (partially caused by my lack of consumption of calcium since my surgery) I will be taking corrective action, but I am fearful of falling.  I am in physical therapy for my foot, and we discussed the need for me to start a weightlifting program for overall wellness.  I have the "don't wants".  I lack the gumption to go to the gym but it's now a necessity for me to be able to get around if I am blessed to see my 80's. 

My friend told me not to let an old lady crawl inside my body (and mind) my answer was I think she has already taken residence.  I need to evict her and make the life choices to do just that.  I get questioned everyday by my patients why I have not retired.  I actually like to work.  I love the hospital, the people I work with and my schedule.  My patient population is the best.  I feel better working and financially I need to work.  All my life I have made very poor financial decisions.  Now, understand at the time, I closed my eyes, knowing it was not a good idea and forged ahead. I still battle with the desire for immediate gratification in purchases.    I am not sure that if I could have a do over if I would change those choices I made. I would love to be able to have the physicality and mental acuity to work till I am at least 76.   I don't know what I would do with my time if I stayed home.  Being a nurse has been my identity for 50 years.  If I quit being a nurse, then I would be the crazy dog lady.  

Spirituality had taken a forefront in my life the past year or two. I renewed my walk with Jesus and spend time every day with reading the bible and listening to bible education podcasts.  I think about my mom a lot and realize that the time is coming when I will see her again.  I am assured that heaven is my destination and worry about my family.  My mom worried about her children and grandchildren.  She told me before she died that she had prayed for all of us and that she believed that we would all be together again.  It's a choice though, I have to choose to follow my Savior and live the life that glorifies my God.  I think that a good portion of people as they are facing the last years become more introspective and realize that the lives they have lived have not been for the glory of God.  I really regret the years I wasted that I could have spent serving God.  I believe that we are in the end times.  It is going to be more and more difficult to follow Jesus.  I just pray that I can be a light and that I can show the love of our Lord to those that I meet.   I pray for my children and my grandchildren that they will know the love of our God and that they too will choose to follow Him.  

"Aging is a moral and spiritual frontier because its unknowns, terrors, and mysteries cannot be successfully crossed without humility and self-knowledge, without love and compassion, without acceptance of physical decline and mortality and a sense of the sacred"  Thomas R. Cole

My Christmas Carol

 Undoubtedly my favorite Christmas book and movie is Dickens A Christmas Carol.  As most of you know the story, I will not go into detail but only to say that Scrooge is shown his life in the past, present, and future.  He revisits times when he could have acted with compassion and chose not to.  His future was dismal with no one mourning his passing.  In the end he changed his life for the better and became well loved and respected.  We all have the ability to look back in the past and evaluate our present to better understand how that can impact our future. My councilor wanted me to connect with my joys in the past and this time of year, for me, is my most joy filled time.

My earliest memories of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is filled with memories of family, food, and warmth. before I was eight, we went to my grandparent's farm for holidays. I don't remember presents but do remember the warmth of my grandma's hug and her wonderful meals.  I remember playing for hours with her saltshaker collection by the warmth of the Franklin Stove.  I managed to save a few and have them with me today in my kitchen.  They are old and somewhat rusty, but they are visible reminders of my grandma and Pappy.  My aunt, uncle and 2 cousins were always there as well, and we would all eat at the table in the dining room. Christmas was the best and my memories of that time still warm me inside. 

We were not wealthy by any means and in fact my mom told me of times that my absent father would give her 25$ just before Christmas to get our presents.  I am sure she saved a few dollars throughout the year because it seemed like each Christmas was the best.  I remember decorating the tree with silver tinsel and glass ornaments that she had saved.  The lights were large and hot so we couldn't leave them on long.  We opened our presents on Christmas morning, and I would leave my presents opened up under the tree.  We got necessities like shoes, slips, hose and clothing.  We always got a doll or stuffed animal.  I collected horses and would get a Breyer horse set with a mare, foal, and stallion.  I would play with them for hours.  Before Christmas we would go downtown on the bus to Lazarus Department store.  It was a treat to see all the storefront windows that were all holiday inspired.  We stood in line to visit Santa. and let him know what we wanted.  My mom would tell a story about taking us downtown for Christmas and not realizing   that I had taken my panties off.  She discovered my bare butt when she picked me up to hold me while we were in the Santa line.  We had to get out of line, and she had to go buy me panties.  Another "me" story that I associate with Christmas is the time that she bought a harness so that she could keep track of me.  Apparently, I tended to wander off frequently. That's a shock.  The harness fit like a vest and was nowhere near my neck.  She tells the story that I repeatedly gagged and choked so often that a store detective stopped her to make sure I was alright. I remember a place in the store where children could shop for their parents.  No parent was allowed as I recall.  My mom also saved S&H green stamps and would glue them in books.  We would use those books to go to Big Bear and get her presents.  In school we would make something from ceramics to give as a gift.  I still have a "lovely" vase I made her.  She got ashtrays, plaster handprints. and homemade jewelry.   My favorite gift that I made her was a terry cloth bathmat in white with orange footprints that I had traced after mine.  I hand sewed them to the mat and was so excited to see her open her special present.  I have a remnant of that mat in my closet.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVED getting presents, but my happiness was in gifting.  I made homemade cards at school and at home.  She loved what I made by hand just as much as I loved giving them to her.  After age 8 my grandparents sold their farm and holidays were spent between my aunt's house and ours.  We alternated Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It was again a time of family and laughter.  At our house the tree would be up, and the white plaster Nativity made by my sister Patti would be on our mantle.  It seemed that we sat around the table for hours just visiting and telling stories.  As I got older, I took more interest in decorating and have carried that through today however I am probably "extra" in my view of decorating.  Instead of "less is more" I go by the theory that more is more and better.  Much to the regret of my husband I had 27 boxes of decorations, three trees and I collected animated musical animals that sang various Christmas ditties. I also developed a passion for nativity scenes. 

 The darkest part of my Christmas history was a period of about 2 years that I could not have people over because our house was not ready for company. I remember the depression I felt during that time.  I loved to entertain and had a dinner for many on Christmas Eve serving the same menu that I had made for years.  Then I would stay up all hours to prepare for Christmas morning breakfast and I wanted my family to return to open presents.  I was too much.  I expected too much from my family and for that I have regrets.  I wanted to create memories and traditions that my children to take and adapt to their families. I look back on those few years as a cleansing time for me.  I wasn't ready to turn over the reins of the holiday get together to my daughter, but it was a necessity, and she was more than up to the task.  I still make some of the same things for dinner, but it's now held at her farm.  I am actually happy she is doing this because she entertains so beautifully.  After Stan died and my house got fixed up Christmas retuned to my house but only for dinner and then it morphed into a children's party.  Dinner has returned to Becky's home, and I have a cousin Christmas usually a week before Christmas.  The grandkids come over and get their Mimi and Taunte Jill presents, and we have snack food.  Becky also has Christmas morning breakfast and I go over to watch the grands open up their presents.  I am glad that she is developing her family transitions that her children will copy and carry on.  This year I had the grands over and my grandson said the best thing to this mega-decorating grandma.  He said "Mimi it looks like a fairy land" I asked him if that was a good thing and he answered in the affirmative.  This year I really decorated because it makes me smile.  My decorations start coming out before Halloween and I start taking down by New Years.  I will continue to go overboard on my decorations as long as I can because it makes me happy. Hopefully when it gets to the point where I can't do it anymore myself, I will have a grandchild or two who will come and do it for me. 

Looking back, I can trace all my traditions that I hold dear to my past and right or wrong they are my mainstay; however, I am changing.  I am in the twilight of my life I have less years left than I care to think about, and change can be hard. I am spending more time thinking about my relationship with God and my salvation.  I am spending time thinking about what memories I will leave when I am gone.  I want my children and grandchildren to know with assurity  that I loved them with every fiber of my being.  That I loved them all unconditionally and my first and last thought will always be them.  I want them to be able to look back and smile when they think of me.  I want them to know that Jesus is my King and that I was a grandmother that prayed.  All in all, I want my legacy to be that of faith, love and laughter.  I want that because that was what my mother's legacy was to me. 

And I Cried......

 I had a wonderful vacation with my daughter's family.  We went to Big Sky Montana over Thanksgiving.  It was beautiful and cold.  My grandchildren were having the best time in the snow.  Me not so much.  I am not a fan of cold weather and snow but watching them all play gave me great joy.  We had a family of foxes that appeared below our window, and they obviously had become used to human contact and stayed fairly close to the kids when they were outside.  One actually sheltered between our condo entrance and the entrance to Becky's in-law's condo. The condo company, obviously aware of the foxes, had a password to the internet warning about feeding them.  We mostly obeyed that request, but the kids were fascinated with the beautiful animals.  My best day was on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving when we went horseback riding.  We had a two-hour trail ride through Yellowstone.  I knew that I would have trouble getting on and off the horse because, well, quite frankly, I'm old and not very agile.  I am reminded of the meme out there that says, " some people can turn cartwheels, I'm just grateful that I can put on my pants and not fall over." That's me in a nutshell.   Becky and Shane got out at the site to sign the paperwork and then Becky came back and told me that they needed me to sign for myself and advise them of my concerns.  It concerned me because I was really looking forward to this event.  Our two young wranglers were so sweet.  I told them that I would have a real struggle getting on and off but once on I was good to go.  I have years of experience riding.... 40 years past and knew I was well able to handle the horse.  I got teary eyed.  I told them that this was likely the last time I would ever be able to ride, and I was going to do it.  Caroline, our guide, told me that she would make it happen and give me the best ride possible.  Getting me on Mogli the horse was a comedy, but we did it.  Caroline looked at me critically and said, you can tell you have ridden.  You have good hands, and your seat is good.  High praise for me.  As we started out in that beautiful park the tears started to flow.  We were in a line so no one could see me.  I was 24 again.  I was able to leap on my Arabian, Copafan's back, without using stirrups.  I was agile, quick, and I didn't fall down once a month like I do now.  I was back at a time when my whole life was ahead of me.  I hadn't made any decisions that would alter my life, good or bad.  It was just me and my horses Copafan and Sultan.  It was such an incredible and innocent time.  I kept wiping the tears away and wishing I had brought more Kleenex.  God spoke to me on that ride.  I felt him ask me what would I change? I realized that I would change nothing except that I would not stray as far as I had in following the will of God.  The tears continued as I realized that I had so many wasted years when I could have been of service to God.  I chased the wrong ideals and focused on the wrong things that I thought would bring me happiness.  I sinned, as we all do, and didn't give it a second thought. I justified actions that now I would not.  The tears continued when I realized that my Savior had been there all the times I failed waiting for me to talk to him again.  The cold air and beautiful scenery gave way to the glory of God.  And I cried.  I have reached the age of 71 and I have so much to be thankful for.  God has always been there, a whisper away protecting me from myself.  I have been granted a wonderful daughter and son, five glorious grandchildren who make me laugh, a job that I love, a house to come home to, and four of the most spoiled dogs you can imagine.  In my mind's eye I can see my mom smiling, not because I am on a horse again, but that her prayers were answered.  My tears stopped just before we reached the halfway point.   I was so joyful watching our family ride and enjoying the time together.  You cannot imagine how full my heart was at that moment.  Getting off the horse was easier.  Shane just told me to kick my foot out of the far stirrup and fall back and he would catch me.  He did. He is another blessing to me in so many ways.     I cannot jump on a horse's back without stirrups or ride bareback without falling off, but I CAN let my kids and grandkids know that I love them unconditionally and give thousands of kisses that they tolerate.  I can serve my risen Savior in my daily life and show His love through my actions.  I can pray and glorify God every day.  I can continue to walk through life with the time I have left knowing that I do not walk alone, He is there ready to catch me before I fall, and to show me what I need to do in his name. He is there to heal my heart when it feels broken.  I am so very, very blessed.  

Yet Another Body Part is Missing

 On March 2, 2023 I surrendered yet another body part to old age.  I had a right hip replacement performed at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital.  I am a titty baby from way back and do not like pain or being knocked out for surgery.  That being said, I would only use one physician to handle that surgery for me.  Dr. Scott Yerger is simply the best.  He is an excellent doctor but more than that the man makes me laugh.  I trust all my bones to him without reservation.  His staff backs him up in delivering excellent patient care and presents a family like atmosphere whenever you visit for an appointment.  I tend to be a drama queen (according to my daughter...and she is right) and the staff still put up with me and treated me like I was their only patient.  I only had one worry and that was I wanted to return to work within 6 weeks post-surgery and I made my goal thanks to the excellent care that I received. 

My hip had been bothering me for 3 years and I kept putting off seeing the doctor because I just knew he was going to stick a very large needle in my hip joint.  Apparently I waited long enough so that I needed the hip replaced. The problem was that I "adapted" to the hip discomfort by walking differently, Frankly I walked like a duck.  I was bent forward at the waist with my butt stuck out.  Walking with good posture was uncomfortable. I limped and walked dragging my feet.  I was a fall risk and averaged at least 1 to 2 falls a month.  I faceplanted at work and scared my co-workers, fell at home too many times to count.  I tripped and fell when my grands were here and took out an end table, lamp and chair.  I really scared them.   My weight loss helped some but I was a mess overall. 

My day of surgery was uneventful except that I overslept and woke up to a nurse calling me and asking where I was.  Josh got me to the hospital in record time and reluctantly came in with me until Rebekah could get there.  He doesn't like anything about hospitals but came in anyway.  I had a spinal instead of a general anesthesia.  I don't know what they hit me with but I only have a vague memory of a pinch in my back and then I woke up in recovery.  I purposely copied down names of all the nurses, housekeepers, aides, and physical therapists so that I could list all those who provided exceptional care to me.  I can't find the damn list but know that you all are a credit to your chosen profession.  I did not have a single bad experience.  I only had one complaint overall and that was that they should have raised toilet seats in all the bathrooms.  They did however provide Depends for their clients which is a marvelous idea. 

I came home weighing nearly 10lbs more than when I went in 2 days before.  Of course, my right leg was huge from edema.  I know my daughter, son in law, and grands brought me home.  I have little memory getting home and getting in except that they pulled across the grass to the front door to make it easier for me to get in the house.  I had to call Rebekah to help me recall the details. I had very little incisional pain just a "hot spot" in the middle of my right butt cheek.  I could not get away from that pain and put up with it for several days.  I had a left-over Norco 10 from a previous surgery and took one out of desperation and it didn't touch the pain which told me it was probably inflamed nerves.   I finally called the office and talked to Melinda and asked her if they could put me back on Gabapentin that I was on in the hospital.  They did and the pain was gone within hours of the first dose.  Jill Forbes came over to babysit me the first night and we watched a British show that I remember laughing at but cannot tell you what it was.  I took all my medication like a good girl but was off the pain meds after less than a week.  I had home heath with Amedisys for the first two weeks for bathing, PT, and wound checks.  They were all wonderful as well. My sister Patti came from Illinois to help me.  What a blessing it was to have her here except she said I screamed at her when she was driving.  I do not admit to doing anything of the sort.  I apparently did not do it twice.   I am still pleading the fifth.  We cooked real homemade food every night. We talked about everything, and she wanted to do more for me than I would let her.  I am very stubborn.  One singular blessing was that we had Maria and Ariana Felton over for dinner on Sunday night and had a lovely time.  On Monday Maria was killed in an auto accident.  Patti was here for me and grieved with me the loss of our friend. Patti listened to me cry and helped me host the neighbors who came to talk about our neighbor and friend.  Patti was here for three weeks and I would not take anything for that time I had with her. I cried when she left.   I was back driving in 3 weeks and started outpatient PT at Summit Physical therapy.  They are the BEST!  

After the swelling went down in my leg I noticed a 10-inch by 5-inch growth over my hip incisional area.  It was hard, unmoving and mildly painful. I had a Kardashian butt thing going on over that area.   PT was concerned and told me to notify the doctor. I went in to see Jason Manafi, Dr. Yerger's PA.  I apparently had a seroma/hematoma over that area.  Dr. Yerger checked it a few days later and said it would go down but may take several weeks to months.   Apparently, not wanting to wait, I did another face plant tripping over blankets in my room and fell directly on that hip.  I screamed and Joshua came running.  I moved my affected leg gently in a scissor motion and my hip did not hurt.  Josh got me to my knees and lifted me up.  I felt the area and the growth was gone.  That would explain the squishing pop like feeling that I felt when I fell.  I again notified Melinda at the office.  I had no pain, could move my hip, had no growth. and my Kardashian ass was gone.  

The hardest thing I have going on now is that I am having to re-learn to walk upright and in good alignment.  My right leg muscles feel weak, and I still have a slight limp when I walk.  I'm using muscles in my back that I haven't used in years, trying to stand upright, and the readjustment is hard.  I have fallen twice since surgery, both times my own damn fault but am no worse off.  I don't shuffle as much when I walk by repeating my mantra "heel toe, heel toe" which has caused my shins to be sore but lessening everyday.  I noticed a large improvement in my strength from last week to this week in PT.  I am so very fortunate that so many people have been supportive.  My work family watches out for me and remind me to pick my feet up when I walk.  I am walking faster, for longer periods of time without difficulty. 

I have been having snippets of memories from my hospitalization that I am not sure are real.  Just in case I want to apologize to my recovery nurse.  I had a flashback of a possible conversation we had about breast implants getting harder as they age.  I do believe that I actually felt her boob.  I am cringing as I think about this but if true, am eternally grateful that it wasn't a male nurse with a penile implant.  

As we age it is important to have "people".  Those who we trust to take care of us, those friends and family we depend on are vital.  It is so important to have physicians that we trust in our "village".  The people that I have encountered during my surgery and after are exceptional and I am grateful that they are part of my life.  Melinda, thank you for taking my calls and for getting me answers, you are the best!

I have included pictures of my "family" at Dr. Yerger's office.  I am so grateful for your care. 

Maria

 I took this picture 2 years ago at Christmas and it has remained one of my favorites of Maria and Ariana. My friend is gone,  She was killed in a head on collision Monday morning on her way to work.  She leaves behind her devastated daughter and a multitude of friends who will miss her with a pain that is palpable.  

Maria and Michael moved into our neighborhood over 20 years ago.  I really didn't connect with her immediately as they were starting their office in Churchpoint and worked from dawn to dusk and I worked 12 hour shift so we missed each other.  I actually do not remember when we became friends but I remember she was pregnant with Ariana and I had a baby shower for her.  I first saw Ariana when they brought her home from the hospital.  She had a mass of curls and the most beautiful skin.  Maria was besotted with her from the beginning.  She always had her baby dressed in beautiful outfits and we would put her in her stroller and walk the neighborhood with her.  Ariana only had her mom for 17 years and that just wasn't enough.  Maria continued to work in their office but her primary focus was her daughter.  She made sure as Ariana grew up that she had adventures and exposure to the arts, music and education.  She became a scout leader and was a blessing to all her charges.  Ariana loved all things Disney and they made multiple trips a year, until recently, to DisneyWorld.  December 2019 she accompanied me, my son and his children to Disney.  She planned the entire trip to maximum exposure for the kids to have fun.  She again accompanied me, my daughter and her family in February 2020.  It was always about the children.  She had an enormous soft spot for children.  It was her superpower.  She passed that on to Ariana.  When I would have all five of my grands on an outing Maria and Ariana would frequently accompany us.  Thank God.  When I was about to pull my hair out she would quietly talk to them and they listened.  My grands are devastated at the senseless death of their Ms. Maria.  They are equally worried about Ariana who doesn't have a mommy now.  

I am blessed with about 5 ride or die friends.  Maria was one of that small group.  My friends loved her.  Jill and Ruthie are as devastated as we all are at her death.  I usually talked with her at least twice a day.  She called me in the morning and I called her at night on my way home from work.  We often touched bases several other times during the day.  We always ended the called with an I love you. I always end my calls to my friends with that... it has become important to me especially as I get older to let my friends know that they are really loved.  She spent every Christmas with us for the past few years and took joy in seeing my grands open presents.  Again it was all about the children.  

She was an animal lover.  We had a huge population of feral cats in our neighborhood and she took it upon herself to trap 36 of them, transport them to a group that neuters and spays at a reduced cost.  The hitch was that she had to take them all back.  She fed them, and in the winter set up heating lamps on her front porch  so they were warm.  Ariana inherited her mom's love for animals and has added on to their collection with Geese and chickens.  They are owners of Cookie the German Shepard and Sugar the Great Pyrenees.  They also have the ankle biter Eddie.  My grands named the chickens.  She was a good pet mama.  She would frequently be at the vets for sick cats that were outside.  She could not stand to see an animal suffer.   

Maria made it her mission to get me to be fiscally responsible.  When I found myself upended in debt with seemingly no hope she made it possible to me to see a light at the end of the tunnel and spent hours making a ledger of what I needed to pay when.  I am still a spendthrift but learned to call her first when I wanted to make a big purchase(anything over 50$) and we would discuss it.  I bowed to her decisions almost every time.  The times that I didn't I regretted the purchase. 

Her parents are still living.  Her mother, also named Maria, has a form of dementia. Her father Juan had to put Maria in a wonderful home with less than 10 people in it for care.  He visits her every week. Making a 1.5 hour drive.  He then stays in St.  Petersburg so that he can see her for several days before he goes back home.  Maria had just visited them less than a month ago.  She has  a sister Anna from New York who I believe is a teacher.  She also leaves behind another "daughter" Jessy Hargis.  Jessy is such an important part of Maria and Ariana.  She is here with Ariana now and is grieving the loss of her "mommy" as much as Ariana.  

I never heard Maria say a negative word about anyone.  In one of our frequent talks she dropped the F bomb.  I was stunned speechless.  Then I started to laugh until tears were rolling down my face.  She said to me its not FUNNY.  That made me laugh harder.  Then we both were laughing.  

She was a Christian as is Ariana.  She believed sincerely in the power of prayer,   Her daughter is the same.  Ariana takes her faith seriously and has not wavered even with the accident. She knows she is in Heaven and her faith gifts her with the knowledge that she will see her mama again.  

Maria was so proud of Ariana who has been accepted into LSU in the fall.  She wants to become a vet.  The night before the accident we all had dinner at my house with my sister Patti.  Maria was talking about her garden that in her "spare" time she wanted to get in.  She talked about Ariana's future endeavors at LSU.  She would look at her daughter with such love.  It was inspiring how she molded this child into the young woman she is today.  Arianna was her greatest gift and she did everything she could to get her the experiences that she will need to carry on without her.  

I am grateful Maria that you  were my friend.  I looked last night with Ariana at the posts on your FB wall and we were both in tears.  You were such a friend, a light, a joy to all those you came in contact with.  We all are grieving our collective loss, the absence of a friend who never judged, who put us first before herself, who loved totally without reservation and the one who often hid her own pain.  Ariana said it best light night.  My mom is at peace.  She is with Jesus and I know she is happy.

 I will miss you till my time is done on this earth and then gratefully will see you again.  We will guard and protect your baby.  We will celebrate her successes and help to support here when she falls.  It's a privilege to be part of her life.  

God speed my dear, dear friend.  I love you 

Before and After. My Journey

 
I cannot believe it has been a WHOLE year since I started this journey.  I have had ups and downs but to be fair it has mostly been up. 

I started this journey because I simply could not breathe when walking.  It was so bad that as I was walking into work, I had to stop several times to bend over and catch my breath. Walking up and down from room to room was exhausting and even patients would mention that they were concerned and that embarrassed me to no end. Medicare denied me when I first applied until I mentioned it to my orthopedic doctor, Scott Yerger.  He wrote me a letter and I was accepted.  There are foods I cannot eat comfortably like raw cauliflower and broccoli which I love.  I can eat rice but only small amounts because it seems to sit on my stomach and makes my gut swell.  I have developed an intolerance to  milk but am not bothered by butter.  I do not like overly sweet things because it makes me nauseated.  I have learned to drink carbonated drinks but don't really like them EXCEPT tonic water that I use to make my Gin and tonics.  I don't drink a lot, but I do like my G and T's.   I am an abject failure as far as the exercise aspect of my journey.  I joined the gym and went twice, and I will not renew.  I have enough equipment at my house to use to tone up I just need to get the discipline to work out. My grandchildren were concerned that I might lose my "squishies" when I lost weight.  They are happy to know that the squishies are still there they just hang lower.  I will not have plastic surgery to correct the under-arm dingle-danglies, nor will I invest the money in having my thighs taken in.  My goal was to improve the quality of my life and I am doing that.  I am 15 to 20 lbs from my goal and I will do it.  I have also discovered something else.  I no longer care that I have arm flab.  If you don't like it then don't look.  If my legs jiggle in a bathing suit, so what? I have lost nearly 80 lbs which is 320 sticks of butter.  I have gone from a 3x scrubs to a large, 22-24 in regular clothes to a 16 and will probably end up in a 14 when I hit my goal.  I have gone from a 22-24 in Lane Bryant underwear to a 9 in Walmart drawers.  I can cross my legs, wipe my butt, and thankfully eliminated the occasional odor that excess fat rolls cause.   I cannot squat but that's an ortho issue. I have continued otho problems that I am taking steps to correct.  I walk like a duck according to my daughter and it's true.  I lean forward walking because of a hip issue.  I am seeing Dr. Yerger tomorrow and find out about dealing with a bone spur in my left hip that I should have had corrected 3 years ago.  The problem is that it will involve a large needle and I get sick to my stomach thinking about it.  After that will go back into physical therapy to correct my balance.  

I will gladly admit to vanity when it comes to my face and have gone to Nouveau Visage for lifts, fillers and all around tightening up.  I will continue that as it makes me feel better. 

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Eschette and his staff.  at Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery.  Dr. Eschette and his NP Brook are a constant source of encouragement.  Dr. Eschette told me on my first visit that he knew I could do this.  Kate, the diet guru, has such a professional demeanor that is tempered with a genuine caring. I looked forward to seeing her.  I didn't hedge the truth with her because it would not have helped my journey.  She offered so many good suggestions that I have committed to memory.  Thank you so much Kate for everything.  Nicole was the exercise and measurement person.  I laughed with her each time I went in to get measured.  I feel like I failed her because I just did not exercise.  I walk about 8000 steps a day at work and did not have the energy to go to the gym.  I was honest though and she just continued to provide encouragement.  I have cleared off my exercise equipment and now  I have the desire to show her that I CAN do it.  When I hit my goal I am going back to see them all  They have given me my life back.  I always felt that they were invested in my success.  They have a new receptionist.  Kathleen is a hoot.  I told her that I felt they, as a group, selected the farthest  office from the front of the building on purpose.  As  a short of breath, old, and fat person it is a an unbelievable distance to get to their place.  On my first visit I had to stop and bend over to breath about 5 times before I got there.  Kathleen laughed and agreed with me.  She is the first person you see when you go in and she is the one who sets the tone for your visit.  Kathleen you are awesome and need a raise!

This has taken me a few days to finish and I saw Dr. Yerger yesterday.  He was beyond pleased about the new me.   The good news is I don't need to have a humongous needle inserted into my hip.  The bad news is I need a new hip. I am actually looking forward to getting rid of the pain.  I set the appointment for surgery to mid January for several reasons. My work schedule is the main reason and I will tie my recovery time into my vacation with Becky and her family the last week of February.   Another big reason   is to start exercising now to increase my strength, stamina,  and to build muscles.  I "sailed" through my left hip surgery but I was about 5 years younger. Becky will tell you I was also a whiney baby, which is true.    I am now thinner and older so I need every advantage on my side.  I asked Dr. Yerger if I could stay on the rehab unit for a week after surgery and, get this, MY BMI IS TOO SMALL to meet the criteria for inpatient rehab.  He will schedule home PT visits for me until I can drive.  

I am so happy I chose to have the gastric sleeve.  The first week was a killer but as I progressed I was glad that I was able to do this for myself.  It is all about my quality of life.  It is nice to be able to wear smaller clothes and be able to walk into work without the horrible shortness of breath.  I truly wish I had done this years ago and cannot encourage others enough to think about this procedure for morbid obesity.  Each of us are granted this life but it's up to us to make it the best life possible.