cinder

A used monkey? Sorry, just gave me a visual. Kim, tell them to call me.

Good job blogging MM!! I knew you could do it!

I'm going with Jean, Pam and Tom on this one. That is a great realization Michael. Any input on how you managed it?

Metal pole to the knees. Good one!! I'll have to write that down. Go get'em Stallone!!

Jean, I've thought of your thread on and off all day. I know it was directed at survivor's though. My Dad doesn't know he's had a stroke (let alone 2) unless you tell him. He will forget in a few minutes or not really comprehend what that means. My Dad is a great guy, and has never met a stranger. I haven't noticed anyone looking uncomfortable around him, although he is sorely lacking in friends and family now. As far as if I am embarrassed? I know that wasn't part of the question, but I'm throwing it in here as a bonus. I have taken Dad many places, pushed people out of the way so he can see, kicked rude self-centered souls accidentally in my plight to get him where he wants to go. In all that time, all I've ever felt was proud. Proud of him and all he's survived. Proud of myself for being with him at this point in his life. I dare anyone to get in his way.

*Honk*

Not that many people have ever called Dad...But in the beginning I just started saying, right off the bat. "If you make plans to see him, you need to tell me what they are so I can expect you too". This message can be passed from your son, "OK, I'll put him on, but all plans have to be cleared with Mom too". You can vent in here all you want. Everyone knows I do...lol

We would get along so well... I am called almost daily with an idea someone saw. Some of the ideas I make for them, others I just keep in mind for a future occasion. In my mind, everything can become something else.

Phyllis, reading your blogs reminds me of when I was a toy department manager many years ago. The stocking, separating, modulars, chaos...lol That was actually a good time in my life, thanks for reminding me.

Too hot to trot?

In the early 70's, my sis and I would get turns riding in the back window. You know that flat area behind the seat... When there was a sudden stop, we would roll out onto the seat. It was great. My Dad also had an old car that didn't even have a back seat in it. Mom let us sit in the chairs that came with a child's table set. They rocked a lot. That was great too. And do you know in all those senseless years, Dad never had an accident with us in the car?

I really liked this Stan. Did you write it? It made me think of my Dad, and all he's been through. Thank you.

I only know post-stroke Pam. She's a pretty cool person too. She's offered me support and friendship many times, and expected nothing in return. If you like pre-stroke Pam, I'm sure I would also. I'll bring the easy cheese and crackers. I also have an extra hula skirt...

Man that's almost as long as Dad was in the hospital (I compare all time frames to that now...lol). I'm sorry you have to go through this for that length of time. The daily pain or irritation might start to wear on you emotionally. Pain is pain. Is there a mild pain killer he can give you to make things easier without making you feel loopy? PS Dibs on all unused pain meds for the next year...

I'm glad I didn't ask Mom to make me beans now. Hey all you cooking people, is it true that if you soak the beans for a long time, that they won't have such an adverse affect in the... umm...you know. Because all the air is released during soaking, I think.

My mom actually has a little jack she that puts under each side of the big stuff so that it rolls. I picked them up at one of those tool tent sales because she is always moving something. Getting stuff from room to room becomes tricky, but a across a room is pretty easy.

We eat beans and cornbread with onions in Indiana too Stan. I think I'll call my Mom and tell her (thanks to you) that I have a craving for it today. PS. I thought it was a rule, that you can't eat beans before bedtime....

I cannot tell you how jealous I am that you're going to see Kelly Clarkson. Her song "The Trouble With Love" is wonderful. When you see her tell her Cinder says Hi. Seeing you in school and doing well is probably a long time dream of your parents. They need to know that some dreams didn't change because of the stroke. You do too. You will miss them, and they will miss you, but that's an expected part of life. Visit when you can, be there when they really need you, and get that degree. You go girl!

Wow, what a great blog. I feel like I almost know you now..

Thanks for the update! Glad the tooth is gone. But have to say, teasing me with the ding dong reference in the title was mean, there were no ding dongs in here... lol PS. Dibs on the unused hydrocodene!!!

I will watch for the updates. I've been debating having this done to one of my teeth. It's very expensive here though, so I would like to know if you have good results.

Hey Cindy, you screamed and it appears the walls didn't come down. We love you around here. If you want to say it like it is at the time you feel it, it's OK with me. I wish I could give you a real hug, but have to send you a virtual instead. PS. OK, that really looks like I'm kissing you too, please don't take it the wrong way. I like you and all but...

That was my question Vicki... I found it interesting that you went from hating a messy to house to mentioning your mother inlaw in the next sentence. I would like to see the cabinet you made.

I'm glad the nasty little snake is gone. It had me worried. My Dad insists that if you kill a snake, it actually won't die until the sun goes down. I guess this is backwoods folklore or something. The title of your blog had me looking for ding dongs inside...

I agree, it's a great list of movers and shakers. I know with all my heart, that if your list was 11 people long, that I would have easily made it.