Mema

Stroke Survivor - female
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Everything posted by Mema

  1. Mema

    Happy Anniversary Mema!

  2. Hi Fred. Thought you would like to know I am still around and doing well. I don't know the answer to your question about Afghanistan, but I do think our troops should be brought home to be prepared to defend us here. Vi
  3. Mema

    Happy Anniversary Mema!

  4. Mema

    My Wife Made It Back Home

    WOW! Fred. Good for you being able to stay alone for a few days. I can be alone for a few hours, but not overnight. VI
  5. Mema

    A Big Weekend

    This past weekend was really special for me. I was able to watch our granddaughter, Ashley, graduate from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. Paul didn't go because he wasn't feeling well. A viral bug of some sort. It has been almost 6 years since my stroke and this was the longest trip I have attempted. It's about 700 miles. Misti, my caregiver, drove us to Topeka on Friday, where we stayed at the Hampton Inn. The accessible room wasn't available the first night, so we made do in a regular room. Misti and I are a good team and can usuaslly figure things out. I took my hand bar along and it was handy. Did you know those things don't stick to marble very well? We were moved into the accessible room on Saturday. WOW! What a difference. Graduation was at 10 AM on Saturday in Emporia. Ashley graduated with honors with a degree in middle school math. She is already teaching 7th and 8th grade math in the Emporia school system. After the ceremony, we drove back to Topeka and had lunch at the Cracker Barrel. That was a treat for me...we don't have a Cracker Barrel here and I do like the food. Misti and I drove back on Sunday and we only got out of the car twice. I'll admit I did have a tired butt when we got home, but it was worth it. You see, because of my stroke, I had to miss Ashley's high school graduation and I was bound and determined not to miss this one. She is our only granddaughter, and she and I are very close. Meanwhile, Kevin brought his two boys to see Paul and they had their own special weekend. They spent the night with Papa, opened presents and went to Perkins for breakfast. Anyway, I hope some who read this remember me. I have been awfully busy taking care of my farm in Farmville. I do check back and read the blogs quite often, and some of the other forums. Vi
  6. This has been quite a summer! We had two very severe hail storms in June that caused lots of property damage in our community. We lost our front room window - a four pane bow window. Three of the panes were knocked out by tennis ball sized hail and the window was boarded up for about a month. Our carpenter replaced the window a week ago and now he is doing the roof. :Clap-Hands: Needless to say, the house has been in upheaval for awhile. And now, to add insult to injury; yesterday, my aide and helper, Misti, discovered that the garbage disposal wasn't working and, in fact, was leaking under the sink and had been for awhile. Luckily, I had a plastic container sitting under it that caught the water, but ruined everything in the container. Soooo, I called the plumber, who showed up today and replaced the disposal. But, I'm not finished. Misti also discovered this morning that the icemaker wasn't making ice. :head_hurts: After she messed with it for awhile, she said the water wouldn't turn off when the tray was filled. Soooo, I made another phone call to the icemaker repairman and he showed up a little while ago. Somehow, moisture had gotten into a place where it shouldn't have and it would have to be replaced. Soooo, tomorrow, Misti and I are going to look at refrigerators and Paul and I will decide whether to replace the frig, or the icemaker. I think it has only been about a year since we replaced it. Our repairman recommended a locally owned store if we get a new frig and they give better service than the big box stores. As I write this, we are waiting for the shingles to arrive and the pounding will begin again. And, it looks like storms are building in the west. You know the saying, "When it rains, it pours." Its true! As
  7. As always, I enjoyed your blog. The beach scene sounds wonderful in spite of the gull. I am experiencing something like your messy house. We are having our frontroom window replaced after it was broken by hail. Amazing how much dust is accumulating and I am unable to do much about it. The window is only the beginning...painting and new carpet come next. I had completely re-done that room shortly before my stroke, five and a half years ago. I am so impressed with the care you give Ray. In fact, I have been impressed with all the carers I have met on this site. Vi
  8. has not set their status

  9. Of course, Tootie will be in our prayers. I have no advice except to stay close to Tootie and give her lots of hugs. Vi and Misti
  10. Well, Katrina, you have made everyone proud. You sound so mature and confident. Watch out, world, here she comes! Vi
  11. Suzie, I wouldn't worry too much about the bumper sticker you saw. It seems to be a little cynical and a faint hearted way of trying to be funny. These are tough times, but there is always a silver lining. I always have a positive outlook and I agree with you about anger being a waste of time. Have a good day. Vi
  12. Kevin, It hasn't been very long since your stroke, you will have to be patient. The first year is the most difficult. The best advice most of us oldies could give is to rest when you are tired. Your sleeping pattern will come around. Ethyl has good advice - try to follow it. Take things one day at a time. And this site is probably the best place to get help. BTW. I have a son named Kevin who turns 50 this year. Vi
  13. Mema

    ONE MONTH TODAY

    Jan, How beautifully written, Reading your poem brought tears and made me think of Daisy and how much I miss her. She's been gone for about eight years. Dogs can be so much company. After Daisy died, I found a calendar of American Eskimo dogs and had the pictures to look at all year. I think Paul appreciated looking at them, also. It helped us get through that first year. So my suggestion is to get out all of your pictures and keep them handy to look at for awhile. I hope you feel better soon. Vi
  14. Sue, I'm sorry to hear of Ray's fall out of bed. He may have been dreaming and tried to get up by himself. I have had some dreams where I was walking again and when I woke up, I was very confused as to where I was and what was happening. Fortunately, I didn't try to get up, but it may happen in the future. At times, my dreams are very real. But, to put the experience into the form of a poem is extraordinary. I hope you publish it. In fact, I believe you could write a book about your experiences that would be a big help to other carers. Are you looking forward to Fall as much as I am looking forward to Spring? I am really tired of the cold temperatures. Vi
  15. Mema

    Getting Started

    The letter to your friend was very well written and explains the complexities of stroke that will help your colleague understand. I am glad you included the website so he can pass it on to his friend's family. I believe this is the best place to come for information. You did a good thing. Vi
  16. As I write this, it is 4 degrees here in Nebraska. Very cold for this time of year, and it has been snowing for two days. I'm just glad I don't have to go out. Vi
  17. I have a tip for the felt tip pen stains - soak the spot in milk. Paul used to forget to put the cap on his pen and a big black or blue spot would appear. I would pour some milk in a shallow bowl and soak the spot. It usually came out. Just make sure you soak it in milk before laundering. Hope this helps with one of your irritations. As far as the absentee helper is concerned, definitely file a complaint. I pay Misti out of pocket, so if I have a complaint, I just say it to her in person. And I have very few complaints because she is a jewel. As Fred said, I don't know how you do all that you do. Ray is very lucky to have you and I'm sure he knows that better than anyone. Vi
  18. Mema

    This and That

    I hope you read Fred's post about cinnamon and honey for arthritis. It sounds better than a cortisone shot and less painful. I am sorry you are hurting. It seems to take us longer to heal as we get older. I would like to try knitting, but I can't remember how to cast on. It has been a few years since I knit anything. I had an offer of help on Thanksgiving and I think I'll take her up on it. I could knit scarves for everyone in my family which would keep me off the streets. I hope you have a glorious Christmas. Vi
  19. How about having a little open house party sometime during the holiday season and invite your friends. Your friends need to know that you are still able to do things. Some people are afraid they might be asked to do something, but some people are just waiting to be asked. Anyway, I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Vi
  20. Mema

    hate

    Hi Katrina. I understand why you are so bitter and sad because of all the things you mentioned. You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you. Strokes are supposed to happen to old people like me. But you shouldn't spend the rest of your life being angry. You have to find a way to let go of the anger and work towards acceptance. This has happened - now what are you going to do about it. You are a strong young lady and you can do it. If I were you, I would work on your walking gait. Be happy you can walk and spend some time each day smoothing out your steps. Don't move too fast and let go of the negative thinking about your walking. Also, find little things to work your arm. For instance, I have begun using my left arm to set and release the brake on my wheelchair. It's a small thing, but I think my arm is beginning to catch on. LOL You see, I cannot walk so I must rely on a wheelchair. See how fortunate you are? And you can write poetry. I envy anyone who can do that. I am glad you feel comfortable coming here to vent where you have lots of aunties and uncles - and at least one grandma. Vi
  21. Mema

    end of respite

    Thanks for the update, Sue. You do sound more relaxed today so the respite has been helpful. It seems odd when you describe your Christmas season. We are having snow here today. I have always associated snow with Christmas. Keep the faith, dear. God is always in your corner. Vi
  22. Mema

    11/13/09 psuzannes

    Maybe Donna is feeling a little guilty about not inviting you and doesn't know how to apologize. You should just let things ride for awhile and see what happens. You will make friends here. You can think of me as your friendly mentor. Vi
  23. Mema

    waiting.....

    Never a dull moment, is there, Sue? Vi
  24. Fred, I'm going to suggest you watch less daytime TV. The synopsis of the shows are depressing to me. Go outside and putter in your garden. Play some lively music. Anything but Dr. Phil - please. Get out your scooter and go for a ride around the neighborhood. Vi
  25. Mema

    my good news

    This is good news. Our son moved back recently, and though his two boys live with their mother, we now see them more often as he has them every other weekend. And, could it be that Ray was suffering the winter blahs? Being able to get out into the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our outlook. Enjoy your grandkids - they grow up so fast. Our Ashley is going to be 23 in December and will be doing her student teaching soon. Vi