Fall in Texas is a bit different cause it's cool somewhat then near 100 again but through it all this months electric is just 276.20. That surprised me since last month was over 300 with all those 100 degree days and nights too.

Enjoy all you can up there cause the snow will probably be there soon. Take care of Bruce and tell the others hello from Texas. :big_grin:

Fred!

I am not a caregiver. I am a survivor but I want to share with you something I think you might need to hear. I do not want pity but rather I want you to understand how important it is to take care of yourself too. I know we only know what you choose to share with us but quite frankly, I am worried about you and I care.

All of my strokes were had in Texas. My family was in Maryland. I was utterly alone. My first night in NICU, I couldn't talk, swallow, my right side was paralyzed and my lung capacity was greatly diminished--and I was a smoker whose lungs were trying to expel mucous from not smoking. and they had me lying flat because of administering the TPA and huge dose of plavix. So, I began choking but no one heard me or noticed. I rang the call bell and no one came. I struggled to sit myself upright hoping to clear my lungs myself but I couldn't. Finally someone came in for some other reason and squared me away. I realiized how vulnerable I was and how little anyone cared. I was scared.

The next morning I woke to a middle age nurse who stopped what she was doing the moment she saw my eyes were open. she softly touched my forearm and told me her name. She must have cared about all her patients but she made me feel like the only one. when I realized how compromised I was I wanted to give up but I quickly learned she was having none of that. she was there when I spoke my first clear words and when I moved my thumb--she was ecstatic--I was furious. I was trying to lift my whole arm! She realized how afraid I was and knew somehow I felt safe when she was there. They were short staffed and had been leaning on her to pull lots of overtime and she was caregiving for her mother. But she went and took overtime she refused and was there the entire 6 days I was in NICU--12 hours a day. I am very intuitive but even if I weren't I saw the toll it was taking on her. One day I asked to talk to her and tears flew the second I opened my mouth.

I sat there in my wheel chair looking at my dead arm and struggling to speak. I was so afraid she would end up like me if she didn't take time for herself. Just the thought ripped me in two. what if she hadnt been there? what if she wasnt there for the next person who was vulnerable and desperate?

I know you care deeply for all your loved ones and want the best care for them but part of that is making sure you take the best care of you. That seriously needs to be a priority. Please? Don't make me start crying again! Please take care of you too. Chronic illness doesnt care who needs you or how busy you are. You matter, Debbie.

Jamie

Jaime: please, honey, I do not want to make you cry. Trust in that I have many fans here who check in with me on a daily basis, offering assurance, suggestions and advice. Ones who know. I also have wonderful neighbors, we all help each other. My fellow co-workers are right up the street and my darling sister.

I am a homebody. I like nothing more than whipping up a nice meal and keeping a lovely home and yard. I am a simple girl. Plus my Bruce is relatively easy next to some here. I nap every day when he does (a very early suggestion from our wonderful Host Sue). Bruce also goes to bed relatively early and while I must help transfer him at 5am (a farmer by upbringing) he waits patiently with his coffee, TV and reading, until I rise at 7am.

I am happiest with a hot shower, clean PJs and a good book. I allow myself Friday nights with no notepad or agenda.

As things progress and move forward, we here at Chez Sparks adjust as best we can. Thank you so much for your support and concern. I will heed your words. Debbie

Thank you. I love cooking too.

No tears but just keep looking after you too.

I have to say, since my vision cuts showed up reading can be interesting and this gave me quite a start at first glance...

I am a simple girl

I thought it said single girl and I thought...

That is NOT what I meant! lol

:forgive_me?:

Jaime: LOL