Still rambling

Friday, October 25, 2024

SURGERY UPDATE - Post Op - 31 hours at home

 

The Surgery

 A couple of times today people have asked about details and since there's so much info - I opted to write the whole story out!  
This is a long read - Be forewarned!
 

Here’s the story as best I can recall

I have had 4 close friends who’ve had this surgery – who have walked with me through this week and the days leading up to it –
This week in particular , Karen Lesperance and Laurie Lachapelle Henderson were heavily involved in helping me mentally and in getting details organized and supplies ready for post surgery. I am DEEPLY grateful for their help in this process  I COULD NOT have made it without your help!

Monday night October 21 – I had my last medimeal shake around 10 PM

And went to bed
I had to be in Kingston for 11 on Tuesday and check in at Hotel Dieu – Surgery was scheduled for 1 pm

With Dr Robertson

My second cousin Laurie – who had this same surgery in July – offered to take me to Kingston.
She picked me up at 9 and we arrived in time to stop and say hello to her mom – Her mom Nancy was mom’s first cousin and a very precious friend and very supportive in this venture.


I had Laurie drop me at the round about drop off spot – and I went in to the Day Surgery check in on the second floor.

Every single person I interacted with for the entire 48 hours I was there – were wonderful – FUN, and quick to banter back and forth – what a blessing!

 

 

I have photos taken for my own memory along the way and have exact times so I can remember when things happened!
I checked in and at 10:45 - they sent me to the large waiting room with a pager –


 

 

 within half an hour I was taken in, weighed and put in a room – by 11:18 my ONE SIZE FITS SOME gown was draped over my body – and dignity had been left at the door!

 


 


Even my cane had to be labelled !







This was the last I saw of my clothes until Just before being discharged Thursday !!

At 12:04, my IV was in – and I waited until about 12:50 in a waiting room nearer to the OR

I met with the Anesthetist Intern, the Anesthetist, and then the surgeon – all quick visits –

Every one of them asking the same questions!
What’s your name
What’s your date of birth

What procedure are you here for?
after the third time being questioned – I considered answering “ANYTHING BUT MAID”  but opted to be serious!

Eventually they took me to the OR – a big room with bright bright lights -
I had to have a stool to get up on the operating table -
It was freezing in there
They left my gown on until I was unconscious – thank the LORD!

I had to stretch my arms way out like I was Jesus – they added a second IV in my right hand –

They moved a table close to my left side – on the table was a massive TV screen – all of the procedure was done laparoscopically  and so everything was done by viewing the screen!

At some point they put a gas mask on me and told me I would start to feel dizzy – and I DID!
The surgeon arrived – funny the change in demeanor -
When I’d met with him in that cold little waiting room – he was soft spoken, kind, tender – very nice man.

But when he arrived to do surgery – he was in charge – it was neat to see the change.
And THAT is the last I remember until the recovery room.

I have sleep Apnea – and was required to bring my CPAP machine to the surgery – I don’t know if they used mine FOR the surgery or just in my room – it was in my room and set up when I got back to my room.

All I recall – is the first voice I heard was one of the recovery room nurses YELLING at me--
PAUL    PAUL ---- You have to BREATH!
And in my stupor – I remember saying – “Isn’t that what the CPAP machine is FOR ????”
I don’t recall being very Christlike in that moment!
Shut up woman – I’m trying to sleep here.

And I don’t have any memories at all of how I got back to my room – or anything leading up to late afternoon.
When I did become aware in my room – my friend Karen had dropped in to check on me – and left a note and came back later.

Most of this is a blur now. This is a photo my friend Karen took – the picture of beauty!


The incisions were all bandaged – 6 separate entry points – one very deep, and one very large to allow


the camera in.

The bandages were marshmallow sized and I could feel them under my gown –

But zero pain.

What I was NOT prepared for was the gas pains.


What I have learned since then – is that they blow carbon dioxide into your chest cavity and all manner of places I guess – to expand the area to make working on the organs possible and easier.
That gas is extracted as much as possible at the end of the surgery BUT NOT NEARLY ENOUGH!

They told me that I would have to “walk it off”

The pain – when you hear the words “gas pains” – makes you think of a baby that needs to burp

THIS WAS NOT THE SAME!  It was CRAZY painful!
The gas moves around all through the interior of my torso –  my stomach was distended and taut  - bloated almost.

And it HURT

And the nurse – who was relatively nice – said : Oh… just wait til it hits your shoulders!

whuttttt?

 

Yes – the gas goes all the way up to your shoulders!
and she was RIGHT

 At one point - I got the hiccups - and the gas pain on each hiccup would radiate from one shoulder - across the clavicle to the other shoulder - shooting pain horizontally - FREAKY !!

I was given a bariatric flow sheet to monitor fluids – incoming and outgoing!

Did I mention – dignity absent?


They put water in little pill dispensers – basically a two swallow pill container – and I was to take 4 of those in an hour.

I wasn’t good at keeping tabs on how much I drank –  the plastic urinal part was their responsibility – to record the volume every time the emptied it.

YUP - Dignity absent!

As the night wore on – the gas pain was horrendous – and when it passed my chest area – it felt like chest pains – I thought I was having a heart attack.  At first it is frightening

I didn’t walk a LOT – but there was no sign or promise of flatulence.
By 12:30 after midnight – I had a grand total of ONE fart. A squeaker that any man would have been ashamed of.

I slept some that night – there’s never much sleep in the hospital.
I was in a semi private room but had no roommate.

The noise of beeping in the hall was incessant and made me restless.

I went to sleep around 1 – at 5, they came in to draw blood – Apparently they send blood work off early in the morning to the lab, and the results are back quickly so the dr’s can see the results for their morning rounds.

I got a breakfast tray at 8

I was shocked – I expected to only have liquids.

I was given black decaf coffee, a Greek yogurt, skim milk, cream of wheat, and a protein package to put in one or other of the items.

I managed a half spoon of yogurt, a sip of the coffee – and nothing else.


It felt like an awful waste of food, to be honest

.

 

The day remains a bit of a blur – The gas pains seemed almost unmanageable – I walked some – not much.

Lunch arrived right at 12 – I have the list of foods – which is why I am able to remember.

Lunch was skim milk, diet vanilla pudding, cream of carrot soup, decaf tea, and another protein packet.

 

 


I managed about ¾ of a spoon full of the soup – tasty but thick – and I had been told I’d only be on clear liquids – and it spooked me to try more – and honestly I didn’t feel I could mange intake of any kind.

Again I felt like I was wasting food.  I kept the protein package and the pudding container – It has been a godsend now that I’m home!

Mid afternoon – I was given meds again – I think I was fairly l heavily medicated on Tylenol and Hydro Morphone – the Tylenol was liquid – cherry flavoured – and the Hydro morphone was crushed and mixed in – and it didn’t mix well at all.

Just after 3 I took the meds – and it took 3 sips to get it down –

And decided to go for a walk-

Within seconds I felt extreme nausea – and rushed back to my room and threw it all up into the sink.
because of the colour it looked like blood

Yeah – I don’t do blood.

I panicked a bit – hollered for the nurse – talked to A nurse – in the hall who summoned my nurse.

In my stupor – I cleaned up, wiped the sink up and sent the remains down the drain – so there was no proof at all that it was blood.

I’m not calm cool OR collected in those moments!

Sometime around 4 that afternoon, the clinician from the Bariatric dept came in to check on me – Magan is her name – She was as kind and soft spoken – it was merciful and I felt very comforted.

She said “Normally we send people home late afternoon one day after – you could go home if you like – or you could stay another night ----”
And I was SO relieved to stay one more night -  and remain very thankful they let me.

Supper came at 5 – Skim Milk, Unsweetened Apple Sauce, Cottage Cheese, and cream of carrot soup again.
I managed a about a full spoon of cottage cheese, and kept the applesauce and protein.

At some point  my friend Karen had messaged and offered to come and visit -  I don’t remember much about the visit except that she arrived around 6 and got me walking, and that DID get the gas moving.

Karen went home around 8 and I went for a walk around 9 –

At 9:13 – I texted my sister with two glorious words:


I POOOOOPED!

I felt like a five year old !

And found joy in Instagram filters!

 

 

It was glorious though – for the gas expulsion – At this point, I was 30 hours post op – and in so much pain that I was PLEADING with God to let me fart.

I felt like I should rewrite the song “Jesus take the wheel” and name it “Jesus pull my finger!”

the 9:13 movement started the gas flowing and relief came in the next couple of hours.

At some point that afternoon, I’d received a room mate.

A nice man in his late 50’s – in for a knee replacement.  Listening to him talk back and forth with his wife was strangely comforting.

Once she left – it was quiet again – but after 9:13 – the room was anything but quiet.

I finally said after one flatulent moment – “SORRY BUDDY” and he said “
MAN YOU JUST DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO!”

Well we should order new curtains --- that would be a start!
ok I didn’t say that but I thought it!

Meds came again around 10 – Hydromorphone, Tylenol and a crushed sleeping pill ( Zopiclone which my GP has prescribed me – and works very well for me )

It didn’t work all that well in the hospital. But it did give me some rest.

 

By 1 – I was still awake – I would doze off – hear the beeping in the hall – and be awake for a while – I decided to put in ear plugs hoping it would help some – it might have – but not very much.

By 3 something – I was beginning to get very annoyed with the call bells – It was MUCH worse than the night before

And I assumed it was my room mate –

I walked to the bathroom sometime before 4 – and considered smothering him with a pillow – again, I’m not very Christ-like in those moments!

And when I passed his bed – he was SOUND asleep – and SNORING

I was dumbfounded – I heard the nurse in the hall and stepped out and asked
Is it our room that is causing all the beeping?

 

Oh no! – the bell for ALL the rooms is right here in the hall ( RIGHT across from our door )

OY

Suddenly it dawned on me that I could close the door

And I DID!

And fell into a fitful sleep just after 4 – only to be awakened when they came in for blood work for my room mate at 5

I had just fallen back asleep and they arrived to do MY blood work – there’s just no rest in the hospital !

Thursday morning – I felt very different.  Not rested per se but hopeful .

The bloodwork came back with good results, the Assistant Surgeon did rounds again and looked at the incisions. And gave me the go ahead to go home.

The nurse on duty told me I would be sent home with a script for
Anti Heartburn ( Prevacid )
Liquid Tylenol
Restoralax laxative
HydroMorphone and
FRAGMIN Injections – which are blood thinners.
They injected me both days in the hospital post surgery with blood thinners – to prevent blood clots

I have 30 days of injections – that he taught me how to do – it’s freaky the first time -but doable!

 

My cousin Laurie came and picked me up around 10:45 – I’d been given my walking papers and my scripts – and we headed out.
I was comfortable walking and so we left of our own accord.
It was very surreal!

We stopped at her mom and dad’s for a visit – while Laurie went to a Dr's appt of her own.

Visiting the Lachapelles was like a family reunion - they are life long family friends, and it felt like a glorious reunion for an hour or so.
We got back to Belleville around 1:30 – went straight to the pharmacy with my scripts – they filled the Pain meds and the antacid – and ordered the liquid Tylenol and the injections – which arrived today.

 


 

 

The incision sites have been healing and quickly it seems – Most of them are itchy which is a good sign.
One down near my belly button ( site # 3 ) is a very deep cut , and it is by far the most painful.
It is difficult to cough – difficult getting in and out of a chair but not so bad for bed.

 


 


Look away – I’m hideous !

 

I purchased a new mattress about 2 weeks ago in anticipation of this , knowing a firmer mattress would be easier to get out of with abdominal pain.

I have been relatively overwhelmed since coming home – with the prcoess that is ahead -
I am very unable to intake much more than 2 of 3 sips of anything.

When I got home yesterday – I got all my things inside with Laurie’s help – and decided to take meds and try one of the protein shakes.


I bought a couple of cases at Costco last week and they were in the fridge waiting -
It tasted quite delicious!

Although I didn’t manage much more than a sip and a half.

 

I need 60 grams of protein per day – so that my body doesn’t attack muscle but rather the fat cells.

That amounts to 2 little shakes per day – about 600 mls total
Since coming home I have not yet finished 3 shakes – which will get better I have been told.


 

 

 

I went straight to bed – and though I didn’t sleep – it felt good to be home and in my own surroundings.


But somewhere between 3 and 6 – things seem to slip a little.

When I got up at supper time – I went to have another sip of the shake – and I found it tasted disgusting.

I tried another flavour – and liked it even less.
What I’ve learned since – is that your taste buds morph in this process – and that may have been what was going on.

Combining that with the exhaustion factor – by mid evening, I was a wreck.
Overwhelemd, worried I’d never be able to eat enough to manage – Afraid of all of it !

They DID tell me that many people experience “buyers remorse” in this process post op – I don’t know if it was that – or just feeling discouraged.
I opted to mix in some coffee crystals with the vanilla shake – and see if I could make it tolerable – the result was tasty but the shaking part made it so foamy that I didn’t dare drink it – because it would contribute to the gas problem that still hasn’t fully dissipated.

I left the shake container in the fridge overnight and was able to get through the foam today and finish it.
Tomorrow I am going to mix the instant coffee crystals with water – and then stir lightly with a spoon and see if that works better!
Today I have more hope than yesterday !!
I am mixing protein powder with sugar free pudding and that is helping.

I had a full snack cup of pudding today in three sittings – and about 1/3  of a cup of beef broth – which remains so tasty that I find it DECADENT!

God has been merciful to me in so many ways – but one is that my taste buds have loved the beef broth.

Something so bland and clear – in the past would have seemed disgusting to me- but I have LOVED this broth – I know this is only a miracle of God and I am SO grateful.

I have had a delivery today of meds, of protein as well as pudding from my friend Karen, and Laurie is coming over tomorrow with some things –


 

I hope they know how grateful I am for their support.

The “FOG” of this week would have prevented me from picking up on crucial details in terms of my nutritional management – and both Laurie and Karen  have been messaging frequently to remind me to drink ….

 

I know I will think of more things later on that I should have said -
But I’ll finish now – 3044 words so far – not that I’m counting!

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

DUE DAY!!

 Well - Today is the day ---- 28 days has flown by during the pre-op liquid diet ---


My body did adjust to the liquids - FOR THE MOST PART hahaha


I stopped being homicidal - and in the end - Medi Meal proved to be a rapid weight loss help --


I weighed myself today and I am down 30.4 lbs in 28 days --- crazy.


I head to Kingston this morning - check in at Hotel Dieu at 11 - surgery is at 1 and by 5 pm - I AM HOPING that I will be able to change out of that hospital gown --


you know ---- the kind where some fits MOST !!


Thanks for caring !***paul





Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Day 22

 well --- I'm still here --- 

I'm starting the 4th full week of these shakes ---- 7 days left - Surgery is one week from today!

The Medi-Meal is a remarkable thing - if nothing else - it tastes good and it contributes to weight loss --


So far, after 3 weeks - I have dropped 25 pounds exactly - from the weigh in on day 2 ---


I am SO thankful - and excited - clothes are fitting that have cut the circulation off hahaha


side effects are mostly gone - the lingering boys-room visits are the final one to leave - they should stop somewhere around February of 2029 God Willing

hahaha


Thanks for caring and checking in :)  


Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Day 16 --- and I haven't killed anybody yet !!!

Well there's been a lull in posting --

Day 6 was a turn around day - things got markedly better that day - and my body stopped being SO harngry!

I am starting to notice some changes physically - much less pain in my hip because of the removal of sugar and carbs --- I was surprised to realize this would have an impact -


some people have said : OH YEAH - sugar causes inflation !  YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT??

no, no I didn't !

But I'm pleased just the same!!

And my clothes don't cut off circulation anymore so looser fitting clothing gives me great hope!!


The shakes that I drink ( Medi-Meal ) are still very enjoyable - with one exception ---

The day I picked them up at the hospital - they only had Vanilla --
I just shrugged and said : Oh well I guess I'm getting Vanilla .....

but saw that I could add Decaf Instant Coffee Crystals - which I began doing and that has been a game changer.... SO much nicer flavour --- It almost tastes like a treat from Starbucks!

and at $2.86 per packet - it FEELS almost like Starbucks hahahaha

Tonight I thought I'd venture out and try one of their "suggested recipes" for Orange creamsicle---

I added orange jello crystals to the vanilla shake --- and it made it LOOK very orange -
but it had a nasty taste --- we won't be doing THAT again !!!!

anyway - I seem to have found a groove - and I'm PRAYING that this little bubble of euphoria isn't short lived ---

I'll likely be 2 or 3 months before I'm back on normal food and for NOW at least - i'm feeling content 

Stay in touch!! ***paul

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Day 3 - MAN I Love JELLO

 well ---


I haven't killed anybody yet!  Although --- Today's not over !!


For the 4 weeks prior to surgery - my daily diet consists of 4 Medi-Meal protein shakes -  to help protect muscle tissue, and to shrink the liver.

I am allowed to supplement with soup broth between shakes as well as sugar free Jello.

Today I stocked up on Jello -- I went to Walmart - and loaded up - 


I filled a "CHIPIT" box with two dozen boxes of jello !!!

On my way back to the car, I bumped into some friends - and when we talked about my special diet -- the peered into my grocery cart with interest and asked - innocently I assume :  

"Is it a CHIPITS diet ???"

uh no --- that box is filled with Jello boxes hahaha









it made me laugh - and laughter is such good medicine :)  




Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Day 2 of the first 28


 I JUST WANT TO CHEW SOMETHING!!

A cracker --- a piece of cheese --- ANYTHING!

I tried chewing out my neighbour's dog - but it just didn't satisfy!

I had my pre-op in Kingston today -  they did a bunch of questions - full on health overview - BP, Weight, Blood work and an EKG.

The good news this regimen is having amazing early on results : I'm down 8 ounces from my last weigh in 😏

I made some new friends in the waiting room - and didn't cry when they took my blood!

The Vanilla shakes are lovely - not overly filling - but they taste nice!
I add a tea spoon of instant decaf coffee - and boy does that make it taste good!!


 I am also allowed 2 litres per day of clear caffeine free liquids - including beef,chicken and vegetable broth - and sugar free jello -




holy - on an empty stomach, BOTH of those items are delectable!!

will check in another time :) 


Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Day 1 of a new life -

 Well today I am embarking on a new venture --


not a job - not a relationship -

and no, I'm not coming out of the closet!

I am scheduled for Bariatric Bypass Surgery four weeks from today - to help control my weight -

it's been an issue for a long long time, but much worse since the pandemic.


In February of 2023, I was diagnosed with moderate Osteoarthritis and it has become much worse in the months since then.

In March of 2024, I began walking with a cane and September 13th, 2024 - I received an Accessible Parking Permit - the blue wheel chair parking pass -

I cried --- but I am also very grateful to have it !!



Today begins the last 4 weeks pre-op - where I will live on 4 Medi-Meal shakes every day - and 2 litres of clear fluids of my choice - which does include decaf coffee and or Clear soup broth - 






after a full day of vanilla shakes - vegetable broth was DELECTABLE at supper time!

This was my last Breakfast :





and this my last supper!!



I shall keep you posted - with as many details as I dare --- and will even give you the link to the YOUTUBE video of the actual surgery - I DARE YOU to watch it !!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Orphans of God

This song ( by Avalon ) has been really touching me this week.....

especially this line :

Come ye unwanted, and find affection....
come all ye weary, come and lay down your head..

I find that just about as comforting as crawling up onto my mom's lap.....


sigh....

Listen HERE

Orphans of God
--------------------

Who here among us has not been broken
Who here among us is without guilt or pain
So oft' abandoned by our transgressions
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

There are no strangers
There are no outcasts
There are no orphans of God
So many fallen, but hallelujah
There are no orphans of God

Come ye unwanted and find affection
Come all ye weary, come and lay down your head
Come ye unworthy, you are my brother
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

O blessed Father, look down upon us
We are Your children, we need Your love
We run before Your throne of mercy
And seek Your face to rise above


Listen HERE

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Fathers Day.......








I've been pondering a lot this week... trying to get my mind around what makes a good dad.... What is it, that makes a dad successful???

As I've mulled on it, a lot, my mind inevitable returns to thinking about my dad.... and all of the qualities in him that I see, that I like.... and that , flat out, I'm trying to emulate.
So Dad.......... here are some of the things I've thought on this week........ all of which you are!
* A successful dad is.....
-------------------------------
one that is always watching for us..... Dad does that well... not just watching OUT for us... but watching for us!
I remember when we would make the trip to visit my grand parents in Quebec.... we would pull in to the driveway of their apartment, and we would see the outline of my grampie in the upstairs window.... watching.... waiting!! He would be to the bottom of the stairs before we would be out of the car!!

My dad is like that... when we go to visit mom and dad in Belleville, inevitably it's late at night when we arrive.... the outdoor light is always on... the door is usually ajar.... and before we are to the door, Dad is up, and waiting by the door to welcome us!
* A successful dad is ...
-------------------------------
someone with whom you can share your victories AND your defeats....
The day I lost my job in 2003, the first person I called was my dad.... At the end of a really good day, I often find myself texting my dad, to brag about how many inspections I'd completed today...
When Taylor got his first job, when Anna got accepted to University, when Abby's photo made it to the Habs website....I was quick to message my dad and tell him....

There's just something about having Dad there to share those things with, that is irreplaceable!
A Successful dad is....
-------------------------------
Someone that always shows up to watch your games. I don't think there was ever a hockey game, or band concert, that my dad didn't show up for..... It's a tradition that lives on with him....
Even Isaac knows this.... one night when Isaac was around 4, he was dreaming big... making plans to play for the Belleville Bulls..... He said to his mom " Mommy, if I play for the bulls, will you come and see me??? Papa will... he ALWAYS comes!!!"
that kind of "always there" is what makes you successful dad!!
A successful dad is ....
-------------------------------
someone that bails you out on a bad day.... I remember years and years ago, one Friday night, I stopped in at a car dealership to dream ....
I had my heart set on owning an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.... ( I still kinda want one!! maybe someday! ) ....
anyway, I was just dreaming.... but the salesman was smarter than me!!! I asked the guy - what did he think was their bottom dollar.... my naivety was my undoing... long story short, the guy talked me out of my ownership, AND my signature, all in an effort to "see" what the best deal was we could get from the boss.....
sigh.........
Saturday morning, My dad and I went back to the dealership to get my ownership AND my pride.......we left with only the ownership!!!!
....... that was more than 20 years ago, and it still embarrasses me... but BOY was it nice to have my dad bail me out!!
A successful dad is.....
-------------------------------
someone that is quoteworthy!!
The older I get, the more I quote my dad.......
"a fool and his money are soon parted"
"get the hay in while the sun is shining"
"small things amuse small minds"
"busier than a one armed paper hanger with a seven year itch"
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth"
Dad was actually quoting scripture there, but he used it in reference of people who ramble onnnnnnnnnnnn and on and on, just to hear themselves talk!!
I find myself quoting my dad all the time!! and thats a good thing!
A successful dad is....
-------------------------------
a dad that has good habits, for his kids to follow....

My dad is a non drinker, and a non smoker... to quote my dad ( again! )
"I don't smoke, I don't chew... I don't go with girls that do!!!"
I remember dad being asked one time why he didn't ever "drink" .. he said " I came dangerously close to being hooked on Pepsi..... Imagine if it had been alcohol"
I love that, and I love your discipline Dad!
Another of your habits is your faithful church attendance! You put us all to shame at how diligently you attend church and how your life honors the one you go there to worship!
A Successful Dad ....
-------------------------------
is someone with work ethic....
My dad is a tank when it comes to work ethic!! I tell people " My dad is semi retired.... now he goes in to the office at 8:30 instead of 7"
At 71, he is still working more hours in a week than most anybody I know.....
when I grow up, I want to have that kind of work ethic!
A successful Dad..........
-------------------------------
is someone that loves my mother......
And dad has done that and continues to do that..... As I watch my mom and dad grow older, the shopping trips consist less of trips to Home Depot and Canadian Tire... and more of trips to Shoppers Drug Mart..... and I've watched dad consistently, for 47 years, drop what he's doing and rush to make sure mom has all that she needs.....
I can't, in a million years, ever expect to come close to that....
A Successful Dad.....
-------------------------------
is one that loves his grand kids as much as he loved us.
As I have watched 8 grandchildren come and go through mom and dad's house, I have seen a consistent theme: A loonie here, a toonie there, a hug and tickle , and a shoulder that every one of those kids felt safe snuggling on!
"The true measure of a man, is how you are made to feel in his presence"
If the way your grand children feel around you was the ONLY indication, you are an incredible man!
To quote my Dad again,.... "If I'd known grand kids were this much fun, I'd have had them first!!"
The truth is, dad.... You are a great Dad.... an Incredible husband, a true friend, and a very Godly man.....
and I love you very much!

Some days, I find it a staggering example to follow, and yet I strive to, because I want to be THAT KIND OF DAD, to my kids.
Someone said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.......
I keep saying.......... When I grow up, I want to be just like you!
I'd not want you to feel flattered, but I sure do want you to know that I'm proud to be your son, and proud to call you my dad.

Happy Fathers Day Dad!







































































Sunday, May 09, 2010

To My Mom .....




"When it comes right down to it, nobody will ever love you like your mom does!"




That was the note I got today from my friend Stephen... who lost his mom 15 months ago.....




he's right..... nobody has or ever will love me like my mom....




I am a product of a loving praying mom!




Thank you Mom!!








The older I get, the more I come face to face with the reality of life.... the frailty of it, and its brevity.




More and more of my friends have lost their mom.... so a day like today for THEM is a sad empty day.....




And even though I wasn't there today to share it with you , I am doing what each of those friends has told me .... Cherish every moment you have with your mom!




I never know where to start when it comes to thanking you for loving me.




Inevitably, I sit and think about it..... I decided today to make a list.... and I found myself making notes on my crackberry during church today...... I'm SURE the pastor thought I was sending text messages !! but I wasn't!




When I sit to think about you, mom... my mind races.... to all of the things that you have done for me.... The memories come flooding back....




I remember when I was just a kid.....coming home early from several Sunday School picnics over at the river by French's farm...... because you had run into the water fully clothed to save a kid that was drowning.....


back then, I felt ripped off because we had to leave before the ice cream cones came out!


NOW?? I look back at that with pride...... that some kid somewhere is alive today because of you!




Though I don't remember , I know that you gave up your job to stay home and raise us kids. After all your training to become a Registered Nurse, it must have been a bit of a let down to change diapers instead of medical dressings..... thank you for that!




I remember you bringing us to visit your uncles when I was just a kid.... I remember with a bit of shame, how boring I found those visits.... boring for us, but sooo cherished by your uncles....
As I get older, i have come to love the memory of those visits.... and am trying to instill in my kids a love for visiting people who sit by, lonely..... waiting.....


I remember you taking a refresher course so you could go back to work .... to help put us through college..... I remember Dad and Bruce eating out a lot of evenings cause you were working .... Wendys', Harvey's, McDonalds and I ALL thank you !!




I remember having a lunch packed for me, every day of my school life..... I remember wondering what on EARTH the word PATE meant..... but as I watched guys like Howie, sitting there, sad and hungry..... I realized pate wasn't all that bad after all!!


I remember playing in the water in the side yard of Sawyerville Elementary..... And I remember spending all afternoon sitting in wet pants..... The next week, I came to school with THE COOLEST pair of home made rubber pants to play in! I was the envy of Jeff and Danny ... when I sat RIGHT DOWN in the puddle and didn't get wet!!




I remember one saturday standing outside the United Church in Sawyerville... somebody in the neighbourhood was getting married.... and we hadn't been invited.... but you really wanted to see the bride come out..... so we hid in the bushes across the street and watched......... ok, I HID in the bushes and watched.... cause I'd spilled ice cream all down the front of my white t shirt....




bushes or not, its one of my favourite memories of a Saturday morning with you!!




I remember always wanting to invite my friends over to our house..... knowing that you would never be upset at me if I came home from church with a few friends in tow.... never once did you complain about having to put out another plate.... or three




I remember you driving up to visit me at camp in Owen Sound that summer I was there.... that horrible summer.... I remember you taking us to Blue Mountain to the water slide.... and how refreshing that was amidst a difficult summer.....




I remember many times at college... when the stress of my life then, felt like it was going to crush me..... I remember walking to the pay phone in Three Hills, and calling you.... and crying my heart out.....




I won't ever forget that....




There just seems to be something soothing about crying on your shoulder.




I remember you letting me take your car to school many many times for band practice..... I remember you giving me your credit card to put gas in that car one day..... what I DON'T remember was leaving the credit card on my dresser..... I remember walking up to the cashier and proudly slapping down my high school ID card as payment.....


I also remember the look in that cashier's eye!!




I remember you laughing, not scolding, when I got home in a panic, and had to race back to the Esso Station on North Front street, to pay the bill and get back the Timex watch I'd left as collateral!!




I remember you sending me cookies in the mail, when I was at Prairie..... I was the envy of every guy on first floor..... I remember that though the cookies were smashed into a bazillion pieces, it gave me more pieces to share.... or more to not HAVE to share maybe!!




I remember you letting me use your car when I got a summer job during college.....
I don't EVER remember you complaining about being stuck at home with no vehicle.




I remember inviting almost 3o of my chinese friends out for a BBQ after high school graduation.... I was proud then , and I'm proud NOW to bring people to visit my parents.
I remember laughing with you!
I remember when you moved into the house on Airport parkway....... Somebody that was helping with the move, brought a big old Tractor Chain out of the truck.... wondering if it should go in the shed, or the basement or the garage, he said : Marg, where do you want THIS???
I remember gasping as I heard you say with a giggle..... take THAT to the bedroom!
I remember coming in to see you last year and hollering from the front dooor
" Anybody HOME???
and you saying... NOPE....!!
When I got my boots off and came over and hugged you , I said...
" so, how are you REALLY? and your answer, again with the giggle, was....
I don't know.. NOBODY's HERE remember????"
Cherished, treasured memories I have, mom!!

When I think of you, I think of a selfless, never complaining woman.... who's lot in life has been far more difficult than any of us will ever know.....




When I saw you this week, preparing supper from your leather rocking chair, almost unable to breath, I realized what a gift God gave us, in you.....




When you told me that you use up 1500 calories a day just to breathe.... it took MY breath away.




I know lately, to quote Rusty Goodman..... You've got leavin' on your mind...... and I don't blame you...




I don't think any of us could have ever managed the pain and the suffering you have, with any where near as much quiet, and calm , and class as you!




So.... for the sacrifice you've made, to care and love and always be there,


from the bottom of my heart,

thank you


I love you mom