Very Sad News

I was outside reading a book when Steve called me. He said, "I just received some really bad news." At first, I thought something happened to his mom. He then told me she was ok. My next thought was that something had happened to Wayne (his older bother), and no, that wasn't it either.

Steve's Uncle Paul McKinney (Elsie's brother) had committed suicide. Man, what a blow. A little history behind it. Paul had accidentally hit a bicyclist while driving on the Cummings road (wherever that is. To make matters worse, he left the scene of the accident and didn't tell anyone. He had a court date coming up November 17.

Paul's wife, Betty, is in a nursing home as she has Alzheimer's. I cannot even imagine what she will be going through. She is still cognizant of her family members and this will be a tremendous grief for her.

We went to Steve's mom's yesterday and everyone, except Wayne (he's out on the road) and Randy (who probably couldn't leave work) were there, including a few spouses. Elsie is so sad (as is everyone). I know Steve and I think, "What if we had done something (like go see Uncle Paul), would this have turned out differently?" We sent him a birthday card last week, but what if we'd gone to pray with him.

You never know how one thing can change everything, do you? On the lighter side, Polly and Larry sold their house and are building one in Waukee. Joe and Kathy are in the process of buying a home on an acreage. I wish we could sell ours, so we could find a ranch home on a few acres (not too far from West Des Moines) and situated on a paved road. Yes, I know, dream on.

First we have a lot to do to our home to get it ready. Like get new tiles on our bathroom floor. I think ceramic would be fantastic, but they are a little cold on the feet, especially in the winter. That's it for now. Have a great day, and remember to follow your heart! Halfmoon

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Finally, Some Relief!

Most of you who read this are family and you know the pain I have been dealing with for the past 2 years and 8 months (not that I'm counting). It had gotten to the point that I was becoming depressed more often than not.

I am now going to a new Pain Control doctor and may I say what a change he has brought to my life. I feel like I finally found a physician who listens to me and actually speaks to me in everyday English (so I can understand him). And, he is definitely on my side, which makes a wonderful change from my previous doctor!

He gave me nerve blocks in both sacroiliac joints and then prescribed a new medication to take. I don't know which one is working, but, I can honestly say that most of the time, I have little pain. The nights are still when I have more pain, but even then, I've been sleeping 4 1/2 to 5 hours on the first sleep of the night.

The med does make me really sleepy off and on during the day, so I won't be driving alone any time soon, but hey, I'd rather be sleepy than in severe pain! Wouldn't you? It really felt great to be able to call my sisters and report good news for a change.

Well, the Christmas season will be here before you know it. I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. I've been looking online for gifts instead of shopping around, it sure makes it a lot easier. You normally have to pay shipping, but now a days that is less expensive than gas, even for business gifts.

Heather just called me and told me I should think about taking Melatonin. It helps you sleep at night. I'll do some research on it and see whether I should try it or if I should talk to the doctor about it first. Hope you all have a great day! Halfmoon

Grandma Manning's House
















Sunday Steve and I met Joshua and his family at Steve's Mom's house. It was Cambria's first outing to her Great Grandma Manning's. How fun is that!
















Angel was there visiting with Elsie, so it was a double pleasure to have her see Cambria, too. It's always great to visit with Angel. She is so sweet, I just love her. I think she really enjoyed our visit as much as I did. We're looking forward to going to Matt's wedding this weekend in Missouri (Angel's youngest). Ok, we're not looking forward to the drive, but, you know, once you get there! I'm not sure how many of the brothers and sisters will be there but I'm sure it will be great!

I went to have my sleep apnea testing done Saturday night and feel like I let myself down. I was fine (ok, not great) with holding the machine to my nose and could breathe in and out. However, once she strapped it to my head, I could not handle it. Breathing in was great, nice and smooth, breathing out came out in spurts and there is no way I could go to sleep breathing like that.

I called the girl back into my room and told her I needed to leave. I don't know how anyone does it. Every time I tried to swallow saliva, I felt like I was suffocating. Steve thought I was being to hard on myself, he said he didn't think he could do it.

So, I've tried one night sleeping inclined on the Kraftmatic. Maybe I had it up too far, I don't know, I just know I didn't sleep until after 4 am. At that point, I put the bed down a little and slept on my left side. Then I woke up at 5 and started over, slept till 6. After doing that each hour, I finally got up at 8 and said forget it! With that kind of rest, I'm going to have dark circles for sure.

I went to a Rheumatologist Tuesday (she felt there wasn't more she could do for me, what's new!) I then went to the new pain control doctor (Sykes), but I think I'll save that for another story! Hope you have a great day! Halfmoon