Derby Day 2017

Today was Derby Day. It is a day I have celebrated since I can remember. We always watched the Derby. I have never been. I doubt I will ever get there. When I was 22 I had an opportunity to go, I was not able to get there though. I do regret that. It was in the infield. I am not much on crowds these days so I am not likely to attend. But I do watch. Every year. Sometimes I pick the winner. Sometimes I don't. Today I was not even close. Always Dreaming won in 2.03.59 - By a few lengths if I remember correctly. It was a muddy sloppy track.  I have never bet on a race. Likely won't ever do that either. And I don't drink the bourbon or mint juleps that are common at the Derby. But, it is part of our heritage.

Today was my youngest granddaughter's birthday too. She is now a six year old. Six years ago today was my first day back to work after a trip to Chicago. She waited for Gamma to get back to be born. Ha Ha.

Today is National Nurses Day as well. It is the beginning of Nurse week (May 6-12 annually).  It is hard to believe I have been a nurse for nearly 39 years. Next month will be the 39th anniversary of my graduation from LPN school. Don't even suggest LPNs are not nurses. I was the only nurse on 11-7 of a 22 bed floor when I started out. I went to 3-11 the next year and stayed on that shift until I returned to work after the birth of my first child. I moved to CCU in August of 1980 and have been in critical care since. I went to nursing school following my cousin, Denise. She was a great CCU nurse and I wanted to be like her. Our grandma Childress was a midwife in her community. She helped deliver all the babies around where they lived. She even helped deliver twin cousins of mine. Jerry and Terry were born at home in February. They were very small. There was a lot of snow on and they couldn't get out and the Dr couldn't get to them for several days after they were born. But they were healthy. I think nursing was in our blood.

I think this is all for today.


I love all y'all! ❤️
To be continued...........

Ten months ago

It has been ten months since my last post. I didn't realize that. It is very difficult to post from my phone and I cannot post from my tablet. My laptop charger cord was eaten by one of the mutts. Val got a new laptop and I am using it.

A lot has happened in 10 months. My dad has had a stroke, it wasn't very severe thankfully; but a stroke is brain loss. It has affected his walking somewhat. That is better now though. It has also affected his personality and memory a little I think. That is just me though. He will see a neurologist next week. 

Mom has recovered nicely from her fractured femur from last March. However, the C word is now in her vocabulary. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago.  We have seen the oncologist. She will see the surgeon this Friday. Prayers are appreciated. We are traveling an unknown path right now.

My sister-in-law (my brother's wife) had esophageal cancer. It has been difficult. They live in Ohio so we didn't get to be there for them as much as we wanted to. We did send up prayers on their behalf though. She has been given a clean bill of health. No sign of cancer at this time! Her feeding tube was removed and she can eat normally. It was scary for a time. And still on the back of our minds is the ever looming worry that it will come back. That is where faith comes in!

Another sister-in-law (Rick's sister) has COPD. For all you non medical readers that is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease similar to emphysema.  Her breathing is really bad. She was given the option to receive a lung transplant. They looked into it and decided against it. A few months ago she was on the ventilator and made the decision to have the tube removed and not replaced. We were all there and she was not expected to survive. They removed the tube and she did well. God had other plans. He is not finished with her. She recovered slowly and went to rehab for a time and still goes as an outpatient for rehab. Her husband Tom is very supportive of her and her sisters and brother are as well. They are available to her at any time.

I have been very lax in thanking God for His many blessings over our family. He has blessed us so many times. I forget to thank Him. I just don't seem to be able to take the time to give Him the time He deserves. I find time to watch Star Trek. I find time to watch Law and Order and Blue Bloods. Seems like I should find time to talk to Him a little more.

My grandchildren are growing like weeds. When I get my laptop back I will post pictures.

I think this is enough for one post.

I love all y'all. ❤️
To be continued.............