Last weekend we had another Gagglefest in The Valley. The ladies came south to comfort me. My daughter flew home to Oz and for the first time in my 64 years I will be living alone. The numbness is still there, I'm still not thinking or talking much about the reality of Steve's death. That is working for me now and might for a bit longer. I will deal with this when I know I can.
In the meantime, I think a lot about my relationships with others. And for the last two days, about my relationship with these seven other woman I call The Gaggle. We are not a typical group of friends. We came together in grad school at ISU. I at 50+ was the oldest, most were in their early twenties and thirties. From the cohort of around twenty, we formed a small group of middle-class, Midwest women. At first glance we knew we would be forever friends, I believe. However, it still surprises me that these bright, young women allow me a place in their lives. I feel blessed by each of them. I've concluded the best thing about our relationship is the equality. We met each other as equals, all degreed women seeking a Masters in education, so we could counsel students. There were no expectations of anyone, no neediness, no entitlement. We have shared many wedding, births and now death. And so it continues...these ladies are my friends, pure and simple. We all support the others no matter what, we enjoy each other's company, and admire and respect each other. We are blessed.
Last evening I met with another group of friends, all local ladies I had worked with at school. We, too, are a mixed group of ages and again I am the oldest. This seems to be a theme in my life. We all work or worked in education, are all from the area and are at various stages in our family life. We have much in common, we even vacation together occasionally. We all love the Coast and the beach life. In this group we share openly, our feelings, our joys and our fears. After years of being good friends with these ladies, last night was different. Last night we opened our hearts to each other in honesty and love. We shared pain, not just mine, with a trust that was beautiful. We are blessed.
I am not only blessed by friends, I have the greatest family, too! My sister, her husband and a wonderful friend of theirs have come into our home and remodeled our kitchen and bath in the last few months. They show up, work their tails off, clean up the mess and leave. No hassle, no fuss, just do it. Amazing, I tell you, amazing. And their work is beautiful. Stephen King and I had a difficult time accepting this at first. We could have done the work years ago, but were always too busy or too tired, then it was too late for him to do it. Cancer struck. It struck our family and friends as well. They wanted to help make things better, easier for us somehow. My brother-in-law decided they could remodel our tired 70s kitchen and our dangerously ugly bath. My sister sat us down one afternoon after Steve had chemo and explained their plan to us. She told us they needed to do something and hoped we would agree. She asked that we not deny them this blessing. We argued, it was too much to accept, too much to offer. She argued, they would be blessed by doing it. We couldn't argue that. I love my new kitchen and bath. Stephen King would have, too. We are blessed.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Stephen King
Hello all, most of you know we lost Steve on Aug. 14 after a rare syndrome connected with the lung cancer struck him. It is called ParaNeoPlasticSyndrome and occurs in only 1% of lung cancer patients. Just his luck, he said. But it was quick, less than a month after symptoms started. He was aware until the end and was surrounded by those who loved him. We turned the parlor into a bright and sunny bedroom for him and he was comfortable, for the most part, watching the butterflies mass at the bushes outside his windows, checking traffic up and down the hill and coaching the grandsons in their daily Nerf battles. Steve's sisters, Deb, Carol and our kids took turns staying at his bedside at night, as keeping him in bed was a challenge. He fought to get up and go into the bathroom multiple times each night, just to show us he could. Iron willed to the end. I wouldn't has expected anything less. We gathered here each evening for another meal and time together, I think it was a good death, allowing Steve and the rest of us time for sharing good-byes.
We followed his wishes for cremation, with his ashes spread over the family farm, as were his parents. The kids, Grandkids and I are traveling to his beloved Cumberland Gap next month to spread ashes from his powder horn there. He would have loved that. The Gap and its history fascinated Steve, I believe he'd loved to been a part of that time. We all love family road trips and this will be a bittersweet one for us.
Courtney got home a few days before her dad passed, we were so blessed by that. She is staying till Sept 14, helping me adjust to this new life. I may visit her and Ken in the Spring, as Steve and I talked of doing. He was curious to see that beautiful place, but I will see it for him and share in our daughter's new home. We wanted to help them with their gardens and chicken house, as they are not old hands at country life. Court lived it as a child, but as the youngest missed out on most of the real workings of it. Even in their city apartment she had a lovely flower bed and hanging garden though, and Ken has grass sown and beds dug at the new house.
Stephen and Trent have kept up our mowing and trimming all summer to their dad's standards, I'm telling them I can take over but they won't listen. I will make acquaintance with the new mower soon though, as I haven't mowed since Steve retired. Nina and the boys have saved Steve's garden bounty, too. Picking, canning, freezing and giving away most of what he produced. I'm betting next year's garden will pale to this one, I haven't the stamina or green thumb my Stephen King did.
Our kids and grands have been so strong through this, always supporting the others in their pain. I'm blessed with such a close, loving family. They each know he loved them and was proud of who they are. Steve's sisters and my family have been beside us constantly, too, doing whatever they could for him and me. We've been a family for nearly 50 years, King or Charles, it makes no difference, we love each other the same.
I know that I'm going through the motions of living right now, on cruise control, Steve would say. But each day it gets more real and more difficult. I get quiet, trying to feel him around me, trying to come to grips with reality. I know I will be ok, life will be different but ok. I know we will be together again some day.
It has been so long since I've posted, this may not be read, but I needed to write it. Talk to me. Love.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Time Flies, Are We Having Fun Yet?
Hello, what a long, dreary winter we are struggling through. Or maybe winter is always this way and I've just not had time to notice. The funny thing is this winter has flown by really, it is the minutes which feel long. I'm finding the days speed by in incredible flashes. I seem to be constantly getting out of bed to another day. Kinda like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day without the humor. Not much has been accomplished here, we just keep staying alive till Spring. Keeping a low profile, so we can bloom big when it warms up. ;-) .
Stephen King is back on chemo. His PetScan showed marked shrinkage in lung lesion and healing going on in the bones! He had a separate CatScan on his brain which revealed no lesions. We were so blessed by these findings, his lung cancer had never shown shrinkage before. He has fewer side effects with this round, a rash on chest and shoulders and the fatigue. Always the fatigue, he tires with any effort, walking, dressing, showering. It is frustrating for an active guy to be stopped by something out of his control.
Our mom has been ill since the first of the year, flu, pneumonia, anemia and much more confusion. I cannot describe the pain of watching a parent slip away. Jill, I know you understand what I am trying to say. Mom is still here but not really, her little body houses a sweet little old soul that isn't Mom. One night last week, I slept with her and she held my hand whimpering all night long. I felt so helpless. Nothing I could do to help ease her pain and fear but hold on. But I knew I needed to be there holding on to her hand just as she has always been there holding mine throughout my life. I was so humbled to do this for her. Caring for her is almost a religious experience, I swear. Rubbing lotion into her feet each day feels like serving God. This is so emotional for all of those who are her caregivers; sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and sisters. Our family has been strengthened by this.
Stephen King and I are doing a mini makeover on the kitchen. The 70s decor and 80s appliances are leaving. I'm so excited to have a gas range again, love cooking on gas. And this one has 5 burners! Steve thinks that is 4 to many, based on my cooking lately. Truth is I haven't felt like Julia Child for awhile. Looking forward to being more creative. New side by side fridge too, with water and ice on the door. Our fridge was new the year our oldest graduated from high school 1985! It was time to put it out to pasture. Covering the marred gold vinyl floor with hickory hardwood too. The vinyl is worn off in the high traffic areas and the tacky black backing actually shows. I think it's time has come. Next up... Countertops, but Stephen King's heart and pocketbook have to recover for that. Poor guy thinks if its still works, keep it. This kitchen didn't work for me 12 years ago when we moved in and now I am completely over it. I'm thinking this is our last house, last kitchen, last major appliances so I think we need good solid ones. I still go with white, not stainless, simple basic add ons, no bells and whistles but do want a timer on the range and ice maker on the fridge. Actually this fridge, the 25 year old one, has an ice maker that has Never been hooked up. Heehee, I've hired a real plumber this time to connect the LP line and the water line. I will officially be in the 21st century with the rest of you now.
I'm sewing some lately, putting trim on a collage pillow I've made for my sister, finishing 2 quilts within the month for babies who have become toddlers waiting for me, and starting a wild quilt with Denyse Schmidt fabric for Mack and Maddie's bedroom. They are going from pinks to green and black to perk up their new wicker dressers. Mack will be out and gone soon, but at 13 Maddie needs a more grown up look too.
Our Shay had a very bad case of mono this winter and is just getting back on her feet. The little boys are great, been enjoying some winter camping with their dads and having good years in 2nd and 3rd grade. Joe is looking to be released in August, hoping for a halfway house to avoid being back around his old friends. My daily prayers are for strength for him, he has taken part in an amazing program in prison and has high hopes of helping others overcome their demons. We all are looking forward to Spring, warm days and outside time.
Stay well and stand strong. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
Stephen King is back on chemo. His PetScan showed marked shrinkage in lung lesion and healing going on in the bones! He had a separate CatScan on his brain which revealed no lesions. We were so blessed by these findings, his lung cancer had never shown shrinkage before. He has fewer side effects with this round, a rash on chest and shoulders and the fatigue. Always the fatigue, he tires with any effort, walking, dressing, showering. It is frustrating for an active guy to be stopped by something out of his control.
Our mom has been ill since the first of the year, flu, pneumonia, anemia and much more confusion. I cannot describe the pain of watching a parent slip away. Jill, I know you understand what I am trying to say. Mom is still here but not really, her little body houses a sweet little old soul that isn't Mom. One night last week, I slept with her and she held my hand whimpering all night long. I felt so helpless. Nothing I could do to help ease her pain and fear but hold on. But I knew I needed to be there holding on to her hand just as she has always been there holding mine throughout my life. I was so humbled to do this for her. Caring for her is almost a religious experience, I swear. Rubbing lotion into her feet each day feels like serving God. This is so emotional for all of those who are her caregivers; sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and sisters. Our family has been strengthened by this.
Stephen King and I are doing a mini makeover on the kitchen. The 70s decor and 80s appliances are leaving. I'm so excited to have a gas range again, love cooking on gas. And this one has 5 burners! Steve thinks that is 4 to many, based on my cooking lately. Truth is I haven't felt like Julia Child for awhile. Looking forward to being more creative. New side by side fridge too, with water and ice on the door. Our fridge was new the year our oldest graduated from high school 1985! It was time to put it out to pasture. Covering the marred gold vinyl floor with hickory hardwood too. The vinyl is worn off in the high traffic areas and the tacky black backing actually shows. I think it's time has come. Next up... Countertops, but Stephen King's heart and pocketbook have to recover for that. Poor guy thinks if its still works, keep it. This kitchen didn't work for me 12 years ago when we moved in and now I am completely over it. I'm thinking this is our last house, last kitchen, last major appliances so I think we need good solid ones. I still go with white, not stainless, simple basic add ons, no bells and whistles but do want a timer on the range and ice maker on the fridge. Actually this fridge, the 25 year old one, has an ice maker that has Never been hooked up. Heehee, I've hired a real plumber this time to connect the LP line and the water line. I will officially be in the 21st century with the rest of you now.
I'm sewing some lately, putting trim on a collage pillow I've made for my sister, finishing 2 quilts within the month for babies who have become toddlers waiting for me, and starting a wild quilt with Denyse Schmidt fabric for Mack and Maddie's bedroom. They are going from pinks to green and black to perk up their new wicker dressers. Mack will be out and gone soon, but at 13 Maddie needs a more grown up look too.
Our Shay had a very bad case of mono this winter and is just getting back on her feet. The little boys are great, been enjoying some winter camping with their dads and having good years in 2nd and 3rd grade. Joe is looking to be released in August, hoping for a halfway house to avoid being back around his old friends. My daily prayers are for strength for him, he has taken part in an amazing program in prison and has high hopes of helping others overcome their demons. We all are looking forward to Spring, warm days and outside time.
Stay well and stand strong. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
Monday, January 7, 2013
Resolutions, goals, hopes, wishes, prayers
Happy New Year 2013
Really? 2013? I don't think I ever thought about the possibility of 2013. 2000 maybe, 2020 probably, but 2013 never. Yet how I welcome this year, so happy to be shed of 2012. Although 2012 ended with plenty of blessings, it was chock-full of drama. I won't belabor that point, just glad it is in the past.
I seldom formally announce Resolutions as a new year begins, although they are always the same; peace, health and weight loss. However this year I think I will. Please bear with me. :-)
* world peace, for real
* end of world hunger
* common sense in DC
* kinder, more gentle treatments for cancer
* wipeout Alzheimers disease
* good manners
* good health
* weight loss
* renewed faith
Those will work for me. Nine simple prayers for the world, my family, myself.
We are holding our own in The Valley, treatments,setbacks, or snow, we continue to hold on. Poor Shay is in and out of the hospital this week with mono, a very sick girl. Because of our fear of spreading it to Stephen King, I haven't gone to sit beside her bed this time. It has been difficult for Gma Hedy to stay away. Not fair to have to chose between husband and grandchildren. :-(
I wish you all a wonderful, peaceful, healthy year. Are we sure it's 2013...really? Love, Hedy
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Happy Anniverary to Stephen King, 46 years ago the two of us married. So many memories have been made since then. Three kids, six grandchildren, each a blessing. So many ups and downs, mostly ups. So many challenges, mostly met. There is no other man I would have wanted to spend my life with and somehow I knew that the first time we spoke. I just wish I had taken notes along the way, no one would believe the trip we've had.
Tomorrow is another doctor visit for Steve, checking on the rash from the chemo. He continues to be weak, but doesn't appear to have lost more weight. He was losing about 5 pounds a week following his treatments. The past week was difficult for him, my Uncle Bill, one of his best friends passed away. We have lost four family members this year and each visit to the funeral home seems to take a bigger piece of Steve. His own mortality being threatened, he suffers deeply at others' passings. The massacre in Connecticut was a senseless violent act which brought him and our nation to our knees. Steve cannot understand acts such as this against children, but who among us can? He has spoken of little else since Friday. I pull inside myself and keep silent, seeking Peace from faith in God.
Christmas shopping is finished, candy-making and baking this week, I'm hoping. I've learned not to write my plans in stone, but to bend like the willow. If the fudge and cookies get made, hurrah, if something else comes up demanding time and attention, so be it. I will not sweat the small stuff and baring breath and blood - it is all small stuff. Cancer teaches some lessons very well; you must change priorities to deal with it.
The Gagglefest was wonderful, fast and fun. Dex and Eden are perfect babies and I love them both to pieces. Seeing my grad girls was just what I needed, they are truly wonderful ladies. Mackenzie went along and had a good time listening to all our chatter and holding babies. My grandaughters growing up to become women like these would be a blessing. I could proudly claim them all as daughters.
Stephen King plans for our boys to put a new metal roof on the house soon. A clay color like we put on the garage a few years ago. They will also rebuild the back porch and install a ramp. Maybe. I am hoping they aren't considering a deck instead of a covered porch. I want to maintain the bungalowe feeling of our house, not modernize it. But I may have a fight on my hands. We shall see.
Little is being accomplished around here, we go to doctor appointments, stay with Mom once or twice a week and attempt to keep the dirt out. We both are reading quite abit, but finding something to peak our interest is difficult. I find myself becoming more and more silent, not withdrawing but seeking strength. Take care. Talk to me. Bless us all.
Tomorrow is another doctor visit for Steve, checking on the rash from the chemo. He continues to be weak, but doesn't appear to have lost more weight. He was losing about 5 pounds a week following his treatments. The past week was difficult for him, my Uncle Bill, one of his best friends passed away. We have lost four family members this year and each visit to the funeral home seems to take a bigger piece of Steve. His own mortality being threatened, he suffers deeply at others' passings. The massacre in Connecticut was a senseless violent act which brought him and our nation to our knees. Steve cannot understand acts such as this against children, but who among us can? He has spoken of little else since Friday. I pull inside myself and keep silent, seeking Peace from faith in God.
Christmas shopping is finished, candy-making and baking this week, I'm hoping. I've learned not to write my plans in stone, but to bend like the willow. If the fudge and cookies get made, hurrah, if something else comes up demanding time and attention, so be it. I will not sweat the small stuff and baring breath and blood - it is all small stuff. Cancer teaches some lessons very well; you must change priorities to deal with it.
The Gagglefest was wonderful, fast and fun. Dex and Eden are perfect babies and I love them both to pieces. Seeing my grad girls was just what I needed, they are truly wonderful ladies. Mackenzie went along and had a good time listening to all our chatter and holding babies. My grandaughters growing up to become women like these would be a blessing. I could proudly claim them all as daughters.
Stephen King plans for our boys to put a new metal roof on the house soon. A clay color like we put on the garage a few years ago. They will also rebuild the back porch and install a ramp. Maybe. I am hoping they aren't considering a deck instead of a covered porch. I want to maintain the bungalowe feeling of our house, not modernize it. But I may have a fight on my hands. We shall see.
Little is being accomplished around here, we go to doctor appointments, stay with Mom once or twice a week and attempt to keep the dirt out. We both are reading quite abit, but finding something to peak our interest is difficult. I find myself becoming more and more silent, not withdrawing but seeking strength. Take care. Talk to me. Bless us all.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Another day, another side effect...
Hello Ladies,
Stephen King is on a new treatment, Alimta, and it is less devasting than the Taxol, but has its faults. He is weak as a cat, has trouble breathing and has a raging rash. But the pain in his back and chest has been abolished. He will probably have six of these treatments in the next four months, so it will be another long winter here. For me, the worse side effect is the depression which seems to have come with the Alimta. Steve has handled his diagnosis with his usual wry humor until lately. He is quiet, moody and quick to anger now. I cannot blame him, Heaven knows he has had his world cave in on him this year.
On a happier note, Courtney flew home to surprise us on his first day of treatment. We have so enjoyed having her home. She has been a blessing to me and her dad. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes in the last two weeks and relied on Court for help. She has been our driver, chef and entertainment and we have loved every minute of it. She leaves on Saturday and we are sure to be in mourning for a few days after, I'm sure. OZ is so far from Indiana. But we've had a few family dinners, shopping days, doctor visits together to remember til we are together again. Thanksgiving at Trent and Nina's was wonderful, just wonderful. And we will have a big lasagna dinner before Courtney leaves with all our kiddos too. Have to make as many good memories as possible. Today we are having a "girls' lunch" at the Winery. I have to jump in the shower and get glammed up right now! If that is possible with a black eye, saggy skin and a head full of silver hair.
My Gaggle of Girls is attempting a get-together on Saturday in Indy after I drop Court at the airport. I will need this to help get me through the sadness and I cannot wait to see all my girls again and meet a couple of new little goslings. Nothing like babies to raise the spirit.
Talk to me, Hedy
Stephen King is on a new treatment, Alimta, and it is less devasting than the Taxol, but has its faults. He is weak as a cat, has trouble breathing and has a raging rash. But the pain in his back and chest has been abolished. He will probably have six of these treatments in the next four months, so it will be another long winter here. For me, the worse side effect is the depression which seems to have come with the Alimta. Steve has handled his diagnosis with his usual wry humor until lately. He is quiet, moody and quick to anger now. I cannot blame him, Heaven knows he has had his world cave in on him this year.
On a happier note, Courtney flew home to surprise us on his first day of treatment. We have so enjoyed having her home. She has been a blessing to me and her dad. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes in the last two weeks and relied on Court for help. She has been our driver, chef and entertainment and we have loved every minute of it. She leaves on Saturday and we are sure to be in mourning for a few days after, I'm sure. OZ is so far from Indiana. But we've had a few family dinners, shopping days, doctor visits together to remember til we are together again. Thanksgiving at Trent and Nina's was wonderful, just wonderful. And we will have a big lasagna dinner before Courtney leaves with all our kiddos too. Have to make as many good memories as possible. Today we are having a "girls' lunch" at the Winery. I have to jump in the shower and get glammed up right now! If that is possible with a black eye, saggy skin and a head full of silver hair.
My Gaggle of Girls is attempting a get-together on Saturday in Indy after I drop Court at the airport. I will need this to help get me through the sadness and I cannot wait to see all my girls again and meet a couple of new little goslings. Nothing like babies to raise the spirit.
Talk to me, Hedy
Friday, November 9, 2012
GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
Hello all,
Stephen King saw Dr. K on Wednesday to get the results from the CT scan. The good news is the liver and pancreas look clear, the bad news is the tumor in his spleen has enlarged alot as ha the lung tumor. He will have a bone scan on Tuesday to assess the bone tumors, since he is having increased back pain. A new regiment of chemotherapy begins on Wednesday morning. So begins The Battle II. The new drug shouldn't cause the hair loss he had with taxol, but might cause nausea, vomiting and blood disorders. He hates to vomit (but who doesn't), and after the last experience isn't thrilled to get started. But he is a good patient and does what the doctor orders.
Another bit of good news- he felt good enough to go coon hunting with his friend Joe last night. He wasn't able to go any last year and has been so excited to hunt this season. Luckily, Hoss and Bruce, the coon dogs, didn't run the hills of Northwest township, but stayed on the few strips of flat, walkable land. They treed a couple of raccoons, barked their lovely barks and returned to the truck to be easily reloaded. Only a 2 hour hunt, but it meant the world to that old man and his dog. They were buddies out on the hunt once again. I do believe Hoss was smiling when they got home, I know Steve was. Of course that outing cost him, his back is really screaming this morning, but he is laughing as he recounts their big adventure to me over our coffee. It is the little things that give us such joy, Ladies, don't forget this. We mustn't wait for the big events, but should enjoy these little moments. Look for the fleeting, sweet snatches of happiness each day. Life is full of them if we keep our eyes and hearts open.
All of the news happened on Stephen King's 67th birthday, by the way. Happy _ing Birthday, huh? But yesterday we celebrated with The Sisters at Hagens, our favorite restaurant on the famed Valley Hill Course. The Sisters are, of course, Steve's four older sisters. For the uninformed, Stephen King is the only boy in a family of six kids and is younger than all but one of them. Certainly the Special Golden child, presented to his father upon his return from WWII. A beautiful red haired wonder, according to his oldest sister who remember his birth as the Second Coming. My in-laws had six kids in seven years, I'm not sure how any birth can be remembered. The girls and Steve have monthly lunches together since they have all retired and look forward to seeing each other and sharing old times. Steve becomes the brunt of lots of jokes when all these girls get together and he loves it. I've always been included as one of the girls in this family from day one. And day one was many, many years ago. In December, we will have been married 46 years. Shocking, I know.
Our family is shaken by the latest development, but not down and out. Mackenzie continues to recover smoothly, Mom continues to decline, life goes on as it should. Courtney and Ken won a tremendous amount of money on a series of horse races in OZ and they are as giggly as children, offering to fly us over (down under?) when her dad feels up to the long voyage. I'm working on passports, but keep dropping the ball and having to start over. So far it has taken me three years and I'm not getting past the entering info stage. We both want to see where Courtney makes her life now, but cannot fully imagine being there. Or flying there, 24 hours inside a metal tube, thousands of feet in the air, at breakneck speed. Yes, Xanax will be in use, and maybe alcohol. We are both inclined to sleep after a glass of wine so maybe it won't be too stressful.
Oh Ladies, the chores are calling, vaccum is sitting in the parlor, laundry is in the basket, I best break up the party and return to my real life. :-). Talk to me.
Love to all.
Stephen King saw Dr. K on Wednesday to get the results from the CT scan. The good news is the liver and pancreas look clear, the bad news is the tumor in his spleen has enlarged alot as ha the lung tumor. He will have a bone scan on Tuesday to assess the bone tumors, since he is having increased back pain. A new regiment of chemotherapy begins on Wednesday morning. So begins The Battle II. The new drug shouldn't cause the hair loss he had with taxol, but might cause nausea, vomiting and blood disorders. He hates to vomit (but who doesn't), and after the last experience isn't thrilled to get started. But he is a good patient and does what the doctor orders.
Another bit of good news- he felt good enough to go coon hunting with his friend Joe last night. He wasn't able to go any last year and has been so excited to hunt this season. Luckily, Hoss and Bruce, the coon dogs, didn't run the hills of Northwest township, but stayed on the few strips of flat, walkable land. They treed a couple of raccoons, barked their lovely barks and returned to the truck to be easily reloaded. Only a 2 hour hunt, but it meant the world to that old man and his dog. They were buddies out on the hunt once again. I do believe Hoss was smiling when they got home, I know Steve was. Of course that outing cost him, his back is really screaming this morning, but he is laughing as he recounts their big adventure to me over our coffee. It is the little things that give us such joy, Ladies, don't forget this. We mustn't wait for the big events, but should enjoy these little moments. Look for the fleeting, sweet snatches of happiness each day. Life is full of them if we keep our eyes and hearts open.
All of the news happened on Stephen King's 67th birthday, by the way. Happy _ing Birthday, huh? But yesterday we celebrated with The Sisters at Hagens, our favorite restaurant on the famed Valley Hill Course. The Sisters are, of course, Steve's four older sisters. For the uninformed, Stephen King is the only boy in a family of six kids and is younger than all but one of them. Certainly the Special Golden child, presented to his father upon his return from WWII. A beautiful red haired wonder, according to his oldest sister who remember his birth as the Second Coming. My in-laws had six kids in seven years, I'm not sure how any birth can be remembered. The girls and Steve have monthly lunches together since they have all retired and look forward to seeing each other and sharing old times. Steve becomes the brunt of lots of jokes when all these girls get together and he loves it. I've always been included as one of the girls in this family from day one. And day one was many, many years ago. In December, we will have been married 46 years. Shocking, I know.
Our family is shaken by the latest development, but not down and out. Mackenzie continues to recover smoothly, Mom continues to decline, life goes on as it should. Courtney and Ken won a tremendous amount of money on a series of horse races in OZ and they are as giggly as children, offering to fly us over (down under?) when her dad feels up to the long voyage. I'm working on passports, but keep dropping the ball and having to start over. So far it has taken me three years and I'm not getting past the entering info stage. We both want to see where Courtney makes her life now, but cannot fully imagine being there. Or flying there, 24 hours inside a metal tube, thousands of feet in the air, at breakneck speed. Yes, Xanax will be in use, and maybe alcohol. We are both inclined to sleep after a glass of wine so maybe it won't be too stressful.
Oh Ladies, the chores are calling, vaccum is sitting in the parlor, laundry is in the basket, I best break up the party and return to my real life. :-). Talk to me.
Love to all.
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