R.S.D. Awareness

  If you have anything orange in your wardrobe, please put it on today.  We are walking in Peachtree City tonight to raise awareness for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.  It's a misfire of the sympathetic nerve and causes a pain like a blow torch.  It's as though barbed wire were wrapped around your body.  Even the brush of your clothing can cause excruciating pain.  
  My sister-in-law has RSD.  Sometimes it's all over pain and sometimes it's reserved to her extremities.  She has to wear a boot on her left leg all the time just to walk.  It kills me to watch the pain in her eyes.  She hides the pain so well that sometimes I forget she has any issues.  She is amazing.  I am so proud to walk for this disease today.  Please put something orange on today!!!

I could really use your help!

  My sister-in-law Lucille has lived on a pretty rough path.  14 Januaries ago, her dad had a heart attack.  She and her sister left the hospital to run home and grab a quick shower.  She lived in a cabin on Mount Pisgah.  The steps aren't quite normal they are probably a foot or more tall and just a couple inches deep.  She ran and played on these steps for her whole life but on this particular day, she ran up and dislocated her knee cap.  Life was never the same.
  She spent a very long time in the hospital.  She gained 90 pounds in just a couple months.  She was bound to her hospital bed.  She couldn't even touch her lower leg without excruciating pain.  She was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).  It is a problem with the sympathetic nerve that confuses touch for awful pain.  She finally went home and lived in a hospital bed.  She eventually got to a point where she could reasonably ride in a wheel chair.  When I met her in 2004 she was using crutches.  By the time she walked down the isle to marry Keith, she was free of her crutches.  If ever you feel like you can't achieve something, think of Cille.  She has never given up this fight.
  She deals with this burning pain every day of her life.  Looking at her, I see a caring, loving, helpful, amazing woman who would do anything for ANYONE.  Beneath her clothing she faces a blow torch.  She is constantly in pain.  She has attempted many different types of pain management.  Some work better than others but nothing takes it away.
  This weekend, there is a walk for RSD awareness in New York City.  Cille, Keith, Kerri, Jill and I were going to meet there and take the walk.  Cille has since had many other terrible medical problems and is unable to make the trip.  Keith has been working around the clock to make sure we can still walk for RSD but a little closer to home.  Keith and I have not raised any money just yet because we didn't know if we would be going.
  We have a chance to make a difference for everyone facing RSD(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy).  Please stop by my fundraising site and support us as we walk to raise awareness for RSD.  Maybe the right doctor with the right technology will hear about it and be able to make a difference.  With your help we can make a difference for our Lucille!!!
  Thank you for taking your time to read about my Cheese.

Good Bye Old Friend

Pablo was the greatest dog I have EVER owned.  Brian gave him to me in October, 2000 for a birthday gift.  I wanted a puppy and this fur ball was available and in need of a new home.  The family who first owned him called him Gizmo and did not appreciate him.  They had kids who poured glue and paint on him.  They were going to put him down because he was so mean.  I had him for six months before I ever heard him bark.  Mean was the last word I would use when describing this dog.  He was so cool.  He never needed a leash.  He has always been VERY loyal.  

We had to put him down today.  It was a decision that did NOT come lightly and is killing me now.  I gave him one last bath this morning.  He was such a good bather.  Every groomer we ever took him to gloated about his fabulous behavior.  When he was brushed and dry I asked Michael if he wanted to say good bye and we had a good cry together.  He understands that Pablo is going to Heaven to live with Jesus.  When the deed was done, we buried him in the back yard.  Before we put him in the ground we wrapped him in a towel.  Michael said, "Are you wrapping him up?"  I said "Yes Honey."  He then said the sweetest, most understanding thing I think I've ever heard from a 5 year old, "Is God going to unwrap him?"  That broke my heart all over again.  

  Then tonight he cried a little more before falling asleep.  I assured him that it is COMPLETELY okay to cry.  Pablo was an amazing dog and we were blessed to find him.  It doesn't matter what you go by, Fat Guy, Pabs, Pablo, Fatman, we just loved you and will never forget what a wonderful, loyal friend you have been.  Thank you for falling in love with us.  

I love you.  

Good bye. 

What a Big Dude!!!

While driving to the 'bus, I looked back and saw this. Carter was "reading" aloud from this coloring book. This makes me so proud. I've never been much of a reader but we make sure to read to the boys every single night. It seems to be working. :•)