Thursday Thanksgiving

[lucylee]

Good morning, ladies. It's 3:00 a.m. -- where IS everybody???

I'm just kidding. I'm probably a little bit delirious.
I just wanted to let y'all know I'm home, I'm okay... I've shed a few tears and had at least one little tiny panic attack... but I'm okay. Tomorrow will be SUPER busy b/c I want to go to all dmom's appts with her -- cemetery, funeral home, florist, etc. -- so I don't know how much I'll be able to post.

Mainly wanted to tell Kathryn & helia -- PLEASE don't spend one second feeling bad for having such happy times while I'm dealing with such sadness. I know that is a natural feeling, but really, I'm okay. So far, at least...
Actually, I felt guilty b/c we had so many moments of laughter during our trip. We didn't really spend that much time w/dmom & dbro. Just a couple of hours, I guess, but she knew we were there for her, she got a little catch-up time w/dgs, we helped bring home some of her luggage, and of course she appreciated our coming (& ds/family) coming sooo much.
But ds, ddil, and dgs were absolute lifesavers for me. There is no way I could have endured this trip without them. I can't wait to tell you about all the mishaps/etc that came our way and had us all laughing. In spite of everything. And I would catch myself thinking, "I wish I could tell Daddy about this, b/c I can just see him shaking his head, and then laughing with us."

Life is going to be very different... and I do worry about my dmom... but I know dmom is a VERY strong person. Amazingly strong. And she will be okay. God has certainly had His hand on us this long; He's not going anywhere now.

[OKay]

LucyLee - it is good to see you posting. ((((Hugs)))) as you go through the funeral process. My thoughts are with you and DFamily.

I didn't sleep well last night and wasn't ready to get out of bed this morning. However, ready or not.....today is here!

Grabbing a handful of gumption. I'm ready to take on the challenges and opportunities today will bring.

[Lilac]

lucylee, I am so relieved that you are all safely home. lucylee, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. You, yes YOU are showing amazing strength. I am so proud of you and I know that your ddad is looking down from heaven and feeling the same way!

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Lucylee: Welcome home! I'm glad there was so much laughter, it is as much a part of the healing process as crying and all of our 'grieving' has had much laughter involved. I've always wondered why media presents the time following a death as quiet, tearful, or angry but doesn't include the laughter part of it. It leaves first time mourners feeling a bit guilty about the levity.

Enjoy the laughter and enjoy the stories that you'll be hearing and sharing over the next few days.

I'm up now after being in bed 8.5 hours. Have to really get moving because there is no breakfast at this hotel. I guess I just assumed I'd have breakfast food with me, but we used the stuff we left with before we crossed the border and knew we'd get breakfast yesterday so didn't buy anything. At least I still have a small milk leftover from yesterday's breakfast so I can have my milk and chocolate.

Since we have to be dressed and hair dried before going back to Bob Evans for breakfast, I need to get into the shower now. Dh is doing his floor exercises but I think I might skip mine and do them tonight while doing laundry (the hotel has free machines.) I will get a walk this morning before it gets too hot.

Yes, it is going to be hot here and it is sunny here. Dh and I are all powerful good-weather gods!

[Twins' Mom]

Lucylee, I'm also glad that you're safely back home and in good spirits. Yes, it will be a long day so you're smart to rest up. So thankful you have good memories of this trip and the time w your family.

I made a li%t last night for today and am still adding stuff to it. Ds is up and about and has a job interview this afternoon. Dh has pulled some strings and he has a summer job but this is his "interview." He's doesn't know that he has the job....

-Breakfast
-meds
-into clothes, brush teeth, etc.
-walk ddogs
-clear kitchen counters

Kathryn, it's clear that your weather-fu extends over a wide area - we're supposed to have a high of 82 today. Are you sure you don't want to go to the beach with us?

[Lynlee]

Lucylee - I'm so glad you are home safely , and that your family has pulled together to help your dMother's household while she was away. Praying for y'all these next few days of busyness.

Kathryn - smiling as you bring the sun to your travels. tc.

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Off to breakfast now. With wet hair but it will dry by the time I get to the restaurant.

[Twins' Mom]

Going again....
-make the bed
-clean out my car of stuff that doesn't go to the beach
-see if the young man in neighborhood can take care of the ddogs Friday night and Sat
-email A one of the usual dog sitters who will be here beginning on Sat p.m.
-refill meds and get out my computer bag

I'm thinking I should leave here by a little before noon to go get dmom. Maybe just a little earlier to stop at bank for dog sitter cash.

[Nancy]

Seeing the title of this thread reminds me that I need to start doing a gratitude list in my May journal.
I'm thankful for some progress today.
I have done chicken chores this morning.
H. grilled steaks for dinner last night yummy!
I've done the chicken chores.
I need to get busy on a few things as I'm moving a bit slower today.
Kids are here ~ short day tomorrow.

[Lilac]

I am working on a walkin closet. I am still battling a cold. So while I spent time bent over dragging stuff out, the congestion backed up or drained in my throat (TMI sorry) and I have a choking sensation. I am drinking a cup of tea, hoping that will help, somehow.

We had a storm last night. 70 mph winds, small hail and heavy rain. The rain measured less than inch, but sure seemed like more. Dd2 called and said they lost their trampoline. They can see it far away in a field, crumpled up. Her dh said they received a lot more rain at the farm, so he will gladly replace the trampoline to have that much moisture.

My daunts surgery went well. They did a triple bypass and she is off the ventilator.

Back to the closet..................