What are friends for

A good friend of mine, Joyce, came to visit yesterday and reminded me that I had not written in my blog since January.   Joyce is an author and writer and we have been good friends since 1983.   I took writing from her once a week when I was in Houston and recently reread some of that work and must say I impressed myself.   Joyce uses prompts to help you think and gather your thoughts around the prompt.  One of the prompts we discussed during her visit was a time that changed your life and then what values were a part of that time.   We discussed creativity and courage and for the life of me I can't remember the third one.  However that is what friends are for.   They remind you of times shared and to stay true to yourself.  I think I decided that the changes in my life took "courage".

We are awaiting the arrival of little Cole in about 2 weeks. Cooper went to big brother class last week and Ashley and Matt are doing a great job of making him feel a part of the whole process.  Cooper has such a great little personality and we can hardley wait to meet Cole and see what he is like.  I hope that Cooper and Cole will be great friends.

Wow! Where has the time gone?

I can't believe how long it has been since my last entry into this blog.   The time was spent recuperating from the heart surgery and then in August a Pacemaker.   After that I have been going to cardiac therapy and I must say that exercise is an amazing thing and has helped me recover and be more like my old self.  Of course Cooper is a big part of recuperating.   For instance today he and his dad kept playing pirate and Coop would run into my lap and ask me to save him from the pirate.  Of course I would say get out of here pirate.   Leave us alone.   The wonderful part is holding him.   I remember right before Mom died that she said she wished I was little so she could hold me again.   I think I now know what she meant and what a wonderful feeling it is to hold the little guy. Happy New Year!!!

Getting Old is Not for Sissys

Many thoughts going through my mind after coming home from surgery.   They took good care of me in the hospital.  Was there for 7 days.  I really like my doctors and enjoyed the many personalities of the nursing staff.   I often found myself practicing my consulting and communication skills. I even offered to do Laughter Yoga one night at midnight.   The real eye opener though was the warm feelings from family and friends.   I know the surgery room was full of angels and I could feel them.   Am slowly progressing and can really appreciate what folks who have heart surgery go through.

I also appreciate what it means to have a caring wonderful family.  I hope my grandchildren appreciate their parents and can someday return the care and love they gave them.   It is a great feeling to feel your son's strong arms help you out of bed or a chair.

Heart Surgery is finally here!

After 3 months of waiting tomorrow is the day.
They say it will be easy because I'm fit and ready.
Am I scared? just a little, but with so many prayers and
a wonderful family I know I am safe.
I know the operating room will be full of Angels making
sure the docs and nurses are on and that my heart is steady
and ready to be repaired.
Can't wait to feel better and can really play with Cooper Lee
and will be great to go here and there with the family.
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah!!

Cousins are the Best!

Last night one of Cooper's cousins Hill spent the night with us.   Hill is about 10 years older than Cooper and is a wonderful role model for Cooper.   He will forge the way to Camp Longhorn  every summer,  show what it's like to play basketball and football, and give Cooper someone older than him to look up to.  He also has Mary Ella who shows him love and tenderness see their picture below.   Hank will be a great friend almost his age.   We can only imagine the trouble they will get into since they will probably be in the same grade.

My Dad had eleven brothers and sisters so you can imagine the number of cousins I grew up with.  I think this is where I learned all about community.  Every year we would all gather in New Jersey and have so much fun growing up together.  It is wonderful that Cooper will have a similar experience and so many pals to share life and laughter with.

Even if I can't see you, you can still see me

It's funny how little children hide and think that you can't see them because they can't see you.  Yet their feet hang out from the pillows covering them up or you see the top of their hair over their blanket.  Sometimes I wonder if we don't play the same game with ourselves.   Thinking we can cover up and not be seen.   One gift we can give others is to let them know we see them and it's ok.

Watching How to Train a Dragon

Last night Cooper and I watched How to Train a Dragon.   It is your basic story about a little boy whose father has dreams for him to kill dragons and be a fierce viking but the little boy has other ideas about dragons.  Of course he eventually wins the day and his father excepts him for who he is.   I think the big lesson of the movie is how important it is for grandparents to accept their children and grandchildren for who they are not what you think they ought to be.   I think this is especially important when you are all living together.  You have a lot to learn from each other and I feel like I am learning a lot.  Am thankful for this opportunity.