When The Lilacs Bloom

When spring arrives in Oklahoma my lilacs bloom.

I have three. Sadly I can't see them from any windows.

Before the pool opens we have the most beautiful backyard.

We have two Redbuds that bloom a pinky purple color,
(I have no idea how they got the name red),

a yellow forsythia,a fruitless plum that has beautiful pinky purple blooms,and several almost 100 year old purple Iris's. But the thing that gets me out the door? The three lilacs.

Well, really just one of them.

Lilacs were my mom's favorite flowers. At the house across the street that I grew up in there was an amazing lilac bush. It was right outside the back door and it was a show stopper. That was one of the saddest things to leave behind when we moved. Where it was is now a great room so it has been lost. But at our second house in the neighborhood my mom bought and planted a lilac. When we moved back and bought this house the owners of moms old one called and asked if we'd like to have it. Thank goodness for a small town and family friends. It ended up in our front flower bed. After a few years I moved it to the back right behind the girls swing set. I wanted it to be enjoyed when in full bloom. The girls love to play outside as soon as spring has sprung and they see it in all its glory. McKinley was 5 1/2 months old when my mom died so none of my girls knew her. But they have a little part of her with them when they're playing.

Today I was having an emotional day. Going through the MRI and ultrasound made me have my mom on my mind. As I pulled into the garage I saw the lilac peeking over the brick wall. I went to it and just breathed in its beauty. And yes, I got a little teary. I snapped one of the prettiest blooms off and put it in one of my favorite vases. And then I knew I had to share its beauty with all of you.

Treasure the people in your life. And once they are gone, treasure the little things left behind that spark the wonderful memories. And breath in the sweet fragrance.

Thanks to my sweet McKinley for the first three pictures:c)

Curve Ball

You know how life throws you curve balls? Well, I thought the whole Easter Debacle was mine.

Then I got an even bigger one.

I lost my mom to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. She lost her mother to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. Five of my grandmothers sisters have had breast cancer. One has survived. Wish you were me? Didn't think so.

When I had a breast reduction three years ago at the age of 34 my plastic surgeon was shocked that I hadn't started getting mammograms. I told him that every year when I went to the gynecologist I would ask when I needed to start them. He would always say at age 40. I would then remind him of my family history and he'd still say 40. The plastic surgeon told me it was absolutely necessary to have one before the reduction to get my baseline. As I checked out the cashier mentioned that my insurance probably wouldn't pay because I wasn't 40 yet. When I told why I'd started she said that still wasn't enough reason for my insurance. She then asked if I had breast cancer in my family. I let her in on the 411. She said she'd have a doctor call me. When the head doctor called she asked if I'd like to join their study group. I of course said yes. Well, because of an insurance change shortly after that it wasn't possible. But I went again for my mammogram the next year I was asked again. The doctor assured me she would convince my insurance.

And she did.

Yesterday was the day for my first MRI. I have that once a year and six months later a mammogram. A week out I was thinking it was a simple climb in the tube and lie still MRI. But then I got a letter from them. I had to have an IV. Yuck. I am not an easy stick and I hate needles. I always get through it, but it's not my favorite thing. So I went in a little jittery. I had two wonderful nurses who put me at ease and after three different tries in three different places I finally had an IV. Oh, and blood drawn. That hadn't been in the letter. Because they were inserting dye into me they had to check my kidneys to make sure they could get the dye out. I passed with flying colors. I went into the MRI and spent 28 minutes listening to muffled music and horrendous startling sounds. Those things are so annoying! I did like that this one (compared to one I had on my wrist) had me lying on my stomach. It was a lot like a massage table with a hole for my head. But I've never seen a massage table with boobie holes:c)

Four hours after my appointment I got a phone call from the radiologist. That can't be good. She said there was an area that worried her. It was only my first MRI! They weren't supposed to find anything! I guess they didn't know that. She said she wanted do an ultrasound to check it out. She then asked when I was available. Hello? I would run there if needed as soon as possible. Luckily they had an 8:30 appointment today.

I'd put on Facebook that I was having an MRI and I was worried I was overwhelmed with 13 comments from friends and family supporting me. Five hours later when I put that I had to go for an ultrasound on a questionable area I had 25 comments saying they'd be praying for me. I went to bed last night with such a peace about a situation that should have had me freaked completely out. I know it was the sweet people lifting me in prayer.

This morning I was thrilled to report that I have a fatty deposit wrapped around scar tissue from my reduction. Can I get an Amen for fat?? I've never been so happy to have a fat problem! I was shocked to have 39 likes and comments on my 'All Clear!' status. I have been in tears so much in the last 33 hours and it hasn't been because I've been scared or worried, it's been because of the outpouring of love I have felt. From my Aunt Marcia who sent a text almost as soon as I posted something, to my aunt and grandmother who called as I was driving to the ultrasound...the friend who whispered across the room during a meeting today that she'd woken up at 2:45 and started praying for me...and the friend I ran into at Hobby Lobby who said she'd been so relieved to read that it wasn't bad....I have been carried. I can never thank the people in my life enough. I'd be lost without them.

And to the sweet friends here who commented on my Easter Debacle posts, thank you. I am still overdoing it daily but that's because this is the busiest time of year for me. But each night around 7 I am able to sit down and completely relax and take care of it. I am also anticipating an uneventful weekend that should be just what the doctor ordered.

Hopefully tomorrow we will return to our regularly scheduled funny, picture filled posts. If there are any more curve balls headed my way I plan to duck. Just hope I don't get goosed.

Love you all!

The Easter Debacle Part 2

So where did we leave off? Oh, that's right, I'm a big klutz. That's where we were. So here we go.

I woke up Easter morning not sure if I could pull off getting three girls ready and myself. I had no idea how I was going to shower, let alone shave my legs. I decided though that it was Easter. I had to go. I survived my shower and with Walter at my side I woke everyone up and got everyone out the door on time. That hardly ever happens even when I'm not injured. Shawn dropped us off at the closest door to our seats and I set out to prove I could use crutches. I did fine on the slight incline leading into the sanctuary, but then I hit the angled floor. Our sanctuary is high in the back and has a slow decline down to the altar. Having crutches on two different ground levels is hard! Still, I made it and we had a wonderful service. But then I had to leave again. Ugh. I was never so happy to see my car. The rest of the day was spent swapping between the crutches and Walter and I crashed into bed that night.

Monday morning I knew I couldn't go for a run but my running partner had said she'd do the treadmill and I planned to do machines. I worked out my arms hard. I usually do 30 reps of everything, instead I did 60. I refused to gain weight like I did when I had my broken coccyx. I was so proud of myself and started out of the gym with a big smile on my face. But then I got about 10 crutch lengths out of the door and realized my arms were quivering. Well, actually, they were trembling. A good arm workout was not the best idea I'd ever had. The workout was followed a few hours later with a trip to my doctor where I parked in Texas and had to get in the door. I think I should have fought one of the old people for a handicapped spot. As I got out of the car I had no idea what to do with my purse. I put it up on my shoulder but then the crutch wouldn't fit. Then I decided to just leave it in the car. But I didn't think I had enough pockets for my lip gloss, id, credit card, cell phone, and the magazine I brought. I know, high maintenance. I finally decided that I could just hold it in my hand and still grasp the crutch grip. That worked for exactly one step. Since I don't carry the lightest purse it really affected my balance. Good grief I'm a hot mess, aren't I?

My doctor took more x-rays and agreed with the 'tweaked' part. But he told me to walk on it as soon as possible. My arms were grateful to hear that and so were the countless bruises my legs had from Walter.

So today, even though I stayed home the whole time, I walked. I do miss the freshly vacuumed look in the carpet that Walter leaves though. I loaded the dishwasher, did laundry, and centrally located all the Easter decorations from around the house. And I also took a nap. Don't tell. I've found out that my pain pills keep me awake. I took half of one last night at 9 and got in bed at 11. By 1:30 I was still ready to party. No one but Jackie 'O' was willing to play though.

So tomorrow will be the test. I have a M.R.I. at noon (on a different body part), a post office run, shopping to do for an upcoming auction, stuff to pick up from a friend who is donating to my garage sale, musical practice for two of the girls, and dinner to cook. I plan to walk as much as possible but will have the crutches to help out if needed. I just hope my arms will understand.

This tweaky foot is really putting a cramp in my normal life. Anyone else out there ever had tweaked tendons that can offer words of advice? Or can offer advice on how better to use crutches? The ER nurse told me that if my armpits hurt I was doing it wrong. I honestly don't know how I could do anything different. I'm moving my body from one point to the other on metal sticks. How can that be done any differently?

Send advice. Send help. Send someone to do my chores. Or just send well wishes and prayers. I'll take anything I can get!

The Easter Debacle

Can we just pause a moment and take in the fact that this is my 500th post??

Wow.

Okay, let's move on.

I made the Easter candy, ingredients for dinner, present run Friday night. While I was gone Shawn and four girls set up the tents in the backyard. Kennedy's friend Emma was the fourth. I unloaded and put away all the gifts and groceries and sat down for a 30 minute break and Facebook time. I was trying to decide on a status, because I do that you know, and finally decided on...'is the Easter Bunny. Shhhh, don't tell.' As I typed that I realized, I was in the house alone and it was a decent hour, why not fill the eggs? I always end up doing it on Saturday evening, close to midnight, after cooking and cleaning all day long. I know, I'm a genius. I ran upstairs to grab them out of the attic, pausing only a moment to be upset that there were 50 swimsuits spread across the floor. Since I was alone I didn't have any lights on but I know my house so well (I've been in it since I was 7) that I wasn't worried. As I came to the last stair I started falling. I'd thought I was on the last step, but instead I was one from the end. As I fell I somehow tucked my left foot under because as I landed it was on the top of it. I basically tried to touch the back of my toes to my heel. Yes, a little foot taco. I instantly started crying and rolling around on the floor holding my leg. When I finally composed myself I realized the house phone and my cell phone were in the den. Two rooms and two stairs away. I started crawling. It took me 10 minutes to crawl in there and get up on the couch. I called Shawn in the backyard (Thank the good Lord for cell phones) and told him I needed a nurse. While I waited for him to get in I started filling the eggs. What else was I going to do?

It took us about an hour to decide that it was a good idea to go to the ER. Since it was a big weekend where I had a lot to do, I really couldn't wait until Monday to see my regular doctor.

Now, who to call to come over to take care of the girls? We usually call my Aunt Janis but it was 1 am and we knew she wouldn't be up to crawling into the tent. So, wake up the girls and bring them in, or find someone else. That's when I thought of my cousin Tyler. He never sleeps. He was over in about 20 minutes and we were off. A funny thing about Tyler being there. We thought the girls wouldn't even notice that he spent two and a half hours out there. But the next morning Emma told everyone that a teenage boy had crawled into the other tent, stayed a while, and then crawled out and Shawn got back in. I couldn't believe she hadn't freaked out and started screaming! Guess she wasn't completely awake.

We were taken into the hospital quickly and waited for the doctor. When I explained what had happened he asked if I'd heard a pop or snap when I fell. I told him all I'd heard was about 100 eggs hitting the floor. When I told him I was training for a half marathon he said we should hope my foot was broken because breaks heal faster than tendon damage. After eight x-rays he came in with his head down and told me it wasn't broken. I've never been so disappointed to hear something wasn't broken. But my tendons aren't torn or twisted...they're 'tweaked'. That was his term. I was sent home with pain pills and crutches. By 4 I was tucked into bed with a buzz and an ice pack.

The next morning I started planning my attack on the day. I had to make almost all the food so that I could just pop it in the oven after church. With help from Shawn and Kennedy I was able to make something, take a break, and start again. I had a kitchen chair next to me to put my leg on but I still had quite a bit of pain. I'd work as long as I could and then go ice. Shawn vacuumed and ran every little errand I asked him to. Halfway through the day Reagan's teacher showed up with Walter. Walter saved Easter. I felt it deserved a name since it was so wonderful. Walter the Wheely Cart. Thank you Cindy! I love him!But, so do the girls. He's not always where I leave him. The crutches are also a hit. Kennedy climbed into bed with me Saturday morning and asked what had happened, hugged me, told me she loved me, and asked if I got to keep the crutches after I was better. I had to laugh.

So with Walter, my family, and those blasted crutches, I survived Easter. But what has all this taught me? My lifelong procrastination habit could have saved me all this struggle. If I'd just stayed on the couch and not decided to fill the eggs, I would have been fine. That's a life lesson right there folks. No cost to you.

Tomorrow, what I've learned about myself and life while hobbling around. I'm sure you all are on the edge of your seats:c)

My Easter Favorites

Pictures you will NOT be seeing-Anything that involves my countless chins.


Coming tomorrow-The Easter Bunny Debacle