CLUB SAMMICH CAFE©: Health and wellness

My Heart is Captured By A Tiny Hero

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:56:19 GMT

As I wrote about last night was the Kickoff for the Light The Night Walk. Its always a celebration of life and those who are totally touched(hate that word) or love someone with a form of Blood Cancer.
The stories often bring tears to my eyes and its not a bad thing. Its a stiff reminder of what these diseases bring to the person with the it but a huge reminder of what it brought to me as well as my family.
I am still in awe by some stories and I know the stories don't end with one meeting with the word remission they will last a whole life time for all of us.
Last night I sat with Jennifer and Scott Wise. Two very special parents. Their children are Audra and Max. They are both adorable they captured my heart in a total of 2 seconds flat. Audra a blond beauty and Max a charming dark eyed boy, with a that stoled my heart.

Every year the Leukemia Lymphoma Society our Chapter here in Michigan chooses a Honored Hero . This year it is Max Wise. His story is not only his but his Families.

In talking to his Mom and Dad. I learned a lot in short time. But what amazed me most is that Max is adopted from Guatemala, two days later his Parents were told he was a very sick little boy with a rare from of Leukemia. Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia. His spleen was very enlarged and other then that he was a very normal eight and half month old baby. No other signs of illness. That was in March of 2006.
As the story goes it was a long journey to this point. Alex, received a bone marrow transplant. Umbilical Cord due to no donor available.

As of today right here in now Alex is a healthy three year old little boy. But his struggles were long and hard to get to this point. He is currently in remission an awaiting two years cancer free.:)

Alex is still dealing with graft host disease and skin problems due to his transplant. All and all he is doing well.

With the help of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. His family was helped and supported during his journey. His form of leukemia (JMML) is very rare . So his parents looked to the Society and to help find treatment along with the Doctors here.

As I sat in this room last night looking at Alex and his Family. I was blessed. I was also reminded of the importance of what the Society does for him and myself. As well as our Families. I was reminded sitting there that we are part of the Society and its Mission.

Roy and I walked out refreshed in our Purpose and what things can be done to help those like us.

I know many will get bored not comment cause I sound like a broken record on this subject. But sometimes part of the journey is fueled with passion for change. Thats where I seem to be in my journey.

To day I am Joining Alex's Army combining Gram's Camp(my team). In support of Alex and his Family.

More later...Hug and Prayers Hope
Ps. Picture to come of Alex. I was once a Honored Hero for Team In Training. It was one of the best honors I have ever had. Alex is pretty young to know what all the hoopla is about. But I am here to say...his story is a big motivator for me today.

Watching out for each other.

Tue, 30 May 2006 19:51:22 GMT

Another Hot one here in Michigan..but I hear some rolling thunder and see clouds building in the sky.
Getting pretty dark out there at this point.
Keeping an eye on the Hubby while he is out there in this heat trying to finish cutting the lawn. Its just to hot out not to watch out for each othere and over doing it in this heat.
We had a nice lunch out at Red Lobster..haven't done that in sometimes.
Also I had a melt down with this Wedding coming up. Maybe other Moms and Dads.. Understand some of the emotional part of it. I am waiting for my dress to be delivered to the bridal salon. My dress is the only one not in and its 5 weeks away.
So I was amping out about that. I want to get that all tied up and not wait till the day of her last fitting to have my stuff done the same day..I don't know why its bothering me so bad but it is..Maybe its just to much on my plate..So I lost it. I just want to get the small things tied up so I don't have to think about them the final two weeks..Call me crazy!!
So I got it out had a good cry about it. I don't know all the kids are moving out all at once..I am not sure if that is the real issue or what. Maybe just all of it combined.
I am glad they are all happy and just like there lifes.
Something I lost over the past few years was wanting everything perfect..or close to it.. It went out the window. when I got sick the last time..Now I am slipping in to that again U GH!!
I see myself wanting in all perfect for the wedding.
And I know I can only do what I can do no more then that. UGH
The limits will hit me right in the face I am so sure of it.
So its trying not to over do and get things done when I can.
It hit me today ..That I need one place for the photographer to come and take pictures prior to the wedding. Somewhere inside if the weather stinks and out if its nice out.
So we got two plans now. The question is and this was it physically could I deal with it.
We got a plan that if by next week its to much. The Boys will help us get the yard and patio in better shape for pictures. out there. I can do some of that little by little ..The patio is covered..So as much time as our Bride spends out there ..Its a perfect place rain or shine when plants and things are fixed.
But also the space is so limited in this house...So called a few friends who can help me out to do some extra deep cleaning..So I got my crew in place..Thank good ness for those willing to help.
So my melt down is ended with a Plan. Thank Goodness!!
So I guess the thought of the day. Is there are those out there willing to help when we get in a pinch if we just ask them to. Its hard to ask..but if we do..They come to our aide and do what we need to help and raise us up.
Thank goodness for them.
Anyway I am off ..My arm is really giving me a run for my money. Guessing I am in need of another steroid shot. but trying to put that off..cause I don't want them saying I have to be on oral predisone again..Hate that crap with a passion.
And want to feel good in other aspects for the wedding.
So I guess timing is everything here on when we see the doctor. Who said today give it a week if its not better then let me know. Between the arthritis and neuropathy theres a debate which is the biggest hassle at this point.
Plus I can't do much for the day I get it and the day after due to the nerve issue. So thats the scoop on that..
So its a great life you do not weaken.
It was determined by us today ..one garden out back will become a rock garden...Its already the angel garden back there ..but can't keep up with it..So rock is the answer around the perenials, pots and hangers for the rest.. Less weeding and up keep this way..Works for me..and Him to.
So the Boys will get that done for Fathers day to.
Anyway Its time for a siesta!!
Part of the plan as well daily from now on .
Have a great day Everyone.
Always, Hope

What would you do?

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:35:02 GMT

*What would you
attempt to do, if you knew
you could not fail?*
Dr Robert Schuller

Giving that some thought I think there would be a few things I would try.But I couldn't come up with just one. What would you do?

Maybe I would write a book...or market my photography..or even market my jewelry. I think we all could come up with something..if we knew we would do minus failure at it.
But I can't help but think if we take away failing..there go the lessons we learn in life.
I tend to think we do lots of things well.
But not failing and getting it perfect..is pretty special when it happens.

Lots to do today and will have fight the energy cruch ..I can feel it already ..I am zapped..So will do what I can and the rest will be here.
Unfortunatly it doesn't grow legs and walk off. To bad to!!! LOL

Well I am off to see where my day takes me!! Beautifull bright day here in Michigan...chilly but sunny . Spring is in the air..and I see some daffodils popping through out there and buds on the honey suckle bush.
So won't be long and it will be nice out side.

Gotta run...lots to do while the energy lasts!!!
Where are the those batteries that the energizer bunny has..lol
I need a boat load of em...!!!

Go out and have a great day!!! Its there for the taking!!

Boy I am sure tired..but love the fresh air.

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 01:00:04 GMT

Whew. I am tired tonight, Last night we went for the fitting on the Wedding dress.. So that was fun..She also decided finally on very plain veil just for the back of the head. So I was h appy. That was a fun trip. And she was happy cause she lost weight where she needed to.
I tried on my dress..ugh lol Now thats another story..Oh well gotta recall that I am still here and thats not a issue.So I will wait till the end of April for an adjustment,
Also Hubby has a bit of sick days that need using before retirement in Sept ( one way I m excited on this the other I am concerned with one still in college) So, anyways we took a day, and got the hall for the shower all worked out..Thank goodness ..now I can relax a bit..Whew!!!
Then we took a drive to the Metro Park as I have been wanting some photographs of swans or a swan..Well I got them.
Also I used my new camera not a canon pentex or nikon..A friend in a camera shop told me about this Kodak Z740 and he had one for cheap..I should say what I could afford for now..with everything going on. Anyway I was looking for a 10XZOOM and a few other things and this fit the bill. It has a RETINAR Aspheric All Glass Lens 38-380 mm. (Eqiv) AF 10X Zoom. So far the 175 photos I have taken I am happy with..I can add to what I have with lens, adapters and filters.
Later on when I want to and didn't pay an arm a leg and first born for it. And it does the job.
I took 175 photos today and so far am happy with it.
The only problem I see is some of the soft ware..which I knew about. It interfers with a few other programs so I removed it.
Anyway the swans are new as of today and more will add to this file over the next few days.
We came home and made some dinner..and other then that we are now just goofing off..Watching Red Wing and San Jose on the tube..
GO WINGS!!
Have a great night Everyone.

Life 105

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 04:53:39 GMT

Okay I haven't written the past few days cause my mood is in the toilet so to speak. Last weeks doctors visit pretty much left me up in the air once again. I got a big med change and trying to work through it..UGH!!
You know what they say *Better Living with Pharmacuticals..lol
Anyway...Thanks for the comments on my photos here...I really appreciate the feed back on them.
Oh and I have to say I got a post from a new person tonight..who has never posted here..Do vote for a certian person for *Whats Your STory*
I had to chuckle as I was way ahead of the person and posted a vote long before they posted here. But not for that person they choose or wanted me to vote for.
Think that takes nerve to post in a Space you have never posted in past and expect others to do so.
People are so wierd.
Also Anyone out there know anything about the RSS feed in MSN Space.. Just wondering ???
Anyway I am off...I am wiped out totally Hugs

Thats Life

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 17:21:46 GMT

Well everyone else is a work. Wishing I was. No seriously I do but I know its not possible right now.
Anyway I am not sure whats going on as I type this my foot is just huge.. no injury to it.. I have athritis in the ankle and no cartilage left there..an lovely little thing . So I am thinking thats part of it although with rest and elivation..its not going down. Oh and a good dose of Napoxen. The only thing I can think is that I did the dorm steps twice to the third floor aggrivated it to no end. No elevator..Can you believe it!! Oh there is one just gotta walk a mile to get a key ..So refusing I am handicapped...I did the steps..
Besides that thing in the car that hangs off the mirror..lol is due to rads to the head..not my feet or anything..And still I refuse to see that as a handicap at this point.
Anyway.. so I am just sitting with the darn thing up icing for now.
Went to a few photography sites to read on depth of color and focal points. How to better some things in my photographs. I sent on photo of a bunch of colored bikes in the snow which I will post.. They.gave me a very harsh critique on it. Stating they saw no focal point.
Title simply is Colors In Snow.
It was taken in a inpound lot. where my son car was taken. Where they towed his care after an accident. I did a u turn hopped outta the car to take it. Its so hard to see something of color sitting in snow that strikes us. So thats why I took it.
the color of all the bikes in the fresh snow jumped out at me.
Anyway I am off for a Jog Blog.

* Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots.*
steve martin

A Quote

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 03:08:26 GMT

*A great pleasure in life is doing what people say can't be done.*

unknown

Its been a long day I had hoped to get a lots taken care of..Oh well.

Anyway if anyone out there is dealing with aging parents..Its getting to be a tough deal..With my health issues.

I was suppose to go help and do a few things for them to day..Woke up and am in one hell of a flair not sure whats up.But either the arthitis or the neuropathy..Kicking my butt big time. I was up working till late here getting my things done..In hopes to help them today.But ended up in bed till 11 this morning.

Basically. needed to stay home and take care of me today.And I don't do that very often..but it was a must today.

The ironic thing is being remission means everything is okay in my parents eyes. Basically that is tough cause its not and its a battle I gotta deal with daily...No compassion their parts either about it.

I guess I just don't get it .

Anyway here I am wanting to help them and no compassion in return..after doing it forevern no matter what

So I am ready to hit the fudge brownies..big time...and drowned my sorrows.. Bet i t only works for five minutes.

Oh well such as life..its good it goes on cause its :

*It's Always Something!*

Hope ya had a great day

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 23:55:34 GMT

Hope Everyone had a great day.

After Hubby had to work five days in a row.

Yup he was gone when we got the good news on my cat scan. So, today I went to pick him up at the fire hall.

We came back home and had to deal with this federal student loan baloney..Grrr its so frustrating on the computer. Then I find out there is a problem on the already summitted form...So I got a email and I call the federal hot line.

The lady there was great after two hours on the phone she helped me deal with a security issue on the website and find where the issue was..on my summitted forms. What a trip!!

Then I find out they give the Kids at the University the date of Feb 15 but the actual date is March 30th when it has to be in..to the Unveristy and Federally processed by June of 2006.

So here I am totally stressing out about getting this done and didn't have to.

The other issue..Is I reported how hard it is for those with impairments to complete the forms online in 3o minutes..

So I did get some things accomplish in the two hours.

Also now I have wait 3 to 5 days to re summit things due to the error I made..But its straight now thanks to Robin at the gov edu office Federal Aid...Awsome Lady!!

Then the Hubby is so sweet..brings me chocolates and says lets go to lunch...Tells me no roses this year..But who cares I am happy with all this good news lately..

So what does this man do ...He tells me he wants to stop at the Fruit Market on the way to lunch...for carrots ..I was like okay no problem!!! I wanted a few things..

He was kidding he is driving there and where does the man go..but to the jewelry store...I was like no darn way ..He is like well it is Valentines Day and that equates *karets!* So that was kinda sweet!

So he wanted me to have a special gift due to a clean test and the hard fight lately....So he had picked out a pretty necklace with rainbow topaz on it and that is what he had waiting for us to pick up. Wrapped all fancy.

Such a great gesture.

Then we went on our way to lunch at the local resturant called Waves.

Then we pretty much goofed off for the day...Its been great..I am just hoping he isn't in store for another long five days again..that is really hard.

As all the Kids were here for the weekend..and he really misses that and the family time.

Anyway I am off

Hugs and Prayers

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 00:06:27 GMT

Today I woke up at almost noon. Hubby had an off day so.

So we decided to take up an offer of a friend for a few hours in their hot tub. Which was great.

I was really trying not to talk about these tests and I was about busting at the seams about it.

As Always my Hubby adds the balence to what I need to hear and see for the day...He reminds me I am not in charge ..just the passenger.That he has faith in the Man upstairs to pull us to to where we need to be.

Honestly I am so darn lucky...how can I argue with that.

I kinda felt punky today residule of the prep..but things are looking up in that area. Now if I can keep my head screwed on straight.

Last night I said to a friend a cancer chat I go to...Waiting stinks. and its true . His remark to me was no diapers stink and waiting for results sucks...I had to chuckle cause he is right. I reminded him that I was a lady and was trying to continue that...He laughed and said Always a lady. He to has non hodgkins lymphoma goes for tests tomorrow ..so he said it sucks and it stinks..and we are in it together. So to me that is a bit of comfort not being alone in it..but having some support as well.

So this isn't just about me I guess ..I hate to see others go through simalar stuff and suffer..or deal with the inner pain of it. I can't allow them to do it alone..but thats me as a person.

hugs and prayers

*We rise by lifting others.*

unknown

Sighs one of those days

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 21:36:04 GMT

* If you think your to small to be effective,

you have never been in bed with a

mosquito!*

Well I didn't post yesterday ..kind of a tough day.

Lots of pain in the upper back ,neck and arm again..

Kinda good I didn't post cause I was having one great pity party.

So I have put that behind me and moving on.

Anyway my Cat Scan was moved forward due to cancelations and my Mri due to issues with the machines..moved to the end of Feb.

So got a feeling I will be back in for a steroid or toradol shot to get through till they decided what is going on.

Oh well such is life I guess.

Husband reminded me to just stay on top of the pain..and keep fighting through. A bit crumpy I was about it..He the kind heart his ..goes and sees a man about a hot tub visit ..To calm my inner beast ...and help me through the next few days

So I am refreshed and just hanging in..Till we decide our next aproach. Pain patches and other meds just keeping the edge off of the nerve pain. So I guess that better then nothing

He reminded me I am like that little itty bitty mosquito and will be fine...So need to just regroup ..hit the heat and ice..and take it easy . Use the arm reguardless ..as much as I can ,grin and bear it a bit...and move on ..One day at a time.

love laugh love

Just a Qoute for today

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 20:31:02 GMT

*What seems to us as a bitter trial,

are often blessings in disquise.*

Oscar Wilde

This quote is so true to life.

If we really think about it.

Seems a very quiet day today.

Trying to reqroup from a hectic week.

Added some photos of my Family today.

Current photo of my three Children has Family written on it. The one after is called *The Three Reason Why*

This is one of my Hubbys and my favorite photo.

Its a digital of an older photo.

Anyway wanted to share the three faces that modivate me and keep me in the land of the living. A great place to be.

Have a great day