Reflecting in 2008

It is the time of year that we all will reflect on life's hurdles that we have all had to jump. Time to reflect on the good and bad that happened this year. The happy along with the sad.
I have sit and hoped that I have done something good this year to encourage others in my life to look on the positive side of every situation that we have been handed. I hope that I have made a difference in others' lives. I hope that I have made someone smile with a kind word.
Most of my time was spent with my parents' dealing with illnesses with both of them. Momma with her Alzheimer's and Parkersons' along with a host of other illness and Daddy with the flu that would not go away. I have seen profound saddness with this disease that I thougth that I would never have to see. I have seen a brilliant mind not remember her childrens names. I have seen this disease rob so many others of their loved ones. Many people have ask me if it has been a long year? Yes, but I have to also say that it has been an enlightening and learning year also for me. Alzheimer's is a nasty disease that not only our loved ones have to deal with on a daily basis but we as care givers have to learn to deal with. There are emotions that we will not allow our loved ones to see...crying, anger, frustration. I will not let Momma see me get upset and yes I have shed what it feels like to be a million years since Momma has been diagnosed with this disease. I know that many of my online friends have shed tears over this disease and the loss of a loved one because of this disease.
It has been a sad year for most of us. I have children crying over a the loss of a parent and I have seen parents crying over the loss of a child. But I must say that it has been a good year also. We have been blessed to have grandchildren born this year and we are blessed with the news of grandchild that will be born in the Feb. and May of 2009. And I am so blessed that I have both of my parents with me.
I will say that this year has been a roller coaster for me and my parents. This is okay as long as the ride doesn't get too crazy, but it if it does, then I will hold on for dear life. No one nevers knows what is going to go on with AD. I am thankful for having my parents with me and that I have a loving, understanding and loving hubby that stands beside me through the good and as well as the bad.
I am so grateful for my online friends, Nancy, Lori, Chris, Terry, Stef, Dave, Joanne, and Betsy for all the advise that you have given and continue to give on this AD journey. Rick...thanks for all the humor and making me laugh through the tears with some humorous post. Dave, "aka Grandpa Face" thanks for all the advise and kindness, you will never be forgotten. Stef..my little buddy I miss your post and I hope that you are staying warm and that you are doing well. I miss you and love you!!!
Thanks again to all my online buddies. Where would I be without you all? Lost!!
I pray that 2009 will be a better year for all us. You all are in my thougths and prayers. Happy New Years!!! Peace, love and happiness!!!!

Merry Christmas

Just a quick note to say "hey" and Merry Christmas. It has been a long and happy day for my family. I hope that everyone has a great day filled with love and happiness.
Peace, love and happiness.........

New job

The job is going really well. I am enjoying being back in the world of the employed. I am getting into the groove of leaving before the sunrises and getting home as the sun is setting. I don't think that too much has changed since I left the job 20 months ago. Some of the paperwork is different but it has not been hard to figure out. It is good to see many of the co-workers that I worked with previously. I have been ask to take a different position in April with the same company. I am thinking about taking this job, but it will require alot of traveling and alot of training and that is really the only downfall with this position. I like being at my house (or close) to it when it is getting darkthirty. I guess that happens with age.
It is a nice and warm 73 degrees here. Yea, 8 days until Christmas and it is 73 degrees. The weather is crazy this time of year.
I hope that everyone is having a good week. Take care and peace, love and happiness!

Start of a new job

I start a new job Monday the 8th. I am excited. I will miss being with Momma all day but I will be at her house everyday after work. And I will be calling and checking in on Momma and Daddy during the day. I am taking them to doctor tomorrow and then I will take off when they have doctors' appointments. A friend of mine that I attended high school with has been staying with Momma for over a year now and Momma loves her like family. I trust her and I know that if Momma or Daddy gets sick that she will get them to the doctors' office calling me to meet her on the way.
I will be working for a correctional facility. I will be counseling inmates. I have done this job before and it is a good job.
I hope that eveyone is having a great day. Peace, love and happiness!!!