I’ve been working on some things and could really use your help. So…what are the best books you’ve ever read about “character”? All books, articles, etc. are fair game but please do not just say, “The Bible”. Feel free to point me to the Bible but only if you’re going to point me to a specific book, chapter or passage.
Archive - August, 2008
Hooray, Lauren is home!
First, Carmen is doing OK. Her oxygen levels were down last night despite being on oxygen but she seems OK today. We just keep plugging along here, trying to enjoy each moment.
Lauren has been with NY grandma and grandpa and her cousins for two weeks and I am so happy to have my little ray of sunshine home! This was her first time away from home and I was not sure how it would go. I should not have worried. Between Vacation Bible school, soccer, the carousel, the hot tub, two trips to Massachusetts to see new baby cousin Nathan, an RV trip, Dutch Wonderland amusement park, and the water park, Lauren was having too much fun to be homesick. She did have a few mishaps; blowing on her roasted marshmallow and getting it stuck to her nose was no fun at all.
Huge, huge thanks to Dave’s parents who gave Dave and me a week to get some stuff done and me a week to just relax. I had planned to clean out the basement while Lauren was away but, ultimately, decided that I was too weary and emotionally drained to take on a project. So, I spent a week just resting and sitting with Carmen. I was able to truly relax because I knew Lauren was being so well taken care of and having so much fun! Thank you NY grandma and grandpa for making memories with your grandkids.
Dave’s parents are pretty much superheroes! They had all 4 kids (ages 8, 6, 4 and 2) in the car at 8am to drive to Massachusetts to see new baby Nathan. They managed to get all 4 kids back to New York in time for the last day of Vacation Bible School! I think they stayed in Massachusetts about 30 minutes?!
I am relieved to have Lauren home because I really, really think she should be here to say goodbye to Carmen. We don’t know when Carmen may pass away. I may be at the store or Dave may be at work or Lauren may be at school. But, having us all nearby is comforting to me. I spoke with the Hospice social worker and she felt that it would be beneficial for Lauren to be able to say goodbye. I think it would have been hard for Lauren if Carmen had died while she was away. So, I have been praying all week that Carmen would make it through this week and she did. Thank you God!
While Lauren was in New York, Dave told her that Carmen might be going to Heaven soon. When she got home today, she walked right up to Carmen and said, “I am so glad I got to see you again. I love you Carmen.” Yep, I think I am going to be teary-eyed lots when it comes to Lauren and Carmen.
A 15 year old young lady with juvenile onset Tay Sachs passed away yesterday. If you have a moment, please leave a message on Mackenzie’s and Spencer’s site (Mackenzie’s brother Spencer also has juvenile onset Tay Sachs). www.caringbridge.org/visit/mackenzieandspencer
Here’s a picture of Lauren playing the harmonica that Texas Granddad sent. (When Lauren first got this, she played it non-stop for one whole day. I am going to have to think of something to “repay” my dad for his kindness! Ha!)
Keet Leibowitz’s Joy and Hope
First of all, Carmen is doing about the same. She did spike a high fever a couple of days ago and is back on Zithromax and Prednisone. Her breathing is labored, even while asleep. And she continues to have the daily episodes of oxygen levels and heart rate plummeting. Despite all of this, she is comfortable and sleeping most of the time.
Keet Leibowitz http://flickr.com/photos/relentlesstoil drew a picture of Carmen and Lauren for us. She asked us how we wanted Carmen represented. Dave suggested a portrait of Heaven, with Carmen whole and healthy. So, here’s Keet’s picture of our two girls, happily playing in Heaven! Isn’t this amazing???!!! This is exactly how I imagine Carmen and Lauren, someday. Keet, this is so perfect and just makes me smile! You are an amazing illustrator.
When Lauren saw the picture, she said, “Look, there’s Carmen and me!”
Keet gave me permission to share part of an email she sent to me, ”Last week my little family and I traveled to Newport, Rhode Island, and I walked all the way from the harbor/wharf area to the big cliff walk and then climbed down to the beach, where I scrawled Carmen’s name with a big heart. I am sending love and strength to you always!”
Thank you Keet!
Guess where I went last night???!!!
Here’s a hint….
Yep, the American Idol Live Tour 2008! My friend Lori and I got tickets a while back, when Carmen was doing much better. I was REALLY unsure if I should go and leave Carmen for the evening. But Dave and I decided it would be good, so Lori and I joined the masses of screaming 12 year old girls!
We had a lot of fun! The highlights of the night for me were Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and David Cook. Lori was all about David Archuleta! Jason Castro sang one of my favorite songs, “Crazy” but Gnarls Barkley he is not!
To D & A — who I was totally shocked to see at the concert — your secret is safe with me! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Update on Carmen
I wish I could say that Carmen is doing better but she isn’t. This morning her heart rate and oxygen levels plummeted again. Her Hospice nurse came over and the only thing we can do for Carmen is to keep her sedated.
Carmen is not sick. No infection, no fever. Her body is just tiring out. For the past few months her breathing has gotten more and more labored. She is on continuous oxygen and nebulizer treatments throughout the day but nothing helps.
So, we do the only thing we can and that is to keep her as comfortable as possible.
Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Peacefully sleeping
