Life is changing for us, and it is not for a positive reason

[debilorrah]

Centerpiece making party tomorrow at my mom's!!!

 

[rosewolf22002]

Whoo Hoo! Pics PLEASE!?!

So happy for you!!

 

[debilorrah]

Got to see our grandson for a little bit tonight and she walked in with him and I waved and he waved back!!!! 10 months old. Walking and everything.

 

[EMcD]

Debi,
Count me as one of the many people who don't know you but are thinking and praying for you and Ken.

I can feel for you in a couple ways. We've been financially strapped for some time. I wish I could contribute. But I can empathize. I know how hard it can be to accept help. A couple years ago, when I first lost my job we were facing a really dismal Christmas with kids who still believed in Santa. A friend from church gave us an envelope with a large amount of cash so we could enjoy Christmas. We still cut back, but with careful shopping, the kids had things they liked. It was hard to accept, but we prayed on it and accepted it with gratitude and humility.

Since then other family and friends have helped us in different ways and it's a blessing. We know that one day we'll give back to whoever needs it and "pay it forward" as they say.

So, while I understand your initial discomfort, I'm glad you're are accepting the blessings others are able and eager to share with you.

Also, I was deep in the midst of COPD with a dear friend. His wife needed a lot of support and just wasn't always ready to deal with the issues or the doctors -- and he was in ICU then long term nursing care. He introduced us as his son-in-law and daughter-in-law -- that confused them! My children were very much a part of his last 3 years and I know they will never smoke after seeing what "Uncle" faced.

I'll look to see if I can find the info. But for 3 years, I was on a COPD caregiver mailing list. It helped me tremendously to understand some of the issues, get tips on how to handle day-to-day issues as they cropped up, and get info to talk to doctors about.

I know you have love, prayers, and moral support here. But it can also help you to have some support on the caregiver side, especially with people who are living with what you're living with right now. It was 6 years ago, so it may be a forum now too. But I'll look.

I've read *most* of this thread. When is your wedding day? I'll have special prayers for you both.

 

[debilorrah]

Debi,
Count me as one of the many people who don't know you but are thinking and praying for you and Ken.

I can feel for you in a couple ways. We've been financially strapped for some time. I wish I could contribute. But I can empathize. I know how hard it can be to accept help. A couple years ago, when I first lost my job we were facing a really dismal Christmas with kids who still believed in Santa. A friend from church gave us an envelope with a large amount of cash so we could enjoy Christmas. We still cut back, but with careful shopping, the kids had things they liked. It was hard to accept, but we prayed on it and accepted it with gratitude and humility.

Since then other family and friends have helped us in different ways and it's a blessing. We know that one day we'll give back to whoever needs it and "pay it forward" as they say.

So, while I understand your initial discomfort, I'm glad you're are accepting the blessings others are able and eager to share with you.

Also, I was deep in the midst of COPD with a dear friend. His wife needed a lot of support and just wasn't always ready to deal with the issues or the doctors -- and he was in ICU then long term nursing care. He introduced us as his son-in-law and daughter-in-law -- that confused them! My children were very much a part of his last 3 years and I know they will never smoke after seeing what "Uncle" faced.

I'll look to see if I can find the info. But for 3 years, I was on a COPD caregiver mailing list. It helped me tremendously to understand some of the issues, get tips on how to handle day-to-day issues as they cropped up, and get info to talk to doctors about.

I know you have love, prayers, and moral support here. But it can also help you to have some support on the caregiver side, especially with people who are living with what you're living with right now. It was 6 years ago, so it may be a forum now too. But I'll look.

I've read *most* of this thread. When is your wedding day? I'll have special prayers for you both.

Wedding day is 12/24/12. 4 more months!!!!

I appreciate you sharing your story with us. We can use all the information and prayers we can get. More for Ken than me please. Right now we seem to be in a honeymoon period. He is not pushing himself as hard, he is feeling better, I am feeling more confident he may be around for a while. It may be a false sense of security, but I am willing to live with that!

 

[1muttsfan]

Good for Ken - hope he realizes he feels better because he is taking it easy on himself, and doesn't get cocky.

 

[debilorrah]

Centerpieces are finished and so is most of my bouquet. I was informed today that my best friend, her DD and her DIL, in lieu of gifts, are going to take care of the food for the reception.

 

[debilorrah]

Ok PICS!!!




The light colored one is the bouquet, the purple flowers will be sprinkled around inside it.

 

[BusyBlonde]

Gorgeous! If I were closer, I'd help wih the food, too. I'm a foodie and a pretty good cook.

 

[rosewolf22002]

Thanks for the pics! They are lovely! Good day!