I just found out from a comment left by Tammy that this space is being highlighted in "What's Your Story" this week. Who did that? Who nominated me? I am honored that some ramblings and humor are felt worthy to be highlighted.

Update. Sharon is resting. She now sports a nice blue cast. No pins as of this time. We had fun tonight as she tried (and wanted to) make supper. It didn't work too well. A few spice bottles hit the floor as she tried to open them. I had bought her a juice drink on our way home from the doctor's office and then I left to take our oldest to pick up his car at the garage. Hmmm. She couldn't open the juice drink. Our tasks have been listed for the next four weeks (at a minimum - I will have to call the doctor in 4 weeks to find out her status myself): taking the dog out, making supper, making lunches, doing dishes, doing the laundry and ironing. I'm sure that's the short list. lol  Wish me luck.

Have strength Steve. Goodnight Jim Bob.

Yesterday finished with some dank Fall weather. I was awakened at 6 this morning by Sharon moaning. She had taken Roscoe out for a walk. On their way back up the walk he saw our cat and started to chase him. Sharon a long lead on Roscoe and he pulled her so hard that down she went; on her left wrist. Off we went to the Emergency Room. It looked quite bad and was starting to swell (ice it). It's interesting if one works at a hospital. As soon as we are led into one of the rooms all her fellow employees start coming by for a visit.

Xrays showed that things aren't quite right. It is definitely broken and close to the joint. It was plastered splinted and we were sent home to await the arrival of the orthopedic doctor at the hospital and the official reading of the xrays. Of course, after the painkiller started to settle in she was a bit woozy (as I call it) but she wanted to go down to the floor to find her boss (not in) and a few of the others. No harm in subtle solicitation of sympathy.

So, we arrived home, got her some breakfast (usually eats it at work), took her daily vitamins, etc., got her some coffee, and decided we needed to take her blouse off. Now that was fun. You know how a woman's blouse usually gets narrower at the cuff. Try to get that puppy off over a huge splint. I was reminded several times that I wasn't going to cut her blouse off. 30 minutes of finangling and it was off. Whew! Spot on the couch to rest with pillows for elevation, the TV "clicker," and a crossword puzzle book. Me. Wondering what to do next. Maybe I should call work and tell them I'm not in yet (it's 950am). I called in and was glad I wasn't there (refer back to the happenings last week in my posts - nothing had changed - only intensified).

Thinking the doctor would call shortly, I decided to stay home and send a few e-mails with things that had to be done this morning. After a call to one of the fellows "in charge," the orthopod's office called and Sharon has a 2pm office appointment. In all likelihood that means no surgery - no pinning. Probably a nice cast and she says the first thing to go on it is Roscoe's paw print. I posted a picture of Roscoe below. Sharon said he was sitting right by her head seconds after the accident.

Welcome Monday and big HUGS to everyone. Have a wonderful week.

I just read today's blog from a wonderful friend now living back in Colorado. He was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in February and his oldest son (now 12) was in our troop. Steve is now retired (no choice - 39 years old) and was an Air Force surgeon who relocated to New Hampshire and was highly respected here. I don't know for certain but I think about him and his family every day - this is good - I do not want to forget them no matter how short our acquaintance was here.

Being married to a nurse for a couple years (35+) I knew about ALS but didn't fully comprehend its severity. I read a couple articles on the disease plus the book Tuesdays With Morrie. This book was a dramatic eye opener. I couldn't put it down. Next, I came upon the movie on tv one night and couldn't  watch all the scenes completely. I kept channel switching like I was watching some bloody Halloween movie and didn't really feel in the mood to be scared. I have read another book by Morrie also. One of the great things with him is that he spent his time with ALS trying to teach people how they can cope with life, cope with people, cope (understand) with themselves.

I feel compelled to write these thoughts tonight because the disease really ticks me off (isn't that mild?). I don't have the disease, yet I feel so darned helpless for Steve, so desperate for some cure or, at the least, something that will extend his life. The feeling I get when reading Steve's words is that I want to scream and cry (I have cried several times). At times I feel very slobbery or emotional. I do not care. Years ago I was told by an uncle to "be a man. John Wayne is tough and he doesn't cry." Good for John Wayne. I think John Wayne was a bit different, especially in his later years, than what he portrayed in movies. I teach the youth I work with that it is OK to show emotions. Since I deal with so many athletes in coaching and so many children from torn up households in scouts it is easy to see so many emotionless young people. or when they express themselves it is not necessarily in a good way.

Right, wrong, or indifferent. I grew up in a hugging family, even though my grandfather and uncles on that side were 6'2" - 6'5" 260+ pound men. My grandmother made sure they hugged. Where was I headed now?

I can tell more about Steve from the kind of son he has. Alex is an exceptional young man at the age of 12; kind, caring, and so on. Whoa. Now I sound like I am reciting the Scout Law. Such is life. It burns me that there is no cure - there isn't necessarily anything that will slow it down (in some people a bit). Steve has gone from a mobile individual who was a biker and skier to someone in a wheelchair with no use of their legs and ever decreasing use of their arms and hands (9 months). I was so looking forward to him joining the troop with Alex and hiking and camping together. I knew he was someone I would enjoy immensely. The burden that he is placing on his family must also be a tremendous burden for Steve as well. I wish I had some way to perk him up - to bring him up a bit. I know there are many people who feel this way. I wonder if I have become obsessed with ALS and Steve. Maybe it shouldn't be called obsessed. I CARE! Dealing with youth and adults for years has taught me much. One of the unfortunate negatives I have learned is the insincerity of people and their quest for self-gratification, many times, at all costs. Steve, you are not one. I have rambled here tonight and still feel helplessness. Listening to Fleetwood Mac while writing has helped. God give you the strength to cope as best as you can. Give you the strength to continue fighting as much as is possible. Love the kids. Bask in their being. Love Kathi. Bask in her being.