Our oldest granddaughter was telling us that they were going to have a fund raiser for ALS at their school in Whitemouth the other day. Can you believe that? way out there? Anyway, story gets even more interesting...today my cousin sent us an email telling us about a fund raiser for a woman she knew from Whitemouth who had passed away from ALS. The lady was a school teacher there. She passed away last fall. We are moving there May1st and here there is already an ALS walk scheduled for May. Hmmmm....small world.
So if anyone is interested in going on the walk, Friday, registration starts at 10:30 May 23 from the Whitemouth School or donating to the walk...just let us know....Rick (in his wheelchair as he wouldn't be able to walk very far) and I are planning to make our first ALS fundraiser walk IN Whitemouth! Unreal!!!
Will update with more details soon.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Joan here...Showers of kindness!
Every year my mom's side of the family hosts a "Grandma's Tea". It is done in memory of my grandmother. She loved drinking tea but it had to be out of a tea cup. So over the years we all got a tea cup from her. So when we go to the tea everyone brings their tea cup and her favorite food dishes that she enjoyed. They also have a silent auction and raise money for all kinds of things.
To our shock and amazement Rick and I were presented with the proceeds from the event. We are just so overwhelmed by the kindess and love from our family and friends.
Rick's fasciculations have been steadily increasing in his hands between the pointer and thumb and his hands shake more.
My cousin was trained as a reflexologist. She came over with her specialty chair, training books and etc. She worked on Rick's feet last night and will be training me how to do that so no matter where Rick and I are I can give him a treatment. It really helped to relax him and put him to sleep.
To the person who wanted to remain "anonymous"...your casserole and soup was absolutely delicious!!!
Thanks so much!
To our shock and amazement Rick and I were presented with the proceeds from the event. We are just so overwhelmed by the kindess and love from our family and friends.
Rick's fasciculations have been steadily increasing in his hands between the pointer and thumb and his hands shake more.
My cousin was trained as a reflexologist. She came over with her specialty chair, training books and etc. She worked on Rick's feet last night and will be training me how to do that so no matter where Rick and I are I can give him a treatment. It really helped to relax him and put him to sleep.
To the person who wanted to remain "anonymous"...your casserole and soup was absolutely delicious!!!
Thanks so much!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Joan here...Moving date April 30th!
Well, it is a GO!......we will be packing our bags as possession date is May 1st. Congratulations Sheila and Dave and little Amy!!! We are so happy it is you guys that we will be handing over our keys to. Thank God that we are working with a couple who want this to happen smooth, peaceful and fast! What a fantastic testimony of how people can work together!!!! You guys (what the kids say) rock!!!!!
Joan here...Our home has sold!
Wow! what a night...what can we say??? Our home is sold to a very wonderful and loving couple. Our hope is that they will be so very happy together as we are living here! This is such an incredible hard thing for us to do. To know we will be packing up and leaving here soon. All things in their seasons. Oh...and by the way....all prayers for us are gratefully accepted!!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Joan here...Getting ready to sell!
This is so hard for both Rick and I. We keep changing our minds at how much we want to list the house for. The reason is and the truth is both of us don't want to move! We love the little nest both of us made together. The plants we picked out to plant in the garden. The colour of sheets we picked for the beds. The colour of paint on the walls. Oh yeah...and the extra goodies in the bathrooms for anyone sleeping over. Our home is an extension of ourselves and wanting to make others feel loved, special and welcome here.
The real estate agent has called us twice now and upped his version of our listing! Hey, maybe if we wait a few more months it will really be worth it??? Anyways, everyone is just trying to do their best for us and we are so greatful...but nobody can take the pain away of all of this.
Our goal...is to have a place where Rick will be given the best care that we could possible arrange for and be able to have an income to pay the bills also. Our son and daughter in law have given us a one bedroom suite within the walls of their own home to enable us to live there without having to worry about hydro, heating and etc. They gave us a place to live so I will not have to work right now and be able to spend every waking moment with my husband. Because of their own medical knowledge I will have the extra help I will need down the road. They knew that I would not want to ever leave him alone. The only way was for us to sell and move in with them. We are so deeply touched that they understood the level of commitment and love Rick and I have for each other.
There will be a point where he will not be able to be alone with anyone who does not have their CPR training. I believe Jake is at the level now of being able to train anyone who will need that. There are so many things we have to be aware of ahead of time. We are constantly told to plan ahead...be prepared....and yet we are desiring to walk in faith in God but also have seen where people just stick their heads in the sand and do nothing!
It is unreal how our mind works. During the day Rick will not let his mind think about the possible outcome of this...but at night when he is sleeping he is dreaming about moving his wheel chair with only a straw from his mouth because nothing else is working. Talk about terror! but from all that we understand and read...unless we experience an absolute miracle that is exactly the future of this thing. I just keep thanking God that Rick and I are so close and love each other so much. I can't imagine not having someone to share this with and walk through this with and not be really connected.
The real estate agent has called us twice now and upped his version of our listing! Hey, maybe if we wait a few more months it will really be worth it??? Anyways, everyone is just trying to do their best for us and we are so greatful...but nobody can take the pain away of all of this.
Our goal...is to have a place where Rick will be given the best care that we could possible arrange for and be able to have an income to pay the bills also. Our son and daughter in law have given us a one bedroom suite within the walls of their own home to enable us to live there without having to worry about hydro, heating and etc. They gave us a place to live so I will not have to work right now and be able to spend every waking moment with my husband. Because of their own medical knowledge I will have the extra help I will need down the road. They knew that I would not want to ever leave him alone. The only way was for us to sell and move in with them. We are so deeply touched that they understood the level of commitment and love Rick and I have for each other.
There will be a point where he will not be able to be alone with anyone who does not have their CPR training. I believe Jake is at the level now of being able to train anyone who will need that. There are so many things we have to be aware of ahead of time. We are constantly told to plan ahead...be prepared....and yet we are desiring to walk in faith in God but also have seen where people just stick their heads in the sand and do nothing!
It is unreal how our mind works. During the day Rick will not let his mind think about the possible outcome of this...but at night when he is sleeping he is dreaming about moving his wheel chair with only a straw from his mouth because nothing else is working. Talk about terror! but from all that we understand and read...unless we experience an absolute miracle that is exactly the future of this thing. I just keep thanking God that Rick and I are so close and love each other so much. I can't imagine not having someone to share this with and walk through this with and not be really connected.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Joan here...A Night Away!
We were given a night and dinner away by one of our nieces. We couldn't believe how thoughtful she was. We ended up being given an upgraded room with walk in glass shower, plasma T.V., individually controlled mattress, duvets and etc. We figured out that we were the first ones to ever sleep in this room. As it was just renovated. Oh, yeah---the view of the city was awesome! Stayed on the 26th floor. It was so nice to get away from looking at the house and what still needs doing as we get it ready for sale.
On our way home, we stopped at a very nice bistro for lunch. Went to the bathroom...yeah..I know too much detail!!! All of a sudden, I found myself thinking of how Rick and I would be able to manage such an outing down the road once he would be in a wheel chair. It is amazing how our minds work! I have to start adjusting my thinking to all kinds of things. Something so basic as going to the bathroom could be a real achievement for us down the road. He will be needing help....does that mean I take him to the woman's or the men's washroom? Interesting trying to figure some of the little stuff before needed but I have to allow myself to go there in my thinking no matter how silly or painful it can be! I guess alot of this is coming to terms with what is ahead for us. Shock and denial are slowly fading and having to face things is slowly becoming a reality.
On our way home, we stopped at a very nice bistro for lunch. Went to the bathroom...yeah..I know too much detail!!! All of a sudden, I found myself thinking of how Rick and I would be able to manage such an outing down the road once he would be in a wheel chair. It is amazing how our minds work! I have to start adjusting my thinking to all kinds of things. Something so basic as going to the bathroom could be a real achievement for us down the road. He will be needing help....does that mean I take him to the woman's or the men's washroom? Interesting trying to figure some of the little stuff before needed but I have to allow myself to go there in my thinking no matter how silly or painful it can be! I guess alot of this is coming to terms with what is ahead for us. Shock and denial are slowly fading and having to face things is slowly becoming a reality.
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