Monday, July 23, 2012

Waiting To Exhale



The last 3 weeks have been very surreal to me.

The days have gone by like any other days.

But I am not the same.

 Within the last year and a half I have lost both of my parents.

My Father, just 3 weeks ago.

I am still numb, but slowly coming out of my fog.



I have been keeping busy to dull the pain.

And this little guy has helped to keep me grounded.

We adopted him right after. The plans were already in the works. So we went ahead.

He has been a challenge. So many issues. But he is settling in.

But today, a little setback.

I woke up to his swollen face.

He is going to the vet later this morning. The earliest appt. I could get.
Poor little guy. He's been through so much already. But we are in it for the long haul. He is ours. And I hate to see him in pain.


Meanwhile, Hubby and my two boys (one pictured here - thank you, thank you my sweet guy's) have been putting in a ceiling in my 'loft' above my bedroom. Something that we have been saving for many months to do.


Tongue and Groove Pine. Board by Board.

Lots of hammering and sawing.

This has upset all the pets.

Especially Champ.

The first few days were very trying for me, as Champ paced and drooled. But now he hardly notices.

But the poor thing.....

Now a new challenge, possibly an abcessed tooth.


Then at the end of this month, roofers are coming.

We have been saving for 3 years to get a new roof.

I will be taking the dogs to the park during all the commotion.

A beautiful state park with a lake. A place I took my children many years ago, during long summer days.

Time passes quickly.

Before you know it, all you have are the memories.

Sadly, my Father didn't even have those.

He died of Alzheimer's Disease.



It was a long, lonely road.

I am glad that he is free.

I will keep the memories.

Treasures in my heart.

For future generations to share. Just like he and my Mother shared with us.

In the meantime, life moves along, taking me with it.

One day at a time.

Waiting to Exhale.

21 comments:

  1. I remember those days well. I'd be thinking it was easier and then the tears would be triggered by a memory or a photo. You're right - your Dad is free and well again.

    I love your house and look forward to seeing pics of the new projects. Is your roof cedar-shake-shingles?

    Hope puppy is okay! Sounds like some antibiotics are in order. Do they pull a dog's teeth?

    Blessings,
    Dianne

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  2. Dearest Karen,

    That is a lot that has been on your chest for the past one-and-a-half year! I had no idea you also recently lost your Mom... So sorry to hear about that.
    But it is one of life's realities for loosing a loved one, or more.
    Hope that your pup will get soon cured. Also the stress and the noise has been a challenge for him.
    But your ceiling is coming out very well. Handy men you got; lucky you!
    We are the same, my husband does it all himself as we otherwise would not be able to afford it.
    Talking about Indonesia, it is the world's 4th most populous country. I put 5th in there but I've changed it now. And it is the BIGGEST Muslim country in the world.
    Fond memories but I'm afraid we cannot go back. Pieter having had open heart surgery should not be traveling that far away anymore. Too risky. But we have the memories and I love to share them.
    Life is but a memory... we pass it on and hopefully we manage to leave a lasting impression, a mark of who we were.
    Love and hugs to you,
    Mariette

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  3. You have walked such difficult road in the last while, Karen. I sometimes think that when we're hit really hard, the numbness helps protect us in the worst time.

    You can't see it yourself, but every day you help others and shine a light. Being a great Mom (look at those matching father-son smiles! - we know a great Mom was involved in helping that come about over the years), wife, and trainer/owner of all your pets; being a careful custodian of the beautiful place you live; sharing your thoughts and perspectives with us here and with people who read your column. Your earthly work as a daughter may be over, but I'm sure you gave immensely to your parents during their lifetime, and made their lives very rich.

    I really hope Champ is okay - do let us know. And I'd also say, don't forget to treat yourself with some kind of reward for all you do. Oh and - don't wait too long to exhale! xox

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  4. I am sorry for all the losses you have experienced in so short a time...and with Alzheimers the losses begin very early...that is so difficult. Continue to stay grounded in routine. It does help.

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  5. Thank you, Dianne for sharing with me, your story of loss and understanding.

    My roof is cedar now, but we are replacing it with a more fire retardant and longer lasting type of shingle.

    Good news on Champ - just a bee or bug bite! See, I worried for nothing! He was such a good boy at the vet! Two shots without a flinch! xx

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  6. Dear Mariette, Thank you for your kind condolences. I know that everyone suffers loss, many people much worse with loved ones dying young. I am very lucky to have so much time with my parents.

    My pup is better, thank you.

    It is good for us to have such handy men! And so willing to work hard.

    It is so interesting to learn about Indonesia. I am learning so much from my blogger friends about the world!

    Take good care of your Pieter. Love your words...Love and hugs to you, too! xx

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  7. Thank you, Loredana, you are very sweet. xx

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  8. Dear Christine, you are such a comfort, so wise and so caring. And very, very generous with your words! Thank you, Dear. I am starting to exhale, thanks to you and my dear reader's.

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  9. Thank you, Danielle for stopping by and sharing some of your wisdom. Something I know you do every day with your beautiful blog. xx

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  10. So sorry for all of your losses. Stay strong.

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  11. Sorry for the loss of you dad but glad he's no longer suffering. Glad to hear your dog is ok and on the mend. We got our a/c working and now it's almost cold! I lost my dad in 1986....so sad that he left earth at 70 but he'd been sick. Mom is in a care home, a nice place but sorry to have her suffer some dementia and in a wheelchair,no longer walking. But she is good and we can still talk and knows us. Hang in there. You house is beautiful....tongue and groove...wow! Hugs, blessings and prayers.

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  12. Thank you, Michelle for your support and kindness. xx

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  13. Dear Becky, thank you for your hugs, blessings and prayers. I send the same to you and to your Dear Mother. Happy for you to have your ac back! Hopefully we will need some soon, too! xx

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  14. Time is a healer. We do need to move on, put the new ceiling and the new roof on, take care of our families and pets and it does not mean that we forget. We are just carrying on the legacy left to us by our parents and grandparents. Circle of life. Hugs.

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  15. Karen,
    I'm so sorry for your loss and sadness. It's all so much to have to go through. I know you must take a lot of comfort from your family. What a gift they are.

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  16. I'm sorry that you have to experience this. I can imagine that Champ is keeping you occupied, but I hope you are ok when it's quiet - that your mind can stay in a good place. Writing always helps when my mind won't let me be.

    I am thinking of you across the ocean. <3

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  17. Dear Karen,

    My heart goes out to you and I know exactly what you are going through. Both my parents passed away within 3 years of each other (They were 60 & 61 yrs. old). On Thursday it will be the 10th anniversary of my mother's passing. All I can say is hug your Champ tightly and it is ok to cry on hubby's shoulder. They say it gets easier with time, but I miss them both so much. Perhaps it is good you are starting some home projects to keep you busy. Your ceiling looks fantastic already! Please know I am sending hugs your way.

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  18. Je suis désolé pour l'ensemble de vos pertes.:O)
    bonne journee!
    xxx Maria xxx

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  19. Good afternoon, Karen,
    I sat and prayed for you and both your parents today. I am so looking forward to Heaven and to seeing my parents and the little child I lost in early pregnancy, and my beloved cats there - whole, and full of life, and free. Perhaps you, too, have such a dream. Many blessings, Maureen

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  20. Hi Karen! I am so sorry for the loss of your dear parents. I lost my parents many years ago too. Take care and I hope you find comfort in memories.

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss Karen... I have walked through those valleys as well and yes, life does keep moving on. I remember thinking when my dad passed in 1999 how can everything be so 'normal' when inside, my heart and mind felt anything but...

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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