Category Archives: Good Day

“Worshipping the Lord in Song” (if you can call what I do singing) by Jill Baynes

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Some may call me silly, but I choose not to care. I cry at Chipmunk Movies, now that is silly. I cry when a sweet commercial is on television. I’m silly….take me as I am and deal with it!

In 2009, my life changed forverer. I understand I am a child of God and my body is part of God’s plan. I had to learn that God’s plan is different for all and we are unaware of what our plan entails. The changes I endured, due to brain surgery, are all part of that plan. The Good Lord gave knowledge to the doctors to keep me alive; in my book, that means the Man Upstairs is not finished with me yet.

A dear friend spent 6 years attempting to get Barry and I to visit her church. She never gave up, she was never pushy; always encouraging. We put her off due to our business.

God had to really shake our lives up to get us in the front door. I had been through the brain tumor issue, when Barry shocked us all with a stroke; one year after aortic valve replacement surgery. By the grace of God he survived with minimal difficulties.

It took Barry’s stroke to open our eyes. We chose to close the business and focus on us. Barry continued to work, but eventually retired. Work did not do good things to his blood pressure.

We have been active members at Victory Baptist in Loganville for close to 2 years now. Today, I decided it was time to take a new step at church and joined the choir. After the brain tumor surgery, I would try to sing and found I was unable to get a word out.

Several months ago, l realized my singing was improving. As I sang with the congregation, my voice had come back and was growing stronger! I waited a few months and spoke to the choir director. He said when I was ready, just to let him know.

Well, this morning, the choir made me feel loved and welcome, as we waited to rehearse before the morning services. It felt incredible to be part of the group that makes such beautiful music each week. Of course, half-way through the first song, I saw Barry smile up at me and I cried…….

Words I Did Not Want to Hear!

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My friendly, neurologist was pleasant this visit. He always is. I just do not like what he has to say.

Over the past few weeks, my balance has disappeared.  I have fallen numerous times and have trouble standing.

He is only telling me what I need to hear. The Good Lord has a plan for everyone and I am not meant to know what that plan is; but Dr. D is part of that plan. I do not need to argue with him. God led me to Emory and their doctors, I need to be a good patient and listen.

It was suggested I start taking a drug again, that helped with my balance previously. The effects eventually slowed down and I received no help from the drug. It was discontinued at some point last year.

An evaluation for a power chair was ordered. Our insurance changed with the new year. I was approved by the old company. We will see what this one has to say.

I do not like the feeling that my body is ready for a chair, but I cannot keep falling. I ache from head to toe now. If the falling continues, I will either do some serious damage or hit my head on something and be in big trouble. So, I listen to the good doctor and learn how to adapt a powerchair into our daily life. I have adapted harder issues, this should be a breeze.

God will grant me the strength and wisdom to deal with the situation. I have faith and no doubt I will adjust.  I’m not throwing the towel in yet……I wonder if I can get a pink chair……..?

Mom and the Naked Man

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Ok, I am a little antsy about this post. I made it through 20+ years of nursing dealing with the humor found in each situation. This one is too funny to waste.

Barry and I had several estimates scheduled. Projects needing to be done around the house have been on the back burner getting Barry and myself healthy. Mom was busy in her part of the house and had forgotten we would have a guest for a few hours.

While the estimate guy was measuring the stairs, mom knocks and pops her head up front to check how we are doing. I reminded we had a stranger in the house and reminded her she needs to be dressed. She walks into the living room announces she is dressed and loudlynasks where the “Naked Man” is?

A second later, he pops into the living room and says “all done, who is this?” He turned to shake mom’s hand. She ran from the living room as if she were on fire. He grinned and winked at me as he sat on the couch.

Did he hear her or not? We’ll never know……

A recap of 2013 and it is behind us! On with a brighter, healthier year! Have a healthy, safe 2014 everyone!

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Photo taken Friday, December 27, 2013 at my sister’s house! Aren’t we lovely?

1/17- Jill’s genetic disorder confirmed
1/18- Jill referred to high risk breast center at Emory; 4th follow-up mammogram cleared from 2012
2/18-Pop in hospital after defibrillator went off at shop
2/20- lump discovered
2/21- mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy completed.MRI Scheduled.
2/28-core biopsy done, Pop home from Hospital
3/3- Barry retired to be home with me and due to stroke
3/4- DCIS diagnosis (breast cancer) received and surgery scheduled.
3/8-Pop back to hospital
3/15- surgery scheduled
3/18-Pop home
3/30-surgery, lump removed and margins cleaned
4/3- 9th wedding anniversary
4/15-2nd surgery, margins needed to be cleared
again
4/19- Pop back to hospital
4/20- spoke with hospice concerning Pop
4/30-3rd surgery, margins still not clear; Pop home from hospital
5/6-appointment with Medical Oncologist to discuss options.  Lab work to determine type of chemotherapy/radiation needed.
6/6- Port inserted for chemo, another surgery
6/7- Chemo started
6/28-Chemo
7/10- Barry stroke doctor
7/18-Jill appointment
7/19-Chemo
7/24-meeting with Hospice, Pop admitted to Hospice.
8/7-Barry passed out at home, to Eastside Mefical by Ambulance; admitted
8/8- overnight transferred to ICU and then transferred to Saint Joseph’s Hospital
8/9- last chemo
8/12-Pacemaker surgery
8/14- received phone call, 3 hours before Barry’s surgery, that my Father had passed away from Congestive Heart Failure. Valve replacement surgery and abscess clean-up
8/28-discharged home
9/9-admitted to Saint Joseph’s Hospital
9/20-discharged home
10/10-started radiation (M-F for 33 treatments)
10/11-radiation
10/14-radiation
10/14-admitted to Saint Joseph’s Hospital
10/15-radiation
10/16-radiation
10/17-radiation
10/18-radiation
10/21-radiation
10/22-radiation
10/23-radiation
10/24-radiation
10/25-radiation, discharged home
10/28-radiation
10/29-radiation
10/30-radiation
10/31-radiation
11/1-radiation
11/4-radiation
11/5-radiation
11/6-radiation
11/7-radiation
11/8-radiation
11/11-radiation
11/12-radiation
11/13-radiation, Barry admitted to Gwinnett Medical Center; after 3 days discharged. Got sick on the way home, taken to Northside Hospital ER. Transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital for admission (Jill’s birthday)
11/14-radiation
11/15-radiation
11/18-radiation
11/19-radiation
11/20-radiation
11/21-radiation
11/22-radition, discharged from hospital. Sent home for holiday to prepare for surgery before Christmas
11/25-radiation
11/26-radiation
11/27-radiation
11/28-radiation
11/29-radiation
12/1-radiation
12/2-radiation
12/3-radiation
12/4-radiation
12/5-last radiation treatment completed prior to Barry’s admission. Admitted to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in preparation for surgery on 12/9.
12/17-discharged home from the hospital after surgery.
12/19-Home Health following IV infusions to treat endocarditis

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Daily Prompt: Memories of Holidays Past

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What is your very favorite holiday? Recount the specific memory or memories that have made that holiday special to you.

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the lights, colors, smells, laughter, and most of all the treats everyone makes!

I remember my favorite holidsy like it was yesterday, but to be honest, it was over 11 years ago. The precious child I spent special moments with is now a young man going into the tenth grade. He was the sweetest child and is turning into a wonderful, honest, good kid!

Jonny’s mom and dad asked me to occupy his time while they worked with Santa. We hopped in the car and headed off to see Santa, get hot chocolate, a little shopping and ice skating. Jonny was my little buddy in those days.

We accomplished everything we set out to do and headed home. Few minutes into our drive, the van started acting up. A few minutes later, it went dead. I managed to get to a local convenience store and parked near the front of the lot.

Jonny and I went to make a phone call and get hot chocolate. We headed back to the van to wait for Pop. We cut the heat up and listened to Christmas carols on the radio and the news was following Santa’s sleigh as it crossed over Georgia. Children are adorable! The look of pure amazement on Jonny’s face brought tears to my eyes. He became more fascinated with each newscast. It brought back memories I had forgotten and I will never forget my precious moments spent with my sweet nephew on that cold, Christmas Eve.

Our special time together was quickly over when Pop tapped on the window.
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Daily Prompt: Fifteen Minutes: Eye Contact

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You have 15 minutes to address the whole world live (on television or radio — choose your format). What would you say?

I would tell anyone listening to look up and make eye contact with someone as they pass. Your fellow man or woman can’t be so scary you cannot be bothered to look them in the eye. You might find yourself saying hello and making a new friend. It could be someone in need of help and you are the only person around.

I have passed people and said hello; only to receive a lokk that appearded to say, “What is your problem?”, “Why are you speaking to me?”.

Don’t be like that, there is kindness in everyone. Let it shine. Show the world the true you. Let yourself shine!

We do not know what the next minute will bring. Do not waste it! Enjoy life and maybe influence someone else with a simple hello and some eye contact. Be positive! God loves us all, no matter what!

True Love and Commitment

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Is true love, commitment, and faith a thing of the past?  Does anyone today know the meaning of these simple words? I’m not sure they do! There are many definitions available for the words listed above. It is up to you to decide which one best suits your needs. Of course, my opinion is what it is, mine3.

I guess it could be in God’s plan that certain people remain alone;

but I am a true believer! You have to want someone to find them and be friendly with the words compromise, faith and trust! For a very long time, I ran when22 those words came into a conversation. After my first husband, words like those, brought the scaredy cat out in me.

 

As I sit at my husband’s bedside; not knowing what the next minute will bring; I feel sad for so many people. Today’s generation of kids, will never know or understand the feeling of loving someone so much you are willing to sit by their bedside hour after hour, just to be near them.  To know they are safe for the moment and realize your smile will be the first thing they see when they open their eyes. The smile that graces their lips, at that moment, makes it all worthwhile.

Every time I help him stand or gain his balance, brings us closer together. In 2009, Barry was there for me. Telling me the same things about recovery and helping with anything and everything I needed. Sitting at my bedside, unsure of the future. He could have walked away and he did not. He stuck by my side because he loves me. Experiences we have shared, have only brought us closer together.

This definitely was not part of our retirement plan, but we are making the most out of what time God has blessed us with. Presently, we maybe be part couch potato, but we have plans.

Accommodation is a big part of our plans. The health issues we are dealing with, require us to make changes to our original plans. Just by chance, my handsome hubby is handling change better. A trip to a beautiful, sandy beach needs to be researched for handicapped accessibility. As we make travel plans, we learn something new with every call.

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We are back, at least for the moment!

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In our earlier post, we stated we’d try to get a post in a week. Maybe more. According to how our day goes! Between radiation treatments, Barry’s doctors appointments and our energy levels; we are lucky to get anything posted. Have patience. I have taken pictures and written posts while sitting around the hospital. A lot of interesting things go on in local hospitals! Just wait……