I am sorry to have been away for so long. Eventually I will have a computer at home but for now I am using the one at work while at lunch. I am still stitching and knitting when I have the time. I am currently working full-time and very grateful to have this job. I do try to keep up with what the stitching bloggers are working on. I hope to hear from some of you.
Take care
Teresa
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I have started another blog, Dearest Darling. It contains letters my father wrote to my mother during WWII. I hope one day to have pictures of them on the blog as well. I hope you will enjoy reading the letters.
I have been stitching and knitting. This weekend I will be working in the basement. I am trying to get ready for a yard sale. I can't believe all the "stuff" that has accumulated over the years.
I took two tests to work for the Census Bureau. I passed both, but haven't heard anything about a job. I pray they call me.
Take care
Teresa
I have been stitching and knitting. This weekend I will be working in the basement. I am trying to get ready for a yard sale. I can't believe all the "stuff" that has accumulated over the years.
I took two tests to work for the Census Bureau. I passed both, but haven't heard anything about a job. I pray they call me.
Take care
Teresa
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Just a Note
I did not mean to be away for so long. It is hard for me to keep track of time. I am either working, at the library, or home, usually stitching. I started a part-time job at Michael's Craft Store back in November. I mainly do office work and price changes. I enjoy both the job and the people I work with. Now that I am comfortable with this job, I am looking for a second part-time job. It is hard to find something full-time.
My life is so different without Mom. Whenever I went out, I would call her on my way back home. I miss those calls. I miss making her waffles. She is in my every thought. It is hard to believe she died six months ago. Some days it feels like yesterday and then there are times that it all feels like a dream and I want to wake up.
A few weeks ago, I started making changes in the house, moving things around. I am discovering things I didn't know Mom had. I never went through her things, I almost feel like I need to get her permission. I found some letters my dad had written her during World War II. I am going to go through them and possibly put them on a blog.
I am at the library and I need to get home. I will try to post more often. I miss all of you and hope you and your families are well.
Take care
Teresa
My life is so different without Mom. Whenever I went out, I would call her on my way back home. I miss those calls. I miss making her waffles. She is in my every thought. It is hard to believe she died six months ago. Some days it feels like yesterday and then there are times that it all feels like a dream and I want to wake up.
A few weeks ago, I started making changes in the house, moving things around. I am discovering things I didn't know Mom had. I never went through her things, I almost feel like I need to get her permission. I found some letters my dad had written her during World War II. I am going to go through them and possibly put them on a blog.
I am at the library and I need to get home. I will try to post more often. I miss all of you and hope you and your families are well.
Take care
Teresa
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving Early!
I am sorry I have been away for so long. I am doing well, at least trying. I am still going to the library to use their computers. My computer cannot be fixed.
I started a part time job. Once I feel comfortable with it, I will be looking for a second job.
It is difficult to get use to living without Mom. I want to thank all of you who sent her birthday cards when I gave her the "Birthday Card Party." She talked about that for a long time. I am saving all the cards and gifts that were sent to her. It was really special to me too!
I have been doing some stitching. One day, when I can, I will post pictures.
I don't know when I will be coming to the library again, so I am taking the time now to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Take care
Teresa
I started a part time job. Once I feel comfortable with it, I will be looking for a second job.
It is difficult to get use to living without Mom. I want to thank all of you who sent her birthday cards when I gave her the "Birthday Card Party." She talked about that for a long time. I am saving all the cards and gifts that were sent to her. It was really special to me too!
I have been doing some stitching. One day, when I can, I will post pictures.
I don't know when I will be coming to the library again, so I am taking the time now to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Take care
Teresa
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thank you for all of your comments. I miss Mom so much, but am so grateful to the Lord that she is no longer in agony.
The following is a letter I wrote to her after she died. God gave me strength to read it at her graveside service.
Dear Mom,
The past three months have been both torture and a blessing. We both endured our own suffering but yet today, we have both survived. You have now made your home in heaven with our Father and I remain to serve the Lord in whatever way he chooses.
Mom, I am so grateful the the Lord for putting us together. I did my best to fulfill the promises I made to you and in doing so I fulfilled the commandment of the Lord to honor you. The hardest part was allowing others to care for you, not out of selfishness, but because I wanted to give back to you everything you had given me. You allowed me to come home from my former life. You gave me unconditional love. I now have the knowledge of how you could be so loving to me when others turned me away. It was because of your love for the Lord and that the Holy Spirit resided in you.
It breaks my heart to no longer hear your voice, but with the silence I know you are at peace. When the silence is broken, it will be my own voice thanking God for the life we shared, for the valuable lessons you taught me, and for giving you to me as my mother.
Mom, you have not been taken from me because you will always and forever be in my heart. My comfort is knowing you live with the One who created you and one day, when God chooses the hour and the minute, I will join you! I will always and forever treasure my memories of you as my mother. It hurts so much to not have you with me, but I am fill with joy when I say you Mom are now my precious sister in Christ who now lives in heaven!
May you all have a blessed day!
Much love,
Teresa
The following is a letter I wrote to her after she died. God gave me strength to read it at her graveside service.
Dear Mom,
The past three months have been both torture and a blessing. We both endured our own suffering but yet today, we have both survived. You have now made your home in heaven with our Father and I remain to serve the Lord in whatever way he chooses.
Mom, I am so grateful the the Lord for putting us together. I did my best to fulfill the promises I made to you and in doing so I fulfilled the commandment of the Lord to honor you. The hardest part was allowing others to care for you, not out of selfishness, but because I wanted to give back to you everything you had given me. You allowed me to come home from my former life. You gave me unconditional love. I now have the knowledge of how you could be so loving to me when others turned me away. It was because of your love for the Lord and that the Holy Spirit resided in you.
It breaks my heart to no longer hear your voice, but with the silence I know you are at peace. When the silence is broken, it will be my own voice thanking God for the life we shared, for the valuable lessons you taught me, and for giving you to me as my mother.
Mom, you have not been taken from me because you will always and forever be in my heart. My comfort is knowing you live with the One who created you and one day, when God chooses the hour and the minute, I will join you! I will always and forever treasure my memories of you as my mother. It hurts so much to not have you with me, but I am fill with joy when I say you Mom are now my precious sister in Christ who now lives in heaven!
May you all have a blessed day!
Much love,
Teresa
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mom has been in the hospital this time for a month. The stroke occurred on April 23. Two months to the day of having the stroke, she had a heart attack. I was holding her hand when she told me of pain between her shoulder blades. I am glad she was not alone. Test later confirmed what I thought was happening at the time. There is heart damage, but she is not a candidate for cardiac cath due to her physical state. We are now taking life day by day and at moments minute by minute.
Take care
Teresa
Take care
Teresa
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mom is still going through a difficult time. She has been in the hospital this time for two weeks. I sent her to a rehab twenty miles from our home after having her home for four days. She needed around the clock care from a nursing staff. The occupational therapist recommended this place and the care seemed to be good. However, she was only there a few days. They called me and said they needed to send her to the hospital. She had a fever and we later found out infection in the decubitus ulcer. None of which was the fault of the more recent rehab. Once she is released from the hospital, I hope this rehab will take her back. As of now, she is fighting gout and body pain from being in bed for two months.
If this isn't enough, I was involved in a car accident on June 15. I was in the left turn lane, waiting to turn at the hospital, when I was rear ended and shoved into the car in front of me. The woman behind me had been hit by a truck and shoved into me. I am sore but seem to be doing fine for now. I ended up going to the hospital by ambulance because of the pain in my back. They took x-rays and nothing is broken. My car just has scratches on the bumper. I was told that the bumper of the vehicle behind me went under my car. I took by car to the shop today and everything underneath looks fine.
I hope you all are doing fine. I miss blogging, but I have gotten some reading done and some stitching. My computer is still being worked on. I have been late in getting a disc to the man working on it. I was finally able to mail it today.
Take care and thanks so much for all of your prayers.
Teresa
If this isn't enough, I was involved in a car accident on June 15. I was in the left turn lane, waiting to turn at the hospital, when I was rear ended and shoved into the car in front of me. The woman behind me had been hit by a truck and shoved into me. I am sore but seem to be doing fine for now. I ended up going to the hospital by ambulance because of the pain in my back. They took x-rays and nothing is broken. My car just has scratches on the bumper. I was told that the bumper of the vehicle behind me went under my car. I took by car to the shop today and everything underneath looks fine.
I hope you all are doing fine. I miss blogging, but I have gotten some reading done and some stitching. My computer is still being worked on. I have been late in getting a disc to the man working on it. I was finally able to mail it today.
Take care and thanks so much for all of your prayers.
Teresa
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mom is going through a very difficult time. Yesterday she was taken from rehab back to the hospital. She has acute renal failure, dehydration and pneumonia. Also, all the good bacteria in the intestines is gone and having to be replaced. Anyone who is cleaning her has to wear protective gear to prevent them from becoming infected. I have been told her condition can be reversed. I pray they are right. She will not be returning to rehab, I will bring her home.
I think of the goals I had for her, getting her home and taking care of her. Still, I can only think in the present day. I feel selfish in expressing how tired I am when Mom is doing everything she can to hang on. When I ask her what she wants me to pray for, she says she wants to be well. When I left her today, after staying the night, she seemed to be resting. During the night she called my name and let me know she was in agony. She received pain meds which seemed to help. I thank the LORD that she is now in a hospital where I trust the care she will receive.
I went to the rehab center today and spoke to the administrator and the nurse supervisor about my views on their facility. I told the truth as to what I saw with my mom and other patients. I don't know If it helped them, but I do know that it helped me. I spoke on behalf of the patients who are not capable of participating in their own care. It seems like everything today is disposable, including people. It amazes me what blind spots people have unless it involves their loved ones.
When I first went to "tour" the rehab, I met a woman in admissions who had only worked there for a few weeks. I had a chance to talk with her today "off the record." I told her she was too nice to work there and to please look for another job. She cried, I think because of her tender heart, and told me she needed her job. I told her I would pray to God that He find her a better job and for her to start looking for work elsewhere. I could tell on her face that she is already burnt out.
I have to go now, I have other business to attend to. Thanks for stopping by and I will let Mom know of your encouraging words.
Take care
Teresa
I think of the goals I had for her, getting her home and taking care of her. Still, I can only think in the present day. I feel selfish in expressing how tired I am when Mom is doing everything she can to hang on. When I ask her what she wants me to pray for, she says she wants to be well. When I left her today, after staying the night, she seemed to be resting. During the night she called my name and let me know she was in agony. She received pain meds which seemed to help. I thank the LORD that she is now in a hospital where I trust the care she will receive.
I went to the rehab center today and spoke to the administrator and the nurse supervisor about my views on their facility. I told the truth as to what I saw with my mom and other patients. I don't know If it helped them, but I do know that it helped me. I spoke on behalf of the patients who are not capable of participating in their own care. It seems like everything today is disposable, including people. It amazes me what blind spots people have unless it involves their loved ones.
When I first went to "tour" the rehab, I met a woman in admissions who had only worked there for a few weeks. I had a chance to talk with her today "off the record." I told her she was too nice to work there and to please look for another job. She cried, I think because of her tender heart, and told me she needed her job. I told her I would pray to God that He find her a better job and for her to start looking for work elsewhere. I could tell on her face that she is already burnt out.
I have to go now, I have other business to attend to. Thanks for stopping by and I will let Mom know of your encouraging words.
Take care
Teresa
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mom has been in rehab for a week. The result of the stroke is a left side neglect. Her mind ignores the left side, so she doesn't have use of her left side, arm or leg. At this time she cannot swallow food. I pray that soon she will at least be able to swallow soft foods. It is difficult to tell her she cannot have water when she asks for it. A feeding tube has been surgically placed in her stomach, she pulled out the first one that went through the nose to the stomach. She has to be turned in the bed and after being in bed eighteen days, she has skin sheering on her backsides.
Her mind is excellent, it is her body that has her trapped. I am learning how to turn her in bed and use a lift to put her into a wheelchair. I didn't finish nursing school, but I am now getting an education in physical and occupational therapy. Speech therapy will be next. I will end up with a degree, if not from college, from rehab and home health.
I am in the process of moving the furniture in our home to accommodate our new living arrangements. The living room will become her new bedroom, her bedroom will become my den. Our living room is the largest room in the house and I will be able to fit a hospital bed and other equipment more easily. When the physical therapist suggested using her bedroom as a den, I thought it was cruel, but to be honest she may never use that room again. It breaks my heart to admit that, it hurts worse to say it out loud. She said to use my bedroom to sleep and the den to try to relax.
I don't know if Mom has a sense of time. I tell her the month, date and day when I visit. I haven't told her how long she will be in rehab. One of her doctors told me to stay in the present day and don't think about tomorrow. There are simply times when I can only get through the day minute by minute.
My computer is being worked on. I hope to have it back by the time WE go home. I have gotten some stitching done when Mom sleeps. I am currently working on Christmas ornaments for my church. Mostly, I pray. If anyone reading this believes in the power of prayer, please include us on your prayer list.
I know that God is with Mom and me on this journey. I hope by writing about it, others will gain a better understanding of what it is like to be the victim of a stroke and what it is like to be their. caregiver. If anyone has been through this before and has suggestions for me, please leave a comment.
Always remember that LOVE is powerful.
Teresa
Her mind is excellent, it is her body that has her trapped. I am learning how to turn her in bed and use a lift to put her into a wheelchair. I didn't finish nursing school, but I am now getting an education in physical and occupational therapy. Speech therapy will be next. I will end up with a degree, if not from college, from rehab and home health.
I am in the process of moving the furniture in our home to accommodate our new living arrangements. The living room will become her new bedroom, her bedroom will become my den. Our living room is the largest room in the house and I will be able to fit a hospital bed and other equipment more easily. When the physical therapist suggested using her bedroom as a den, I thought it was cruel, but to be honest she may never use that room again. It breaks my heart to admit that, it hurts worse to say it out loud. She said to use my bedroom to sleep and the den to try to relax.
I don't know if Mom has a sense of time. I tell her the month, date and day when I visit. I haven't told her how long she will be in rehab. One of her doctors told me to stay in the present day and don't think about tomorrow. There are simply times when I can only get through the day minute by minute.
My computer is being worked on. I hope to have it back by the time WE go home. I have gotten some stitching done when Mom sleeps. I am currently working on Christmas ornaments for my church. Mostly, I pray. If anyone reading this believes in the power of prayer, please include us on your prayer list.
I know that God is with Mom and me on this journey. I hope by writing about it, others will gain a better understanding of what it is like to be the victim of a stroke and what it is like to be their. caregiver. If anyone has been through this before and has suggestions for me, please leave a comment.
Always remember that LOVE is powerful.
Teresa
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Update on Mom
My mother has been moved from the hospital to a rehab center. It is estimated that she will be there four to six weeks and then I will be able to bring her home. I CAN'T WAIT!!! I promise to write more later.
A friend of my niece has my computer tower, in hopes of fixing it. If he does, I will be able to update more often from home.
I will let Mom know about your comments.
Thanks so much!
Love to you all!
Teresa
A friend of my niece has my computer tower, in hopes of fixing it. If he does, I will be able to update more often from home.
I will let Mom know about your comments.
Thanks so much!
Love to you all!
Teresa
Saturday, April 25, 2009
This post is difficult to write because what has happened occurred 48 hours ago and I have not had much sleep. Mom is in the hospital because she had a major stroke which has made swallowing difficult and made the weakness in her left side worse. She knows who I am and all family members who have visited. With a stroke changes seem to happen every few hours. I will not be alone in any decisions, her brothers and sister and even their children, my cousins, will have a voice. Mom understands when I explain things to her, I have to break it down and sometimes repeat myself, but she does know what is going on.
I fully believe in the power of prayer and the healing the LORD can provide. I ask that you keep Mom, me, and my family in your prayers. I will give updates about her condition when I have access to a computer.
Blessings to you all
Teresa
I fully believe in the power of prayer and the healing the LORD can provide. I ask that you keep Mom, me, and my family in your prayers. I will give updates about her condition when I have access to a computer.
Blessings to you all
Teresa
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I'll Be Away
I am really sad to say I'll be away awhile. My computer is not working and instead of causing more damage, I will not be using it. I know it will be a long time until it is working. I plan to go to the library to check my emails and add a note to my blog. I'll still be stitching and studying for my exam. I think I'll actually get more studying done by not having my computer. LOL
Do write to me, I will answer emails when I can. I'll miss blog reading everyday, it is great entertainment. I'll keep a list of my stitching projects so I can take pictures later and post them one day.
Take care,
Teresa
Do write to me, I will answer emails when I can. I'll miss blog reading everyday, it is great entertainment. I'll keep a list of my stitching projects so I can take pictures later and post them one day.
Take care,
Teresa
Saturday, March 14, 2009
My Gift for Tammie
The final gift is in the hands of Tammie in the U.K. I stitched lilac morning glories for her. Lilac is a favorite color of hers and morning glories are a favorite of mine. The pattern is from the Prairie Schooler, A Prairie Garden II. Tammie says it it "gorgeous," I am so glad she is happy with it. For the handle on this piece, I used two different satin ribbons. One is fused onto the other.
When I started stitching, sewing, and knitting 30+ years ago, I had no idea that my needlework would end up in the Netherlands, the U.K. and across the U.S. My stitching is such a part of who I am, I am so grateful that I could share it with others. I wrote to Tammie that I miss all the pieces I made and want to stitch them for my home. I even found the perfect color yarn for a scarf for myself! LOL
Many thanks to all who read my blog and to those who take the time to comment.
Today, I am grateful to God for my mom, the gift of stitching, friends nearby and from around the world!
Many blessings to you and the ones you love.
Teresa
When I started stitching, sewing, and knitting 30+ years ago, I had no idea that my needlework would end up in the Netherlands, the U.K. and across the U.S. My stitching is such a part of who I am, I am so grateful that I could share it with others. I wrote to Tammie that I miss all the pieces I made and want to stitch them for my home. I even found the perfect color yarn for a scarf for myself! LOL
Many thanks to all who read my blog and to those who take the time to comment.
Today, I am grateful to God for my mom, the gift of stitching, friends nearby and from around the world!
Many blessings to you and the ones you love.
Teresa
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Carla's Gift
Carla's gift was great fun to make. Part of this design is a Lizzie*Kate freebie, Liberty, that can be found here. I added "Sweet Land of", a fourth star and a blue stripe at the bottom of the design. Since red, white, and blue are Carla's favorite colors and the Fourth of July a favorite holiday, I thought this design would be perfect for her.
In her email I received yesterday, Carla wrote that her father was a Marine for 10 years, her husband had been in the Navy and was now a police officer. Many thanks to Carla's husband and dad for being two of the vast number of men and women who keep us free and in a Sweet Land of Liberty!
Carla wrote that she loved her gift and I can honestly say, it was a pleasure to make!
In her email I received yesterday, Carla wrote that her father was a Marine for 10 years, her husband had been in the Navy and was now a police officer. Many thanks to Carla's husband and dad for being two of the vast number of men and women who keep us free and in a Sweet Land of Liberty!Carla wrote that she loved her gift and I can honestly say, it was a pleasure to make!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mary Ann's Gift
I received an email yesterday from Mary Ann letting me know her gift had arrived.
Mary Ann's favorite color is red, so I decided to do a piece of red work for her. I didn't find out until after she got her gift that she enjoys feeding and watching birds! She was really excited to receive her gift!
The chart for this design can be found on this page. The entire piece is stitched with DMC 321 on 16 count white fabric.
Mary Ann does loads of stitching for others. Please visit her blog, I am sure you will discover that she is a very special stitcher. She is well deserving of having someone stitch for her for a change!
Enjoy your gift Mary Ann and know it came from my heart!
Mary Ann's favorite color is red, so I decided to do a piece of red work for her. I didn't find out until after she got her gift that she enjoys feeding and watching birds! She was really excited to receive her gift!
The chart for this design can be found on this page. The entire piece is stitched with DMC 321 on 16 count white fabric.
Mary Ann does loads of stitching for others. Please visit her blog, I am sure you will discover that she is a very special stitcher. She is well deserving of having someone stitch for her for a change!
Enjoy your gift Mary Ann and know it came from my heart!
What A Difference A Week Makes!
On Sunday, March 1, it started snowing and continued through the middle of the afternoon on Monday, March 2. The temperature was around 5 degrees. We had somewhere around ten inches of snow!
This past weekend, the temperature was in the eighties!
Monday, March 9, 2009
My Gift to Janet
After signing up for Monique's PIF, it was my turn to make gifts for those who signed up with me! I have already sent out two gifts and the first of the remaining four received her gift today.
I emailed Janet in NJ to find out some information about her, likes and dislikes, favorite colors, etc. She collects items that are good luck charms. As soon as I read that she likes four leaf clovers and ladybugs, I knew that would be what I wanted to stitch!
I so enjoyed making this hanging pillow. It can be hung on a door knob, bed post, etc. The four leaf clover pattern is from DMC and can be found here. When you join the DMC club, the chart can be found under flowers. I did change the colors. I used brighter greens for the clovers and changed the bow from pinks to reds. To add more good luck, I sewed on seven ladybug buttons. The buttons were all red with black dots. I used a permanent marker and colored the heads black. I like them much better now! Check out the ric rac, those ladybugs really get around!!
I received an email from Janet this afternoon. She is so happy with her gift and it was great fun to make!
The other three gifts should arrive at their destinations this week. As soon as they do, I will post pictures.
Take care
Monique's Gift to Me
Monique sent me this beautiful project pouch as a PIF gift. It means so much to me because she designed, stitched and sewed the entire pouch herself! She is so talented! Thank you Monique, I will treasure this lovely gift.
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