CS04

[gotorightway123]

CS04

I am so sorry for whatever is going on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[CS04]

CS04

Oprah Today

The woman who was the US's 1st face transplant, Connie Culp, will be on Oprah today at 4:00 EST on ABC. The surgery was done at the Cleveland Clinic (as most of you know, I am from and live in Cleveland). Check it out!

Thanks again for all your happy thoughts.

[CS04]

CS04

And, coincidentally enough, her injuries occurred on Sept. 21, 2004 -- 5 years ago yesterday.

[CS04]

CS04

I woke up at about 3 AM. Can't get back to sleep. It is now almost 4, so I guess I'll clean out my (minimally functioning) fridge, cause today is trash day. I need this like I need a hole in the head.

[CS04]

CS04

Hubby came downstairs and ordered me back to bed at about 5 AM. I then got up with baby at about 8 or 8:30. I have no idea how I am functioning.

Repairman was here today: fridge is fixed (but I am still cleaning it out), dishwasher part is ordered. 18 yo has fixed vehicle so I don't have to haul his a** around anymore. And tomorrow is my dad's birthday party!

BTW, for any Jewish friends out there, happy holidays. Sorry if I forgot.

[CS04]

CS04

Hi all,
Been a weird day. Drove out to the farmers market to sharpen knives. This market is about an hour from me (close to Akron; Chief, if you are reading this, you'd better come find me.) Once I got equipment in car and on the road, it started to rain. I can't run electrical in the rain, so I figured I'd set up, sans plug-in, and run the shameless art of self promotion.

On my way home, I stopped in to check on my stepmom, who is rather fragile. She had to give my dad's easy chair to her son, because she couldn't look at it anymore. As I have posted, my dad's birthday was yesterday. I am glad that Dean (my stepbrother) has a van to haul this easy chair back to New York State from Cleveland.

I also made a few other stops on the way, which I will not detail here (unless you have specific questions).

Gotta go -- love you all

[Cathy40]

CS04

No specific questions CS, just more hugs and good wishes. Expect the waking at 3am to go on for a bit. Things only start to sink in when all the fuss dies down. Be gentle with yourself, and dont expect too much from yourself for a while.

[Saint Jude]

CS04

CS,
Pat, my heart is with you...:h and your family.

The party sounds like a wonderful way to honor your Papa.


Hugs to you sweetie:l

[CS04]

CS04

Hi all,
I am so not coping with this. They have counselors at the university I teach at, but I am afraid to do that. I can't afford regular therapy. I did, however, pick up a certificate to a FREE yoga class (I have done yoga off and on for about 15 years, and I do enjoy it). I haven't been eating right; sleeping erratically, and of course all sorts of other wrong.

It is Friday morning here, and I am about to get ready for work. My husband has family from England who have been visiting and staying with his parents. We were supposed to have a cookout, but since fall and the rains have descended upon us, they are just going to pick up take-out from Whole Foods.

I am going to need you guys this weekend.

Thanks.

[greeneyes]

CS04

Aw CS...:h :l There are 7 stages of processing a loss. It takes some time to go through them. dont rush it. Allow yourself to feel each one. There are feelings in there that you may think are "wrong" for you to feel, but they are OK. They are your felings and no right or wrong is attached to them. Acknowledge them give them some time and space within you and release them. You are coping, nobody said coping was smooth. :l

[LVT25]

CS04

CS--don't feel bad for not coping! When my mom passed away it was 3 days before Christmas. When I came home, I (for whatever reason) simply could not bear to take down our tree. Finally hubby said something about it, and I had a total meltdown. I started tearing the tree apart and bawling and yelling. I don't know if that was healing or not. Then, on Mother's day that year, I sent my family away while I sat on the couch and bawled all day. My dad died 6 months later, which was a little easier, because we were more prepared and he wanted to go be with mom. And I know he did, because when he died, he spread his arms out wide like he was going to give her a hug.

I won't go into anymore details about this terrible time in my life (which also included losing a few friends to death and divorce), but please don't do like I did and let it feed your addiction! Get some counseling if you have the opportunity, I really wish I had done that.

Praying for you girl!:l:h

[hart]

CS04

(((((CS)))))))))):l:l:l

[sunshine_gg]

CS04

:l Here for you anytime, honey.
Be gentle and be patient with yourself.

[CS04]

CS04

Thanks, guys. And, to add insult to injury, my roof is leaking. It has been leaking onto the attic stairs for some time now, but my 18 yo called me while I was teaching and said it was dripping onto the stairs between the 1st and 2nd floor.

I can't take any more shit..

[CS04]

CS04

Thank you to all my friends here, and especially Greeneyes, who really walked me though a lot of shit last night.

I think this is going to be a long walk.

I did go to church again today, with my 3 year old. I have never in my life been a churchgoer, but I need to do this for a variety of reasons. It has been very nice, and they are totally liberal and welcoming.

If I have already told these stories, then I am sorry. My family is sick of hearing my stories over and over again, but that is what is what my dad did , and I do the same damn thing.

I have a LOT of work coming up in the month of October, plus a conference presentation I need to prepare for.

Thanks, CS