Mom and Dad left super early this morning and are headed to California for the week--a getaway for just the two of them. Maddie and I are staying here and keeping each other company. Someone is coming every morning to walk Miss Maddie and to provide any assistance I need (which is not very much these days!) As I've shared before, Mom and Dad have gone away in the past, but they've only been a couple of hours away by car. This feels like a much bigger deal since they are flying and are much farther away.
I got up after they left for the airport and have found sticky notes around the house that Mom left for me--on my mirror, the shower door, the kitchen cabinet and Maddie's food container. Love my mother!
I am super excited for them. They are renting a car and driving up the coast as far as Big Sur and Carmel, which is one of my favorite places ever. I kinda wish I were going along because of that, but I wasn't invited and I really am thrilled for them to get away on their own!
I have a week full of my usual activities and am going to the Stroke Center for my art group this morning. I missed it last week due to an appointment with my neurologist, so I am excited to see my friends there and to paint today. My appointment was my usual six-month check with her and everything is fine. She is a wonderful person and my favorite doctor. I always leave her office feeling encouraged and hopeful.
We had a mellow weekend around here. Dad is rebuilding our deck so he worked on that a bunch. We went out for pizza on Saturday night since we don't really do Halloween. There are no children in our neighborhood, so we didn't deprive anyone of candy by not being home. And the only candy we tend to have around is a box or two of Milk Duds for emergency movie snacks for me. I don't really share those if I can help it! They are my favorite!
That is about it for news here.
Last week, I did meet with the counselor the kids have been seeing from time to time. We had a good chat and I think we may have helped each other understand some things a little more clearly. There are no plans for me and the kids to meet together at this point in time. Toben does send me updates a couple of times a month and it sounds like they are both doing well. They are doing well in school and really getting along well --I am really proud of them for that and am glad they have each other!
My tummy is starting to rumble, so I think it is time to finish my coffee and think about food. As it gets cooler, I have switched to oatmeal for breakfast every day. I do love my Captain Crunch when the weather is nicer, but I need something hot when it is cold outside!
Happy Monday to all. I hope you have a great week!
Joanne
So proud of you for holding down the fort! And hooray for a great check-up! And oatmeal? Is ewwwww. Love you!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | November 02, 2015 at 07:06 AM
I am truly amazed at how far you've come. Enjoy your week of independence and don't touch the keys to the corvette! Hugs!
Posted by: Kimberly in Sunny Florida | November 02, 2015 at 07:13 AM
You need this week on your own as much as your parents need their week in California! You & Maddie are going to have a fun week...reading and watching movies in the midst of all your other activities. You continue to encourage so many of us, as we see God working with you on your journey. Good news about your visit with the girl's counselor...His timing is perfect in our lives! Hugs coming from Texas!
Posted by: Bobbie Lutz | November 02, 2015 at 07:35 AM
It's so awesome that you are able to manage on your own a bit and have your own freedom! Answered prayers! We will continue praying for healing in the relationships with your girls...a very wise woman told me once, when I got better, so would my kids and family. It's a process but it does happen like that with lots of prayer! I would say, you have come so far and I am so happy for you that these doors are at least opening! Be Brave and keep knowing we are praying!!!!
Posted by: Lana | November 02, 2015 at 08:08 AM
Hope you have a wonderful week and your parents also. It is still a mystery to me why your girls haven't been in your life this whole time. Hard to understand how they could be happy not seeing their mother.
GOD BLESS!!
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | November 02, 2015 at 09:17 AM
Joanne
I have been going through some "things" lately and I want to be honest, I often think of your story and I realize the level of my things could be much harder. I want you to know a couple things: 1) how beautifully you are walking this path despite it all (and I get it, sister, I know there are still messed up hard days, but STILL)and how you are the runway model of embracing the journey God gives us and 2) the lines in Psalm 23 have helped me so much. I have the whole thing memorized now but especially, "even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not fear, for YOU are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 3) YOU, Joanne, and your words and your getting up every day and doing it anyway, you are making a difference in the life of a middle aged, working Mom in Illinois, going through some "things". How about that for getting a smile out of
you ? ! Big hug, Jen P. in Palatine, IL
Posted by: Jen P | November 02, 2015 at 10:05 AM
Nice! Praying your week is full and your parents have fun!
Blessings. :)
Posted by: child of God | November 02, 2015 at 12:56 PM
Look at you! You have come a long way! I remember when i found out about you being in hospital with stroke... I read your blog... thinking what a shame it all is you are suffering with stroke when you had so much going for you. I wondered if you would write again... deep down inside I figured you would. I think of that everytime I see you posting something. Amazing! Go, Joanne, go!! You inspire so very many people! Thank you for the update on the girls (little is better than none:)). I look forward to the day you mention you are in touch with the girls. That will be such a beautiful thing! But regardless of what is going on that you may despise in life right now... keep on keeping on... you are doing fabulous! An ispiration to many... especailly those suffering from stroke or other things. Bless you for giving hope... proving there is hope. You rock!!
Heidi Carrico
ps... how do you type?
Posted by: heidi carrico | November 03, 2015 at 01:33 AM
WOW! Sweet Joanne you have come a long way what an AWESOME God we have x
Have a Fun week x
BLESSINGS and HUGS to you x
Posted by: Ruthy :) | November 03, 2015 at 06:09 AM