Another week has gone by and summer will be on us REAL soon. I got to spend the day with Maxwell last Friday while Megan went over to help with the graduation ceremony and activities. What a day we had. It is such an exciting thing to spend the day with someone that NEEDS you to be there. I love every minute of the day! And yesterday, Megan had come to Crosby to pay her new daycare funds and while she was on this side of town, called me to meet me for lunch. We had a nice quiet time and I got to love on Maxwell some more!
Work is an interesting thing right now. With all the changes that my company is going through right now, we are all just thankful we are still there. Rumor is that next week they will be deciding who is still needed and what cuts are going to be made. I can only hope and pray that they still need me. We hear there will be major changes as to how we do things around there, but we just have to hope for the best. Only time will tell us for sure but hopefully, God will help us through these times!
Betty is telling me many times how much I have changed since my accident. She is still convinced that my mind is not like it used to be. I do notice some things are different and I don't think as well as I used to but she says it's more than just that. She also says that others have noticed it, too. Hopefully, God will help me through these times and all will be OK. This may be a challenge He set up for me, too. It's funny that everyone else sees it, but I don't notice it.
I had a friend at work this last week that asked me how I was doing and was I at 100%. We talked a little about it but I did not go into many details about it. I have pains every day but they will always be there and I have adjusted to it. Are they major items? Not any more! I pay a lot more attention to certain things that I did not have to before. Walking is one of those things. I look at the ground more because something that is not smooth can cause major issues. Lift something heavy is always going to be an issue, too. If the item is already up and I don't have to bend to get it, I do much better. I still can't walk well while carrying something with weight. This still makes me limp and probably always will. I noticed that riding a bicycle is easier now than it was 6 months ago. It used to hurt to get my leg over the seat, but that has passed. Bumps in the road still hurt and probably will for quite a while. The doctor told me that a broken tailbone will always be a concern, but I deal with this, too.
It is just one of those funny things about life. As we get older, certain things bother us more than they used to, but most of the time these issues come on pretty slowly. Mine all come at one time so getting used to them was an adjustment in life and He helped me deal with it. It is OK because my friends, family and God all pulled together to get me where I am today. I am here to watch my Grandson go up and spoil him every time I can.
A great amount of love goes out to each of you and thanks for helping me pull through this. Smile every day because God loves each and every one of us and makes being here today a wonderful thing!
Mark 5/30/09
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19 and still writing
What an exciting week around here. I went to see my parents on Saturday and spent some time enjoying them. Matt stayed with Tiffaney so they could go see the new Star Trek movie. Both loved it! I did too by NOT HAVING to go... Enjoyed seeing my parents and enjoying the time with them doing little of nothing. We talked and visited about many things. I got to share with them that I have quit smoking. They were very happy for me and hope I can do it for good this time. It has been 2 weeks so far!
Betty, Breanna, Megan and Maxwell are in Florida right now. My niece had a "surprise" birthday party and Betty "surprised" all of them by showing up. She only told our nephew James that she was coming and he did a great job of keeping it quiet. Betty said everyone was surprised and they all got to see Maxwell, too. I know this was a quick trip but you have to take these adventures whenever you can. She made several things for Matt and me to eat off of while they were gone and I don't think we have starved yet so all is great. I think they are leaving tomorrow to come back but with Maxwell with them, we probably won't see them until Thursday. I know the whole group there was happy to see all of them. Life is a wonderful thing and you have to enjoy every minute of it.
While I was at my parents, I got poison ivy AGAIN. It seems like it is waiting for me when I get there. Sad part is I did not know I had it until Monday. Sunday night while I was asleep, my body went on it's on course and spread it around a little bit. That is OK because I can deal with it. God helps me learn a lot about life is some strange ways and I have to deal with it the best I can.
I spoke with a vendor at work today. He saw my family pictures in my office and got on the subject of family. He told me he got married in 1983 and loves seeing people that has one of those pleasant experience with their partner. These kind of things mean a lot to many of us. It is good to talk to someone like this that enjoys their spouse as much as I enjoy mine. We don't always see things eye to eye, but you just have to learn to accept certain things and enjoy life together.
I know I missed the time to see many people I love dearly in Florida and I remember Marlies from when she was about 12 or so and Christine was probably 10. It is amazing to see what wonderful people they have grown in to. I knew I told Betty the first time we were there that when we had kids, I wanted them to be just like these two. I think we did a great job of this because my girls have the same attitude about life and people as these two did. Another wonderful thing about life and family!
I am so glad that God gave me help to still be here and to enjoy every moment that I have here. When I get to talking about my situation, how I was, where I was and what I went through, I can only say Thank You to everyone who prayed for me and helped my family deal with these hard times. On one hand, it seems like this was a lifetime ago and on the other, it seems like yesterday. I am coming up really quickly on my "2 year" anniversary. Do I dread this? Absolutely not. I wish it did not happen, but feeling these pains everyday reminds me just how lucky I am.
I love you all so much and I am glad to be here to tell everyone about life. God has helped me appreciate every day and I thank Him so much for this.
Mark 5/19/09 and starting to warm up around here...
Betty, Breanna, Megan and Maxwell are in Florida right now. My niece had a "surprise" birthday party and Betty "surprised" all of them by showing up. She only told our nephew James that she was coming and he did a great job of keeping it quiet. Betty said everyone was surprised and they all got to see Maxwell, too. I know this was a quick trip but you have to take these adventures whenever you can. She made several things for Matt and me to eat off of while they were gone and I don't think we have starved yet so all is great. I think they are leaving tomorrow to come back but with Maxwell with them, we probably won't see them until Thursday. I know the whole group there was happy to see all of them. Life is a wonderful thing and you have to enjoy every minute of it.
While I was at my parents, I got poison ivy AGAIN. It seems like it is waiting for me when I get there. Sad part is I did not know I had it until Monday. Sunday night while I was asleep, my body went on it's on course and spread it around a little bit. That is OK because I can deal with it. God helps me learn a lot about life is some strange ways and I have to deal with it the best I can.
I spoke with a vendor at work today. He saw my family pictures in my office and got on the subject of family. He told me he got married in 1983 and loves seeing people that has one of those pleasant experience with their partner. These kind of things mean a lot to many of us. It is good to talk to someone like this that enjoys their spouse as much as I enjoy mine. We don't always see things eye to eye, but you just have to learn to accept certain things and enjoy life together.
I know I missed the time to see many people I love dearly in Florida and I remember Marlies from when she was about 12 or so and Christine was probably 10. It is amazing to see what wonderful people they have grown in to. I knew I told Betty the first time we were there that when we had kids, I wanted them to be just like these two. I think we did a great job of this because my girls have the same attitude about life and people as these two did. Another wonderful thing about life and family!
I am so glad that God gave me help to still be here and to enjoy every moment that I have here. When I get to talking about my situation, how I was, where I was and what I went through, I can only say Thank You to everyone who prayed for me and helped my family deal with these hard times. On one hand, it seems like this was a lifetime ago and on the other, it seems like yesterday. I am coming up really quickly on my "2 year" anniversary. Do I dread this? Absolutely not. I wish it did not happen, but feeling these pains everyday reminds me just how lucky I am.
I love you all so much and I am glad to be here to tell everyone about life. God has helped me appreciate every day and I thank Him so much for this.
Mark 5/19/09 and starting to warm up around here...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 11 and still here
Another week has gone by and life is great. Most people have come to hate Mondays but it is just another happy day for me. I had someone at work today ask me why I was in such a good mood on a MONDAY. The answer today is the same as every other day. I woke up breathing on my own and VERY happy about it. I had to babysit my Grandson last Thursday while Megan and Matt had to meet their inspector for their new house. He found several items that need to be addressed but that is why the inspector goes over everything. You have two kinds of inspectors like you have two types of painters or doctors or other job holders. Usually, you have one that is very thorough and reasonably priced or you have one that does as little as he can and charges more. Thank goodness they found a good one that cares. This took quite a while to go over things but I did not mind a little more spoil time! They made some recommendations back to the builder and had to wait for a reply. They accepted this request to pay ALL closing costs instead of a limit they suggested at first and they agreed to get another inspector at THEIR cost to re-evaluate these things. If this one finds the same issues, they will address them. They SUGGESTED using one they had used before but Matt said that they could not use theirs because he know what "friends" can do for each other.
The girls were all here yesterday to see their Mom on Mother's Day. Yes, I know, more time with my Grandson. My, how they PUNISH me!!! Just roll me in the briar patch again, anytime... Brea and Tiff really enjoyed their time with him, too. Life is such a wonderful thing and it was great to spend time as a family again. Distance causes some issues with this, but LOVE does bring you back together.
Work is really getting interesting right now. We hear "rumors" about how things will be and how things will "change" for all of us. The rumor we are hearing is that on Thursday, we will find out more about who stays and who doesn't. Yes, it is a rumor, but a decision is supposed to be made by the end of next week, so this Thursday is realistic. Four people in our group have signed up to leave "voluntarily" and the rest are curious how many there will be in the total. They changed our work hours to a nine hour day and work 8 every other Friday. One would think shorter hours would be great, but my "shorter" days are longer most of the time. I start earlier so that everything that needs to be done can get done, and then when it is time to go home, I have to finish several things in progress. These 9 hour days are 10 or more hours long and I still have to be there every other Friday. I think the only ones enjoying these shorter hours are the four that are on the "list". They leave on time because they don't have to worry about being listed as non-productive. The rest of us DO worry about that. Being on certain lists is not a good thing sometimes. All we can do is our best and hope somebody notices it and appreciates it.
I wanted to go see my parents last weekend but they were out of town to go camping. The second week-end of the month is the time for them but that is when Mother's Day was scheduled. I guess Hallmark did not realize when their group goes camping. I am hoping to get there this week-end, but I have not told them this, yet. I have most of the work on the trailer finished up with some small items left. The porch is all finished and looks pretty good. I think Tiff likes it, but she is like me and probably hasn't noticed it all, yet. The back steps need to be made but I can make them here and take them over and put them in place. The trim around the new door is still needed and the metal pieces for the door knob and lock need to be put on.
As you can tell, life is a wonderful thing that we are all here to enjoy. Smile and appreciate each day for the wonderful things it gives us. All we can do is make the most of everything we have and enjoy EVERY SINGLE MINUTE that God gives us. We are still here because He allows us more time. I thank Him for that EVERY day! Smile for me and love yourself because if you don't, how can others?
Mark 5/11/09
The girls were all here yesterday to see their Mom on Mother's Day. Yes, I know, more time with my Grandson. My, how they PUNISH me!!! Just roll me in the briar patch again, anytime... Brea and Tiff really enjoyed their time with him, too. Life is such a wonderful thing and it was great to spend time as a family again. Distance causes some issues with this, but LOVE does bring you back together.
Work is really getting interesting right now. We hear "rumors" about how things will be and how things will "change" for all of us. The rumor we are hearing is that on Thursday, we will find out more about who stays and who doesn't. Yes, it is a rumor, but a decision is supposed to be made by the end of next week, so this Thursday is realistic. Four people in our group have signed up to leave "voluntarily" and the rest are curious how many there will be in the total. They changed our work hours to a nine hour day and work 8 every other Friday. One would think shorter hours would be great, but my "shorter" days are longer most of the time. I start earlier so that everything that needs to be done can get done, and then when it is time to go home, I have to finish several things in progress. These 9 hour days are 10 or more hours long and I still have to be there every other Friday. I think the only ones enjoying these shorter hours are the four that are on the "list". They leave on time because they don't have to worry about being listed as non-productive. The rest of us DO worry about that. Being on certain lists is not a good thing sometimes. All we can do is our best and hope somebody notices it and appreciates it.
I wanted to go see my parents last weekend but they were out of town to go camping. The second week-end of the month is the time for them but that is when Mother's Day was scheduled. I guess Hallmark did not realize when their group goes camping. I am hoping to get there this week-end, but I have not told them this, yet. I have most of the work on the trailer finished up with some small items left. The porch is all finished and looks pretty good. I think Tiff likes it, but she is like me and probably hasn't noticed it all, yet. The back steps need to be made but I can make them here and take them over and put them in place. The trim around the new door is still needed and the metal pieces for the door knob and lock need to be put on.
As you can tell, life is a wonderful thing that we are all here to enjoy. Smile and appreciate each day for the wonderful things it gives us. All we can do is make the most of everything we have and enjoy EVERY SINGLE MINUTE that God gives us. We are still here because He allows us more time. I thank Him for that EVERY day! Smile for me and love yourself because if you don't, how can others?
Mark 5/11/09
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, May 4, and still around
Wow, time has flown by and I am still here to write an update. Life is great. Just smile and move forward. I had to babysit on Saturday while Megan and Matt looked at houses. She called in the afternoon and said she was running late and wanted to know if I needed her to come get Maxwell. HELLO! No, he was fine. It was my time to enjoy every minute so he could stay as long as he needed to. If this wasn't great enough, they found a house that they liked and put in a bid on it. She found out today that it was accepted! Wow, now my daughter, my favorite son-in-law and my grandson will be living in Crosby! I am so excited about this! Do I mind? Not even a little bit. I get to see Maxwell more and get to babysit more, too. What a time I will make of this. I thank God for keeping me here to enjoy these times.
I have not entered any data lately, so I thought I might put something here. I noticed there were no responses to my last posting. If that means nobody is reading it, I am OK with that. If someone reads and does not respond, I am OK with that, too. I ran in to someone that I had not seen in a while the other day and he asked how I was doing. As usual, I said I am good. He asked if I was 100% and I told him I was probably as close to it as I will ever be and I can live with dealing with pains. It has kind of grown on me and that all right with me. I know certain things still hurt and I TRY not to do these things. Sometimes, natural instincts kick in and I do it without thinking. Then, I feel the pains. Reaching for something still gets my right shoulder to hurt especially if its got some weight to it. Getting up from sitting on the ground is still tough, too. That's OK because they told me at the hospital that this was something I could not do. I put weight on my right knee the other day and it felt like someone hit me with a bat. Old habits die hard. I have to try to put my LEFT knee down instead. This is a hard thing to do since I am not used to it yet.
We have a family reunion coming up next month. I always get excited about going even though they all pick on me. I am not sure if they pick on me because I am the youngest Grandchild or because they love me so much. Really, I don't care why because I feel all the love. I used to hate to go to this reunion as a kid even though we always enjoyed it. I did not get to see my cousins often enough to really care back then. As a teen, the last thing you wanted was something YOUR PARENTS wanted you to do! Now, I look forward to these events. Yes, I still hear stories about how they carried me around and how they took care of me. That's OK because the learning I got from them has taught me how to be a better person. I still talk to some of them pretty regularly by e-mail. Just getting a note from them makes my day brighter. So, see, life is GREAT and I am still here, breathing on my own. I can deal with this!
Make the most of your day. Tell someone that you love just how much you love them. Even if they don't smile over the joy, it will make you smile. It will put a smile on my face just to know SOMEONE read this.
To all my cousins who think they can still put a knot on my head, stay away from the top front part. That spot still hurts when someone pushes it and that "hole" may never go away.
I love you all so much. Thanks for being the one or two that still checks up on me here. God is there and will help you when you need it. Trust me on this one! He was one of the many great things on my side almost two years ago. Family and friends talking to Him about me. How many prayer groups was I in? I don't really know, but it was just in the Houston area or in Texas. I know there was several in Florida, one or two in Tennessee, one in Colorado, one in Washington or Oregon and one in Chile, too. (Bet you didn't think I could reach that far) And you wonder why I think life is wonderful!
Mark 5/4/09
I have not entered any data lately, so I thought I might put something here. I noticed there were no responses to my last posting. If that means nobody is reading it, I am OK with that. If someone reads and does not respond, I am OK with that, too. I ran in to someone that I had not seen in a while the other day and he asked how I was doing. As usual, I said I am good. He asked if I was 100% and I told him I was probably as close to it as I will ever be and I can live with dealing with pains. It has kind of grown on me and that all right with me. I know certain things still hurt and I TRY not to do these things. Sometimes, natural instincts kick in and I do it without thinking. Then, I feel the pains. Reaching for something still gets my right shoulder to hurt especially if its got some weight to it. Getting up from sitting on the ground is still tough, too. That's OK because they told me at the hospital that this was something I could not do. I put weight on my right knee the other day and it felt like someone hit me with a bat. Old habits die hard. I have to try to put my LEFT knee down instead. This is a hard thing to do since I am not used to it yet.
We have a family reunion coming up next month. I always get excited about going even though they all pick on me. I am not sure if they pick on me because I am the youngest Grandchild or because they love me so much. Really, I don't care why because I feel all the love. I used to hate to go to this reunion as a kid even though we always enjoyed it. I did not get to see my cousins often enough to really care back then. As a teen, the last thing you wanted was something YOUR PARENTS wanted you to do! Now, I look forward to these events. Yes, I still hear stories about how they carried me around and how they took care of me. That's OK because the learning I got from them has taught me how to be a better person. I still talk to some of them pretty regularly by e-mail. Just getting a note from them makes my day brighter. So, see, life is GREAT and I am still here, breathing on my own. I can deal with this!
Make the most of your day. Tell someone that you love just how much you love them. Even if they don't smile over the joy, it will make you smile. It will put a smile on my face just to know SOMEONE read this.
To all my cousins who think they can still put a knot on my head, stay away from the top front part. That spot still hurts when someone pushes it and that "hole" may never go away.
I love you all so much. Thanks for being the one or two that still checks up on me here. God is there and will help you when you need it. Trust me on this one! He was one of the many great things on my side almost two years ago. Family and friends talking to Him about me. How many prayer groups was I in? I don't really know, but it was just in the Houston area or in Texas. I know there was several in Florida, one or two in Tennessee, one in Colorado, one in Washington or Oregon and one in Chile, too. (Bet you didn't think I could reach that far) And you wonder why I think life is wonderful!
Mark 5/4/09
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, April 14 and still around
I am doing OK these days. I spoke with some people at work today that were amazed that I am still around. I still hurt every day, but it is important how I deal with it. I had to climb a lot of stairs at work today and it hurts to do this. The amazing thing is that it hurts more to go up than it does to go down. Going down used to hurt more many months back and going up was never real pleasant, but coming down is much better now than it was. That is a good thing. Riding a bicycle is easier, too. It used to hurt more to get on one but it is getting easier, too. I still have to watch out for bumps in the rode but life is great that I can ride better. My pelvic area still hurts to lift up and over the seat but it hurts less than it did. Time is great to me.
I have been spending time working on Tiffaney's trailer. It seems like the more time I spend on it, the more I find that needs to be done. I replaced her front door last weekend and put in a new screen door, too. One thing I learned about trailers is that a standard door is too tall. I had to shorten the height on both of these. I was careful to get the right width, but it was either shorten it or cut out some wall. I figured the length was easiest. I spent most of Saturday working on these two items but they made a big difference in the way it looks. I have to go over there this weekend and put up the boards to decorate the porch. All posts are in place and so are the handrails. Just a little of work to make it right. More time spent on it but it will all be worth it in the long run. Every time I am over there working, I feel it the next day. Yes, I don't recover from it like I used to, but I wake up breathing on my own which makes it a great day!
All the girls come home to spend Easter Sunday with us and Maxwell got to spend some time with us, too. After that, we went to Betty's sisters (Pat's) house and spent some time with them, too. I was so tired when we got home, but I slept pretty well because of it. This is our tough week around here. Betty is on days this week. She leaves home around 5AM and gets home at 7PM. We have always had issues with this week of the month, but we survive and move forward. We have learned to deal with this. One thing about 12 hours days is they start early and end late, but you get more days off because of the hours put in. I remember working these long days for many years and they were never that easy, even though I was much younger then.
My company filed for Chapter 11 in January and things at work are a little tougher now. A letter came out today trying to find people to take a severance package. They compensate you pretty well, but I am not old enough to retire so I really don't have a choice. I could not imagine having to find another job so I will do what I can to be one of the people that gets to stay. If there is not enough people that "volunteer" to leave, then the company will have to choose some people to leave. They have a number of people that will have to go, but we really don't know how many it will be. It is set to be 3000 people company wide, but at our facility, we don't really have any idea. All I can do is hope that there are enough people wanting to retire that this package will appeal to. All I can do is my best and hope for this to work out. This kind of thinking gets to you over time, but I can just hope God is looking out for what is best for us.
He has taken great care of me this far. I guess He is the reason I have such a high outlook on life. God does this to you and it is a great feeling to have.
My love to all of you. If you are one of those few that keep up with me this way, thanks for your support and love you have shared with us.
I have been spending time working on Tiffaney's trailer. It seems like the more time I spend on it, the more I find that needs to be done. I replaced her front door last weekend and put in a new screen door, too. One thing I learned about trailers is that a standard door is too tall. I had to shorten the height on both of these. I was careful to get the right width, but it was either shorten it or cut out some wall. I figured the length was easiest. I spent most of Saturday working on these two items but they made a big difference in the way it looks. I have to go over there this weekend and put up the boards to decorate the porch. All posts are in place and so are the handrails. Just a little of work to make it right. More time spent on it but it will all be worth it in the long run. Every time I am over there working, I feel it the next day. Yes, I don't recover from it like I used to, but I wake up breathing on my own which makes it a great day!
All the girls come home to spend Easter Sunday with us and Maxwell got to spend some time with us, too. After that, we went to Betty's sisters (Pat's) house and spent some time with them, too. I was so tired when we got home, but I slept pretty well because of it. This is our tough week around here. Betty is on days this week. She leaves home around 5AM and gets home at 7PM. We have always had issues with this week of the month, but we survive and move forward. We have learned to deal with this. One thing about 12 hours days is they start early and end late, but you get more days off because of the hours put in. I remember working these long days for many years and they were never that easy, even though I was much younger then.
My company filed for Chapter 11 in January and things at work are a little tougher now. A letter came out today trying to find people to take a severance package. They compensate you pretty well, but I am not old enough to retire so I really don't have a choice. I could not imagine having to find another job so I will do what I can to be one of the people that gets to stay. If there is not enough people that "volunteer" to leave, then the company will have to choose some people to leave. They have a number of people that will have to go, but we really don't know how many it will be. It is set to be 3000 people company wide, but at our facility, we don't really have any idea. All I can do is hope that there are enough people wanting to retire that this package will appeal to. All I can do is my best and hope for this to work out. This kind of thinking gets to you over time, but I can just hope God is looking out for what is best for us.
He has taken great care of me this far. I guess He is the reason I have such a high outlook on life. God does this to you and it is a great feeling to have.
My love to all of you. If you are one of those few that keep up with me this way, thanks for your support and love you have shared with us.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, April 6th and I am still kicking...
Wow, another week has flown by and it, as usual, was a GREAT week. I spent last Monday and Tuesday spoiling my grandson and Wednesday through Sunday, I was working on Tiff's trailer. I have most of the deck done except for hand rails and all the skirting is done except I am about 8ft short on top holder. It is on the side near the back so you can't even see it missing. I have the longest hand rail done and one side of back steps is done, but I have to do this other side and two rails on front steps. Also need two smaller areas of street and backyard sides to do. I get there in middle of morning and come home at or near dark except for Saturday and Sunday. I left earlier on those days. Sunday, I did not have material to keep going. I have the wood for these rails except for I am one 2x4 short and I think I have enough of the vertical rails to get these done, but I was out of screws and did not feel like going back for more. I also have to build the front gate on the porch. I have a few ideas, but have not "designed" it yet. Also, I need to shorten the gate in the yard that is there and put in a post to secure it. The current gate touches the porch right now because this deck must be larger than the previous owner had. I came home each night so tired, but I noticed today that I am still improving. It does not hurt as much to lift my leg up so my pelvic area must still be improving. I rode my bicycle at work today and it was much easier to get on that it was a month ago. Therefore, I am still improving all the time. Could I run around the block? NO. I think running is out of the question! That is OK because I never liked it anyway.
Maxwell went to "day-care" for the first time today. I have not talked to Megan about it, but I am sure all went fine. This will be a new experience for them to grow in to, but with time, all will be good. I know Megan well enough to know how much attention she will pay to how this place is doing. Yes, she has a lot of Betty in her! Like Mother, like Daughter! She has a break in school in the middle of May and will keep Max at home for this time. She will probably still have to pay for day-care to keep from loosing his spot, but she would rather pay this and enjoy her time with Max.
My Mom and Dad came into town on Wednesday of last week to watch Max for the day and really enjoyed themselves. I knew they would have a great time. I did not get to see them while they were in town but them being here allowed me another day of work on the trailer. I really appreciated it! They were able to spend Tuesday night with Scott & Karen so they were close to Megan's on Wednesday. They had to be there by 6:30AM so this was their best bet dealing with the time. I am so glad they enjoyed their day!
I thought a few minutes ago that this was going to be a short entry, but once my mind starts moving, there is no telling where it will go. Every day is a GREAT one and I am so glad God allowed me to still be here "bother" you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I love each and every one of you.
Mark 4/6/09
Maxwell went to "day-care" for the first time today. I have not talked to Megan about it, but I am sure all went fine. This will be a new experience for them to grow in to, but with time, all will be good. I know Megan well enough to know how much attention she will pay to how this place is doing. Yes, she has a lot of Betty in her! Like Mother, like Daughter! She has a break in school in the middle of May and will keep Max at home for this time. She will probably still have to pay for day-care to keep from loosing his spot, but she would rather pay this and enjoy her time with Max.
My Mom and Dad came into town on Wednesday of last week to watch Max for the day and really enjoyed themselves. I knew they would have a great time. I did not get to see them while they were in town but them being here allowed me another day of work on the trailer. I really appreciated it! They were able to spend Tuesday night with Scott & Karen so they were close to Megan's on Wednesday. They had to be there by 6:30AM so this was their best bet dealing with the time. I am so glad they enjoyed their day!
I thought a few minutes ago that this was going to be a short entry, but once my mind starts moving, there is no telling where it will go. Every day is a GREAT one and I am so glad God allowed me to still be here "bother" you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I love each and every one of you.
Mark 4/6/09
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3/26 and still moving forward
Time is just flying by, but every day is a good day! I have been trying to get Tiffaney's trailer ready for her to move in to. I had to do the plumbing (water and sewer) and run and hook up the electrical line. She is moving to Deer Park and they are so tight on everything, A electrical company had to be certified by the city to check everything. They told me a few things that I had to change out. I put the electrical wiring in 2" conduit and laid it on the ground. An electrical friend told me that it had to be buried or suspended. Their rule was it had to be 18" deep and I knew I could not dig a hole under the trailer 18" deep, so I had to pull it out and run it OVER the sewer line and suspend it from the trailer. This was pretty tough because the conduit was 10' long and with this wire in it, it was heavy. I ended up tying it to trailer until I could get the bracket on. Then I would have to untie it, move down and tie up the next one. I am not sure which was worse, tying and untying or getting around under the trailer. I know I don't move as well as I once did, but I did get it run. I also had to change out the existing outdoor plug because it had to be a GCFI plug. More fun, huh? Then the city approved plumber came out and told me the same thing about the water line. It would only have to be 6" under ground, but it got attached to the trailer, too. I had the sewer line run, but they had to make sure and adjust the slope. They are much better than me on this! If this was not enough, I had to get a porch built, too. She found the boards she wanted it made of and I put the legs about 4 ft. apart. These 1 1/4" boards she liked could not support the weight without bending. I had to get back under there and put in more supports to make it sturdy enough. I guess the boards on the old deck were good for something (building these braces). I did not get railings or edge boards on yet, but that is my goal for this week-end. I also have to build another set of steps for the backyard area so the dogs can get in and out. I also have to go and put the skirting on it, too. Are we having fun on this? It sure makes me hurt the next day and this moving around so low is not pleasant, either, but at least the low part is mostly over. I knew that me trying to do this would be better than paying someone else to do this. One of the things you just do to help your kids. On top of all of that, TODAY is her Birthday.
We had a deposition with the opposing lawyer a couple of weeks ago and he implied several things that I don't agree with. He seemed to think that part of the issue was with Shane. Shane questioned the roof we were on and they said it was OK and that people were up there a lot. This company did not provide us with anything to tie off to, either. Shane did not build this roof and he asked if it was safe. I don't know what more he could have done. This lawyer also thought I fell through a skylight, which would make it look like I made a mistake. So wrong on this, too. I think they were just trying to take some of the blame off themselves, but because of them, I had over $900,000 in hospital bills and thanks to Shane, I am still here. They blame him, but I give him the credit for saving me. He was, and still is, upset about it all. It has to hurt deep down to see a good friend go through all this. It looks like a jury will have to hear my story for these people to understand how it changed my life so much. This will not be pleasant for this company to hear, but that is just how life deals the cards sometimes. I know the first things to come out of my settlement will be the hospital and doctor fees and my lawyer fees. I know when a group of people here what I and all my family and friends went through, the money it cost us and the time we lost, 12 people will be there, feeling what happened. How do you make people understand how I had to withdraw money from my retirement to keep our family afloat? Plus all the miles put on many peoples cars and the parking and meals, etc. Do I need to hit someone with a broom handle to get them to understand how much pain I still feel every day? Walking and stairs still hurt every day but I have adjusted to it because it is part of life now.
Life is great because so many people were there pulling me along and that God made a difference in my life by keeping me around. And, if this weren't enough, I get to spend some time with Maxwell tomorrow and Monday and Tuesday of next week. Yes, I had to take some vacation for it, but this is all worth it! He will just smile at me and make my life great all of those days. So how can I say "Life is Great"? It is and I am here taking in my share of air each day.
We had a deposition with the opposing lawyer a couple of weeks ago and he implied several things that I don't agree with. He seemed to think that part of the issue was with Shane. Shane questioned the roof we were on and they said it was OK and that people were up there a lot. This company did not provide us with anything to tie off to, either. Shane did not build this roof and he asked if it was safe. I don't know what more he could have done. This lawyer also thought I fell through a skylight, which would make it look like I made a mistake. So wrong on this, too. I think they were just trying to take some of the blame off themselves, but because of them, I had over $900,000 in hospital bills and thanks to Shane, I am still here. They blame him, but I give him the credit for saving me. He was, and still is, upset about it all. It has to hurt deep down to see a good friend go through all this. It looks like a jury will have to hear my story for these people to understand how it changed my life so much. This will not be pleasant for this company to hear, but that is just how life deals the cards sometimes. I know the first things to come out of my settlement will be the hospital and doctor fees and my lawyer fees. I know when a group of people here what I and all my family and friends went through, the money it cost us and the time we lost, 12 people will be there, feeling what happened. How do you make people understand how I had to withdraw money from my retirement to keep our family afloat? Plus all the miles put on many peoples cars and the parking and meals, etc. Do I need to hit someone with a broom handle to get them to understand how much pain I still feel every day? Walking and stairs still hurt every day but I have adjusted to it because it is part of life now.
Life is great because so many people were there pulling me along and that God made a difference in my life by keeping me around. And, if this weren't enough, I get to spend some time with Maxwell tomorrow and Monday and Tuesday of next week. Yes, I had to take some vacation for it, but this is all worth it! He will just smile at me and make my life great all of those days. So how can I say "Life is Great"? It is and I am here taking in my share of air each day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
