My parents. They were truly surprised when we visited them unexpectedly.

 

We had such a nice visit with Barry's aunt, uncle and his cousin Deb.

 

On the road. If you look closely at the rear view mirror, you'll see Tim sleeping.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Day. I got Keds.

 

 

 

 

Tim and his cousins. A traditional Christmas picture. Amazes me how much everyone has grown.

 

Barry and his parents.

 

Christmas with the whole Kaminske klan. All together, which is rare. A great day!

 

Sunday on Cape Cod..

Today was spent at Barry's parents house. His brother Matt and his wife Wendy, along with their 4 children, came down from their home to spend time with us. So for the first time in a long time the whole family was together. And yes, I did take pictures and as soon as I get home will post some on this blog.

It was a different kind of day. In just looking at Tim interact with his cousins, all the kids are growing up so fast. And the common denominator was the subject of college. Like I said, it was so nice to listen in on their conversations. Tim told me later on that it was his first time that he can remember talking to one of his female cousins.

A bit tired right now. As Maureen would say, "a lot of input."

PS. Was sad :( to hear that Maureen is home and had to call out sick for tomorrow. Feeling yucky. Sad to hear but more impt. to be separated. Don't need to get sick ourselves.

As Maureen would say: adios.

Surprise Mom and Dad...

Barry, Tim and I surprised my parents and went to Cape Cod. And they were truly surprised. I had told my sisters and brother that we were going and to keep a secret. Also told a couple others who did what they were told to do. Good job!

We left for our journey at 4 a.m. right on time. Stopped to see his cousin Deb and her parents who live in Ct. Barry had brought her a computer from spare parts as hers just died. One person's trash is another person's gold. Basically a new computer, glad someone is using it. We visited for a couple of hours, hadn't seen them for a few years. Then we got back on the road for another 2 1/4 hrs.

At about 4 p.m. Barry gave me permission to call my dad and I did. Before telling him where we were I told him that I felt a desire for lobster. Finally I told him where we were. Talk of surprise. Sure did surprise him.

My away message today said "Family is best medicine." That was a clue I had left.
I am so excited to be with family. It's been a long year. And just glad to be alive.

To everyone that helped me keep this secret, THANKS!

'twas the day after Christmas

And Tim and I were at the mall by 10 a.m. I bought another pair of jeans and a top, at a store I wouldn't have been in for it not to be a sale. Christopher Banks. And a couple more pillow cases. I must say for what we've been through that it all came out to be a nice Christmas. Plus we didn't go overboard. Tim got just what he asked for, which wasn't much. As for us, we were just thankful beyond words just to be alive. And you can quote me on that! Not many people can say that honestly.

I didn't plan on it, but when I lied down for nap I basically slept the whole day. I find myself doing that again since I'm off the steroids. The dr. told me that it has nothing to do with them, but I disagree. Will know for sure when I go back on them for the cyberknife. I just felt really good last week.

That's it for now.

Thankful for yet another Christmas to celebrate.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Happy Birthday, Barry

Yes, today is Barry's birthday. Happy Birthday.

It feels great to be alive..

Tim took me to a mall today. And the whole time I was thinking, it feels great to be alive! At times I just stood still. Thinking of the past few months. Where I've been and where I'm about to go. And for the first time in a long time I had nice clear thoughts in my head. Sort of put the past in the past. The words that are said during these days have an extra special meaning this year: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And for those of you that are having trouble still, believe me your time will come. You will also feel the joy that I'm presently feeling. Just keep focused on the future. Stay positive.

I've been there.

Got fitted for another Mask-cyberknife once more

Today Barry and I went to Pittsburgh for me to be fitted for another Mask/cyberknife once more. The actual mask took about 5 minutes to be molded on my face. The wax they use is hot, and they just rested on my fact for about 5 minutes. Is made out of many holes so one can breathe. This procedure was much easier than the first one I had a few months ago. I was still in the hospital and as Eileen remembers that was not a good day for me. A lot easier today. We then took this mask that was created across the street to another hospital to have an MRI done, with and without the mask on. This took about the longest. Think it was more than 90 minutes, not sure 'cause I actually was able to doze since I took an ativan before. The next steps involve the dr. co-ordinating where the radiation is going to be aimed. This could take about 10 days. Probably after Christmas. And voila, procedure was complete and we left Pittsburgh. By the way, we only had lots of rain today. You can keep the snow.

Tomorrow Tim has volunteered to take me to a mall. I've been nagging everyone lately. And to think I'm not a shopper usually. But for some reason it's in my head to go shoppping. I've been thinking about what I've been through these past few months, how lucky I've been feeling. Who would have guessed that I would have gone through 2 procedures with the brain within a few months of each other. I call it a second chance on life. And for me to be without pain is such a greatful relief. Any more blessings I get are a bonus to me. I truly feel blessed.

Hard to believe next week is Barry's birthday and Christmas. House is all decorated. No cards have been mailed. May just send out some electronic email to update people who don't realize what has happended to us these past couple of years.
Whatever I do, it will be simple.

Again, thanks to all!

Someone who follows my blog sent me these beautiful roses. Another act of kindness greatly appreciated.

 

Saying of the day...

Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.

William Makepeace Thackeray
English novelist, 19th century

Christmas luncheon with my department

I'm going to the Christmas luncheon with my department today. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Should be lots of fun. Hard to believe that it's only been 2 weeks since I had last surgery. When I was going to bed, lots of things were swirling in my head. One of them was this: any one can put up a tree, but decorating it with love is another story!

As planned I went to the luncheon. It was a great time. Then I took the time to go throughout the different departments to say hello. Now that was a treat in itself.
It was a nice day for me. I will have no problem sleeping tonight.

Tonight I got to see Tim and the High School chorus perform in the Christmas Show.
Yes, we are still able to say Christmas. It was my first chance to see him as a Chamber Singer. I really enjoyed that.

Happy Birthday, BECKY

To all my bloggin' buddies, it is a real special treat to tell you that it's Becky's birthday today.

Angels truly walk amongst us

We are truly blessed to have settled in this town. My parents were able to see this first hand when they were here in April 2008, only a few short months ago. They saw what we had already seen, felt what we've already felt. My heart is filled with love because of these angels. We got to experience these feelings during the past couple of days. One night the local Presbyterian church stopped by and sang Christmas Carols. And tonight our tree became a Christmas Tree with the help of a parishioner and her tiny elves. Heck, they would have cleaned my toilets had they needed to be cleaned! Let's not forget the balsam Christmas centerpiece that was delivered today. Again, words can not say how greatful we are.

Thanks.

Our church stopped by the other night and did some caroling to cheer us up. It worked. Thanks.