Schoolbus, I hope I don't embarrass you but I just read this on a post from yesterday where you said:

I just wanted to let you know that I'll be praying for you, your mom, and your family. I think you are amazing to be helping others while going through all in your own life right now. This says a lot about you.

(((Schoolbus)))

thank you for posting this pm, i'll keep schoolbus in my prayers too, one of my favorite posters.

X2 on that, PrincessMeggy - prayers going up for your mom and your family, Schoolbus.

Schoolbus, Thank you for all that you do. You are AMAZING. Prayers going up.

Schoolbus, I'm lifting you and your loved ones up in prayer.

I appreciate all that you do here and have learned so much from you!

, schoolbus.

Many prayera for you and your mom. Keeping you in my thoughts

SB--I need to join this chorus too. You've been an immense help to me personally, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for your words of wisdom.

Thanks for going out of your way to help me and so many others here, despite your own burdens and struggles.

You, your mother, and your marriage will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Schoolbus, you are insightful, delightful and a powerful force on this board. Your words have helped me many times during this journey.

My prayers are with you and your family. I may not be a wordsmith but my words will be heartfelt in prayer.

Please take care and do well.

Schoolbus;

My prayers and <<hugs>> are with you and your mom!

ba

Thanks to all of you. I haven't been on in awhile, because mom had a terrible reaction to a medication. Two months later, she came home. It has been an ordeal, but I learned something about marriage in all of this. Actually, something about two marriages:


First, about my parents' marriage. These two people have been together almost 65 years now. Mom says both have been completely faithful, and Dad says the same. Many of you know I have had a terrible childhood with this man, but that he has worked very hard to make personal changes, and I have forgiven him his many transgressions against me as a child and adult.

Anyway, when mom became very ill, he called me first, then the ambulance. He was a wreck, because this is clearly a major first step in what we all must face with her. I found him to be a puddle of mush, because his mate of so many years was in dire circumstances, and he could not bear to see her in pain. She was stoic, and very strong throughout. No complaints (except about the hospital food!), even when there was obvious horrible pain wracking her body.

He was there, all day, every day, for these past two months. We had to force him to get out and do other things - but the only way he would was if he was positive she would not be "alone" there. He would go be with her in the morning, and then go home in the evening in time for him to watch Fox News, and they could talk on the phone about it while the two watched "together" in different places. Then get up in the morning and do it again.

I learned about just "being there" for someone. He was, and is, there. I learned about how weak his heart is for her, as he couldn't even bear to watch them change an IV if it gave her one second of a pinch of pain. I learned about how she stayed on, even when she wanted nothing more to go home, because he had to get ready to take care of her when she came home - and he worked hard to get special equipment and bed in place to meet her needs.

Neither of them complained. They just have a confirmed and mutual knowledge that they simply WILL take care of one another, no matter what. No doubts in their minds, no questions asked.



Second marriage I learned about was my own. Because as I was facing this enormous crisis, my husband was "there" for me, in the same way that my dad was for mom. I called on him many times to run errands, dash across the county to help move or lift something, to pick up or drop off visitors and pills and clothing and you name it. He helped me with housework and everything - never a complaint. Never a question that he would. He asked every day if he could take some of the load from me, and many days he DID. He is even going over to the house (she came home!!!!) tomorrow to be "there" for her, while dad takes a day with his friends to golf.


I started out on this particular journey unsure of my husband's willingness to be my rock.

I walked the path, not alone at all. My H never left my side.

Just like Dad never left Mom's.




And you only know the half of it.

Other fun things happening????

1. Computer was hacked at work - AGAIN. So this time I had to close my other accounts without notice to any of my friends! Emails, forums, everything. Fortunately, I have never touched this forum via work, so I was free to stay here. Other accounts I can now re-open, but cannot use any similar username, etc. Fortunately one email was safe, because it had been migrated to a new server, and that somehow escaped this mess.

2. My dog became seriously ill. Nearly died, stopped eating altogether. She is BETTER NOW!

3. I found a tumor and have to have it removed.

4. My brother came to help with my parents, and planned to stay a few days. While here, he had this constant cough that would not stop. So he went to the urgent care. He comes back to the house completely a mess. It is likely throat cancer. he does NOT smoke.

5. My assistant at work retired due to terminal cancer. She has two girls, 12 and 16. Pray for that family, too, if you have a moment.



Gee. I feel like I have been through the mill. But when I came here and posted, I was so happy, because PM started this thread and so many folks offered love and support.

To a stranger.


Thank you so much for lifting me up. I have tears from the knowledge of the love of mankind.


Thanks!

SB

(((((schoolbus)))))
my gosh you've been through a lot. i'm glad through all this you found your husband to be a rock:)
prayers to your assistant's family as well, how sad. and continued ones to you and now your brother.

65 years!! the mind boggles.

schoolbus there are tears in my eyes and more than one prayer for you, your family, and your friends. You are an incredibly caring person who despite all of your own personal trials continues to give to others. I wish nothing but peace for all of you.

And now... the "Understatement of the Year Award" goes to one of our most respected members on MB... Schoolbus

I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles.

Please keep us posted (no pun intended). Let us be here for you as you have been for so many others over the years.

(((SB)))

((((SB))))

I'm sorry for all the trials that have come your way lately; but as usual, I am inspired by your outlook.

Schoolbus and family

God is truly with you. You're a comfort and inspiration to all those of us who know you.

My prayers are with you, your family and your friends. Take care, Schoolbus.