I've been away for a little while, but for good reasons. We had a few family matters going on. Remember me asking for a prayer request for my boo? We just want to say THANK YOU for your prayers!!! There were no changes during her checkup for nodules on her thyroid. So no news is good news. She has another appointment in nine months, so please keep her in prayer.
The next family matter we had was a house fire at my in-laws. This would be Ed Hughes a.k.a(Fry Guy), and his wife Nemesis. As soon as we got the call about the fire, I immediately flew to the house with supersonic speed, assessed the situation, and went to work. Ed was trying heroically to put the fire out, so I picked up the rest of the family and flew them to safety. Whew, it pays to have a brother in-law as a SUPER HERO. By the time I got back to get Ed, he was out of the house. He received some 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his hands and feet, but he has recovered well. I would tell you how the fire started but that would take a long, long, long, long time. It had to do with french fries burning (hence the name Fry Guy), grease, and somebody who had trouble cooking. I'm just saying. We can joke about it now, but it was a little scary. Oh, by the way, I'm okay. Hahahahahahaha!!!!
The last family issue we had was my baby boy, Tunk, got hit in the head with a shovel by his brother, accidentally. That was scary, he had a nice little gash in his head. We were visiting Rog, Flo and the crew down south before number 7 gets here. Man, his first trip to the emergency room. Four staples and four hours later, he was in la la land. He was a trooper through it all, but that's no surprise to me, it runs in the family. He gets it from his mom. Hahahahahahaha!!!! That accident saved my boy Rog from getting totally embarrassed in our Madden Tournament. I had been BEATING him so bad, I was going to take it easy on him for his birthday. Besides that what friends do, we show MERCY. Isn't that right Rog?
Humor is a good thing. We should always laugh at every opportunity given to us. Life is short, and we must use everyday we have to bless someone. Those who know me know what really happened at the fire, I just added my humor to it. God has given us all a gift, once you find yours, use it for His glory. I will never race with my kids again, play tag, or throw them in the air to catch them. I will never walk on the beach, or run with my boo and the kids again. What I will do is enjoy every day I have with them and my wife. I may not be running now, but I will be Running in Heaven.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Has Anybody Seen the Prayer Box?
What is a prayer box you ask? It's simple really, it is just any box made of what ever material you want it to be made of, because it's what you put in that matters, not the material the box is made of. What does this have to do with the story you ask? It has a lot to do with it I believe. I also believe my daughter was the front runner especially, because we call her our Prayer Warrior, and she put in a certain request in that box almost 3 years ago.
I'm going to rewind back to when I was WALKING and WORKING. During this time I was working 7 days a week. Some of those days were 12 hr shifts. On top of that, I was on the night shift, but hey, I had to support my family. So needless to say I missed a bunch of family functions, recitals, hanging out with family friends, etc. I was always working unless I was sick, or if my wife were sick, and I would take off to care for her and my kids. If not for those reasons, I would be at work. Little did I know my daughter was planning to put a special prayer in the box.
I really did not get the hint when my daughter would ask, "daddy, do you have to work today?" She and my boys would ask me that question on numerous occassions. I would always say yes, not knowing indirectly they were asking me to stay home. You see, I had work blinders on. I was so focused on making money, and not making family time. So what was the prayer she requested?
The prayer she requested was, "Lord, can you please let my daddy be home more?" This is funny because I thought I was being the good dad. Why would I give up overtime? My family is well taken care of, right? My kids were missing me and I totally missed it. All work and no play was what they saw. You see, God said be specific in your prayer, and oh boy, did my Prayer Warrior put in a good one.
That prayer request was put in right before my first foot surgery, and I did not even know it. How could I know it? She did not tell us about her prayer request for a long time. By then I had been home a year and half, working on two years. Now, it is 2011 and it will be almost three years!!! Well, well, well, somebody got there prayer answered. I don't think she meant it in this way though. God works in mysterious ways, and by the looks of it I will be home for good.
My boo and I would always wonder why this was happening? You know, my foot never healing well enough to go back to work. WHY? WHY? WHY? Well, my Prayer Warrior approaches me and my boo, and tells us about her prayer request in the prayer box. We both said WOW!!! God certainly answered your prayers didn't He? She said, yes he did, but not like this daddy. You are home, but your health is not allowing you to do the fun things you used to do with us. We just wanted you to take some time off. I said to her, Pocheese, looks like I'm really off.
Now she wants me to heal up and go back to work. I thought you wanted me home? I did, but not for two years, going on three, you need to go back. Wow, I do? That was heart felt. Has anybody seen the Prayer Box I asked? Pocheese said, yes I have, we packed it on the POD. NOOOO!!! Too funny!! Your prayer is all packed away with no where to go. We didn't intend for the Prayer Box to be packed on the POD. What to do? What to do? I guess we will make a new Prayer Box and be more careful this time, won't we Prayer Warrior? Whew.
I'm going to rewind back to when I was WALKING and WORKING. During this time I was working 7 days a week. Some of those days were 12 hr shifts. On top of that, I was on the night shift, but hey, I had to support my family. So needless to say I missed a bunch of family functions, recitals, hanging out with family friends, etc. I was always working unless I was sick, or if my wife were sick, and I would take off to care for her and my kids. If not for those reasons, I would be at work. Little did I know my daughter was planning to put a special prayer in the box.
I really did not get the hint when my daughter would ask, "daddy, do you have to work today?" She and my boys would ask me that question on numerous occassions. I would always say yes, not knowing indirectly they were asking me to stay home. You see, I had work blinders on. I was so focused on making money, and not making family time. So what was the prayer she requested?
The prayer she requested was, "Lord, can you please let my daddy be home more?" This is funny because I thought I was being the good dad. Why would I give up overtime? My family is well taken care of, right? My kids were missing me and I totally missed it. All work and no play was what they saw. You see, God said be specific in your prayer, and oh boy, did my Prayer Warrior put in a good one.
That prayer request was put in right before my first foot surgery, and I did not even know it. How could I know it? She did not tell us about her prayer request for a long time. By then I had been home a year and half, working on two years. Now, it is 2011 and it will be almost three years!!! Well, well, well, somebody got there prayer answered. I don't think she meant it in this way though. God works in mysterious ways, and by the looks of it I will be home for good.
My boo and I would always wonder why this was happening? You know, my foot never healing well enough to go back to work. WHY? WHY? WHY? Well, my Prayer Warrior approaches me and my boo, and tells us about her prayer request in the prayer box. We both said WOW!!! God certainly answered your prayers didn't He? She said, yes he did, but not like this daddy. You are home, but your health is not allowing you to do the fun things you used to do with us. We just wanted you to take some time off. I said to her, Pocheese, looks like I'm really off.
Now she wants me to heal up and go back to work. I thought you wanted me home? I did, but not for two years, going on three, you need to go back. Wow, I do? That was heart felt. Has anybody seen the Prayer Box I asked? Pocheese said, yes I have, we packed it on the POD. NOOOO!!! Too funny!! Your prayer is all packed away with no where to go. We didn't intend for the Prayer Box to be packed on the POD. What to do? What to do? I guess we will make a new Prayer Box and be more careful this time, won't we Prayer Warrior? Whew.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Third Times a Charm
Captains Log Star Date 2009
Scene 20: At The In-Laws: Okay, it's the night before my 3rd surgery and I am PUMPED!!! Not so much. In a sense I am, because of what Dr. O. S. said he could and would do to restore normality back to my life. It has been almost a year since my last surgery, so forgive me for being a little apprehensive. On a quick and lighter note, family members have provided a place for my family and I to stay until I get back to work. We were sweating bullets for a while, whew!!! Now this is how God works, He sold my house in record time, He sold it to a single mom who helped us out, and He found a temporary place for us to stay until I get back on my FEET!!! Haha, get it? Back on my feet!!! Man, this has been a crazy life changing event that has truly been humbling. Well, everyone is sleep but me, I am trying, but I can't. I need to be at the hospital by 6 am and it is 1 am, so this is not good, but I have so many concerns and questions, and I just want things to be like they used to. They say the third times a charm, but did they mean surgeries?
Scene 21: At the Hospital: Yes, my Boo and I made it, and with only 4 hrs of sleep, if that. No matter, it's game time and I am ready. We are at the hospital bored to death with nothing to do, until a patient recognizes me. Is it you? Is it really you? Mr. Incredible? Why yes it is, what gave it away? I tried so hard to conceal my identity. Everyone knew it was you as soon as you walked in, because no one can LIGHT up the room like you Mr. Incredible. Thank you, thank you, you are to kind!!! So for the next hour I signed autographs and talked about my epic battles with my Nemesis, and the evil Emperor Zurg. Man did time fly by, they called my name and I was in the back and prepped in no time. Dr. O.S. said his spill, they numbed and sedated me, I kissed my Boo, and off I went with the Rocky theme song (Eye of The Tiger) in the background. See you on the other side.
Scene 22: Surgery Complete: Hey, I made it again, sweet. Look, no FREEZE RAY MACHINE on my foot!!! Now that's what I'm talking about. I'm in my room with my Boo, recovering. Dr. O.S. comes in and said everything went well. He had one issue with my foot that he could not adjust due to what Dr. F.K. did!!! None the less, he felt everything went well. Now I might be called a cyborg because I have screws and a plate in my foot. Nice, isn't it? No pain, no gain right? We spent the night at the hospital and I was released the next morning. This was a more pleasant experience by far. Now my Boo and I are headed home for a full recovery.
Scene 23: Settle In: It took about an hour to get home. Now my Boo had to figure out how to get me from the van to the house. All our things that she could use are in the P.O.D. So what she did was get her brother's high dollar dolly, put some pillows on it so I could lay on it, and make it as comfortable a ride as I could. Once I got on, I did fine, but not my Boo. It was like 100 degrees out and she had to push all this muscle to the house. What really made me hot was that there were 3 teenagers that just watched and did not even lend a hand. That was truly sorry. Now I'm in, waiting for the rest of the family to get here so I can get upstairs to my bed. They all got there at the same time, and they have to figure out a way to get me upstairs safely. Hmmm? Hmmm? Bingo, they grabbed a sheet for me to lay on and pulled me up the stairs. Can you spell P-A-I-N-F-U-L? If I did not tell you before, Dr. O.S. had to take a bone out of my hip for a bone graft, so needless to say I felt every step going up. I was in tears from being in absolute pain. Once we got to the top, they asked me did I want to stop? I said no please, I'm in to much pain. They get me to the bed and have to lift me up. Boy oh boy, they could not count to three fast enough. One, two, three, lift!!!! All I could do was scream. Thank you Jesus, they did it. Once everyone left, I cried myself to sleep because the pain was unbearable. Well, it's time for me to start my recovery because my health problems don't end here, something else is coming.
Scene 20: At The In-Laws: Okay, it's the night before my 3rd surgery and I am PUMPED!!! Not so much. In a sense I am, because of what Dr. O. S. said he could and would do to restore normality back to my life. It has been almost a year since my last surgery, so forgive me for being a little apprehensive. On a quick and lighter note, family members have provided a place for my family and I to stay until I get back to work. We were sweating bullets for a while, whew!!! Now this is how God works, He sold my house in record time, He sold it to a single mom who helped us out, and He found a temporary place for us to stay until I get back on my FEET!!! Haha, get it? Back on my feet!!! Man, this has been a crazy life changing event that has truly been humbling. Well, everyone is sleep but me, I am trying, but I can't. I need to be at the hospital by 6 am and it is 1 am, so this is not good, but I have so many concerns and questions, and I just want things to be like they used to. They say the third times a charm, but did they mean surgeries?
Scene 21: At the Hospital: Yes, my Boo and I made it, and with only 4 hrs of sleep, if that. No matter, it's game time and I am ready. We are at the hospital bored to death with nothing to do, until a patient recognizes me. Is it you? Is it really you? Mr. Incredible? Why yes it is, what gave it away? I tried so hard to conceal my identity. Everyone knew it was you as soon as you walked in, because no one can LIGHT up the room like you Mr. Incredible. Thank you, thank you, you are to kind!!! So for the next hour I signed autographs and talked about my epic battles with my Nemesis, and the evil Emperor Zurg. Man did time fly by, they called my name and I was in the back and prepped in no time. Dr. O.S. said his spill, they numbed and sedated me, I kissed my Boo, and off I went with the Rocky theme song (Eye of The Tiger) in the background. See you on the other side.
Scene 22: Surgery Complete: Hey, I made it again, sweet. Look, no FREEZE RAY MACHINE on my foot!!! Now that's what I'm talking about. I'm in my room with my Boo, recovering. Dr. O.S. comes in and said everything went well. He had one issue with my foot that he could not adjust due to what Dr. F.K. did!!! None the less, he felt everything went well. Now I might be called a cyborg because I have screws and a plate in my foot. Nice, isn't it? No pain, no gain right? We spent the night at the hospital and I was released the next morning. This was a more pleasant experience by far. Now my Boo and I are headed home for a full recovery.
Scene 23: Settle In: It took about an hour to get home. Now my Boo had to figure out how to get me from the van to the house. All our things that she could use are in the P.O.D. So what she did was get her brother's high dollar dolly, put some pillows on it so I could lay on it, and make it as comfortable a ride as I could. Once I got on, I did fine, but not my Boo. It was like 100 degrees out and she had to push all this muscle to the house. What really made me hot was that there were 3 teenagers that just watched and did not even lend a hand. That was truly sorry. Now I'm in, waiting for the rest of the family to get here so I can get upstairs to my bed. They all got there at the same time, and they have to figure out a way to get me upstairs safely. Hmmm? Hmmm? Bingo, they grabbed a sheet for me to lay on and pulled me up the stairs. Can you spell P-A-I-N-F-U-L? If I did not tell you before, Dr. O.S. had to take a bone out of my hip for a bone graft, so needless to say I felt every step going up. I was in tears from being in absolute pain. Once we got to the top, they asked me did I want to stop? I said no please, I'm in to much pain. They get me to the bed and have to lift me up. Boy oh boy, they could not count to three fast enough. One, two, three, lift!!!! All I could do was scream. Thank you Jesus, they did it. Once everyone left, I cried myself to sleep because the pain was unbearable. Well, it's time for me to start my recovery because my health problems don't end here, something else is coming.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Packing The Pod
Captains Log Star Date Summer 2009:
Scene 17: The Almost Empty Casa: Now this is truly one of the most interesting days of my life. The whole crew is here today, Nana, Pa Dukes, Grandma and Bubba, Rog and Flo with all their kids, Ed Hughes, Nemesis and their kids, man it was like a small family reunion. We have a lot to pack in a short time, because Rog and his crew are coming from down south and they were gracious enough to come up. Once again, I have been chosen to become supervisor of this operation. This is a heavy burden for me to bear so I must grab the reigns and take charge. Why have I been blessed with such a gift? We have a lot to pack and I must lead these troops to VICTORY, so give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH!!!! Oops, wrong story. Man, do I kill me!!! Besides, what else am I gonna do? I can't walk, lift, carry, or haul anything, but boy can I crawl on the floor.
Scene 18: Packing & Saving Lives: We all look like little ants now, working like a well oiled machine. Packing, stuffing, boxing, wrapping, labeling, etc... Even the kids are helping, we are rolling. I got Flo in the kitchen, kids helping with toys, and I have Rog with adults moving the heavy stuff into the Pod. I even have my Nemesis working, I told you she thinks the world of me. As I crawl around doing my rounds I notice that Rog, my Boo, Nemesis, and Ed are in trouble. They are bringing down a heavy armoire from my bedroom, Rog is pinned to the wall, and Ed had it on his FOOT. My Boo was at the top of the stairs trying to keep the weight off Rog and Ed, while my Nemesis was at the bottom, off setting the weight. I felt helpless, they were struggling to get this big piece down. Think, think, think, I said to myself, they need your leadership now! So like any other superhero would do, I summon all my incredible strength to my index finger, and lift it off Rog and Ed and I tell the ladies to step aside so I can set this monster down. With pure strength and accurate balance, I set the beast down on the floor. Whew, you saved our lives Mr incredible. If it wasn't for you, we'd be goners. Don't mention it, I said, it's what I do.
Scene 18: Headway: Man, we are getting this pod packed, and packed tight. My boy Tunk thinks he can move any piece of furniture in the house like a man. He told Uncle Ed to grab one end of a couch and he would grab the other, and he meant it. He is all man, and only 4ft tall, and maybe 35+ lbs soaking wet. Now Uncle Ed is all about using some straps to move furniture. He and Rog were strap brothers that day. This dresser needs to go down stairs, "Get the straps", couch, "Get the straps", kitchen table, "Get the straps", pillow, "Get the...", do you see where I am going? It was hilarious. The funniest part was when there was a (empty) dresser in the foyer ready to go to the pod. Rog was getting ready to lift one end, and he thought Ed would lift the other. No sir, Ed said wait!! I have to get my straps. So as Rog waits, My mom (Grandma) told my Boo to come here. Boo, said Grandma, are you ready to take this dresser to the pod? Yes Ma'am, let's do it!!! Move over Rog, we ladies have work to do. If you could have seen the look on Rog's face when that dresser got moved!!! It look like somebody stole Christmas, but it wasn't Christmas that was stolen, it was called a MAN card. I felt for him, I would have liked to help, but all I could do was laugh. If that would have been me, I would have felt the same way. Ed came back with the straps, and the dresser was gone. Seriously, they got the job done straps and all.
Scene 19: Wrapping it Up. Nothing else can fit in this Pod, I said. My Boo and crew said wait, watch this. Some how they added about six more things in that unit. When it closed, the door was rolling on the wheels of an office chair. You guys make me proud, and have learned so much through me teaching you. Through my keen ability to lead us into tightly packing the pod, you have done well. I will continue to show you the ways of the FORCE if.... Oops, I did it again. Well, let's eat. I treated everyone to Bo Jangles chicken and Bo Berry biscuits. What a day, we are almost done. It's really sad though, I did not think that when I moved it would be because I was going to lose my home. Will I keep my job? Where will we live? I try not to think about it, but that is hard not to. God said he would never give you more than you can handle. So I have to stay positive or I will I will lose focus. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.
Scene 17: The Almost Empty Casa: Now this is truly one of the most interesting days of my life. The whole crew is here today, Nana, Pa Dukes, Grandma and Bubba, Rog and Flo with all their kids, Ed Hughes, Nemesis and their kids, man it was like a small family reunion. We have a lot to pack in a short time, because Rog and his crew are coming from down south and they were gracious enough to come up. Once again, I have been chosen to become supervisor of this operation. This is a heavy burden for me to bear so I must grab the reigns and take charge. Why have I been blessed with such a gift? We have a lot to pack and I must lead these troops to VICTORY, so give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH!!!! Oops, wrong story. Man, do I kill me!!! Besides, what else am I gonna do? I can't walk, lift, carry, or haul anything, but boy can I crawl on the floor.
Scene 18: Packing & Saving Lives: We all look like little ants now, working like a well oiled machine. Packing, stuffing, boxing, wrapping, labeling, etc... Even the kids are helping, we are rolling. I got Flo in the kitchen, kids helping with toys, and I have Rog with adults moving the heavy stuff into the Pod. I even have my Nemesis working, I told you she thinks the world of me. As I crawl around doing my rounds I notice that Rog, my Boo, Nemesis, and Ed are in trouble. They are bringing down a heavy armoire from my bedroom, Rog is pinned to the wall, and Ed had it on his FOOT. My Boo was at the top of the stairs trying to keep the weight off Rog and Ed, while my Nemesis was at the bottom, off setting the weight. I felt helpless, they were struggling to get this big piece down. Think, think, think, I said to myself, they need your leadership now! So like any other superhero would do, I summon all my incredible strength to my index finger, and lift it off Rog and Ed and I tell the ladies to step aside so I can set this monster down. With pure strength and accurate balance, I set the beast down on the floor. Whew, you saved our lives Mr incredible. If it wasn't for you, we'd be goners. Don't mention it, I said, it's what I do.
Scene 18: Headway: Man, we are getting this pod packed, and packed tight. My boy Tunk thinks he can move any piece of furniture in the house like a man. He told Uncle Ed to grab one end of a couch and he would grab the other, and he meant it. He is all man, and only 4ft tall, and maybe 35+ lbs soaking wet. Now Uncle Ed is all about using some straps to move furniture. He and Rog were strap brothers that day. This dresser needs to go down stairs, "Get the straps", couch, "Get the straps", kitchen table, "Get the straps", pillow, "Get the...", do you see where I am going? It was hilarious. The funniest part was when there was a (empty) dresser in the foyer ready to go to the pod. Rog was getting ready to lift one end, and he thought Ed would lift the other. No sir, Ed said wait!! I have to get my straps. So as Rog waits, My mom (Grandma) told my Boo to come here. Boo, said Grandma, are you ready to take this dresser to the pod? Yes Ma'am, let's do it!!! Move over Rog, we ladies have work to do. If you could have seen the look on Rog's face when that dresser got moved!!! It look like somebody stole Christmas, but it wasn't Christmas that was stolen, it was called a MAN card. I felt for him, I would have liked to help, but all I could do was laugh. If that would have been me, I would have felt the same way. Ed came back with the straps, and the dresser was gone. Seriously, they got the job done straps and all.
Scene 19: Wrapping it Up. Nothing else can fit in this Pod, I said. My Boo and crew said wait, watch this. Some how they added about six more things in that unit. When it closed, the door was rolling on the wheels of an office chair. You guys make me proud, and have learned so much through me teaching you. Through my keen ability to lead us into tightly packing the pod, you have done well. I will continue to show you the ways of the FORCE if.... Oops, I did it again. Well, let's eat. I treated everyone to Bo Jangles chicken and Bo Berry biscuits. What a day, we are almost done. It's really sad though, I did not think that when I moved it would be because I was going to lose my home. Will I keep my job? Where will we live? I try not to think about it, but that is hard not to. God said he would never give you more than you can handle. So I have to stay positive or I will I will lose focus. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Dr. Old School
Captains Log Star Date 2009:
Scene 14: Back at The Ranch: Now here I sit wondering what to do next. We, meaning my Boo and family, are packing our house up to move, and NOT BY CHOICE! Unfortunately I have been selected to supervise the whole packing process. They needed a born leader, a go getter, someone who won't take no for an answer, someone who had a vision. Whew, I just realized how TALENTED I am. What a minute.... I just patted myself on the back. HaHaHaHaHa, boy, I crack myself up. There are only 2 other people that I know that possess this talent, my boy Rog, and my Cousin 829! Anyway, I have to find a REAL doctor who can get me back on my feet, and after talking to Dr. Shock, I am very skeptical. If I can't find a real doctor maybe I should do it, it can't get any worse. I'm tired of crawling on my knees, using crutches and all the above. Sorry for rambling on, I have to learn to stop constantly complaining and being selfish. I have to remember there are people who are far worse off than me. Remember when I said that my realtors would give me some good information later on? Well they did.
Scene 15: Helpful Advice: My realtors happen to come over one day for us to sign some paperwork, and they told us about a family member who was in a car crash and had both ankles crushed. Not only was she hurt, the driver that hit her had no license, no insurance, she was illegally in the United States, and died in the crash! Wow, this is why I should try not to complain. I could not imagine both ankles getting crushed, and not being able to have the other drivers insurance company pay for injuries and the car to be repaired. I do feel bad for the lady that died, despite her situation. So they proceeded to tell me about Dr. Old School and how he helped their family member repair her ankles. Now she was not walking yet, but from the time she had her accident to the time she started putting weight on her feet was way quicker than mine. Oh yeah, I still have not put any weight on my foot yet, it's only been 7 MONTHS!!!!! So of course I take his name down, thank them both, set up an appointment and thank the LORD for answering my prayer.
Scene 16: Dr. Old Schools Office: Here I am again, in another doctors office with hopes of being repaired. I do have a good feeling about this one though, so I do hope and pray this is it. They call my name, and my boo and I start heading down the room and the nurse says, "You are using those crutches all wrong and you are going to hurt your shoulders." She asked me did they ever show me how to use crutches? I said NO, and she kindly showed me how. YES, things are looking up, but I can't get to excited yet. We wait patiently for the good doctor. My mind is racing with questions. Is he really the best like my realtors said? Is he just gonna brush me off? Is he genuine? Man, the waiting is killing me. Knock, knock, here comes Dr. Old School. We exchange pleasantries and move on to the nitty gritty. I tell him everything that has happened, he listens with no expression on his face. I finish up, he reads my records and reviews my recent x-rays and sits silent for a few minutes just brainstorming. He looks and me and says, " what are you looking from me? A second opinion or my attempt to fix your foot?" Both I said. He proceeds to tell me what's wrong with my foot and what he has to do to correct it. It was pretty extensive, it included taking a bone from my hip. Can you say OUCH? Well, what ever it takes doc, lets do it. The funny thing was, he told me I had to start walking before he would do the surgery. I said, YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? He said no walking, no surgery. I said I can't, he said why? I told him that Dr. F.K. said It would hurt beyond belief. He said, you know your surgery was on 12/08? You have not walked since? No sir, that's a negative. If you don't walk you will be worse off after this surgery. Okay I said, here I go. Ouch, Ouch, ouch I said as I put weight on my foot for the first time since before my surgery. Good job he said, keep it up. WOW, I am walking, I'm walking. Not like I used to, but if Dr. Old School said he can get me back on my feet, and hopefully back to work, I will do whatever it takes. No pain, no gain.!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!! I'm on my way to normality. Like the Jefferson's, I'm moving on up to the east side.
Scene 14: Back at The Ranch: Now here I sit wondering what to do next. We, meaning my Boo and family, are packing our house up to move, and NOT BY CHOICE! Unfortunately I have been selected to supervise the whole packing process. They needed a born leader, a go getter, someone who won't take no for an answer, someone who had a vision. Whew, I just realized how TALENTED I am. What a minute.... I just patted myself on the back. HaHaHaHaHa, boy, I crack myself up. There are only 2 other people that I know that possess this talent, my boy Rog, and my Cousin 829! Anyway, I have to find a REAL doctor who can get me back on my feet, and after talking to Dr. Shock, I am very skeptical. If I can't find a real doctor maybe I should do it, it can't get any worse. I'm tired of crawling on my knees, using crutches and all the above. Sorry for rambling on, I have to learn to stop constantly complaining and being selfish. I have to remember there are people who are far worse off than me. Remember when I said that my realtors would give me some good information later on? Well they did.
Scene 15: Helpful Advice: My realtors happen to come over one day for us to sign some paperwork, and they told us about a family member who was in a car crash and had both ankles crushed. Not only was she hurt, the driver that hit her had no license, no insurance, she was illegally in the United States, and died in the crash! Wow, this is why I should try not to complain. I could not imagine both ankles getting crushed, and not being able to have the other drivers insurance company pay for injuries and the car to be repaired. I do feel bad for the lady that died, despite her situation. So they proceeded to tell me about Dr. Old School and how he helped their family member repair her ankles. Now she was not walking yet, but from the time she had her accident to the time she started putting weight on her feet was way quicker than mine. Oh yeah, I still have not put any weight on my foot yet, it's only been 7 MONTHS!!!!! So of course I take his name down, thank them both, set up an appointment and thank the LORD for answering my prayer.
Scene 16: Dr. Old Schools Office: Here I am again, in another doctors office with hopes of being repaired. I do have a good feeling about this one though, so I do hope and pray this is it. They call my name, and my boo and I start heading down the room and the nurse says, "You are using those crutches all wrong and you are going to hurt your shoulders." She asked me did they ever show me how to use crutches? I said NO, and she kindly showed me how. YES, things are looking up, but I can't get to excited yet. We wait patiently for the good doctor. My mind is racing with questions. Is he really the best like my realtors said? Is he just gonna brush me off? Is he genuine? Man, the waiting is killing me. Knock, knock, here comes Dr. Old School. We exchange pleasantries and move on to the nitty gritty. I tell him everything that has happened, he listens with no expression on his face. I finish up, he reads my records and reviews my recent x-rays and sits silent for a few minutes just brainstorming. He looks and me and says, " what are you looking from me? A second opinion or my attempt to fix your foot?" Both I said. He proceeds to tell me what's wrong with my foot and what he has to do to correct it. It was pretty extensive, it included taking a bone from my hip. Can you say OUCH? Well, what ever it takes doc, lets do it. The funny thing was, he told me I had to start walking before he would do the surgery. I said, YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? He said no walking, no surgery. I said I can't, he said why? I told him that Dr. F.K. said It would hurt beyond belief. He said, you know your surgery was on 12/08? You have not walked since? No sir, that's a negative. If you don't walk you will be worse off after this surgery. Okay I said, here I go. Ouch, Ouch, ouch I said as I put weight on my foot for the first time since before my surgery. Good job he said, keep it up. WOW, I am walking, I'm walking. Not like I used to, but if Dr. Old School said he can get me back on my feet, and hopefully back to work, I will do whatever it takes. No pain, no gain.!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!! I'm on my way to normality. Like the Jefferson's, I'm moving on up to the east side.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Prayer Request for my BOO!!!
I know that I have not finished my story yet, but I will. Right now I am asking that we all pray for my BOO. She had a 6 month check up this morning for her thyroid. Last year she had a ultrasound done and they found nodules on her thyroid. Of course we were floored by that news, so for the next 6 months we have been praying that this check up will be good news. We will be waiting patiently.
My boo is a blessing to my family and I. She gave me 3 wonderful crumb snatchers, she quit her job to stay home with them, on top of that she is homeschooling. She has been by my side now going on 17 years. WOW, 17 YEARS!!! The first time I saw her was one summer at work. She walked so fast when we clocked out, that I could never speak to her. She always had this serious look on her face, kind of like, "Beat it Bucky." That was another reason why I did not speak to her. So for the first summer all I could do was watch and say nothing. She was and still is a PICTURE OF BEAUTY!!!! The next summer was better.
Guess what? This summer my boo and I were assigned to the same work location,YES, how sweet is that? So day in and day out I was always trying to figure out a way to speak to her. I did not have a lot of time, because she was only there for the summer, so I had to act fast. Should I approach her like Dwayne from What's Happening and say, " Hey, hey, hey." I could say, " Hi there," like Washington from Welcome back Carter? Man, how do I do this? I gotta make my move, I got it, I will walk up to her like J.J. in Good Times and say, " I'm Kid Dynomite," that will do it. Out of the 3, 1 of them will be a winner. So the next day we are all sitting down eating and relaxing for lunch. So I time it, get my nerve and before I know it she said, hi what's your name? Wow, that was easy. So I told her, and we talked at lunch every day after that. I found out why she spoke to me. She said the girl she was talking to said, she could not wait for grandfather to die so she could get his big screen T.V. My boo said, okay, that's morbid. She turned around and introduced herself. Whatever works!!
To seal the deal I told her to call me. Once I gave her my phone number in BUBBLE LETTERS, she fell in love. She said that was not it, but I know the truth. After talking to her, I found out why she walked so fast. She said her dad would leave her if she was not outside the gate after the whistle blew. That was the best summer of my life. I am truly thankful for her. Are first date will be posted later.
Thanks for your prayers!!!!
My boo is a blessing to my family and I. She gave me 3 wonderful crumb snatchers, she quit her job to stay home with them, on top of that she is homeschooling. She has been by my side now going on 17 years. WOW, 17 YEARS!!! The first time I saw her was one summer at work. She walked so fast when we clocked out, that I could never speak to her. She always had this serious look on her face, kind of like, "Beat it Bucky." That was another reason why I did not speak to her. So for the first summer all I could do was watch and say nothing. She was and still is a PICTURE OF BEAUTY!!!! The next summer was better.
Guess what? This summer my boo and I were assigned to the same work location,YES, how sweet is that? So day in and day out I was always trying to figure out a way to speak to her. I did not have a lot of time, because she was only there for the summer, so I had to act fast. Should I approach her like Dwayne from What's Happening and say, " Hey, hey, hey." I could say, " Hi there," like Washington from Welcome back Carter? Man, how do I do this? I gotta make my move, I got it, I will walk up to her like J.J. in Good Times and say, " I'm Kid Dynomite," that will do it. Out of the 3, 1 of them will be a winner. So the next day we are all sitting down eating and relaxing for lunch. So I time it, get my nerve and before I know it she said, hi what's your name? Wow, that was easy. So I told her, and we talked at lunch every day after that. I found out why she spoke to me. She said the girl she was talking to said, she could not wait for grandfather to die so she could get his big screen T.V. My boo said, okay, that's morbid. She turned around and introduced herself. Whatever works!!
To seal the deal I told her to call me. Once I gave her my phone number in BUBBLE LETTERS, she fell in love. She said that was not it, but I know the truth. After talking to her, I found out why she walked so fast. She said her dad would leave her if she was not outside the gate after the whistle blew. That was the best summer of my life. I am truly thankful for her. Are first date will be posted later.
Thanks for your prayers!!!!
Monday, April 25, 2011
WOW!!!!
I just wanted to make a comment about yesterday's events. It was a beautiful Resurrection Day (also known as Easter). We as a family celebrated what Christ did for us on the cross. After that, we took pictures and went to Smoke Signals house for vittles and relaxation. It was great, and we do this every year.
Now my problem was the night before. My boo went to the mall to buy me a size ??? pants because I needed a new pair. She is the greatest boo, EVER!!! So, we get home and I try on the pants. Uh oh, Houston we have a problem!! My pants are a little harder to button up than normal. So, I try it a couple more times and still a no go. I try another pair and huh same problem. What's up? My boo asked have I gained any weight? I said, "No, my muscles must be getting bigger." I have this muscle problem happen a lot. Of course that answer did not fly. My boo responded, "Are you sure you didn't gain any weight?" I flex my muscles and tell my boo, "I'm in great shape, see, I will try it again." Of course it did not work. Okay, okay, I will use my older pants. Man, this is terrible! I was suppose to match my boys for pictures tomorrow. What could I do? Nothing but go to bed.
Well, I get up that morning and try it again and what happens? That's right, I fit those pants with no issue. I show my boo, and she too is in amazement. "What did you do?" she asked. It's simple, I slept my fat away!! "What are you talking about?" she asked. I can't explain it, but man did it work. Wow, how to sleep your fat off. I think I am going to patent that. My boo looked at me like I was crazy, but I know what happened! So with that being said, I am going to market this idea. I just need a few investors, any takers? Ha, sleep your fat away, what a genius!
Now my problem was the night before. My boo went to the mall to buy me a size ??? pants because I needed a new pair. She is the greatest boo, EVER!!! So, we get home and I try on the pants. Uh oh, Houston we have a problem!! My pants are a little harder to button up than normal. So, I try it a couple more times and still a no go. I try another pair and huh same problem. What's up? My boo asked have I gained any weight? I said, "No, my muscles must be getting bigger." I have this muscle problem happen a lot. Of course that answer did not fly. My boo responded, "Are you sure you didn't gain any weight?" I flex my muscles and tell my boo, "I'm in great shape, see, I will try it again." Of course it did not work. Okay, okay, I will use my older pants. Man, this is terrible! I was suppose to match my boys for pictures tomorrow. What could I do? Nothing but go to bed.
Well, I get up that morning and try it again and what happens? That's right, I fit those pants with no issue. I show my boo, and she too is in amazement. "What did you do?" she asked. It's simple, I slept my fat away!! "What are you talking about?" she asked. I can't explain it, but man did it work. Wow, how to sleep your fat off. I think I am going to patent that. My boo looked at me like I was crazy, but I know what happened! So with that being said, I am going to market this idea. I just need a few investors, any takers? Ha, sleep your fat away, what a genius!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Time to Sell and Time to Shop.
Captains Log Star Date June 2009:
Scene 10: Time to Sell: Well it's time for us to do the unthinkable, something my family and I were dreading to do. We had to call a Realtor!!!! What a feeling, knowing that you have to let go part of the "American Dream". This was the house all three of my children were raised in. We all celebrated Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, big family dinners were always held there. It was truly, truly was a hard pill to swallow. We tried to hang on as long as possible, but with me having to have a third surgery(I wonder why?), it was not an option. So we prayed for the right Realtor, and BOOM, just like that we were sent a husband and wife duo. We had a peace about them when we met them for the first time. We talked about the particulars and devised a plan. They were on the ball from the jump with the marketing, the advertising, and the way they handled the whole process. They were also a big help in another area which I will talk about later. Still, with all this being said, it was a humbling reality to have to sell this house.
Scene 11: Is there a doctor in the house? Well, it's time for me to do what Dr. F.K. said I should, I am going shopping for another doctor. Remember, he told me to get a second opinion because someone had to go back in even if it's not him?. Should I get a second opinion after that comment? Let me think, hmmm? Hmmm? Let him go back in or get back on my feet? Can you see the trail of smoke my crutches left behind coming out of his office? The only problem was, who would I call? What doctor can I even trust after this latest SETBACK? Believe it or not, a third surgery was not on my list of things to do when I turned 28. Right now Dr. J. could work on my foot as long as he fixed it, he has skills. This quick fix is starting to change into a life changing fix. So my boo and I started gathering all types of information about doctors from north to south, east to west. We had neighbors and family giving us recommendations. Who, who, who could he be? I have to get my foot fixed don't you see? Wow, I must be losing my mind, because I sounded just like Dr. Seuss. Note to self, jot Seuss down as a candidate. Bingo, my wife has found a local guy who seems to have it together. We will call him Dr. Shock. Keep in mind, we are packing, shopping for a doctor, and trying to find a place to stay if our house sells. This is absolutely crazy.
Scene 12: Pack, pack, pack, pack and pack. Whew, my boo is making me tired with all that packing. This supervising sure is hard work. I was trying to figure out why she was packing so early. So of course I had to ask, why are you packing so early? Her response, "because if it sells quickly, I won't be stuck packing a whole house by myself." Okay, sounds good, carry on and keep up the good work. Yeah I said it, under my breath. Hahahaahahahahahaha!!!! It seems like this packing will never end. All I can do is crawl around the house, and pack very little. I thank the Lord for friends and family, whew!! They helped out quite a bit. Once the house went up, we got 2 offers in the first 2 weeks, and a contract by a single mom on the 3rd week. Bitter sweet I know, because in the housing market that was unheard of. We had received a miracle from God, and boy did we need it. The best part was, my boo knew her deceased husband through work and she let us stay there rent free for 1 month so we could get our affairs in order. Thank you Lord! Now we need a place to stay. Wow..
Scene 13: Dr Shock's Office: My boo and I are sitting in Dr Shocks office waiting to be seen. We get called, the nurse tells me to take off my shoe and tell her what's going on. Well, once I take my shoe off she said, and I quote, "what happened to your foot?" She kept starring, and starring at it, like a deer in headlights. Once she came too, she wrote everything down for Dr Shock, and said, if anyone can fix it he can. Oh really? Sounds good, we will see what he has to say. Enter Dr. Shock, he looks at my foot and says, "he screwed up". Then he back tracks and says, "let me take that back, the surgery did not work." My boo said, "Freudian Slip huh?" He meant the first thing he said. Then he proceeds to tell me how jacked up my foot is. You think? He told me that I would need this serious overhaul, but wanted to get a more precise cat scan. So I come back a week later and he told me that it was just as he thought, major overhaul. Then to make things better he tells me that I probably will not return back to work because of the major surgery, EVER!!! He told me to let him know if I wanted him to do the surgery, and by the way I am still not WALKING!! So off I go, me and my boo on the way home STEAMING that my life has been flipped upside down. This can't be the guy, he was to quick to want to cut on me. I will not let this happen again. Anyone got any suggestions? I'm batting a 1000.
Scene 10: Time to Sell: Well it's time for us to do the unthinkable, something my family and I were dreading to do. We had to call a Realtor!!!! What a feeling, knowing that you have to let go part of the "American Dream". This was the house all three of my children were raised in. We all celebrated Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, big family dinners were always held there. It was truly, truly was a hard pill to swallow. We tried to hang on as long as possible, but with me having to have a third surgery(I wonder why?), it was not an option. So we prayed for the right Realtor, and BOOM, just like that we were sent a husband and wife duo. We had a peace about them when we met them for the first time. We talked about the particulars and devised a plan. They were on the ball from the jump with the marketing, the advertising, and the way they handled the whole process. They were also a big help in another area which I will talk about later. Still, with all this being said, it was a humbling reality to have to sell this house.
Scene 11: Is there a doctor in the house? Well, it's time for me to do what Dr. F.K. said I should, I am going shopping for another doctor. Remember, he told me to get a second opinion because someone had to go back in even if it's not him?. Should I get a second opinion after that comment? Let me think, hmmm? Hmmm? Let him go back in or get back on my feet? Can you see the trail of smoke my crutches left behind coming out of his office? The only problem was, who would I call? What doctor can I even trust after this latest SETBACK? Believe it or not, a third surgery was not on my list of things to do when I turned 28. Right now Dr. J. could work on my foot as long as he fixed it, he has skills. This quick fix is starting to change into a life changing fix. So my boo and I started gathering all types of information about doctors from north to south, east to west. We had neighbors and family giving us recommendations. Who, who, who could he be? I have to get my foot fixed don't you see? Wow, I must be losing my mind, because I sounded just like Dr. Seuss. Note to self, jot Seuss down as a candidate. Bingo, my wife has found a local guy who seems to have it together. We will call him Dr. Shock. Keep in mind, we are packing, shopping for a doctor, and trying to find a place to stay if our house sells. This is absolutely crazy.
Scene 12: Pack, pack, pack, pack and pack. Whew, my boo is making me tired with all that packing. This supervising sure is hard work. I was trying to figure out why she was packing so early. So of course I had to ask, why are you packing so early? Her response, "because if it sells quickly, I won't be stuck packing a whole house by myself." Okay, sounds good, carry on and keep up the good work. Yeah I said it, under my breath. Hahahaahahahahahaha!!!! It seems like this packing will never end. All I can do is crawl around the house, and pack very little. I thank the Lord for friends and family, whew!! They helped out quite a bit. Once the house went up, we got 2 offers in the first 2 weeks, and a contract by a single mom on the 3rd week. Bitter sweet I know, because in the housing market that was unheard of. We had received a miracle from God, and boy did we need it. The best part was, my boo knew her deceased husband through work and she let us stay there rent free for 1 month so we could get our affairs in order. Thank you Lord! Now we need a place to stay. Wow..
Scene 13: Dr Shock's Office: My boo and I are sitting in Dr Shocks office waiting to be seen. We get called, the nurse tells me to take off my shoe and tell her what's going on. Well, once I take my shoe off she said, and I quote, "what happened to your foot?" She kept starring, and starring at it, like a deer in headlights. Once she came too, she wrote everything down for Dr Shock, and said, if anyone can fix it he can. Oh really? Sounds good, we will see what he has to say. Enter Dr. Shock, he looks at my foot and says, "he screwed up". Then he back tracks and says, "let me take that back, the surgery did not work." My boo said, "Freudian Slip huh?" He meant the first thing he said. Then he proceeds to tell me how jacked up my foot is. You think? He told me that I would need this serious overhaul, but wanted to get a more precise cat scan. So I come back a week later and he told me that it was just as he thought, major overhaul. Then to make things better he tells me that I probably will not return back to work because of the major surgery, EVER!!! He told me to let him know if I wanted him to do the surgery, and by the way I am still not WALKING!! So off I go, me and my boo on the way home STEAMING that my life has been flipped upside down. This can't be the guy, he was to quick to want to cut on me. I will not let this happen again. Anyone got any suggestions? I'm batting a 1000.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A New Year and I Can't Weight!!!!
Captains Log Star Date 2009:
Scene 8: Four Months Later: Hello, it's me again. I know the word "Weight" seems wrong, but I mean non weight bearing, which I should be doing by now, as it has only been 4 months. I have made progress though. I have moved back upstairs, no more couches for me. I am using my crutches better, but I can't STAND using them at all. The most important news is that I still have my handy dandy pee bottle. This is the greatest invention ever, but for some strange reason my family does not agree. Go figure?
This has been my routine for the last 4 months. A visit to Dr. F.K every 2 to 3 weeks, with him saying, "your foot is aligned, but don't put weight on it yet." It sounded like a broken record. Would you be concerned at this point? Remember, I have been out of work since 12/08 and it is now 4/09. Frustration has set in a wee bit because my bone has not fused yet. I've been eating all kinds of vitamins, used a bone stimulating machine (another one of Dr. F.K.'s bright ideas), and constantly asking the Lord why? Why me? Sometimes I would just have a blank look on my face, and feel so numb. That's not me though, I laugh at everything. Does anybody have a time machine for sale? Right now I should be asking God for strength, and stronger faith, right? Well, it has not yet hit me that I should. I'm trying to pilot this ship on my own, without a G.P.S. God Pleasing Spirit. So now what do I do? I will stay upset, but keep my feelings bottled up. Inside I am screaming, I can't WALK, I can't WALK, I can't WALK! I was assured that I would be walking and back to work by now. I can't WEIGHT any more!!!
Okay, I have to regroup and access the situation. I have a deformed foot that's not healing. I have been out of work for 4 months going on 5, and for some reason I am starting to have tremors, and my head is twitching. Hmmm? That's odd, but extremely important to know for later. Bills are still coming in, I guess they didn't get the memo that I'm not working. My boo and I prepared for a 6 month stretch as a worse case scenario. Knock, knock. Who is it? Hello, it's me, Worse Case Scenario, nice to meet you. I tried to slam the door on him, but he came in anyway. What am I going to do now? My kids are constantly asking me, daddy, when is your foot gonna heal? Are you going back to work? They miss me running with them, chasing them, throwing them in the air, pushing them in a wheelbarrow. All of that is slowly slipping away and I can't stop it. My family and friends are starting to help financially. Pride is something I had to swallow if I wanted my family to be taken care of, and trust me, it was very hard to swallow! Accepting financial help was not easy for me, but it was necessary. All I could do was say thank you, and hold back the tears. My friends and family all said, "we know you would do it for us."
Scene 9: 5 months later: I go through the motions for about another month, and on this one particular visit he tells me and my boo that he may have to go in a 3rd time. WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? I had to hold it in. My boo and I were blown away. After 5 months you want to go back in? He said he could not understand why the bone was not fusing. He said that he's done this surgery a 100 times and can't understand why. He can't understand? He says he's never had this happen before. Well, me either. I asked him could he take a cat scan to be sure the bone has not fused? He agreed and ordered it. Two weeks later he tells us, " no change." He explains to us what he would do for the 3rd surgery, but he can't guarantee it would work. He said I could get a 2nd opinion, but somebody has to go back in, even if it's not him. What kind of statement is that to make? After being told that I needed a 3rd surgery, I went home, crawled upstairs to my room, and cried for the first time. My kids came in my room and asked their mommy, why is daddy crying? My kids have never seen me cry. So my family came in and cried with me. We all cried about my foot not healing, not being able to go back to work, and getting ready to lose something that we tried to hang on to as long as we could......
Scene 8: Four Months Later: Hello, it's me again. I know the word "Weight" seems wrong, but I mean non weight bearing, which I should be doing by now, as it has only been 4 months. I have made progress though. I have moved back upstairs, no more couches for me. I am using my crutches better, but I can't STAND using them at all. The most important news is that I still have my handy dandy pee bottle. This is the greatest invention ever, but for some strange reason my family does not agree. Go figure?
This has been my routine for the last 4 months. A visit to Dr. F.K every 2 to 3 weeks, with him saying, "your foot is aligned, but don't put weight on it yet." It sounded like a broken record. Would you be concerned at this point? Remember, I have been out of work since 12/08 and it is now 4/09. Frustration has set in a wee bit because my bone has not fused yet. I've been eating all kinds of vitamins, used a bone stimulating machine (another one of Dr. F.K.'s bright ideas), and constantly asking the Lord why? Why me? Sometimes I would just have a blank look on my face, and feel so numb. That's not me though, I laugh at everything. Does anybody have a time machine for sale? Right now I should be asking God for strength, and stronger faith, right? Well, it has not yet hit me that I should. I'm trying to pilot this ship on my own, without a G.P.S. God Pleasing Spirit. So now what do I do? I will stay upset, but keep my feelings bottled up. Inside I am screaming, I can't WALK, I can't WALK, I can't WALK! I was assured that I would be walking and back to work by now. I can't WEIGHT any more!!!
Okay, I have to regroup and access the situation. I have a deformed foot that's not healing. I have been out of work for 4 months going on 5, and for some reason I am starting to have tremors, and my head is twitching. Hmmm? That's odd, but extremely important to know for later. Bills are still coming in, I guess they didn't get the memo that I'm not working. My boo and I prepared for a 6 month stretch as a worse case scenario. Knock, knock. Who is it? Hello, it's me, Worse Case Scenario, nice to meet you. I tried to slam the door on him, but he came in anyway. What am I going to do now? My kids are constantly asking me, daddy, when is your foot gonna heal? Are you going back to work? They miss me running with them, chasing them, throwing them in the air, pushing them in a wheelbarrow. All of that is slowly slipping away and I can't stop it. My family and friends are starting to help financially. Pride is something I had to swallow if I wanted my family to be taken care of, and trust me, it was very hard to swallow! Accepting financial help was not easy for me, but it was necessary. All I could do was say thank you, and hold back the tears. My friends and family all said, "we know you would do it for us."
Scene 9: 5 months later: I go through the motions for about another month, and on this one particular visit he tells me and my boo that he may have to go in a 3rd time. WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? I had to hold it in. My boo and I were blown away. After 5 months you want to go back in? He said he could not understand why the bone was not fusing. He said that he's done this surgery a 100 times and can't understand why. He can't understand? He says he's never had this happen before. Well, me either. I asked him could he take a cat scan to be sure the bone has not fused? He agreed and ordered it. Two weeks later he tells us, " no change." He explains to us what he would do for the 3rd surgery, but he can't guarantee it would work. He said I could get a 2nd opinion, but somebody has to go back in, even if it's not him. What kind of statement is that to make? After being told that I needed a 3rd surgery, I went home, crawled upstairs to my room, and cried for the first time. My kids came in my room and asked their mommy, why is daddy crying? My kids have never seen me cry. So my family came in and cried with me. We all cried about my foot not healing, not being able to go back to work, and getting ready to lose something that we tried to hang on to as long as we could......
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What to do? What to do?
Captions Log Star Date December 2008:
Scene 7: What to do, what to do? Now that I am home and all settled in, what can I do to abide my time? I am not quite sure. I have never been in this situation before. Let's think about this a little bit. Well, I could... No, that won't work because I have a cast on and I would probably be getting a call for surgery #3. Maybe I could... Nope, I can't do that either because I'm on crutches. Hmmmm? Maybe, just maybe I will just sit here and hold a Thumb Twiddling Contest, or practice to become a professional thumb wrestler. I know, I will count the fibers in the carpet. That sounds like loads and loads of fun, doesn't it? You have to understand, I used to work 7 days a week all the time, now I am at home and can barely get to the bathroom. Man, I am about to lose my mind, and it's only day 1. Whew, the pressure is building. At least Christmas is coming up, and that is always a pick me upper. Until then, maybe I'll pick up reading, but what do I read? Gone With The Wind? Remember The Alamo? War And Peace? That will be a negative on all of thee above. Aha, I've got it. Cat In The Hat!!! That's what I'm talking about, and if I get time I'll read Green Eggs and Ham. These should tide me over until I get back to work in 3 to 4 months, and I'm a speed reader. You know what? I'm a go getter, toss in Old Hat New Hat and we will be cooking with gas. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
What about my kids you ask? Well they are bubbling for joy because daddy's home. They think it's some form of me being on vacation. Poor little guys have know idea how long this vacation is going to be. Any way, for now it's school, swimming lessons, church, soccer and all the activities that I cannot attend. So instead we made up our own games at home. Games like, get daddy a plate of food, take daddy's empty plate to the kitchen, find daddy the remote, and the one that they all couldn't wait to play is, empty daddy's pee cup. Oh boy, this was their favorite game. Shoot, my boo even got in the game. Good times, good times. Seriously, I started learning more about my boo and the kids as I was restricted to the couch, not WORKING everyday. I am really just getting to know them individually. I was even getting to know my Nemesis and her family more because they were helping out a lot. I had no choice but to get to know them because they were ALWAYS COMING OVER!!! WHEW, can a brother get a BREAK? LOL. I figured that I better get some good quality time in because it would be back to the rat race at work, right? At least that's what I kept telling myself.
Did I mention that they were ALWAYS COMING OVER? I think she was trying to find my weakness and defeat me. To late. During this time my little girl, Po'Cheese, and my niece, LP, were on the swim team and the season was coming to an end. Of course, I couldn't go so I had to hear the stories of how well they did. I did get to see a couple of meets prior to surgery, and I am thankful for that. One meet truly sticks out in my mind, and the funny thing about it is that it had nothing to do with Po'Cheese or L.P.. This incident had to do with little man, Tunk. He stands his ground, has the voice of a grown man, and loves to play. He thinks he's the oldest of my three. Anyway, if you have ever been to a swim meet, they are long, and kids get restless and play with the other kids who may not be swimming. So at this particular event, my son is playing with this little girl until there is a disagreement between the two about a toy. Two or three minutes later the little girl runs over to his Aunt Nemesis in tears. Of course, his aunt wants to know what's wrong, or what happened? In tears the little girl said, "He (Tunk) called me a bad word!" Uh oh, somebody is about to get into some serious trouble. We don't use any bad language, and that won't be tolerated at all. So his aunt calls my son over to explain himself. While he is explaining himself, my wife is at the pool watching the meet. If she only knew that her baby called somebody a bad word, oh boy! Remember when you got in trouble and your mom used to say, "I'm gonna tell your daddy"? I can still feel that pain, and I'm 23. LOL! Tunk explained to his aunt what happened, which was fine but she wanted to know what was the bad word? When she told me and his mom what he said, we were floored, taken aback, son how could you? We taught you better than that. What type of punishment should he get for this? The punishment must fit the crime, so brace yourself. He called her a, a, I can't bear to say it, he called her a "SQUIRT BOTTLE!" YES, A "SQUIRT BOTTLE!" He must have been really mad to call her that. So the two made amends and Tunk said he would never call anybody a Squirt Bottle again.
That was truly a funny moment for our family. We will never forget that day. Did you know they are ALWAYS COMING OVER, STILL? WHEW... Can a brother get a break? Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Scene 7: What to do, what to do? Now that I am home and all settled in, what can I do to abide my time? I am not quite sure. I have never been in this situation before. Let's think about this a little bit. Well, I could... No, that won't work because I have a cast on and I would probably be getting a call for surgery #3. Maybe I could... Nope, I can't do that either because I'm on crutches. Hmmmm? Maybe, just maybe I will just sit here and hold a Thumb Twiddling Contest, or practice to become a professional thumb wrestler. I know, I will count the fibers in the carpet. That sounds like loads and loads of fun, doesn't it? You have to understand, I used to work 7 days a week all the time, now I am at home and can barely get to the bathroom. Man, I am about to lose my mind, and it's only day 1. Whew, the pressure is building. At least Christmas is coming up, and that is always a pick me upper. Until then, maybe I'll pick up reading, but what do I read? Gone With The Wind? Remember The Alamo? War And Peace? That will be a negative on all of thee above. Aha, I've got it. Cat In The Hat!!! That's what I'm talking about, and if I get time I'll read Green Eggs and Ham. These should tide me over until I get back to work in 3 to 4 months, and I'm a speed reader. You know what? I'm a go getter, toss in Old Hat New Hat and we will be cooking with gas. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
What about my kids you ask? Well they are bubbling for joy because daddy's home. They think it's some form of me being on vacation. Poor little guys have know idea how long this vacation is going to be. Any way, for now it's school, swimming lessons, church, soccer and all the activities that I cannot attend. So instead we made up our own games at home. Games like, get daddy a plate of food, take daddy's empty plate to the kitchen, find daddy the remote, and the one that they all couldn't wait to play is, empty daddy's pee cup. Oh boy, this was their favorite game. Shoot, my boo even got in the game. Good times, good times. Seriously, I started learning more about my boo and the kids as I was restricted to the couch, not WORKING everyday. I am really just getting to know them individually. I was even getting to know my Nemesis and her family more because they were helping out a lot. I had no choice but to get to know them because they were ALWAYS COMING OVER!!! WHEW, can a brother get a BREAK? LOL. I figured that I better get some good quality time in because it would be back to the rat race at work, right? At least that's what I kept telling myself.
Did I mention that they were ALWAYS COMING OVER? I think she was trying to find my weakness and defeat me. To late. During this time my little girl, Po'Cheese, and my niece, LP, were on the swim team and the season was coming to an end. Of course, I couldn't go so I had to hear the stories of how well they did. I did get to see a couple of meets prior to surgery, and I am thankful for that. One meet truly sticks out in my mind, and the funny thing about it is that it had nothing to do with Po'Cheese or L.P.. This incident had to do with little man, Tunk. He stands his ground, has the voice of a grown man, and loves to play. He thinks he's the oldest of my three. Anyway, if you have ever been to a swim meet, they are long, and kids get restless and play with the other kids who may not be swimming. So at this particular event, my son is playing with this little girl until there is a disagreement between the two about a toy. Two or three minutes later the little girl runs over to his Aunt Nemesis in tears. Of course, his aunt wants to know what's wrong, or what happened? In tears the little girl said, "He (Tunk) called me a bad word!" Uh oh, somebody is about to get into some serious trouble. We don't use any bad language, and that won't be tolerated at all. So his aunt calls my son over to explain himself. While he is explaining himself, my wife is at the pool watching the meet. If she only knew that her baby called somebody a bad word, oh boy! Remember when you got in trouble and your mom used to say, "I'm gonna tell your daddy"? I can still feel that pain, and I'm 23. LOL! Tunk explained to his aunt what happened, which was fine but she wanted to know what was the bad word? When she told me and his mom what he said, we were floored, taken aback, son how could you? We taught you better than that. What type of punishment should he get for this? The punishment must fit the crime, so brace yourself. He called her a, a, I can't bear to say it, he called her a "SQUIRT BOTTLE!" YES, A "SQUIRT BOTTLE!" He must have been really mad to call her that. So the two made amends and Tunk said he would never call anybody a Squirt Bottle again.
That was truly a funny moment for our family. We will never forget that day. Did you know they are ALWAYS COMING OVER, STILL? WHEW... Can a brother get a break? Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Deja Vu Who?
Captains Log Star Date December 18, 2008
Scene 6: Sweety, sweety, wake up! That my friends is my boo trying too wake me up in the recovery room. Yes, I am in the recovery room again. May I say that through it all my boo has been my rock. All men may not say this about their wives, but I am going to say it about mine. I have been truly blessed by God to be married to an angel, because what she's about to go through with me is definetly a test of faith. Not once she did say, " I'm gone ", or " why me? ". I said why me? She said, " for better or for worse". She's a Proverbs 31 lady, all day. Okay, my eyes are welling up, I gotta move on.
Well, I am awake and in a daze. Where am I? I asked my boo. But before she could answer, my eyes came into focus and I wanted scream, NO NOT AGAIN!! How can this be? I wonder if I click my ankles 3 times (like Dorthy) would I go back to the day I first met Dr F.K? Or better yet, can I cross my arms and blink my way back, like the lady on I Dream of Genie? I know, I'll do them both at the same time. Ready, click and blink, click and blink, click and... I guess not huh? Oh well, I guess that only happens in the movies and TV shows. Anyway, guess who comes in my room and says, " Hey, I think we got the bone secured, it shouldn't move again". Guess, guess, you only get one guess though? Give up? It's Dr. F.K. I wanted to say, did you really this time? If not I would love to come back and do it again. There's nothing I'd rather do than get an I.V. needle jammed in the smallest vein in my hand AGAIN. Sarcasm alert, sarcasm alert. What I really said was, okay, sounds good. Why did you say that you ask? I'm going to be serious for a moment. Even though I have had 2 surgeries within a week of each other, I still believe that God will heal me, not him. So, that being said, no matter what I say or think, God is in total control. So as you read this on going story, you will see how God works.
Now, I am signing out to be released and I can't wait to go home. While on the way home I am praying that I won't have a 3rd surgery. That's a funny thing for me to say because there is NO WAY that could happen again, could it? (That was a clue.) Over the river and through the woods, back to our house we go. Poor thing, if only I could help her get the fat kid in the house, but there's not much I can do being drugged up, cut up, and only having the use of one foot. The only thing I could do was encourage her. I did that by looking so HANDSOME!! Picture this, 5 o'clock beard, droopy eyes, and a bit of drool on both sides of my mouth. I know what you're thinking, WOW, what a stud, but I am happily taken. Lucky me, back on the couch with all my necessities at my disposal. Remote, iPod, FREEZE RAY MACHINE, and my handy dandy pee cup. A Disney vacation has nothing on this vacation I'm having. NOT!!!! A side note, the only thing good about the FREEZE RAY MACHINE is that it made my house so cold it snowed and my kids could have a snowball fight ( Not Really ). What memories we will have.
I asked myself this question all the time: Did I do the right thing? Did I do the right thing? Sure I did, I answered. I will be back on my feet soon, as PROMISED. Back to work as PROMISED. Playing with my kids as PROMISED. No pain, no gain right? Can anyone sense by my tone that these promises were broken? Want to hear a funny question? How many of those promises do you think were kept? By the way it's April 2011 and my first 2 surgeries were in December 2008. Hmmmm?
Scene 6: Sweety, sweety, wake up! That my friends is my boo trying too wake me up in the recovery room. Yes, I am in the recovery room again. May I say that through it all my boo has been my rock. All men may not say this about their wives, but I am going to say it about mine. I have been truly blessed by God to be married to an angel, because what she's about to go through with me is definetly a test of faith. Not once she did say, " I'm gone ", or " why me? ". I said why me? She said, " for better or for worse". She's a Proverbs 31 lady, all day. Okay, my eyes are welling up, I gotta move on.
Well, I am awake and in a daze. Where am I? I asked my boo. But before she could answer, my eyes came into focus and I wanted scream, NO NOT AGAIN!! How can this be? I wonder if I click my ankles 3 times (like Dorthy) would I go back to the day I first met Dr F.K? Or better yet, can I cross my arms and blink my way back, like the lady on I Dream of Genie? I know, I'll do them both at the same time. Ready, click and blink, click and blink, click and... I guess not huh? Oh well, I guess that only happens in the movies and TV shows. Anyway, guess who comes in my room and says, " Hey, I think we got the bone secured, it shouldn't move again". Guess, guess, you only get one guess though? Give up? It's Dr. F.K. I wanted to say, did you really this time? If not I would love to come back and do it again. There's nothing I'd rather do than get an I.V. needle jammed in the smallest vein in my hand AGAIN. Sarcasm alert, sarcasm alert. What I really said was, okay, sounds good. Why did you say that you ask? I'm going to be serious for a moment. Even though I have had 2 surgeries within a week of each other, I still believe that God will heal me, not him. So, that being said, no matter what I say or think, God is in total control. So as you read this on going story, you will see how God works.
Now, I am signing out to be released and I can't wait to go home. While on the way home I am praying that I won't have a 3rd surgery. That's a funny thing for me to say because there is NO WAY that could happen again, could it? (That was a clue.) Over the river and through the woods, back to our house we go. Poor thing, if only I could help her get the fat kid in the house, but there's not much I can do being drugged up, cut up, and only having the use of one foot. The only thing I could do was encourage her. I did that by looking so HANDSOME!! Picture this, 5 o'clock beard, droopy eyes, and a bit of drool on both sides of my mouth. I know what you're thinking, WOW, what a stud, but I am happily taken. Lucky me, back on the couch with all my necessities at my disposal. Remote, iPod, FREEZE RAY MACHINE, and my handy dandy pee cup. A Disney vacation has nothing on this vacation I'm having. NOT!!!! A side note, the only thing good about the FREEZE RAY MACHINE is that it made my house so cold it snowed and my kids could have a snowball fight ( Not Really ). What memories we will have.
I asked myself this question all the time: Did I do the right thing? Did I do the right thing? Sure I did, I answered. I will be back on my feet soon, as PROMISED. Back to work as PROMISED. Playing with my kids as PROMISED. No pain, no gain right? Can anyone sense by my tone that these promises were broken? Want to hear a funny question? How many of those promises do you think were kept? By the way it's April 2011 and my first 2 surgeries were in December 2008. Hmmmm?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Intermission Part 2 (My True Blue Crew)
My wife just reviewed my last post, and boy she gave me this LOOK!! Oh, it's all coming back to me now. My other in-laws!!! I knew there was someone missing. Okay, here we go. The first family consists of my BIL: Ed Hughes (news reporter). I never miss a beat with him around, local and world news, stocks, you name, he's got me covered. My next BIL is The Weather and Sports Man (BIL #3). Between him and BIL #1, I never need to watch CNN, local news, ESPN, TWC, or any of those channels. There is also my niece Little P and my nephew Pedro. I love those kids. Last but not least is my SIL, Nemesis. Nemesis you ask? Every superhero has one. Why shouldn't I? She is a good one too. The epic battle's we've had. The wars that we have fought. Never have I encountered an adversary as such. Let me tell you, she can drive bus over you like nobody's business. She keeps me on my A-Game. She thinks the world of me, but she won't say it. Well, enough about her.
The next set of in-laws is my BIL #2: Smoke Signals (inside joke), SIL: Guest, and my nephew: Little Man. These are my child safety experts. They can tell me about a recall before it hits the news. Guest also acts as my Emergency Broadcast Signal. You know the one .... "We interrupt this program to bring you the following public service announcement."
So with a with a family like this, why am I paying for cable? There, I mentioned them. Man, was that hard to do. Just kidding! Yes, I have blessed to have these folks in my life through these trying times. They have all played a major role in our lives and I am so thankful!!! Well enough of that, I am about to throw up in my mouth!!! Plus, I'm recovering from my surgery, and I am about to wake up... P.S, these folks will never be blessed again with a BIL like me. Hahahahahahahahahaaha!!!
Action!!
Oh, WAIT!!!!!
Big shout out to my peeps down south, Rog (my brother from another mother), Flo short for Florence (his wife and the first person I've ever knew to make Pot Roast Tacos), and The Bunch (all my nieces and nephews)! Who else would drive 4hrs with 20 kids to help pack my house and move? If I could only put into words what you guys have done for us. If you looked up the definition of friend, your name would be in there. RIGHT UNDER MINE. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!! Seriously, these guys couldn't be anymore like family if we born from the same mother. Love you guys ... okay I'm about to throw up again. Moving on...
Big shout out to my Cool Cuz & The Twin (his wife, also known as Weezy). For those who don't know my cousin, you might have seen him on ESPN. He is a professional golfer but he wants to keep his identity secret. Thanks for keeping me laughing. 829 ;)
Also, big shout out to my boys out west, JT and MW!
Action!!!
The next set of in-laws is my BIL #2: Smoke Signals (inside joke), SIL: Guest, and my nephew: Little Man. These are my child safety experts. They can tell me about a recall before it hits the news. Guest also acts as my Emergency Broadcast Signal. You know the one .... "We interrupt this program to bring you the following public service announcement."
So with a with a family like this, why am I paying for cable? There, I mentioned them. Man, was that hard to do. Just kidding! Yes, I have blessed to have these folks in my life through these trying times. They have all played a major role in our lives and I am so thankful!!! Well enough of that, I am about to throw up in my mouth!!! Plus, I'm recovering from my surgery, and I am about to wake up... P.S, these folks will never be blessed again with a BIL like me. Hahahahahahahahahaaha!!!
Action!!
Oh, WAIT!!!!!
Big shout out to my peeps down south, Rog (my brother from another mother), Flo short for Florence (his wife and the first person I've ever knew to make Pot Roast Tacos), and The Bunch (all my nieces and nephews)! Who else would drive 4hrs with 20 kids to help pack my house and move? If I could only put into words what you guys have done for us. If you looked up the definition of friend, your name would be in there. RIGHT UNDER MINE. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!! Seriously, these guys couldn't be anymore like family if we born from the same mother. Love you guys ... okay I'm about to throw up again. Moving on...
Big shout out to my Cool Cuz & The Twin (his wife, also known as Weezy). For those who don't know my cousin, you might have seen him on ESPN. He is a professional golfer but he wants to keep his identity secret. Thanks for keeping me laughing. 829 ;)
Also, big shout out to my boys out west, JT and MW!
Action!!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Intermission
We are now in intermission. I'm now in the recovery room RECOVERING from my second surgery. So at this time I want to introduce and thank my supporting cast. What? I can't have a supporting cast? Without these people I would not be where I am today. First, I want to say that I WILL NOT BE USING ANYONE'S REAL NAME DUE TO THE FACT THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY ROYALTIES!!! Good luck trying to get those, that's like trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip. You can't take what ain't there!!!!!! My rolling father-in-law always says that and I love it. Please follow along as I introduce them.
Here is my immediate family. Introducing my beautiful wife: My Boo, my daughter: Po'Cheese, my son: Cho-Cho, and my baby boy: Tunk, and last but not least, me: SNS (Shaken' Not Stirred) or Mr. Incredible if you prefer. They have been truly blessed to have a husband and dad like me. If you don't believe me, just ask me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! That's just funny right there, I don't care who you are.
The next group would be my in-laws. Ma and Pa Dukes. These are my wife's peeps. They have been so good to us. My kids light up when they see them coming. Everyone should have inlaws like mine. When my FIL (father in law) called me a NAME, that I won't mention, the first time I met him, I knew it was on and poppin' like popcorn. It was almost like getting a man hug or blessings to marry his daughter. They hit the jack pot when I came into the family. They to were blessed to have me as their son-in-law. Whew, I can't take it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
The next group is my peeps. My mom: Grandma, brother: Gums, and brother: Bubba. They to played a special role in my ordeal. Family is truly important to me, and I want them all to be recognized. What can I say, who wouldn't want a son/brother like me? Man, I can't believe I spread so much happiness. Whooaa boy, what to do? What to do? I think that's it. I can't think of anyone else in my supporting cast that has helped me so much in my time of need.
Oh, I remember, my co-workers!!! How could I forget them. They are just like family. They helped us move, called to see if we needed anything, came to our house to play Santa one Christmas, and took up collections for us when times were tight. They were truly a blessing to us.
Well, that's it. So get your popcorn, candy, soda, and nachos, the show will resume in just a few moments. For some reason I still think that somebody is missing and I can't really put my finger on it. Hmmmm? Oh well, whoever they may be, they must not be too important. Action!!!
Here is my immediate family. Introducing my beautiful wife: My Boo, my daughter: Po'Cheese, my son: Cho-Cho, and my baby boy: Tunk, and last but not least, me: SNS (Shaken' Not Stirred) or Mr. Incredible if you prefer. They have been truly blessed to have a husband and dad like me. If you don't believe me, just ask me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! That's just funny right there, I don't care who you are.
The next group would be my in-laws. Ma and Pa Dukes. These are my wife's peeps. They have been so good to us. My kids light up when they see them coming. Everyone should have inlaws like mine. When my FIL (father in law) called me a NAME, that I won't mention, the first time I met him, I knew it was on and poppin' like popcorn. It was almost like getting a man hug or blessings to marry his daughter. They hit the jack pot when I came into the family. They to were blessed to have me as their son-in-law. Whew, I can't take it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
The next group is my peeps. My mom: Grandma, brother: Gums, and brother: Bubba. They to played a special role in my ordeal. Family is truly important to me, and I want them all to be recognized. What can I say, who wouldn't want a son/brother like me? Man, I can't believe I spread so much happiness. Whooaa boy, what to do? What to do? I think that's it. I can't think of anyone else in my supporting cast that has helped me so much in my time of need.
Oh, I remember, my co-workers!!! How could I forget them. They are just like family. They helped us move, called to see if we needed anything, came to our house to play Santa one Christmas, and took up collections for us when times were tight. They were truly a blessing to us.
Well, that's it. So get your popcorn, candy, soda, and nachos, the show will resume in just a few moments. For some reason I still think that somebody is missing and I can't really put my finger on it. Hmmmm? Oh well, whoever they may be, they must not be too important. Action!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Second Surgery
Captains Log Star Date December 12-18, 2008.
SCENE 3: Where to begin? There are so many places to start. Let's start off with the fact that every morning I wake up either not being able to feel my foot, or in PAIN because of the 600lb freeze ray machine (that I did not sign or ask for) and the numbing pump on my 'fixed' foot (key word is fixed)!!!!! Can you tell I am a bit IRRITATED? So as I sit here awake on the couch about to PEE on myself and looking at my FULL handy dandy pee bottle, I look over and see my beautiful family sleeping so peacefully on a mattress all huddled together. Do I bother to wake up my boo and tell her I need help getting up to go to the bathroom, or just unleash all over the couch? Hmmmm? Decisions, decisions? Wait a minute, I'M TH E KING OF THIS CASTLE. WHEN I SAY JUMP, THEY SAY HOW HIGH SIR? WHEN I SAY I 'M HUNGRY, A PLATE IS BEFORE ME IN MINUTES. THAT'S HOW I ROLL. My vows say, love, honor, and OBEY. So needless to say, I snapped my fingers and the handy dandy pee bottle was emptied, food was in front of me, and a remote in my hand!! Okay, so that didn't really happen but my boo did awake from her peaceful sleep to help her man out.
Putting my leg down and feeling all the blood rush down to my 'fixed' foot was a good feeling. It made me want to have surgery on the other foot. NOT! Are you sensing any sarcasm? Good, I have plenty of it. Please somebody shoot me!! I reason to myself that I must feel the pain in order to enjoy my 'fixed' foot in the future. The things a man can endure to get back to his DUNKING abilities. Taking baths were fun too, and I don't mean just any old bath!! You have never experienced a bath until you have one while laying on the couch. Boy o boy, Good Times! Can you believe this is all happening in one weekend?
Monday is coming and it is going to be my first post op visit with Dr. F.K. I know whatever he says will make me feel better after my rough weekend. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHA.. I can't even write it without laughing.
SCENE 4 (The Liar Liar's Office): That's not very nice of me, is it? Oh well!!! Any who, as we sit there patiently waiting to be seen, a voice in my head says, " Run Forrest, Run." But how was I gonna do that with this ginormous cast on, crutches, and the fact I had surgery three days ago. Not a good combo, so I guess I need to go back and listen. The nurse calls my name, MR. INCREDIBLE, and we go back to cut off my cast, and BOY, was that an eye opener. I asked the nurse, "WHAT are you gonna cut with that Circular Saw?" She said, "Cut your cast of course." I gave her a look like, if you cut me with that, it's on!!! That was the first bad vibe! I almost ripped the table in half while she was cutting. I just knew she was going to cut my leg. I was glad when it was over. I went to take an X-ray and then waited for the doctor. He walks in and says, "How are you?" In my mind I'm looking at him like, Really? Are you asking me that seriously? Look at my foot, you tell me. Sarcasm kicking in again, sorry. Dr. F.K looks at the x-ray and stares at it like a deer in headlights! Then, he proceeds to say, "Hmmm?", while rubbing his chin. Hmmmmm? Hmmmm? WOW!! I should have ran like Forrest when I had the chance. Note to self, if your doc looks at an x-ray while scratching his head saying "Hmmmmm?", RUN, RUN, RUN for your life. After staring at the x-ray for 3 minutes or so and scratching his head, he said, "Everything looks good except one little thing..." This one little thing was the turning point of my 'FIXED' foot. That one little thing was a bone graft that popped up ever so slightly. He said nothing to worry about for now. See you in two weeks. What does that mean, for NOW? Did he not know the correct response was "All looks good. You should be up and DUNKING in no time." Okay, he's a quack, sorry, I mean doctor. Do you think I made it two weeks. Uh, no. Three days later, I receive what seems to me as a frantic phone call. It's Dr. F.K.. Surprise! Surprise! He begins to tell me that he showed the x-ray to his partner and he feels that it would be best from him to go back in and correct the shift in the bone graft immediately. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? TWO SURGERIES IN ONE WEEK. LUCKY ME.
SCENE 5 (BACK AT THE HOSPITAL): "Hey, you're back," the faculty said. Glad to see you. Step right up for round 2. Has anyone ever seen The Twilight Zone? Not only have I seen it, I was living it. So I go through the motion, sign my life away, get dressed, kiss my boo, and get prepped for slaughter (surgery) number 2. This time I had a different nurse prepping me. I only mention her because her needle puncture skills for the I.V. stunk. I have a logical question for you, HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU STICK AN I.V. NEEDLE IN A VEIN THAT IS TO SMALL? Let me think, hmmm? No, hold on, hmmmmm? Well, the good thing is I can count and I told her she might want to pick another vein seeing that that needle isn't going in. I'm just saying. Hope I didn't hurt her feelings seeing that she is a NURSE and I'm not. Oh well, off I go again, drugged, still in pain from the FIRST surgery, and heading for my REDO. Life is good!!!
Well, I will continue later. My wife has the vittles ready and I don't miss a meal!
SCENE 3: Where to begin? There are so many places to start. Let's start off with the fact that every morning I wake up either not being able to feel my foot, or in PAIN because of the 600lb freeze ray machine (that I did not sign or ask for) and the numbing pump on my 'fixed' foot (key word is fixed)!!!!! Can you tell I am a bit IRRITATED? So as I sit here awake on the couch about to PEE on myself and looking at my FULL handy dandy pee bottle, I look over and see my beautiful family sleeping so peacefully on a mattress all huddled together. Do I bother to wake up my boo and tell her I need help getting up to go to the bathroom, or just unleash all over the couch? Hmmmm? Decisions, decisions? Wait a minute, I'M TH E KING OF THIS CASTLE. WHEN I SAY JUMP, THEY SAY HOW HIGH SIR? WHEN I SAY I 'M HUNGRY, A PLATE IS BEFORE ME IN MINUTES. THAT'S HOW I ROLL. My vows say, love, honor, and OBEY. So needless to say, I snapped my fingers and the handy dandy pee bottle was emptied, food was in front of me, and a remote in my hand!! Okay, so that didn't really happen but my boo did awake from her peaceful sleep to help her man out.
Putting my leg down and feeling all the blood rush down to my 'fixed' foot was a good feeling. It made me want to have surgery on the other foot. NOT! Are you sensing any sarcasm? Good, I have plenty of it. Please somebody shoot me!! I reason to myself that I must feel the pain in order to enjoy my 'fixed' foot in the future. The things a man can endure to get back to his DUNKING abilities. Taking baths were fun too, and I don't mean just any old bath!! You have never experienced a bath until you have one while laying on the couch. Boy o boy, Good Times! Can you believe this is all happening in one weekend?
Monday is coming and it is going to be my first post op visit with Dr. F.K. I know whatever he says will make me feel better after my rough weekend. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHA.. I can't even write it without laughing.
SCENE 4 (The Liar Liar's Office): That's not very nice of me, is it? Oh well!!! Any who, as we sit there patiently waiting to be seen, a voice in my head says, " Run Forrest, Run." But how was I gonna do that with this ginormous cast on, crutches, and the fact I had surgery three days ago. Not a good combo, so I guess I need to go back and listen. The nurse calls my name, MR. INCREDIBLE, and we go back to cut off my cast, and BOY, was that an eye opener. I asked the nurse, "WHAT are you gonna cut with that Circular Saw?" She said, "Cut your cast of course." I gave her a look like, if you cut me with that, it's on!!! That was the first bad vibe! I almost ripped the table in half while she was cutting. I just knew she was going to cut my leg. I was glad when it was over. I went to take an X-ray and then waited for the doctor. He walks in and says, "How are you?" In my mind I'm looking at him like, Really? Are you asking me that seriously? Look at my foot, you tell me. Sarcasm kicking in again, sorry. Dr. F.K looks at the x-ray and stares at it like a deer in headlights! Then, he proceeds to say, "Hmmm?", while rubbing his chin. Hmmmmm? Hmmmm? WOW!! I should have ran like Forrest when I had the chance. Note to self, if your doc looks at an x-ray while scratching his head saying "Hmmmmm?", RUN, RUN, RUN for your life. After staring at the x-ray for 3 minutes or so and scratching his head, he said, "Everything looks good except one little thing..." This one little thing was the turning point of my 'FIXED' foot. That one little thing was a bone graft that popped up ever so slightly. He said nothing to worry about for now. See you in two weeks. What does that mean, for NOW? Did he not know the correct response was "All looks good. You should be up and DUNKING in no time." Okay, he's a quack, sorry, I mean doctor. Do you think I made it two weeks. Uh, no. Three days later, I receive what seems to me as a frantic phone call. It's Dr. F.K.. Surprise! Surprise! He begins to tell me that he showed the x-ray to his partner and he feels that it would be best from him to go back in and correct the shift in the bone graft immediately. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? TWO SURGERIES IN ONE WEEK. LUCKY ME.
SCENE 5 (BACK AT THE HOSPITAL): "Hey, you're back," the faculty said. Glad to see you. Step right up for round 2. Has anyone ever seen The Twilight Zone? Not only have I seen it, I was living it. So I go through the motion, sign my life away, get dressed, kiss my boo, and get prepped for slaughter (surgery) number 2. This time I had a different nurse prepping me. I only mention her because her needle puncture skills for the I.V. stunk. I have a logical question for you, HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU STICK AN I.V. NEEDLE IN A VEIN THAT IS TO SMALL? Let me think, hmmm? No, hold on, hmmmmm? Well, the good thing is I can count and I told her she might want to pick another vein seeing that that needle isn't going in. I'm just saying. Hope I didn't hurt her feelings seeing that she is a NURSE and I'm not. Oh well, off I go again, drugged, still in pain from the FIRST surgery, and heading for my REDO. Life is good!!!
Well, I will continue later. My wife has the vittles ready and I don't miss a meal!
Friday, March 25, 2011
The First Surgery
Captains Log Star Date December 11, 2008.
Well, it's surgery day and I am pumped. I kiss my troops goodbye and my wife drives me to the hospital for my slaughtering. Sorry, I meant to say surgery. I filled out the necessary paper work...
SORRY, THERE HAS BEEN A BREAKING NEWS FLASH.. THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS HAVE LOST, I REPEAT THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS HAVE LOST...
Now for a moment of silence.. Hahahahahahahahahahaha, so much for that.
Mean while back at the ranch, I was filling out all my paperwork. Things like, Dr. F.K can operate on my foot (RED LIGHT), next of kin, blood type, etc, etc.. The one that sticks out is he wanted to use a numbing pump to relieve the pain after the surgery, THIS IS IMPORTANT! So all that is done, and I kiss my boo bye. Off to the prep room I go. Don't slaughter houses have prep rooms too? Hmm? Anyway, I meet the staff and we joke and kid until the anesthesiologist breaks out his numbing needle for my leg. He proceeds to ask me a very stupid question, ready? He asks me, "Do I want the whole leg numb or just from the calf down?" The kicker was the second question, "DO YOU WANT TO BE COMPLETELY KNOCKED OUT?" HELLO, we have a winner. Well, now that we have taken care of that, let's get to the numbing. My friend breaks out a needle the size of a flagpole. So of course I ask him, where is THAT going? "In your hip," he says. Well that's nice, I replied. He did assure me that I would be passed out before he put it in my hip, and thank my Heavenly Father I was. That would have been an ugly scene. Now, I am prepped, drugged, and ready to be wheeled off. Oh, I forgot to say that Dr F.K. said, "Everything would be fine." Can we all say "LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!!!"
Scene two: Well, I am awake in the recovery room in a daze wondering where I am. Oh, that's right I got my foot fixed. My boo comes to the recovery room and sits with me. Dr. F.K. comes in and says, "It took a little longer than expected." Really? How long does is take to permanently disable somebody? Remember when I signed all that paperwork including the paperwork for the numbing pump. The pump was there in my cast, but so was a 600lb ice machine on my foot that I did not SIGN for. Yes, that company tried to charge me for their $435.00 ice machine that I did not SIGN for. If anyone ever offers you such a device PLEASE say no. It gets so cold you want to cut off your foot. Dr F.K. says, "It reduces swelling." I guess so because it freezes your blood so it won't circulate. [ By the way if anybody needs one, I still have mine as a collectors item.] I am now going home, drugged and frozen, nice combo. My boo had to drag me up the stairs to get in my house, and get a chair with wheels to roll me to the couch where I would be for awhile. So there I lay on the couch with a remote to the TV, my drugs, numbing pump, freeze ray machine, and my handy dandy pee cup. Can you picture it? Man, I haven't even got to the good part.. Remember, this is the first surgery.
Well, it's surgery day and I am pumped. I kiss my troops goodbye and my wife drives me to the hospital for my slaughtering. Sorry, I meant to say surgery. I filled out the necessary paper work...
SORRY, THERE HAS BEEN A BREAKING NEWS FLASH.. THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS HAVE LOST, I REPEAT THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS HAVE LOST...
Now for a moment of silence.. Hahahahahahahahahahaha, so much for that.
Mean while back at the ranch, I was filling out all my paperwork. Things like, Dr. F.K can operate on my foot (RED LIGHT), next of kin, blood type, etc, etc.. The one that sticks out is he wanted to use a numbing pump to relieve the pain after the surgery, THIS IS IMPORTANT! So all that is done, and I kiss my boo bye. Off to the prep room I go. Don't slaughter houses have prep rooms too? Hmm? Anyway, I meet the staff and we joke and kid until the anesthesiologist breaks out his numbing needle for my leg. He proceeds to ask me a very stupid question, ready? He asks me, "Do I want the whole leg numb or just from the calf down?" The kicker was the second question, "DO YOU WANT TO BE COMPLETELY KNOCKED OUT?" HELLO, we have a winner. Well, now that we have taken care of that, let's get to the numbing. My friend breaks out a needle the size of a flagpole. So of course I ask him, where is THAT going? "In your hip," he says. Well that's nice, I replied. He did assure me that I would be passed out before he put it in my hip, and thank my Heavenly Father I was. That would have been an ugly scene. Now, I am prepped, drugged, and ready to be wheeled off. Oh, I forgot to say that Dr F.K. said, "Everything would be fine." Can we all say "LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!!!"
Scene two: Well, I am awake in the recovery room in a daze wondering where I am. Oh, that's right I got my foot fixed. My boo comes to the recovery room and sits with me. Dr. F.K. comes in and says, "It took a little longer than expected." Really? How long does is take to permanently disable somebody? Remember when I signed all that paperwork including the paperwork for the numbing pump. The pump was there in my cast, but so was a 600lb ice machine on my foot that I did not SIGN for. Yes, that company tried to charge me for their $435.00 ice machine that I did not SIGN for. If anyone ever offers you such a device PLEASE say no. It gets so cold you want to cut off your foot. Dr F.K. says, "It reduces swelling." I guess so because it freezes your blood so it won't circulate. [ By the way if anybody needs one, I still have mine as a collectors item.] I am now going home, drugged and frozen, nice combo. My boo had to drag me up the stairs to get in my house, and get a chair with wheels to roll me to the couch where I would be for awhile. So there I lay on the couch with a remote to the TV, my drugs, numbing pump, freeze ray machine, and my handy dandy pee cup. Can you picture it? Man, I haven't even got to the good part.. Remember, this is the first surgery.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It Was A Dark And Stormy Night
I guess I should talk about what happened to me, so that it would explain my Running in Heaven title. Okay here it goes. IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT, oops wrong story. Once upon a time, there was a young father who was enjoying life. He had a great job (see the word had, this will be important later ) with all the trimmings. He has a beautiful wife and three wonderful kids. Everything was great until I had a tiny little problem with my left foot. Normally I would just brush off the pain, but this time it was a little different. It was affecting my DUNKING when I landed or took off. I was not trying to hear that! Oh, it was affecting my walking too. So, I go see my primary care physician (PCP) and tell him what's going on with my foot, and he says I know the perfect guy to fix it. WHAT A GUY!!! He will be called Dr Foot Killer. My wife and I decide to go see Dr F.K and that's when the fun begins.
Captains Log Star Date September 2008. Well we go and see Dr. F.K and he tells us what is wrong with my foot. He tells us that I am wearing away the joint in my ankle and that orthotics will not help. He said surgery would be my only option. To make sure he is right,( ha ha ha ha ha ha ha) he sends me to get a ct scan to make sure that is the problem. Well, he says, just as I figured I was right. Surgery is your only option. He said he has done it hundreds of times. I should have asked if he has done this surgery or killed a foot hundreds of times! He said I would be back on my feet in 3-4 months. This is March 2011 and my first surgery was December 2008, you do the math!!! Well we agreed to the surgery and we were very exited to know that my foot problems were getting ready to disappear. Wow, what a relief to know that I would soon be able to walk and DUNK pain free again. We were all smiles until December 2008, that is when my life changed forever...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Last Time I Ran
The last time I ran with my earthly legs was December 10, 2008. I was in my backyard running my three beautiful kids in a wheelbarrow. I told them daddy will do this again in a few months or so after foot my surgery. Little did I know that it would be the last time that I would ever run with my kids again! Little did I know that my quick fix surgery would change my family's and my life forever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)