Saturday, June 23, 2012

A Week in Review

This is going to be a very long post for me.  It has been a very trying week, that finally ended on an upswing.

I do not have children - I had dogs, the key word here is "had".  My Best Friend Forever - Sam the Man - had been ill.  He was born on April 19th, 2001, and had a sister named Abby, born the same day.  Sam and Abby came to live with me in June 2001 and they brought me such joy! 







Abby was quite sickly - 7 surgeries in her barely 9 years of life - all bone-related. When I had to put her down on April 12, 2010, I did not think I would recover from the sadness. 

My dear, sweet Abby

But I still had my Best Friend Sam to keep me company.

Sam and Kimberly - his pet sitter and one of his many Best Friends Forever

Sam had surgery for melanoma cancer in August 2011 - 48 staples in his stomach/right side.  It was awful.  Then on February 4, 2012, he tore his cruciate ligament (knee) and had to have yet another surgery.  This surgery was the one that "did him in".  He never fully recovered from these two surgeries.  About 3-4 weeks before he passed, he developed massive lumps in his side - the same site of his surgery from August 2011.  The cancer had returned...with a vengeance.  So, the decision was made to put him down this past Monday.  Sammy was surrounded by love - me, my mother, my sister, and Kimberly.  It was quite peaceful - but unfortunately, two dogs in two years is a bit much for me.  My heart is literally broken and it will take some time to mend.


Then, while dealing with my baby Sammy, I had started to develop a severe pain in my hip that was affecting my walking, sitting, sleeping...you get the drift.  By Wednesday morning, I had decided I would call my doctor on Thursday if I did start to feel better.  I could not make it that long, so ended up in the emergency room at 1:30 AM on Thursday morning.  I have never experienced such excruciating pain in my life - at least, not that I could remember. 

I had been diagnosed with a bulging disc in my back in March 2012.  I truly thought - as did the ER doctor - that I was having a severe sciatica nerve attack.  So, x-rays were taken, shots and drugs were given, and I was instructed to return to my Orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Luckily, I was able to see him late Thursday morning. 

My surgeon reminded me that in March, my MRI for my back indicated bursitis in my right hip.  I had to go to Wikipedia to remind myself what that ailment is all about.   Let's just say I am feeling a lot older than my 51 years.  He gave me a cortisone shot, some Percocet, and some steroids to hopefully bring down the swelling.  I have been tyring to take it easy - icing my hip and drugging myself to sleep.  You never miss walking, sitting, or lying down until you realize that it cannot be done comfortably... Anyway, I figured my week would just end on a downer.

But, I got an email from Lori Anderson last night that, although did not remove my physical pain, it sure did boost my morale.  I signed up for the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party last week and I have been paired with the Queen herself!  Yes...Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is my BSBP partner!  I think Sam had something to do with my fortunate good luck...don't you?!

Lori Anderson (picture from her blog)


Pantone Bracelet - Photo and Design by Lori Anderson

For those of us in the Jewelry Making World, Lori needs no introduction.  Lori's blog was one of the first blogs I happened upon years ago, and I have been "hooked on her" ever since.  She is not just a jewelry designer - one of the best in my humble opinion.  She does not just "write a blog post" - she shares all tidbits of her life, which I so enjoy reading!  She was blessed with a wonderful "kidlet" (love that word) named Zack, who obviously brings such joy to her life, as well as a supportive husband named Rick.  She writes from the heart, and her words are inspiring.   

I have only purchased completed jewelry from two artists - the first is Lesley Watt of The Gossiping Goddess and Thea Too .  Lesley is a another wonderful designer out there who not only creates stunning jewelry, but she started selling her handmade bronze and silver components a little over a year ago.  An absolutely lovely lady - so talented, and witty, and a heart of gold!  She posted a link to these earrings on facebook a few months ago, and I made that impulse purchase so quickly!

Earrings by Lesley Watt - they are mine now!
I don't even wear tangerine/orange, but I had to have them!  Well, I wear it now, as I immediately went shopping for tops to match!  Thank you Lesley, for adding color to my life!

I have also purchased two pieces of jewelry from Lori - most recently, this stunning bracelet she made for Jeanne Dukic's Echo Creative Club reveal:
Vintage Glam Bracelet - Design and Photo by Lori Anderson
I wore this bracelet to my niece Rachel's wedding in May - I had the best dressed arm in the church!

So, my email last night was a true pick-me-up that I so desperately needed!   I will spend the next few days picking through my huge stash of beads to send to her, and I hope she enjoys working with them as much as I do. 

Please forgive this long, rambling post - it was cathartic to write - but I am afraid it is a little "all over the place".  I am just glad this week is over and has ended on such a positive note!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Lori!

And, thank you for stopping by!

16 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. Believe me, I know exactly what you are going through having been there myself. If it was not for getting Justice Marie and Jebadiah three weeks after losing Gracie Mae to bone cancer, I'm afraid I may have tried to join her. The sadness goes bone deep and it will take a long long time to feel better, but you will feel better. My thoughts are with you and I send you all the cyber strength I can spare.

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  2. Oh Patti, boy do I know how you're feeling. My girls are still young but I sometimes think about the day when they will be gone and it makes my heart sad. I have to force myself to live in the moment. They are so dear and it's losing them is one of the only bad things about having them in our lives. They are so joyous and full of love and wonder I could not live without them and will put myself through the loss over and over and over without a second thought. My heart is aching for you, they were obviously wonderous beings!!!

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  3. Patti,
    Just by reading your post today you can tell you are a beautiful person. I had a loved pet that died after a too short life and I too didn't think I could ever stop crying. In reality you won't. When ever you think of Sam you will feel sad but it will get easier as time passes. I hope you get the medical treatment you need. It sounds terrible, I had sciatica nerve attacks when I was pregnant. The pain was bad but luckily left after the weight was gone. Your jewelery choices are beautiful. A little pop of color can go a long way to adding zip to an outfit. Take Care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress. Hugs*

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  4. Oh Patti - I'm so sorry your week went downhill still further after losing Sam...life really does like to kick us when we're down sometimes. The pictures of Sam and Abby are lovely and look like an adorable pairs. I hope the pain, both physical and mental begins to pass soon and I'm so glad you've got Lori for a partner - I think you two are a great fit an am looking forward to seeing what task you set each other! Thank you also for the lovely comments about me and my work- I wasn't expecting to see that pop of orange as I scrolled down, what a lovely surprise! Keep smiling Patti - Sam is obviously looking out for you.

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  5. As a 'dog mom' with no children myself, my heart goes out to you in dealing with such a loss. I too, lost two of my three 'children' within 6 months of each other, and it has got to be just as painful as losing an actual child.
    So excited that you are paired with Lori for the hop! I'm participating too, for the first time. Don't we all hope upon hope that we will be paired with her when we enter? I love my partner though, and just from reading her email and blog, have discovered we have much in common besides beads.
    Happy beading - can't wait to see your reveal!

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  6. Dear Patti, I am so sorry to hear about your dogs and the recent passing of Sam. I have lost a beloved dog in the past so have some idea of how you are hurting and feeling. I still miss her but it was such a pleasure to have known her that I would not have wanted to have missed the experience of such a great dog. I hope that you feel better soon and am sending you warm and healing thoughts.

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  7. I am so sorry you are struggling. Thank you for sharing not only your blessing, but also your sorrows. I wish you strength and many other happy distractions. Isn't it wonderful to know you have many understanding people here to lean on when you need? Yet another blessing right there.

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Sam. And, then to be in such physical pain is awful. Sad/bad things tend to come in pairs, don't they. But, the week ended with good news and so Sam is looking out for you! Keep that in mind as you work through your grief and take care of your self.

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  9. I am very sorry for your loss. Some people say they are just animals but they aren't - they are our friends and family and losing them leaves a huge void. Then to have such debilating pain on top of it all is really crummy. You are right about Lori - she is wonderful - I actually met her briefly at a show in VA and she is as nice as you think she is. I am so glad something special like that came your way at the end of a lously week. Hoping you are better soon.

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  10. I am so sorry for the loss of your dogs ... I still keep seeing Buddy walk around the corner even after two years. Take it easy with that hip .. rest!

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  11. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I believe our animals spirits remain with us until we too cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Hoping your bursitis goes away and doesn't come back. My late husband called our 4 legged kids, little people in fur.

    Take care

    Gerry

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  12. Patti I am so sorry for the loss of your children, nothing is more painful. We lost our beloved Mickey just a while ago and I am still unable to talk about it, the hurt is too deep. This past weekend we had to put down another beloved and my only solace is knowing that Mickey was waiting for Bandito on the rainbow bridge and they are off frolicking and happy together - I am sure they will meet Sam and Abby. I am so happy that Lori was able to end your week on a happy note. This is my first BSBP and I am so excited not only to participate but to meet so many new and wonderful friends. Chin up your beloveds are looking down on you and want you happy.

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  13. Patti, I am truly sorry for you loss... we went through similar experiences in the past few years. After loosing our beloved Brondi for months I couldn't even talk about her without crying... I thought we'll never get another dog, the hurt was way too much... years after we fell in love again :) Your Sam and Abby are running around in Doggy Heaven with other well-loved furry friends.
    Hope your hip will feel better soon - and look at you, partnering Lori herself! So happy for you!

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  14. Patti I am so sorry for your dual loss and the sense of "the missing piece" you are going through right now. Losing a beloved pet is HEART WRENCHING a sorrow I too have had to bear....much love and hugs to you.

    On a happier note!!! YAY that Lori's your partner! TALK ABOUT FUN!!!

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  15. Patti - I am so sorry for your loss of Sam. I know how are pets are like our children and losing one is devastating! Big hugs are going to you - I know it is late - but still big hugs!!!!

    I hope your hip is feeling much better - it sucks when things aren't working like they are suppose to.

    Big hugs!!!

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