Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Haitian Spirit Survives
The next two posts are videos of a gathering of thousands of people in Port-au-Prince marking the one month anniversary of the powerful earthquake that devastated the country and killed over 200,000 people.
I will be traveling to Haiti the last of March with a medical team. I plan to take hundreds of pictures and video some interviews with the people living in the outlying villages. IMO is setting up a tent city at Boutin, the village where their main medical clinic is located. I plan to compile my photos and video clips into mini-documentaries for IMO to use at the annual conference. They have used several of my photos for PR for the organization.
I wrote a pamphlet for IMO to recruit medical teams and financial support for the medical clinics. On my last trip, I revised the prescription form used by the doctors in our clinics. It's faster and easier for both the doctors and the people filling the prescriptions.
Although I have major problems with back and leg pain, I can manage it with strategic use of pain meds and muscle relaxers, when necessary.
Pray for the people of Haiti. They had nothing, and now what little they had has been destroyed.
I will be traveling to Haiti the last of March with a medical team. I plan to take hundreds of pictures and video some interviews with the people living in the outlying villages. IMO is setting up a tent city at Boutin, the village where their main medical clinic is located. I plan to compile my photos and video clips into mini-documentaries for IMO to use at the annual conference. They have used several of my photos for PR for the organization.
I wrote a pamphlet for IMO to recruit medical teams and financial support for the medical clinics. On my last trip, I revised the prescription form used by the doctors in our clinics. It's faster and easier for both the doctors and the people filling the prescriptions.
Although I have major problems with back and leg pain, I can manage it with strategic use of pain meds and muscle relaxers, when necessary.
Pray for the people of Haiti. They had nothing, and now what little they had has been destroyed.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Remembering the Harshness of Winter
This has been the coldest and snowiest winter since 1995-96. That was my first winter alone. My husband had gotten sick and was in a nursing home. I spent alot of time outside that winter. We heated our home with a wood and coal stove. Clennie had always taken care of keeping the fire,. carrying in the wood and coal, and taking out the ashes. I fixed it at night before I went to bed.
It was something I never had to take care of...that is until he got sick. It was a very difficult time for me on many levels. My life had totally changed because of my husband's illness. We'd been married for 25 years when he got sick.
I visited him everyday, sitting with him for an hour or longer just to get him to take a bite of food or a drink of Ensure. The aides didn't have the time to do that for him, they had 19 other patients to take care of. I felt like it was my responsibility to care for him. I was all he had and he needed me to be there for him when he was sick. I couldn't imagine NOT being there for him in his time of need. That's the way we were raised, you do whatever you can to help your loved ones.
I spent 8 hours at my dull, mind-numbing job each day, then I went up to the hospital and spent 1-2 hours with him. I would have stayed longer, but I had to get home to look about the fire. If I didn't keep a fire going, my water would freeze.
I developed a system for carrying in the buckets of coal. On the weekend, I'd go out and dig out around Clennie's little 4-wheel drive truck so I could get out. I'd take about 8 of those white 5 gallon buckets out to the coal pile. I'd fill up the bucket about 1/2 to 2/3's full, then carry them back to the end of my porch. I couldn't carry a full bucket of coal because I'd hurt my back helping care for Clennie at the hospital. It have me trouble for several months. The man I bought wood from would stack as much of it as he could on the porch, then stack the rest of it beside the porch. Then he'd cover the wood with the plastic tarps I'd bought.
On the weekends, after I'd filled and carried the buckets of coal to the house, I placed them in between the edge of my porch and my stack of wood. Everything was close at hand when I came home from the hospital. I bought those little starter logs at Wally World. I got to where I could get a fire started with just half of a log. They were a life-saver for me.
I had to carry in enough wood and coal to start up the fire, plus what I'd needed to fix the fire in the morning too. I couldn't carry in as much wood either, so I had to make extra trips to get enough in. Then I set to rekindling or building a fire. You had to shake all the ashes out of the grate with a metal handle. I have asthma, so as you can imagine it bothered me all winter. After shaking down the ashes, I had to carry out the ash pan and empty it. I usually dumped them along side the road or where I parked.
I was outside all the time. It was a snowy, cold and miserable winter. I got discouraged alot, but I couldn't give in to my dispair. I often thought of my two grandmothers as I worked to carry in wood and coal. I just had one winter to get through, while they lived with no water or electricity, had to carry in wood & coal everyday, and had several children to raise. I had it easy compared to them.
We had 2 snows in January and February 1996 where we got 2 feet of snow. Beckley and Princeton, to the south of where I live got 3 feet. Hundreds of people were without power for about a week and a half. The roof of a grocery store collapsed under the weight of the snow.
It was the longest winter of my life. But finally, the first promise of spring arrived. My crocuses started to bloom. My heart soared. The days got longer and the temperature gradually warmed. Then one day when I came home from work, I noticed a daffodil had bloomed.
With the arrival of spring, came the realization my husband was not going to be coming home. It difficult for me, but it was the reality of the situation, of my life. I was lucky enough to learn several valuable life lessons early on in his illness. Those lessons helped prepare me for his inevitable decline and eventual death.
The weather this winter reminds of that first winter alone. Now I'm struggling mobility issues and the death of a dear friend. I don't have to worry about keeping warm or getting out in the winter weather anymore. Now I have time for my writing, knitting and reading. I can sit and watch it snow, sip a cup of herbal cinnamon tea and read. It isn't what I envisioned all those years ago before my husband got sick. I never dreamed I would have such a leisurely existence as I struggled to survive that first winter living alone.
It was something I never had to take care of...that is until he got sick. It was a very difficult time for me on many levels. My life had totally changed because of my husband's illness. We'd been married for 25 years when he got sick.
I visited him everyday, sitting with him for an hour or longer just to get him to take a bite of food or a drink of Ensure. The aides didn't have the time to do that for him, they had 19 other patients to take care of. I felt like it was my responsibility to care for him. I was all he had and he needed me to be there for him when he was sick. I couldn't imagine NOT being there for him in his time of need. That's the way we were raised, you do whatever you can to help your loved ones.
I spent 8 hours at my dull, mind-numbing job each day, then I went up to the hospital and spent 1-2 hours with him. I would have stayed longer, but I had to get home to look about the fire. If I didn't keep a fire going, my water would freeze.
I developed a system for carrying in the buckets of coal. On the weekend, I'd go out and dig out around Clennie's little 4-wheel drive truck so I could get out. I'd take about 8 of those white 5 gallon buckets out to the coal pile. I'd fill up the bucket about 1/2 to 2/3's full, then carry them back to the end of my porch. I couldn't carry a full bucket of coal because I'd hurt my back helping care for Clennie at the hospital. It have me trouble for several months. The man I bought wood from would stack as much of it as he could on the porch, then stack the rest of it beside the porch. Then he'd cover the wood with the plastic tarps I'd bought.
On the weekends, after I'd filled and carried the buckets of coal to the house, I placed them in between the edge of my porch and my stack of wood. Everything was close at hand when I came home from the hospital. I bought those little starter logs at Wally World. I got to where I could get a fire started with just half of a log. They were a life-saver for me.
I had to carry in enough wood and coal to start up the fire, plus what I'd needed to fix the fire in the morning too. I couldn't carry in as much wood either, so I had to make extra trips to get enough in. Then I set to rekindling or building a fire. You had to shake all the ashes out of the grate with a metal handle. I have asthma, so as you can imagine it bothered me all winter. After shaking down the ashes, I had to carry out the ash pan and empty it. I usually dumped them along side the road or where I parked.
I was outside all the time. It was a snowy, cold and miserable winter. I got discouraged alot, but I couldn't give in to my dispair. I often thought of my two grandmothers as I worked to carry in wood and coal. I just had one winter to get through, while they lived with no water or electricity, had to carry in wood & coal everyday, and had several children to raise. I had it easy compared to them.
We had 2 snows in January and February 1996 where we got 2 feet of snow. Beckley and Princeton, to the south of where I live got 3 feet. Hundreds of people were without power for about a week and a half. The roof of a grocery store collapsed under the weight of the snow.
It was the longest winter of my life. But finally, the first promise of spring arrived. My crocuses started to bloom. My heart soared. The days got longer and the temperature gradually warmed. Then one day when I came home from work, I noticed a daffodil had bloomed.
With the arrival of spring, came the realization my husband was not going to be coming home. It difficult for me, but it was the reality of the situation, of my life. I was lucky enough to learn several valuable life lessons early on in his illness. Those lessons helped prepare me for his inevitable decline and eventual death.
The weather this winter reminds of that first winter alone. Now I'm struggling mobility issues and the death of a dear friend. I don't have to worry about keeping warm or getting out in the winter weather anymore. Now I have time for my writing, knitting and reading. I can sit and watch it snow, sip a cup of herbal cinnamon tea and read. It isn't what I envisioned all those years ago before my husband got sick. I never dreamed I would have such a leisurely existence as I struggled to survive that first winter living alone.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Brodie-My Bodacious Buddy Photo Gallery - Photo 2 of 9 by Patti - MySpace Photos
Brodie-My Bodacious Buddy Photo Gallery - Photo 2 of 9 by Patti - MySpace Photos
This is another shot of Brodie (Buddy). Brodie is a fictional little brown dog that gets into all kinds of adventures with his redneck master, Axel. They go on beer runs, ride an old office chair down over the hill to the main road in the middle of the night, check out the hot chicks and canine bitches at the local gas station, do roving patrol on the strip and the prep plant...basically just have fun.
This is another shot of Brodie (Buddy). Brodie is a fictional little brown dog that gets into all kinds of adventures with his redneck master, Axel. They go on beer runs, ride an old office chair down over the hill to the main road in the middle of the night, check out the hot chicks and canine bitches at the local gas station, do roving patrol on the strip and the prep plant...basically just have fun.
Brodie-My Bodacious Buddy Photo Gallery - Photo 4 of 9 by Patti - MySpace Photos
Brodie-My Bodacious Buddy Photo Gallery - Photo 4 of 9 by Patti - MySpace Photos
This is my little chocolate Mini Pin. His name is Bodacious Buddy, but we call him Buddy. My cousin Jackie took this photo and did a water color of it for me for Christmas. That cute little face is sticking out of a thicket of flowers.
We hadn't had him very long when this picture was taken. He looks deceiptfully innocent and sweet (and he is). Yet he killed a 16 1/2 inch wood rat up on the strip job where my boyfriend works.
This is my little chocolate Mini Pin. His name is Bodacious Buddy, but we call him Buddy. My cousin Jackie took this photo and did a water color of it for me for Christmas. That cute little face is sticking out of a thicket of flowers.
We hadn't had him very long when this picture was taken. He looks deceiptfully innocent and sweet (and he is). Yet he killed a 16 1/2 inch wood rat up on the strip job where my boyfriend works.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Facebook | International Missions Outreach's Photos - Repairs on IMO Headquarter Buildings and Security Wall
Facebook | International Missions Outreach's Photos - Repairs on IMO Headquarter Buildings and Security Wall
Several of these pictures are of the IMO Guest House where we stay when visiting Haiti. It's on the second floor. Pastor John and Joyce's apartment are on the third floor. Thankfully, none of the structures on the IMO Compound collapsed, however, they did sustain structural cracks. Most of the houses in this area collapsed.
Several of these pictures are of the IMO Guest House where we stay when visiting Haiti. It's on the second floor. Pastor John and Joyce's apartment are on the third floor. Thankfully, none of the structures on the IMO Compound collapsed, however, they did sustain structural cracks. Most of the houses in this area collapsed.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
ANOTHER LOSS
A few hours ago I got the news that my best friend, Joy Lackey, passed away at her home yesterday morning. Her husband called and told me. I am in shock. She was not only my best friend, she was my mentor. I am a writer today because of Joy. She encouraged me to pursue my interest in writing, while dealing with my late husband's prolonged illness and death. She edited my book of short stories. She saw the potential in each story and encouraged me to push myself to make each story the best it could be.
I've started working on a second book of short stories and she read three of my stories. I haven't seriously pursued my writing for years. I was busy finishing my degree in English Literature, so I really didn't have time to write, except for class. When I started writing again in spring of 2009, Joy encouraged me. I was working through a serious bout of depression. I am struggling with the radical changes in my life because of my back injury. It's difficult to accept the fact you are disabled, but I am. My mobility is limited and I'm in constant pain.
I finally realized that I could still do things I enjoyed, even though I spend most of my time reclining on the couch. On occasion I have to lay down in bed. I like to write, read, knit, and work on the PC. I can do all of that, even with my physical limitations. Once I realized I could partake of activities I enjoy, some of the depression started to recede.
I started writing down ideas for stories--actually memories of my childhood. I'm writing a memoir of my early years. I went back to the basics, a notebook and pencil. It was the first thing I learned from Joy when I started attending the local writers group. Carry a notebook and pencil with you all the time. It was a difficult time for me, but everyone in the group, especially Joy encouraged me to write. She saw my talent and potential. We quickly became friends. Not just friends, but writer friends. Whenever we talked, or spent time together we talkeed about writing.
The reality of the situation hasn't set in yet. I feel so sorry for her husband, Dave. He is such a sweet person. I've lived through the loss of my spouse, but I had three and a half years to prepare myself (if that's possible) for the inevitable. I can't begin to imagine what he's going through right now.
I'm in so much physical pain right now. The pain medication isn't helping at all. It's probably because I'm in shock over Joy's death. I don't know what to do. With Clennie, my late husband I had my sister-in-law and my Aunt Erma.
I had a faux friend that pretended to be interested, but she was just fishing for information so she could tell everyone at work what was going on with me. Then too, she viewed me as a "Mark". My family lived out in CA at the time. She took advantage of the fact I was vulnerable and I actually named her as executor in my will. I also named her as a beneficiary on an annuity. I finally realized what was going on when I fell and broke my back in 2 places. (Oh yes, I'd named her as my Medical Power of Attorney too). I tried to call her several times a day (at least 8 to 10 times a day) at various times through the day. I did this for 10 days, but I knew what was going on. She was screening her calls. She couldn't be bothered with the likes of me. On the 10th day, I went to her sister's house because we were planning to attend a NAMI meeting.
When I saw her sitting there, all flirty and full of herself, I got pissed off. I said something to her about trying to call her because I'd fallen. I reminded her that she was my Medical Power of Attorney and I could be dead and in the ground before she'd answer her phone. She screamed at me she didn't want to be my MPOA, so I said that was fine with me. I figured if she couldn't be bothered with that responsibility, then I didn't want her as executor of my will. So within a week I changed everything. Would any rational person blame me? I don't want someone like her deciding whether the doctors should pull the plug or not. It was crystal clear from that point on that her only interest in me was what money and material possessions I had. She and her family are Grifters and I was one of her "Marks". For 25 years I considered her a friend, but she saw me as her next victim.
As soon as she found out I'd changed my will, everything changed. I'd started seeing her niece's ex-husband. Her niece didn't want him, but she didn't want anyone else to have him, so she told my former "friend" a bunch of lies. That provided my "friend" the "Out" she needed to get rid of me as a friend, plain and simple.
Joy was the kind of friend where you could go for months and never have any contact; yet the moment we saw each other, we picked up right where we left off. She was a true friend that was always there for me and vice versa. We were planning a weekend in Charleston to celebrate the fact I'd started receiving my Social Security Disability. I was going to introduce her to my Aunt Rose and all my cousins. But it wasn't meant to be...The last time we were in Charleston for the book festival, she was proofing a couple of my stories. We ordered Chinese from Main Kwon. She ate and ate all evening long. She used an eyeliner pencil to do some edits on my stories. Then we went down to the lobby and the area where they serve breakfast. We filled our pockets with packets of jelly and peanut butter and tea bags. The next morning, we loaded up again. We had so much fun. Little did I know that it would be our last road trip, ever...
Dear little Joyful, I will miss my visits to your home, our mini writer's meetings, our long phone conversations, our witty emails--I will miss my best friend...Rest in Peace Bunny Rabbit.
I've started working on a second book of short stories and she read three of my stories. I haven't seriously pursued my writing for years. I was busy finishing my degree in English Literature, so I really didn't have time to write, except for class. When I started writing again in spring of 2009, Joy encouraged me. I was working through a serious bout of depression. I am struggling with the radical changes in my life because of my back injury. It's difficult to accept the fact you are disabled, but I am. My mobility is limited and I'm in constant pain.
I finally realized that I could still do things I enjoyed, even though I spend most of my time reclining on the couch. On occasion I have to lay down in bed. I like to write, read, knit, and work on the PC. I can do all of that, even with my physical limitations. Once I realized I could partake of activities I enjoy, some of the depression started to recede.
I started writing down ideas for stories--actually memories of my childhood. I'm writing a memoir of my early years. I went back to the basics, a notebook and pencil. It was the first thing I learned from Joy when I started attending the local writers group. Carry a notebook and pencil with you all the time. It was a difficult time for me, but everyone in the group, especially Joy encouraged me to write. She saw my talent and potential. We quickly became friends. Not just friends, but writer friends. Whenever we talked, or spent time together we talkeed about writing.
The reality of the situation hasn't set in yet. I feel so sorry for her husband, Dave. He is such a sweet person. I've lived through the loss of my spouse, but I had three and a half years to prepare myself (if that's possible) for the inevitable. I can't begin to imagine what he's going through right now.
I'm in so much physical pain right now. The pain medication isn't helping at all. It's probably because I'm in shock over Joy's death. I don't know what to do. With Clennie, my late husband I had my sister-in-law and my Aunt Erma.
I had a faux friend that pretended to be interested, but she was just fishing for information so she could tell everyone at work what was going on with me. Then too, she viewed me as a "Mark". My family lived out in CA at the time. She took advantage of the fact I was vulnerable and I actually named her as executor in my will. I also named her as a beneficiary on an annuity. I finally realized what was going on when I fell and broke my back in 2 places. (Oh yes, I'd named her as my Medical Power of Attorney too). I tried to call her several times a day (at least 8 to 10 times a day) at various times through the day. I did this for 10 days, but I knew what was going on. She was screening her calls. She couldn't be bothered with the likes of me. On the 10th day, I went to her sister's house because we were planning to attend a NAMI meeting.
When I saw her sitting there, all flirty and full of herself, I got pissed off. I said something to her about trying to call her because I'd fallen. I reminded her that she was my Medical Power of Attorney and I could be dead and in the ground before she'd answer her phone. She screamed at me she didn't want to be my MPOA, so I said that was fine with me. I figured if she couldn't be bothered with that responsibility, then I didn't want her as executor of my will. So within a week I changed everything. Would any rational person blame me? I don't want someone like her deciding whether the doctors should pull the plug or not. It was crystal clear from that point on that her only interest in me was what money and material possessions I had. She and her family are Grifters and I was one of her "Marks". For 25 years I considered her a friend, but she saw me as her next victim.
As soon as she found out I'd changed my will, everything changed. I'd started seeing her niece's ex-husband. Her niece didn't want him, but she didn't want anyone else to have him, so she told my former "friend" a bunch of lies. That provided my "friend" the "Out" she needed to get rid of me as a friend, plain and simple.
Joy was the kind of friend where you could go for months and never have any contact; yet the moment we saw each other, we picked up right where we left off. She was a true friend that was always there for me and vice versa. We were planning a weekend in Charleston to celebrate the fact I'd started receiving my Social Security Disability. I was going to introduce her to my Aunt Rose and all my cousins. But it wasn't meant to be...The last time we were in Charleston for the book festival, she was proofing a couple of my stories. We ordered Chinese from Main Kwon. She ate and ate all evening long. She used an eyeliner pencil to do some edits on my stories. Then we went down to the lobby and the area where they serve breakfast. We filled our pockets with packets of jelly and peanut butter and tea bags. The next morning, we loaded up again. We had so much fun. Little did I know that it would be our last road trip, ever...
Dear little Joyful, I will miss my visits to your home, our mini writer's meetings, our long phone conversations, our witty emails--I will miss my best friend...Rest in Peace Bunny Rabbit.
Friday, February 5, 2010
IMO HAITI: IMO EARTHQUAKE UPDATES
Here is a link to IMO's site and an update on what they are doing to help the people of Haiti. Please take the time to read this information. This is a faith-based organization run by a husband and wife team from WV. They have been in Haiti for over 35 years. They have an exemplary reputation with the government and the people of the country. They are they 4th largest faith-based missionary organization in Haiti. The 1st being the Catholic Church, 2nd & 3rd are the Baptist and Methodist Churches. They trully have the best interests of the Haitians at heart.
IMO HAITI: IMO EARTHQUAKE UPDATES
IMO HAITI: IMO EARTHQUAKE UPDATES
BBC News - Haiti's 'ghost' tent villages
Please read the following article. The organization I work with, International Missions Outreach, www.imohaiti.org is in the process of purchasing tents that can be shared by multiple families as money is donated. This organization has built over 50 churches, schools and clinics throughout the country. It's run by a husband and wife team that's been in the country for over 35 years. I've been on 4 trips to Haiti and worked with this organization. I can quarantee you that every red cent you donate will be used to help the Haitians.
BBC News - Haiti's 'ghost' tent villages
BBC News - Haiti's 'ghost' tent villages
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Overwhelmed by life and chonic pain...
I got ready to go eat lunch with my boyfriend's mom. She was fairly nice today, but she had a few "moments". When he was away from the table she launched into a sermon/rant about that he was drunk. Well, he does have a drinking problem, but this morning he was busy running to town and getting things done on my car. He wasn't drunk. Of course, she knows everything and I know nothing.
For instance, she thinks that my back should be getting better. Well, it's never going to get better. I've had 3 compression fractures and two disks are messed up. I also have arthritis in my spine and in my bones throughout my body. I told her I wish I could grow a new spine, you know like a lizard can grow a new tail; but it didn't work like that for people. She sort of laughed, but I think she might have got my point.
Well, it was nice to get out for a little while and enjoy myself. We have to go to Beckley tomorrow. I finally rolled over my 401K from the State of WV, so I have to visit my financial advisor. I also have a sizeable amount of backpay from my Social Security that I want to invest. I've been dirt poor my whole life, so I'm conservative when it comes to taking care of my money. I want to do so much while we're there, but I know it's physically impossible. I will just have to pick a few places to visit.
I definitely plan to visit the Soc. Sec. office. I had to send in original documents when I made my application. I had my late husband's Soc. Sec. card that was issued in 1938. It's something I planned to hand down to one of his granddaughters. They better not tell me they lost it. I worked for a state agency for almost 27 years. Things like that don't get lost.
I'm so tired, I need to log off and get some rest. More later...
For instance, she thinks that my back should be getting better. Well, it's never going to get better. I've had 3 compression fractures and two disks are messed up. I also have arthritis in my spine and in my bones throughout my body. I told her I wish I could grow a new spine, you know like a lizard can grow a new tail; but it didn't work like that for people. She sort of laughed, but I think she might have got my point.
Well, it was nice to get out for a little while and enjoy myself. We have to go to Beckley tomorrow. I finally rolled over my 401K from the State of WV, so I have to visit my financial advisor. I also have a sizeable amount of backpay from my Social Security that I want to invest. I've been dirt poor my whole life, so I'm conservative when it comes to taking care of my money. I want to do so much while we're there, but I know it's physically impossible. I will just have to pick a few places to visit.
I definitely plan to visit the Soc. Sec. office. I had to send in original documents when I made my application. I had my late husband's Soc. Sec. card that was issued in 1938. It's something I planned to hand down to one of his granddaughters. They better not tell me they lost it. I worked for a state agency for almost 27 years. Things like that don't get lost.
I'm so tired, I need to log off and get some rest. More later...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ready for Bed
I'm in bed, ready to crash for the night. Buddy is snuggled up beside me. He's got two or three of his toys at the food of the bed. He's so funny and so much company to me. I've suffered through a tremendous amount of depression due to my back injury, the intense, and continual pain, plus my inability to resume my life prior to the injury. I've been trying to work through the depression and learn to life with the physical limitations I face daily. It's been difficult, but I think I've turned the corner, so to speak. I've determined the tasks I can accomplish while the scope of my limitations. I have to recline on the couch (I can't sit for long anywhere), or I prop myself up in bed. Well, some of my favorite activities can be done within those convines of my mobility issuesl. I can write, read, knit and work on my new PC on the couch or in bed, or out on the porch in my lounge chair. That way, I feel like I've accomplished something at the end of the day. I want my talents and my life to count for something. I'm still able to make a contribution to society.
I'm about to fall to sleep, so I will close for now. More later...
I'm about to fall to sleep, so I will close for now. More later...
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