LIFE'

I was going to take time off from blogging.  I didn't think I had anything of value to tell you. After deciding this, I received emails from several people asking if I was okay.  I guess I didn't realize how much all of you look forward to reading this blog.  I decided to write about what's been going on in my life for the past few weeks.

Almost two weeks ago, on a Saturday morning,, after she had coughed all night, I was prepared to have Lucie put to sleep.  She was coughing, shaking,, breathing rapidly and pacing, unable to sit still.  Two days prior to this, I had taken her to the vet because she'd gotten sick and was refusing to eat or drink and breathing rapidly. She was on oxygen at the vet for a while.  She was put on a third medication which I'm told will give her three good months, possibly six.  The vet said he would try the new medication on his own dog.  He thought Lucie would do well on it.  Anyway, that Saturday morning  it was clear the medications were not working.  I felt there was only one option left, to take her to the vet to be put to sleep because as much as I want Lucie with me,  I never want her to suffer.  My neighbor was going to follow my caregiver and me to the vet. She and I would stay with Lucie until the procedure was over. Arrangements were made.  I was trying to come to terms with the fact that I only had a few more hours with Lucie.  All of a sudden she was barking and waiting patiently for a doggie treat.  She was given her medications and has been doing well ever since.  August 18th was her 14th birthday.  A friend said, "Lucie has nine lives like a cat."  I'm beginning to think she's right. 

One of my caregivers, who works during the day, is always calling and complaining that she does most of the work.  She complains about what the other caregivers haven't done.  She has called the agency on my other caregivers numerous times.  The other two caregivers work mainly at night.  I don't expect anyone to do housework at night   Today she called again. After the call, in which they offered to replace her, she and I talked. I told her what her duties were. I told her she can't keep calling the agency because they are getting tired of it.  She likes working for me and wants to stay.  I told her to worry about doing her job and not what other caregivers are doing.  If she has a problem we'll talk it out.  I hope the situation is resolved. 

I almost lost a friendship because I spoke my mind.  It was thoughtless and I regretted what I had said immediately. Not one of my proudest moments.  I thought about omitting it from this post, but it was part of what was going on in my life so, I included it.  There were a few days .when I didn't think we'd work things out.  Thankfully, we did

I guess the message from my experiences over the past weeks is whatever difficult times you may be experiencing right now, know that you are strong enough to get threw them. And also, that you are not alone.  Everyone struggles, just in. different ways

Thank you for reading my blog and for caring about Lucie and me.  Until next time.