Mother of many

Know Your Worth

Motherofmany — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:39:23 GMT

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I'm not sure who wrote this but I wanted to pass this on to all of you.

Don't forget how much each and every one of you are worth.

You are all priceless gifts.

PLEASE HELP BECKY WIN

Motherofmany — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:56:18 GMT

Months ago I wrote a post about a beautiful little girl who is battling bone cancer and lung cancer. http://motherofmany.pnn.com/articles/show/48499-trooper-becky

Honestly things look grim.

She would like to win this Thanksgiving Day contest so she can see the Macy's parade up front and personal. She has 2 wishes...one is a miracle. The other is to have the best Christmas ever!

Honestly ladies and gentlemen...this very well might be her last!

So I am asking each one of you to follow this link...read the page and follow that link and vote for her. Spread the word...she's gotta win! We have to help her win! Now get to it....

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

http://social.macys.com/believe2009/#/tell-us-why-you-believe/338948

REMEMBER TROOPER BECKY!!!!

Update ...from Becky's Mom. I received it this morning.

As many of you know, I entered Becky in the Macy's I Believe contest. She has taken off with votes. She was solidly in first place for quite a while. She has fallen to 2nd place. Boo Hoo! :( . Please go to the link below to vote for Becky! (You may have to copy and paste the address) It's easy! All you have to do is hit the vote button every 24 hrs and you are registered to win a $500 Macy's gift card! You can vote every day until Dec. 3rd. When I signed her up, I did not understand that this contest was for 2010, but it is so much fun to see her in the votes! She asks every day where she stands. It is amazing how much attention she has received by this! People are voting from all over the country! Many thanks to everyone who has already voted!

http://social.macys.com/believe2009/#/tell-us-why-you-believe/338948

On the Becky news, we took this week off from CHOP. Her doctor is in Boston at a conference. She is trying to find yet another trial for Becky. God bless her! She never stops trying.

Becky is having a very hard time staying asleep at night. She is a back sleeper, just like her mom. Her tumor on her back (which is coming throught her ribs) is giving her a lot of pain when she rests on it. It is also spreading her ribs, so the pain travels around her side, folling the path of the ribs. We have been very lucky up to this point. Becky's pain has always been from needles and bandaides! Now she is experiencing real pain that I can not take away. It is effecting her sleep as well as walking with her crutches. I can give her pain meds at night, but they make her sleepy. I can't give them to her during the day. I guess I had best take out stock in Tylonol!

As many of you know, when I write it helps me to stay positive. It is getting harder and harder to write here. I hate to be negative. Becky needs a miracle at this point. Please pray for Becky. We need all the help we can get! We are friends with another Osteo fighter, Lindsey. She also needs a miracle at this time. Lindsey is in content pain. She just had her scans and we need to pray for good results.

Thank you to everyone out there that helps us stay positive. Please pray for Becky and Lindsey and please vote for Becky!

Now ladies...I'm asking you...please pray like you have never prayed. My heart is just breaking she is only a baby. My sweet Lauren has one thing on her Christmas list ...a miracle for Becky. How do I give her that???? How do I tell her I can't fix this??? I have talked to her and explained but each time I see her cry...each time I think of Becky's Mom or of Becky a little part of my heart just screams.

If anyone has any connections and can get Becky to that parade this year...please do all you can for her. She really isn't going to have a next year to attend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

He's Gonna Have a Meltdown!!!!

Motherofmany — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:48:45 GMT

Today the worst thing my husband could possibly think of has happened.....HIS BELOVED TV IS BROKEN!!!!!!!

I stopped by while I was working today and my husband sat in silence. I couldn't figure out what was different for a minute and then my son pointed to the TV. My husband sat with his feet up in the recliner silently staring at the wall. Then it hit me....Oh Dear God the TV had died!!! My husband was in serious mourning mode. He loves that thing almost as much as he loves me! I worried...Would he be okay??? What will happen to my husband now? How will he handle the silence?

I dared to speak...."uh hun...are you okay?" He grunted. I tried again " what happened?" Nothing!!! My son informs me the bulb inside this damn projection TV had expired, kaput, no more!!! Now.. we had this happen once before and it took 5 days to get a repair guy out here with the right bulb. Apparently the bulbs aren't popular and they have to be ordered. They run $200. Now we only paid $800 for the TV 2 yrs ago and this will be the 2nd $200 bulb.

I looked at my hub and watched him slowly climb the stairs. Would he be okay? I called up to him. He didn't reply.

A few minutes later I heard our bedroom close. I snuck up slowly...afraid of what I'd find....hub is currently hiding in our room with a little tiny 20 something inch TV. I guess he'll come down for meals but I'm thinking he'll be up there for at least 5 days!

Ladies...I kid you not...this is gonna be one rough weekend. He's beginning to go through withdrawal!!!!!!!

A Time To Be Thankful

Motherofmany — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:50:44 GMT

Especially at this time of year we should all take the time to think about the things we are thankful for in our lives. I know so many have had a very hard year but it could always be so much worse no matter how bad it seems. Each day is a new beginning. Each day is a new chance for all of us.

We could all sit and complain about our hardships but really....our cups are half full. It's all in how we choose to look at it! I choose half full.

We need to savor the little things in life. Later on we will see they were really the big things.

I am thankful for each and every child I have in my home and my heart.

I am thankful for my home and the ability to pay the heating bills.

I am thankful I can provide my children with enough food every day.

I am thankful for the opportunity of each new day. A new chance to make things great.

I am thankful for my husband and every scrinkle that line his eyes. For each one was put their with a smile or the sound of his laughter.

I am thankful for each one of you for you have touched my heart and my soul.

Now I could go on and on but I like to share.

What are you thankful for?

She Cared Enough To Tell

Motherofmany — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:10:58 GMT

I have to admit I have been a little preoccupied lately with some issues concerning my children. One of them was a matter of life and death. Not my daughter's life but one of her friends.

My daughter has a very good friend I will just call J. J has been coming around since the beginning of freshmen year. We know she doesn't have a very good relationship with her mother and an even worse one with her stepfather. I believe this is the mother's responsibility. J's Dad died from a heart attack when she was 9. She is now 15. J's mother, stepfather and their baby went to Disney in September for 2 weeks. J and her full brother weren't permitted to go. J stayed with us for the 1st 4 days and then with the 21 yr. old Aunt. Who knows where the brother stayed. J's mother always makes a scene in front of my house when she picks up J. I have never met her. J is often unhappy.

Last Wednesday late at night ..J texted my daughter Brianna over 20 times detailing her own suicide. The what, when, where and why all on the screen. She begged Brianna to promise not to tell. Brianna told her she would not do that and begged J to just talk it out. She promised to help her no matter what. I was already asleep when this occurred and had fallen asleep again in the morning and Brianna went to school without telling me.

Thursday morning she saw J. J told her that the plans were a go. Brianna broke down and reported to the guidance office and told the couselor everything. She showed her the texts. Brianna was inconsolable and the counselor called me in. My poor girl...she didn't want to wake me. I hugged her and told her I was so proud of her. She did the right thing.

They must have called J's mother in and she was told of the texts. J denied. The mother texted Bri and thanked her. J texted and said thank you ...you saved my life. That tone changed when they got home. The mother called my kid and demanded the texts be forwarded to her. I took the phone. The mother was in full self survival mode and blamed my child. She said my kid lied. I told her I understood she was upset but Brianna did the right thing and I was sorry she couldn't see her daughter was in crisis. She used some colorful words and I bit my tongue and just hung up. I did however call the counselor and they got the same impression as I did.

The texts continued from the mom and the girl texted she felt betrayed. Brianna texted J that at least she was still alive to feel!

Friday morning was more of the same so Brianna stayed home again. Friday afternoon J called. She left a message. She had seen a counselor. She was diagnosed as bipolar. She thanked Bri. She asked for forgiveness.

Brianna and I just hung out and talked. She cried and I cried. She really struggled with forgiving but eventually decided to forgive but told J she needs time. She can't just take up where they left off. She needs space. Brianna is very upset and just doesn't understand why anyone would be so upset they would even think about taking their own life let alone planning it.

I am so proud of Brianna it hurts. She did right by her friend because she cares so much for her...she knew not to promise to keep quiet. She valued her friend's life enough to risk losing the friendship over anger on J's part. She is right...she gave her friend the opportunity to be heard and heal. Honestly I think the kid counted on Brianna to tell. I believe it was a cry for help and I will forever be so damn proud of Brianna for being a wonderful friend and hearing that cry!

Social services has been called in by the school and now the ball is in there court. Hopefully this selfish mom will see one day soon just how close she could have come to losing her baby for a lifetime.

Suicide is a very permanent solution to a temporary problem. Kids these days seem to be dealing with so many more pressures than we did. I remember when the hardest problem a teenager encountered with friends was if someone flirted with their boyfriend.

My husband and I are taking extra time with Brianna. J isn't the only one who has suffered. Brianna dealt with a horrible situation in a very grown up way. She needs time to heal and we will hold her hand every step of the way. My sons have also been very supportive and are taking it easy on her. They understand as they lost their friend to suicide a new short weeks ago.

Another Halloween Bites the Dust

Motherofmany — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:08:13 GMT

It occurred to me that I have been taking kids trick or treating for 22 years now. My youngest kiddos are almost 11 and my trick or treating days are numbered. The pictures show my son Nick as a crazed Phillies fan and the pants I painstakingly made him all with my own 2 little hands.LOL The other picture is of my twins Nick and Lauren in their halloween finest. Lauren was dressed as the Queen of Hearts. Just thought I'd give you a chance to see my little guys. Wonder if next year they will still want to trick or treat with MOM tagging along????

Check for Sexual Offenders in Your Neighborhood

Motherofmany — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:29:54 GMT

Just thought it might be a good idea for all of you to check this site for sex offenders in your neighborhood. Just put in your zip code and it will tell you the address of any offenders as well as if they work near you. You should be able to see the convictions and a picture. I know we have a few in our area and I have actually shown my kids their houses and shown them their pictures online.

Good Luck and let's keep all our kiddos safe this Halloween!

familywatchdog.us

Recipe for Golubtski aka Stuffed Cabbage

Motherofmany — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:38:27 GMT

Jen and Yanka...here is a great recipe for golubtski aka stuffed cabbage that is pretty easy. My mother always made this and here is how she did it. I know I love stuffed cabbage and now I am hungry...I think I'll be making it tomorrow.

Ingredients:

1 or 2 large heads of cabbage

2-3 teaspoons of canola oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 lbs of ground beef

2 cups of rice (brown or white depending on what you like)

1 beaten egg

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cans condensed tomato soup

2 1/2 cups water

1)Core the cabbage and put in a large pot of boiling water, cover and cook about 8 minutes until the leaves are soft enough, remove all the leaves.2)saute the onion 3) mix the meat, onion, rice, egg, salt and pepper. 4)take each leaf and place a heaping spoonful of meat mixture on it. Tuck the sides over the meat while rolling each leaf around meat. 5) chop any remaining cabbage and place some on bottom of dutch oven (I don't have one so I just use a very large pot) 6)layer cabbage rolls then cover with remaining cabbage. combine tomato soup with water, stir, then pour over cabbage and rolls. 7) cover, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer about 1 1/2 hours. MAKES 6-8 SERVINGS

Now this is all I can think about! Good luck ladies and let me know how it turns out!

Stop Sweating the Small Stuff

Motherofmany — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:18:52 GMT

Some really good advice from one great lady. Stop sweating the small stuff...in the end those things really don't matter.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life..

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

I see so many of you lately fretting over the small things in life. Let's just let them go and enjoy life a little more. Enjoy our families a little more. Let the dust bunnies roam free for just a bit...really they don't eat much so let them be. Have fun...do whatever brings a smile to your face. Have a great weekend! Big Hugs to all of you!

Devastating News For My Son

Motherofmany — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:25:31 GMT

Today is a very sad day here at our house. My son is having a very hard time dealing with a horrible situation. My son's friend took his own life late yesterday afternoon. The child was only 21. He hung himself in his family's home.

We got the call about 6:30PM. My son was @ work. I told my husband I would go to my sons work and tell him face to face. I didn't want him to hear from someone else. When I got there I learned he had already found out and had gone home.

This boy was a friend of my son in high school. They played on the same baseball team for years. Now anyone who knows my son knows he lives and breathes sports even now. This boy traveled a much different path than my son after high school. He got in trouble, did alot of drugs and gave his Dad a real run for his money.

Now we've heard over the years of his struggles to find the right path and we knew his Dad finally had to show him some tough love. About 2 weeks ago my son heard from B after not hearing from him for some time. He sent him an email that broke my heart and touched my son in a way that shook him. B said that he had moved back home with his Dad after some time on his own. B sent an email asking my son to hang out more. B told my son he wanted to be more like him and told him that he's always looked up to my son for being so real. He wanted to play on the adult baseball team and football teams my son runs and was willing to do whatever was needed to be part of the group again. He needed that. He needed to be around guys who were clean cut and had direction in their lives. The email went on and on and made me cry. It was such a touching email and an affirmation that my son had the power to touch someone's life so directly.

My son emailed him back and told him he was here for him and welcomed him to the team. He didn't know where they could get him in but it would be somewhere. They sent a few texts back and forth and he was to show up at this weeks game.

Apparently B. had something occur in his life that overwhelmed him and he just lost touch with reality and took his own life. He posted a message on facebook right before the horror. It said "I love you all. I am so sorry." Now I don't want to speculate what it was but I have a feeling it has to do with his girlfriend.

All I could do is sit here with my son last night and be quiet. He would talk a little and then watch Tv. We did this all night long. My son is just having a hard time understanding what could be so bad that tomorrow couldn't fix. He is devastated. He is questioning what more he could have done and why he didn't see it coming. He's asking me for answers. All I can tell him is that B was trying to get his life together. He was working the program but something must have set him off. Something that overtook his senses at least for awhile. I told him that in order for someone to take his own life they could not have been in the right state of mind at the time.

I hate these times as my kids grow older that Mommy can't fix it anymore. I can't mend this one. I can't fight this battle for him...there is no one to fight. All I can do is be here for my son while he struggles through one of life's hazards. Caring comes with battle scars sometimes. This is one of those battles.

I have no doubt my son will get through this and I promise to be at his side holding his hand all the way. Wiping his tears if need be. My heart bleeds for B's Dad. He has raised him from infancy alone. The birth mother walked years ago and handed him his son when they were only teenagers. He was a great Dad. All the guys are rallying around him...they are giving him the only comfort they know how to give. They are sharing their hearts with him.

Please say a prayer for B's family. They need them so much to get through this. Make sure you stress to all the young people you know that nothing is that bad that the only answer is to take your own life. I plan on reminding all my kids and their friends that I am always here for them no matter what. I don't ever want to have to hear again that someone felt so alone in that moment that they could find no other way out of their misery.

Parents Denied Entrance

Motherofmany — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:29:32 GMT

Pa. State law requires all school employees to undergo background checks but it does not require its volunteers to do the same.Our School Board told me it was law. Do they think I can't read?

I have been battling our school board for 2 solid days over a ridiculous rule they have put in place in our schools. Any volunteer who will be in our schools, at a school function or in contact with our students to secure a police criminal history report, a child abuse clearance, tuberculosis test results and a federal criminal history report and fill out an application that looks like an employment form complete with SS#, past job experience, did you ever get fired or quit a job and why. Those who have been convicted of a criminal offense will be decided on case by case.

Now at first glance you are saying this is a great rule but when you understand all it covers you will be shaking your head just as I am! For example..we have a fall dance Nov. 6th. The fall dance is at night attended by students WITH their parents. We have people who volunteer to take tickets, sell sodas, cook hot dogs and walk around the dance making sure everything is ok. We have special persons day. A special person for each child sits in the classroom with the teacher and children for 20 minutes while the kids make a presentation. We have an apple picking trip set up for the kids where each kid goes with a parent on the bus to an orchard. These parents are now not permitted to volunteer at the dance without those clearances even though each child is with their own parents. The apple picking trip has been cancelled due to the fact that parents do not have the clearances. Special persons day will be cancelled if Grandma doesn't have a special list of clearances.

Let's just say Grandma wants to go to the dance with little Chuckie. She fills out the forms and they find that she was convicted of selling weed when she was 18. She sold 5 joints to some guy. Should we nail grandma's butt to the wall and deny her entrance to the dance. I mean grandma is now 72 years old. Do I care if she did that way back then? Or how about the Dad who had a DUI at 20 and he's now 45. Do I have the right to tell him that he can't come? No but according to our school board they do!

While I absolutely understand that volunteers who come into the school on a regular basis should have these clearances I do not understand why it is now necessary to have a clearance to attend a dance with your own child or to pick apples with your own kid. Why on earth does the guy who will be grilling hot dogs have to have a clearance? What could he possible do to the hot dogs? Really this is over the top! Now if my memory serves correctly no one at the hospital asked me for clearances to take my children home. I didn't have to pass a test to have them.(although some women should have to take that test)

While I will fill out the forms myself why should both parents have to fill these out to attend a dance? The cost for a couple to fill out the forms and get the tb test is over $200 and that depends on the amount the doctor visit costs you. All this to go watch a 1st grader run around a gym.

We have 9 school board members. I called all 9. 5 of them agreed with me. 4 ignored my calls. I was told the apple picking trip would be excluded and could go on. I was told the dance would be excluded. They lied. Now it has to go before the board on Oct. 27th. Guess where I'll be. You bet your butt I will be in the front row with a posse behind me making damn sure they clarify the difference between a volunteer and a chaperone. I mean really what's next...clearances to watch my older kids play on the basketball team. Or maybe that's the rule already.

This rule was brought to my attention by our principal. She called me to alert me what was going on. She needed me to make waves and get this sorted out so that it was logical and reasonable. She sent out a paper to all parents in her school and told them the trip was cancelled due to the clearance issue. She has already received calls from the administration that she is being insubordinate by telling me although they can't prove that she told me.

It all boils down to covering their butts and the size of their swollen egos. I had one board member ask me if I was trying to scare him by saying I would be at the meeting to make sure they straightened this out. I am not scary. I am straight forward. I tell the truth and never beat around the bush. I'm too busy for those games. I am a mother and I am on a mission. I did promise him that I will be at the dance with both my kids...my clearance will not be back in time. I'd like to see them drag this Mom out. Wish me luck on getting this extreme rule changed to be a little more reasonable!

Saying Goodbye To The Past

Motherofmany — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:38:28 GMT

I got the news last week that the high school I had attended as well as all my brothers and sisters will close its doors forever as of June 2010. I graduated long ago in 1983...back in the old days. It was a great Catholic High School right in my neighborhood and I guess I just figured it would be the one thing that would be there forever in the area that I call home to this day.

I learned they were having a "Save the School" rally to fight the Archdioscese of Philadelphia. While I believe the powers that be would have never announced the closing without a buyer for the massive property and that it is pretty much a done deal with no hope I still chose to attend. Saturday was a rainy, windy,miserable day in our area and my husband questioned why I would still attend. I knew I had to go but to put it in words was another ordeal in itself.

I drove the 30 minutes in the rain and arrived on time. There were cars everywhere and I had to park several blocks away near the park where I had spent many days of my youth to find a spot. I arrived at the rally and was overwhelmed with how many had braved the weather to cheer on our great school. I stood in the crowd with my umbrella and didn't say a word. I listened to every speaker who touted the school's excellent record and spoke of a battle to save its existence. A teacher I had back in the stone age spoke..he is still there..he never fails to produce the best in the math field to this day...he said he will be like a ship lost at sea without this school. I believe him..he has taught there for over 35 years.

I looked around and realized I recognized not one person in the crowd. I did recognize several speakers but no one in the crowd looked familiar to me. The crowd appeared to be mostly older alumni than me and current students and their parents. Now that doesn't mean no one my age was there it may just mean not the people I knew. One man did approach me and gave me a huge hug..."Oh Carol...You look wonderful. How have you been? I've looked for you for years." I hated to burst his bubble but I had to...I am not Carol. He seemed saddened but I told him I did appreciate the hug.

I moved away from the crowd and just took the whole scene in. Tears formed in my eyes and I got quite upset. I was there for a reason and now I had the words. I had to go there that day to say goodbye. Not just to a school but to the carefree days so long ago.

For some that school was just a school. To me it was part of my neighborhood. I lived just blocks away for 33 years. It was part of my family for many years. I met my boyfriend there the first day of school. He was my boyfriend for 6 years. I met some of my best friends there. I went sledding on those hills since the day I could walk. I partied in those woods and enjoyed every "keg on the cliff." I walked through those woods to get to my friends house almost every day. I just thought it would always be there for me like family and now like my family it will be gone too.

I went there to thank my parents for sacrificing to send us to Catholic School. To thank them for giving me a great education. I went there to to tell my parents I appreciated them and loved them even if my Dad is gone and my Mom unavailable.

The neighborhood has changed and with the school gone I fear it will deteriorate more than it is now. I left the rally and walked through the park to my car and all the memories of the park flooded me. I found myself bawling in the park all alone and seeing my brothers and sisters right there on the swings. I remembered the time I left my sister in the stroller and went home with my brother in a cop car cause he had fallen. I remembered the whooping I got for leaving the baby behind.

I said my goodbye's to honor my parents. I didn't always understand their ways but I appreciate everything they had done to raise me. Families don't always stay the same either but I know my memories can never be taken away. Those are mine to keep. So thank you Mom and Dad for all of those memories, for all of that love. You are here with me right now in my heart and no one can take that away!

Serving a Slice of Humble Pie

Motherofmany — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:33:52 GMT

Last week my daughter Brianna had an appointment at one of the top children's hospitals in Philly. Her appointment was to check her spine for the 2nd time to see what could be done for her.

Her appointment was for 7:45 AM so we had to leave our house by 6:30 to get there in time. We arrived in plenty of time...I hate to be late. We checked in and went upstairs for x-rays. We were escorted to a cubicle and settled in to wait for the doc. We know the drill...you almost never see the doc on time but since we were the first appointment of the day our chances had to be good right? No! The doc strolled in at 10:00 AM. No excuse, no apology, all business. He looked over the films, looked at her back and said she needed physical therapy for muscle issues. He was in and out in 5 minutes flat. The nurse came in and asked if I had any questions. I had just one..."Who told that man his butt is made of gold and he has the right to be so ignorant?" She just shook her head. I told her he was a very arrogant man and he was ignorant to boot. She agreed and said I wasn't the first one to mention that fact.

We headed to PT and the receptionist asked if we had a good visit. One look at my face gave it away! I was pissed to say the least. She mentioned that the doc was a surgeon and was rarely on time including the first appointment of the day. He had no respect for other people's time. I told her good old doc wasn't going to get very far in life by being such an arrogant disrespectful man and she just smiled.

I left that hospital mad as a tick on a skinny dog's butt! I was mad!

Now imagine my surprise when my cell phone rang 4 days later and it was none other than the arrogant doc. He explained that he was calling to apologize after hearing I was so annoyed with his behavior. (News travels fast in hospitals but damn that was really fast) I told him I understood what he does is important and I understand having to wait but I did think it would go a long way if he could at least acknowledge the patient and the parent when he came in the room. I told him to remember we aren't numbers...these are our kids...our hearts. I said " I know its not easy seeing so many sick kids every day and I know you are so busy but what about the parents who travel from all over the region to see you? You need to appreciate the fact that they were patient and waited or you wouldn't have a job. Imagine what your own mother would have to say if she knew how arrogant you've become because of your talent. I don't appreciate you disrespecting my time. A simple ...hey I'm sorry I'm late would have sufficed. You know doc we all put our pants on one leg at a time. You are no better than anyone else." The doc was quiet for a moment and then said "Mrs. B I am sorry. You're right. I heard the other day you were mad and I took a few days to mull it over. I even mentioned it to my own mother and she was appalled at my behavior. What I do shouldn't be anymore respected than what you do every day....take care of a sick child. I am sorry I disrespected you and I plan to be more compassionate in the future. I guess I get so wrapped up in fixing these kids that I forget to appreciate the fact how much these kids go through and how much sacrifice their parents actually make each day. I promise to do better." I told him I so appreciated his call...he had made my day! We chatted a few minutes and he said..."Mrs. B thanks for calling me on my behavior...I would hate to think I would have gone on the rest of my career being an ass...Brittany is important to me and I want her to have the best doctor." I started to laugh...I couldn't help it...I told him his call was a great start but maybe next time...he should look at the chart before calling...my daughter's name is Brianna. We both laughed and again he apologized.

Now I'm sure I'm not the first parent to complain and I sure did make my feelings known in PT and to the nurse. I suspect they all felt the same way too. Maybe my comments were just repeated to the right person, maybe I was just a little more vocal about it...who knows. It doesn't really matter. I do believe that young man learned a lesson that day. I do believe he will be more respectful to his patients and improve his bedside manner. Maybe all he needed was a slice of my humble pie. I'm glad he enjoyed it!

Sprinkling the Stars

Motherofmany — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:02:43 GMT

Well, well who knew! Obviously I didn't but now that I do ...I'm gonna do my best.

What the heck am I talking about? Well of course...the STARS. I knew I could star each one of you but I did not know I could give anyone more than one star. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I could star each section on your pages. I felt like a kid in a candy store!

So for the next couple of days I am going to try to get to each of your pages and spread those STARS like wildfire! I feel like a fairy godmother just swooshing in and sprinkling those stars all over your pages. I just think they are a very nice way to tell all of you that to me you are all special and touch my heart.

I'm also going to try harder to remember to vote for your posts. I do put my vote in most of the time but sometimes I'm rushing to read what you wrote I forget to vote.

Have a great day ladies and enjoy the STARS. In my eyes you are all STARS!

WOO HOO These Boobs are Back in Action

Motherofmany — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:17:42 GMT

I am so excited today. Not even a kid disaster could shake this good mood!

Several weeks ago I found a lump in my breast. I was very worried and made an appointment with my doc right away. I mean come one...these are my boobs and a lump is no joke. Although I had my yearly Mammo in March and it was all good my doc set me up for a cones mammo and an ultrasound just to be sure cause he felt the lump too! I know the lump was new cause I do self exams often.

I went for the mammo and ultrasound last week and sure enough they felt the lump too but they had a hard time getting a clear shot at it as the lump was right in the crease below the breast. They suggested very strongly for me to see a breast surgeon asap. I did made the appointment as soon as I got home and was kind of upset that it would take a whole week. Really a week is pretty good and I should not have gotten so upset.

My brothers and I have a strained relationship but I did confide in them. They told me to keep them posted. I figured they were just saying that to be polite.

I spent the week trying to not think about it and I did pretty good but yesterday when I picked up the films and reports I lost it. I had to pull over on the side of the road and just cry. All the what ifs hit me all at once and I have to admit I was very scared. I started thinking about all the things that could be wrong. I mean really...a lump could mean cancer. Who would take care of my kids? How would I tell them? I did get it together and push the thoughts out of my mind to drive home. I mean really I was getting ahead of the game.

I missed my mother so much right then it hurt. I needed my Mom but since I have explained before my Mom is physically and mentally unavailable to me I had no where to turn. I so needed her love and her strength. I so wished for her arms to just hold me once again.

It took the hub a few minutes to realize I was upset and he held me in his arms and reassured me whatever the outcome we would do this together. I am not one to take the hub to the docs with me but he insisted on this one.

I went this morning and after reviewing my reports, film and a thorough exam the doc said I am A...OK! Woo Hoo! The sense of relief was overwhelming and it took me a minute to regain composure! She thinks its just a fatty tumor and we'll keep an eye on it with mammos every 6 months but it looks good and she gave me the thumbs up!

My hub held me and I cried and he even shed a few tears he didn't want me to see! He looked me right in the eyes and I anticipated something profound...something romantic....he said "Thank God the Boobs are Back!" Woo Hoo!

Poor guy was just as worried as I was but held it all inside. He didn't want to make things worse for me.

So I guess what I am saying is today I am so thankful that all it is a fatty tumor. I am thankful that God heard my prayers. I am thankful that I am healthy. I am thankful for everything in my life.

I still wish I could tell my Mom and she could hold me and rejoice with me but since I can't do that...I figured I'd share here with all of you.

Those of you who do self exams...excellent. Those of you who get yearly mammos...wonderful. Those of you who keep putting it off...get moving! Those boobs are important. You are important. If you don't take care of them who will! If you are scared...let me know...I will hold you if even over the phone or here on PNN. I will rejoice with you or walk that mile with you! Whatever you do don't hesitate. Get it done...it may just save your life.

Big hugs to all of you! It's gonna be a great weekend...I can just tell!