WARNING!!! The video below contains graphic scenes, primarily of violence and may be disturbing to some viewers. Discretion is advised!
Last night, I had my husband watch this very scene from the show. It was then, as I once again was crying that he had asked me a very point-blank question. One that hit to the very core of me.
"If it were one of our kids, could you pull the trigger?"...
WOW! Powerful, isn't it? He wasn't asking me if I had thought that HE could put a bullet through our zombie-child's brain, or let alone someone other than us as their parents to do so.
I was asked if I myself, as their MOTHER, could bring myself to end my child's suffering by pointing the barrel of a gun at my their head and fire the shot to (finally) kill my son or my daughter.
In all honesty, I do NOT think that I could bring myself to shoot any one of my kids. Zombie-fied, or not. Even though it is for the greater good. For my child that is suffering the effects of being one of the un-dead, and to ease my own conscience as to start MY grieving process of losing my child to some crazy viral mutation.
As mothers, at least the majority of us anyways, because we all know that in today's society, some mothers should have NEVER had kids, as you can tell from news articles and TV spots, we can never imagine hurting our children. Especially in that manner.
We carried them for around nine months within the confines of our body. They were (literally) attached to us from day one of conception. We love them like no one else honestly can. We do our very best to protect them and to be vigilant in fulfilling their needs.
So, to see Sophia walk out of that barn's doorway as a zombie, it actually did break my heart. That horrid lump in my throat came bubbling up and my heart sank deep within my chest. To see Carol run after her daughter, Sophia as she came out of the barn was just sickening to my heart, knowing that there is NOTHING to do for her, but to end her suffering via a bullet to the brain.
As for Rick, as a parent/father himself, to BE the one to step forward, gun in hand, as his son, Carl, who was close friends with Sophia watched in unimaginable horror as Lori (Carl's mother) told her son to not watch, was taking on that leadership roll in a bold, new, albeit a gut-wrenching way.
If you watched closely as Rick aims the gun at Sophia, tears are stinging his eyes, as he tried hard to hold back. Hearing Carol's screams and cries I'm sure didn't help him with knowing that what he was about to do, HAD to be done. His jaw clinches and flinched just slightly as he pulls back on the trigger.
In one deep breath, it is over. Sophia is officially gone.
For all of those involved, it was a nightmare come true. Especially for the parents of the group. Primarily for Carol. To see the agony in her eyes, and hear it in her voice and in her cries about killed me.
And that question that my husband asked me in regards to being able to pull the trigger on my own child? It stuck with me and ate at me most of the night.
As for how the Makeup Artists made Sophia in to a zombie, I COMMEND THEM! They had done an explicitly excellent job of putting her humanity first, and the monstrous side to her, as a secondary attribute. She was the epitome and the if you will, spokes-zombie of the Walking Dead community. We got to see, thanks to Sophia (again, thanks to the Makeup crews!) as the little girl that (some of us) had grown to know and like (if not love), even though she was no longer completely human.
So to see her story end in this way, which indeed was utterly shocking, it left me, as a mom, heartbroken, but glad all at once. A mother lost a child. But in the end, there was and will be closure for Carol. And for the others.
Or will there be?
My work is ORIGINAL...Don't be a thief.
What is written in this blog, is of the author's own originality. It contains the sole views, thoughts, and stories of this blog's author.
Showing posts with label questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label questions. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Distorting the FACTS from the MYTHS About Organ/Tissue/Eye Donation
The following are the Myths and the Facts about being or becoming an Organ/Tissue/Eye Donor.
Information (copy/pasted) is provided by the Mayo Clinic.
Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life.
Fact: When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's. You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular emergency. The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplantation.
..............................
Myth: Maybe I won't really be dead when they sign my death certificate.
Fact: Although it's a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don't start to wiggle their toes after they're declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests (at no charge to their families) to determine that they're truly dead than are those who haven't agreed to organ donation.
..............................
Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy. Another option is to check the federal Web site OrganDonor.gov, which provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.
..................................
Myth: I'm under age 18. I'm too young to make this decision.
Fact: That's true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it's what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.
....................................
Myth: An open-casket funeral isn't an option for people who have donated organs or tissues.
Fact: Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference.
.............................................
Myth: I'm too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs.
Fact: There's no defined cutoff age for donating organs. Organs have been successfully transplanted from donors in their 70s and 80s. The decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Let the doctors decide at your time of death whether your organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation.
..........................................
Myth: I'm not in the best of health. Nobody would want my organs or tissues.
Fact: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.
..........................................
Myth: I'd like to donate one of my kidneys now, but I wouldn't be allowed to do that unless one of my family members is in need.
Fact: While that used to be the case, it isn't any longer. Whether it's a distant family member, friend or complete stranger you want to help, you can donate a kidney through certain transplant centers. If you decide to become a living donor, you will undergo extensive questioning to ensure that you are aware of the risks and that your decision to donate isn't based on financial gain. You will also undergo testing to determine if your kidneys are in good shape and whether you can live a healthy life with just one kidney.
.........................................
Myth: Rich and famous people go to the top of the list when they need a donor organ.
Fact: The rich and famous aren't given priority when it comes to allocating organs. It may seem that way because of the amount of publicity generated when celebrities receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else. In fact, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the organization responsible for maintaining the national organ transplant network, subjects all celebrity transplants to an internal audit to make sure the organ allocation was appropriate.
.........................................
Myth: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.
Fact: The organ donor's family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Costs for organ removal go to the transplant recipient.
Information (copy/pasted) is provided by the Mayo Clinic.
Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life.
Fact: When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's. You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular emergency. The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplantation.
..............................
Myth: Maybe I won't really be dead when they sign my death certificate.
Fact: Although it's a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don't start to wiggle their toes after they're declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests (at no charge to their families) to determine that they're truly dead than are those who haven't agreed to organ donation.
..............................
Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy. Another option is to check the federal Web site OrganDonor.gov, which provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.
..................................
Myth: I'm under age 18. I'm too young to make this decision.
Fact: That's true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it's what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.
....................................
Myth: An open-casket funeral isn't an option for people who have donated organs or tissues.
Fact: Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference.
.............................................
Myth: I'm too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs.
Fact: There's no defined cutoff age for donating organs. Organs have been successfully transplanted from donors in their 70s and 80s. The decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Let the doctors decide at your time of death whether your organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation.
..........................................
Myth: I'm not in the best of health. Nobody would want my organs or tissues.
Fact: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.
..........................................
Myth: I'd like to donate one of my kidneys now, but I wouldn't be allowed to do that unless one of my family members is in need.
Fact: While that used to be the case, it isn't any longer. Whether it's a distant family member, friend or complete stranger you want to help, you can donate a kidney through certain transplant centers. If you decide to become a living donor, you will undergo extensive questioning to ensure that you are aware of the risks and that your decision to donate isn't based on financial gain. You will also undergo testing to determine if your kidneys are in good shape and whether you can live a healthy life with just one kidney.
.........................................
Myth: Rich and famous people go to the top of the list when they need a donor organ.
Fact: The rich and famous aren't given priority when it comes to allocating organs. It may seem that way because of the amount of publicity generated when celebrities receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else. In fact, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the organization responsible for maintaining the national organ transplant network, subjects all celebrity transplants to an internal audit to make sure the organ allocation was appropriate.
.........................................
Myth: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.
Fact: The organ donor's family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Costs for organ removal go to the transplant recipient.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tomorrow's Bible Q&A (be sure to read if you partic.)
READERS...
Please know that there is a good chance that I will not be able to get to doing the next installment for my new series, 'Bible Q&A Day'.
For one thing, the upcoming verse "in question" has an extremely long answer attached to it. And seeing as I type out word for word from the book that this series is being made possible, it may just be too much for me at the moment.
There's seemingly a problem arising with one of my kids. And I can't say from one minute to the next, let alone at this point, from second to second, what's going to happen.
To get a better understanding of the "ordeal", I urge you to READ THIS POST.
Thanks to everyone for your support with the new series, and for your hopeful understanding in my having to already "break" when we've just gotten started.
Please know that there is a good chance that I will not be able to get to doing the next installment for my new series, 'Bible Q&A Day'.
For one thing, the upcoming verse "in question" has an extremely long answer attached to it. And seeing as I type out word for word from the book that this series is being made possible, it may just be too much for me at the moment.
There's seemingly a problem arising with one of my kids. And I can't say from one minute to the next, let alone at this point, from second to second, what's going to happen.
To get a better understanding of the "ordeal", I urge you to READ THIS POST.
Thanks to everyone for your support with the new series, and for your hopeful understanding in my having to already "break" when we've just gotten started.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Bible Q&A Day
Welcome to Bible Q&A Day, where I will quote a question from the book (information provided below), word for word as it is printed in the book its self, and under it, provide the answer. From there, under the (****), I will give MY PERSONAL thoughts/views/feelings regarding the answer that was provided.
*Each question and it's following answer will be provided by "500 Questions And Answers From The Bible" (Mark Fackler, Editor, 2006, Barbour Publishing Inc.)*
(Genesis 1:26)
Q; What's important about being made in God's "image"?
A; Humans are not replicas of God, but we do share certain common characteristics with God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, perfectly good, holy, and loving. We are not. But like God, we are spiritual, rational, emotional, communicative, and moral beings. We have dignity, purpose, and meaning. And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships.
******************************************************************
Funny that this one came up after the week I've just had, where I'd taken my youngest on a play date at a friend's house, where us three moms talked about various topics, including religion and beliefs as the girls all played.
Now, these weren't three Christian ladies, mind you. You had a Hindu mom, a New Age mom and a Christian mom. As we sat there at the table talking about what we each individually believe, and how much alike our three belief systems are, we all realized some strong commonalities.
1) There was a Higher Power that (at least) helped to create the universe and all things that are in it. Including us.
2) There is another life after this one is over.
3) We were all made in God's image.
The only real "dispute" among us (which really wasn't a dispute, being we are mature enough to discuss differences without fighting like rabbits and dogs) was how many "gods" that there are in existence and/or control of us and the universe.
My New Age friend feels that we have two creators. A God and a Goddess.
My Hindu friend believes in many Gods and Goddesses. So many I think my brain would hurt trying to keep track (lol).
Of course, being a Christian, I believe that there is only one God and Creator.
Now, "made in His image", I see not so much as a physical trait that God is speaking of, but of the deeper inner workings of our being. We were made to love others, to help others and to be the rulers over His creations (plants and animals lower than ourselves).
The only issue that I have with the above answer is the last sentence.. "And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships". Because while indeed, we CAN experience a PERSONAL bond or relationship with those here in the physical sense, I find great difficulty having a personal "relationship" (as in deeply like with your children or husband/partner) with someone you cannot see, touch, or smell.
Yes, as Christians, we must trust by faith alone. But it makes it no easier, at least for me to have that "personal" bond or relationship with God. Maybe this stems from what I went through as a preteen and teenager. Or maybe even earlier, being I felt cursed for something that I didn't do, but got "punished" anyways.
In all honesty, I have NEVER, ever really felt that close, intimate bond with Christ. I love Him. I believe in Him. I believe in what He did for me and the world on the cross. But I just cannot feel THAT intimately close to Him, no matter how hard I try to.
So, I don't take the "made in His image" to heart or to a level of being on an exact level myself.
If you like this new series, and wish to do so, GRAB MY BUTTON (below) and share it, and let others know that on Wednesday's and Sunday's, a new "Bible Q&A Day" post will be put out.
Please feel free to also share your thoughts and ideals in the comment area. Just keep it CIVIL, is all that I ask. Debate is great! But I will NOT have fights.
*Each question and it's following answer will be provided by "500 Questions And Answers From The Bible" (Mark Fackler, Editor, 2006, Barbour Publishing Inc.)*
(Genesis 1:26)
Q; What's important about being made in God's "image"?
A; Humans are not replicas of God, but we do share certain common characteristics with God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, perfectly good, holy, and loving. We are not. But like God, we are spiritual, rational, emotional, communicative, and moral beings. We have dignity, purpose, and meaning. And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships.
******************************************************************
Funny that this one came up after the week I've just had, where I'd taken my youngest on a play date at a friend's house, where us three moms talked about various topics, including religion and beliefs as the girls all played.
Now, these weren't three Christian ladies, mind you. You had a Hindu mom, a New Age mom and a Christian mom. As we sat there at the table talking about what we each individually believe, and how much alike our three belief systems are, we all realized some strong commonalities.
1) There was a Higher Power that (at least) helped to create the universe and all things that are in it. Including us.
2) There is another life after this one is over.
3) We were all made in God's image.
The only real "dispute" among us (which really wasn't a dispute, being we are mature enough to discuss differences without fighting like rabbits and dogs) was how many "gods" that there are in existence and/or control of us and the universe.
My New Age friend feels that we have two creators. A God and a Goddess.
My Hindu friend believes in many Gods and Goddesses. So many I think my brain would hurt trying to keep track (lol).
Of course, being a Christian, I believe that there is only one God and Creator.
Now, "made in His image", I see not so much as a physical trait that God is speaking of, but of the deeper inner workings of our being. We were made to love others, to help others and to be the rulers over His creations (plants and animals lower than ourselves).
The only issue that I have with the above answer is the last sentence.. "And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships". Because while indeed, we CAN experience a PERSONAL bond or relationship with those here in the physical sense, I find great difficulty having a personal "relationship" (as in deeply like with your children or husband/partner) with someone you cannot see, touch, or smell.
Yes, as Christians, we must trust by faith alone. But it makes it no easier, at least for me to have that "personal" bond or relationship with God. Maybe this stems from what I went through as a preteen and teenager. Or maybe even earlier, being I felt cursed for something that I didn't do, but got "punished" anyways.
In all honesty, I have NEVER, ever really felt that close, intimate bond with Christ. I love Him. I believe in Him. I believe in what He did for me and the world on the cross. But I just cannot feel THAT intimately close to Him, no matter how hard I try to.
So, I don't take the "made in His image" to heart or to a level of being on an exact level myself.
If you like this new series, and wish to do so, GRAB MY BUTTON (below) and share it, and let others know that on Wednesday's and Sunday's, a new "Bible Q&A Day" post will be put out.
Please feel free to also share your thoughts and ideals in the comment area. Just keep it CIVIL, is all that I ask. Debate is great! But I will NOT have fights.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Would you join me?
Thanks to my MIL's gift card giving this year for Christmas, I was able to buy a few things I wanted to have and know I would use.
One item being a book (for under $8.00 mind you!) that has 500 questions in regards to the Bible, and answers of explanation.
It goes by Chronological order to coincide with the Bible's text order. So, I would post the question (word for word), and then the answer it gives (word for word).
Then underneath, I'd place (********) to indicate the end of the quotes from the book and give my PERSONAL view of how I view the answer's explanation.
I'm not a fanatical, Bible-wielding Christian who even goes to church. I'm just a simple believer who enjoys learning in her own way and own time of how the Bible pertains to me as an individual and question myself a bit. And I have my own interpretation of how I read and view the Bible.
If this sounds like something you would like to read and participate in, let me know. I'm planning to do the first post TOMORROW (Wednesday, Jan. 5th, 2011), and will do them each Wednesday and Sunday.
It would be WONDERFUL to make this fun, engaging and interactive.
I've even made a GRAB BUTTON for this... (now that I found out how to do them on my own)
Feel free to grab my button and spread the word about what I think will be a great series for all levels of believers (and non-believers) to discuss and learn from.
One item being a book (for under $8.00 mind you!) that has 500 questions in regards to the Bible, and answers of explanation.
It goes by Chronological order to coincide with the Bible's text order. So, I would post the question (word for word), and then the answer it gives (word for word).
Then underneath, I'd place (********) to indicate the end of the quotes from the book and give my PERSONAL view of how I view the answer's explanation.
I'm not a fanatical, Bible-wielding Christian who even goes to church. I'm just a simple believer who enjoys learning in her own way and own time of how the Bible pertains to me as an individual and question myself a bit. And I have my own interpretation of how I read and view the Bible.
If this sounds like something you would like to read and participate in, let me know. I'm planning to do the first post TOMORROW (Wednesday, Jan. 5th, 2011), and will do them each Wednesday and Sunday.
It would be WONDERFUL to make this fun, engaging and interactive.
I've even made a GRAB BUTTON for this... (now that I found out how to do them on my own)
Feel free to grab my button and spread the word about what I think will be a great series for all levels of believers (and non-believers) to discuss and learn from.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Oh Boy! I got Tagged by Donna!!
Apparently, Ms. Donna over at Write Now Write Later got sly on me and TAGGED me in a questionnaire. So here it goes, folks!
4 shows I watch:
1. All My Children
2. Ghost Hunters
3. The Walking Dead
4. Myth Busters, How it’s Made, all those weird shows! <
4 things I am passionate about:
1. Animals! Hey, I’m the cat lady, you’re not surprised right? (No wonder Donna and I click, eh?)
2. Reading and Writing of course << Yep, yep!
3. Chocolate
4. My family (AMEN SISTA!!)
4 phrases I say a lot:
1. "I don't think so!"
2. "Bite Me...Seriously!"
3. “Freaking nuts are you?"
4. “Aw hell nah!"
4 things I have learned from the past:
1. Life goes on, no matter how bad things get.
2. There are friends, and there are friends that are just another part of your family.
3. Putting one's self last all of the time has permanent consequences that don't ONLY affect you.
4. Having a heart for others makes you the richest person in the world.
4 places I would like to go:
1. Ireland
2. Scotland
3. Disney World/Land
4. Smithsonian
4 things I did yesterday:
1. Wrapped Presents.
2. Watched my husband put up outdoor Christmas stuff.
3. Listened to my kids.
4. Wrapped MORE presents.
4 things I am looking forward to:
1. January!
2. Celebrating the holidays with my family. <
4. Seeing the excitement on my youngings’ faces when find under the wrapping all the things that they've been hoping for...Though they did NOT get EVERYTHING that they wanted.
4 things I love about winter:
1. Snow, Snow, Snow!.
2. The holidays of course.
3. Warm blankets and sweaters.
4. Hot cocoa.
4 things on my wish list:
1. That Scott's granddad pulls off another miracle and is still around for at least one more Spring.
2. Sorcerer's Apprentice with Nicolas Cage!
3. At least make it to one hundred readers for my blogs!
4. A good next year for all my family and friends.
4 people I tag:
Angel over at Angel Believes.
Alexes at One Cluttered Brain.
Dez at Lullabye.
Jessica Penot at Ghost Stories and Haunted Places.
4 shows I watch:
1. All My Children
2. Ghost Hunters
3. The Walking Dead
4. Myth Busters, How it’s Made, all those weird shows! <
4 things I am passionate about:
1. Animals! Hey, I’m the cat lady, you’re not surprised right? (No wonder Donna and I click, eh?)
2. Reading and Writing of course << Yep, yep!
3. Chocolate
4. My family (AMEN SISTA!!)
4 phrases I say a lot:
1. "I don't think so!"
2. "Bite Me...Seriously!"
3. “Freaking nuts are you?"
4. “Aw hell nah!"
4 things I have learned from the past:
1. Life goes on, no matter how bad things get.
2. There are friends, and there are friends that are just another part of your family.
3. Putting one's self last all of the time has permanent consequences that don't ONLY affect you.
4. Having a heart for others makes you the richest person in the world.
4 places I would like to go:
1. Ireland
2. Scotland
3. Disney World/Land
4. Smithsonian
4 things I did yesterday:
1. Wrapped Presents.
2. Watched my husband put up outdoor Christmas stuff.
3. Listened to my kids.
4. Wrapped MORE presents.
4 things I am looking forward to:
1. January!
2. Celebrating the holidays with my family. <
4. Seeing the excitement on my youngings’ faces when find under the wrapping all the things that they've been hoping for...Though they did NOT get EVERYTHING that they wanted.
4 things I love about winter:
1. Snow, Snow, Snow!.
2. The holidays of course.
3. Warm blankets and sweaters.
4. Hot cocoa.
4 things on my wish list:
1. That Scott's granddad pulls off another miracle and is still around for at least one more Spring.
2. Sorcerer's Apprentice with Nicolas Cage!
3. At least make it to one hundred readers for my blogs!
4. A good next year for all my family and friends.
4 people I tag:
Angel over at Angel Believes.
Alexes at One Cluttered Brain.
Dez at Lullabye.
Jessica Penot at Ghost Stories and Haunted Places.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
A "Chew It Over With Twix" moment & A Special Memory.
You know kids. They are some of the most free-spirited, care-free people that you will ever meet in this old world.
And believe me when I say that I have three kids that certainly fit the bill. Primarily my youngest, Skyler, who will be turning six years old tomorrow *cries*.
Skyler had decided that last night, Dad's surprise trip to the McDonald's that has a play area was her "Birthday Dinner" (we each get to choose to eat where we wish to for our birthday). So be it. No biggie there.
As Skyler and I sat together in the two-person booth (by her request), while Bryce (her big brother) and Scott (my husband) sat at the table adjacent to us near the middle of the aisle, Skyler and I began a conversation that she started.
The very first thing out of my (soon to be) six year old's mouth is, "Mama, can I drive when I'm ten?". Quickly I replied that driving will not be a skill she will learn until she is sixteen, so she has another ten years to go. To which she stated that this time frame would take "forever".
But then without missing a beat, and with such a straight face, that she would be an awesome Poker player one day, Skyler suddenly blurts out, "Can I have a baby when I'm SIXTEEN?".
I swear that the crickets started chirping. And the look on my face I'm certain was beyond priceless. And in that brief moment, I honestly had the "chew it over with Twix" dude pop in my head with that freaking slogan.
After the shock of hearing that question, I (in what seemed like an eternity) suddenly shot back with, "No! Not until you are AT LEAST eighteen. That's the safety rule".
The gloomiest look came upon her face. And in the aftermath, I honestly had to bite my tongue as to be able to keep a straight face and not laugh manically at what just happened.
Well folks, it doesn't stop there, though. Later on after getting home, I decided to lay on the couch with my (old school) Walkman listening to all kinds of different tunes.
I'd turned to one station where the DJ was talking live to a little boy of maybe ten to twelve years old that had called in with embarrassing stories. And boy dandy was it a good one!
He said that one evening, his mom and he were out doing some Christmas shopping, and in the midst of it all, stopped and bought a couple of Chocolate Ice Cream cones. Afterward, they got back on road along the Interstate.
Suddenly, she felt the urge to go to the bathroom. And I'm not talking tinkling here, people. This woman had to G-O! So, she pulls off the Interstate and goes to (of all places) Kroger (my husband works for the grocery chain).
The little boy says that after getting to the parking lot, his mother jumps out and makes a beeline for Kroger's front doors, only to turn right back around and get back in.
All she says to her son is...
"Too late".
Yes. Your assumption is correct. The woman crapped her pants. So they get back on the freeway and head the rest of the way home.
After listening to this hilarious story unfold, it suddenly sprang to mind of the time when I was about fourteen or fifteen, riding in the car with my dad. We were in fact on the way home from doing some errands. Suddenly, he had the urge to pass gas.
But he knew that if he were to do so, then there would be one hell of a mess to clean up. So, needless to say, being a man in true form, he held it in with all of his might.
But all the holding in the world, even at no more than five minutes away from our house, was going to do. Nope.
Instead, he unwillingly let one rip. And that was all that she wrote. And of course it HAD to be on a cold day where you don't want to roll the windows down.
Next thing I know, my dad is sitting in the driver's seat, squirming like a baby in a car carrier. Then the odor hits me like a slap in the face. I literally must have turned in to Kermit the Frog, because man did I feel ill. And hence, I had to freeze my ass off thanks to needing FRESH air.
I asked my father if he felt better. When I heard the word "no" I about wanted to smack him. That's when he let me know that sadly he didn't make it (at the two minute mark of almost being home). Next thing I know, I'm sitting there almost having an Asthma attack from laughing so hard, that I start crying streams of tears and trying my best to breath.
Every time that my dad asked me to stop, I would only laugh harder. When we got home, he rushed in and showered. I was the lucky sucker (and as my "punishment" according to him for laughing)that got to take his crap-filled, streaked undies (they just HAD TO BE tighty-whities that day) and pants out to the garage and prep them for washing.
To this day, once in a blue moon that memory will hit me and I will just burst out in laughter. Or it comes to me from hearing some other poor soul's tale of incontinence, like it did for me last night.
When my father is long gone, that will be one of the happiest, funniest and most embarrassing moments that I will cherish for the rest of my days. Right next to Skyler's outrageous baby question.
And believe me when I say that I have three kids that certainly fit the bill. Primarily my youngest, Skyler, who will be turning six years old tomorrow *cries*.
Skyler had decided that last night, Dad's surprise trip to the McDonald's that has a play area was her "Birthday Dinner" (we each get to choose to eat where we wish to for our birthday). So be it. No biggie there.
As Skyler and I sat together in the two-person booth (by her request), while Bryce (her big brother) and Scott (my husband) sat at the table adjacent to us near the middle of the aisle, Skyler and I began a conversation that she started.
The very first thing out of my (soon to be) six year old's mouth is, "Mama, can I drive when I'm ten?". Quickly I replied that driving will not be a skill she will learn until she is sixteen, so she has another ten years to go. To which she stated that this time frame would take "forever".
But then without missing a beat, and with such a straight face, that she would be an awesome Poker player one day, Skyler suddenly blurts out, "Can I have a baby when I'm SIXTEEN?".
I swear that the crickets started chirping. And the look on my face I'm certain was beyond priceless. And in that brief moment, I honestly had the "chew it over with Twix" dude pop in my head with that freaking slogan.
After the shock of hearing that question, I (in what seemed like an eternity) suddenly shot back with, "No! Not until you are AT LEAST eighteen. That's the safety rule".
The gloomiest look came upon her face. And in the aftermath, I honestly had to bite my tongue as to be able to keep a straight face and not laugh manically at what just happened.
Well folks, it doesn't stop there, though. Later on after getting home, I decided to lay on the couch with my (old school) Walkman listening to all kinds of different tunes.
I'd turned to one station where the DJ was talking live to a little boy of maybe ten to twelve years old that had called in with embarrassing stories. And boy dandy was it a good one!
He said that one evening, his mom and he were out doing some Christmas shopping, and in the midst of it all, stopped and bought a couple of Chocolate Ice Cream cones. Afterward, they got back on road along the Interstate.
Suddenly, she felt the urge to go to the bathroom. And I'm not talking tinkling here, people. This woman had to G-O! So, she pulls off the Interstate and goes to (of all places) Kroger (my husband works for the grocery chain).
The little boy says that after getting to the parking lot, his mother jumps out and makes a beeline for Kroger's front doors, only to turn right back around and get back in.
All she says to her son is...
"Too late".
Yes. Your assumption is correct. The woman crapped her pants. So they get back on the freeway and head the rest of the way home.
After listening to this hilarious story unfold, it suddenly sprang to mind of the time when I was about fourteen or fifteen, riding in the car with my dad. We were in fact on the way home from doing some errands. Suddenly, he had the urge to pass gas.
But he knew that if he were to do so, then there would be one hell of a mess to clean up. So, needless to say, being a man in true form, he held it in with all of his might.
But all the holding in the world, even at no more than five minutes away from our house, was going to do. Nope.
Instead, he unwillingly let one rip. And that was all that she wrote. And of course it HAD to be on a cold day where you don't want to roll the windows down.
Next thing I know, my dad is sitting in the driver's seat, squirming like a baby in a car carrier. Then the odor hits me like a slap in the face. I literally must have turned in to Kermit the Frog, because man did I feel ill. And hence, I had to freeze my ass off thanks to needing FRESH air.
I asked my father if he felt better. When I heard the word "no" I about wanted to smack him. That's when he let me know that sadly he didn't make it (at the two minute mark of almost being home). Next thing I know, I'm sitting there almost having an Asthma attack from laughing so hard, that I start crying streams of tears and trying my best to breath.
Every time that my dad asked me to stop, I would only laugh harder. When we got home, he rushed in and showered. I was the lucky sucker (and as my "punishment" according to him for laughing)that got to take his crap-filled, streaked undies (they just HAD TO BE tighty-whities that day) and pants out to the garage and prep them for washing.
To this day, once in a blue moon that memory will hit me and I will just burst out in laughter. Or it comes to me from hearing some other poor soul's tale of incontinence, like it did for me last night.
When my father is long gone, that will be one of the happiest, funniest and most embarrassing moments that I will cherish for the rest of my days. Right next to Skyler's outrageous baby question.
Monday, September 27, 2010
So Many Thoughts Come to Mind...Ponderings On a Rainy Day.
In one month and two days from today, it will be a milestone. And a lot of different meanings.
For one, my childhood friend, Lisa's birthday is on October 29th. We just recently reconnected, thanks to FaceBook, after almost 25 years of dropping off the earth to one another. Then, soon followed by her three sisters, Neva, Dana and Rena.
Then, add in the fact that it will be 21 years since my mother's passing. Over the years it has gotten much better to take in and deal with. I know she will always be with me in my heart and in my memories (what few I have left of her and our time together).
The biggest milestone to come on October 29th though is...
It will be my one-year anniversary since my Cornea Transplant. While I'm happy to have the sight that I DO have in it now, compared to before the surgery (and the fact that I have a cornea), it will also be a day of mourning.
Yes, we recipients DO mourn the passing of those which have given us our second chances. We never (in most cases) were able to meet them in life. And a rare few of us get to meet the families that are mourning the loss of their loved one that donated to us. But we are very thankful and grateful, none the less. And it hurts us to know that another family is out there, somewhere, hurting and are not able to have the time with their family any longer, as we recipients share in the joys, trials and tribulations of our families.
It's on days like this, where it's damp, chilly and rainy, that I sit and wonder. What if my mother were still alive? How would she have felt of my moving across to the other side of the states? How would she think of my husband? What nicknames would she have given her grandchildren?...Would I have still had that stupid trache until I turned 18?
I also wonder who my donor was. What is their gender? How old were they? What were their likes and dislikes? Was their family life filled with love and laughter?
So many thoughts to ponder as I sit here, sipping my coffee and listening to the stillness of the house, as the rain beats down and the cars are passing by on slick roads.
For one, my childhood friend, Lisa's birthday is on October 29th. We just recently reconnected, thanks to FaceBook, after almost 25 years of dropping off the earth to one another. Then, soon followed by her three sisters, Neva, Dana and Rena.
Then, add in the fact that it will be 21 years since my mother's passing. Over the years it has gotten much better to take in and deal with. I know she will always be with me in my heart and in my memories (what few I have left of her and our time together).
The biggest milestone to come on October 29th though is...
It will be my one-year anniversary since my Cornea Transplant. While I'm happy to have the sight that I DO have in it now, compared to before the surgery (and the fact that I have a cornea), it will also be a day of mourning.
Yes, we recipients DO mourn the passing of those which have given us our second chances. We never (in most cases) were able to meet them in life. And a rare few of us get to meet the families that are mourning the loss of their loved one that donated to us. But we are very thankful and grateful, none the less. And it hurts us to know that another family is out there, somewhere, hurting and are not able to have the time with their family any longer, as we recipients share in the joys, trials and tribulations of our families.
It's on days like this, where it's damp, chilly and rainy, that I sit and wonder. What if my mother were still alive? How would she have felt of my moving across to the other side of the states? How would she think of my husband? What nicknames would she have given her grandchildren?...Would I have still had that stupid trache until I turned 18?
I also wonder who my donor was. What is their gender? How old were they? What were their likes and dislikes? Was their family life filled with love and laughter?
So many thoughts to ponder as I sit here, sipping my coffee and listening to the stillness of the house, as the rain beats down and the cars are passing by on slick roads.
Friday, August 6, 2010
5-Q. Friday! What will your answers be?
It is once again time for one of my favorite new (to me, anyways) carnivals.
Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them. Also provide the Link Button from fivecrookedhalos' blog page (found on the right side of the blog site).
1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper? I'm actually a neat sleeper. For the most part, I stay on my side of the bed and I go to sleep, as well as wake with the covers still on me.
2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________. I wish I was more organized.
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about? That all three of my kids would have the kinds of medical problems that want to make you just pull your hair out. And at times, makes you go 'WTH is this happening for?!'.
4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market? Not a whole lot, honestly. Then again, we haven't done any garage sale shopping this year.
5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be? A Porterhouse Steak (boneless) that is medium rare, with Heinz 57 Sauce, loaded baked potato and California Mix steamed vegetables.
Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them. Also provide the Link Button from fivecrookedhalos' blog page (found on the right side of the blog site).
1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper? I'm actually a neat sleeper. For the most part, I stay on my side of the bed and I go to sleep, as well as wake with the covers still on me.
2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________. I wish I was more organized.
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about? That all three of my kids would have the kinds of medical problems that want to make you just pull your hair out. And at times, makes you go 'WTH is this happening for?!'.
4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market? Not a whole lot, honestly. Then again, we haven't done any garage sale shopping this year.
5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be? A Porterhouse Steak (boneless) that is medium rare, with Heinz 57 Sauce, loaded baked potato and California Mix steamed vegetables.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Five Question Friday with Megan at The World As I See It.
After noticing Megan, over at The World As I See It do one of these, it looks like something I just had to try out.
So, here is my answers for Five Question Friday...
1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it? Yep! I most certainly did. It was handmade by my great-aunt, Anne (from whom I received my middle name from).
2. Do you dream in color? Pretty much, all of the time. Though I do like black/white dreaming too. Makes you feel like you are in an old-time movie (like Casablanca).
3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller? I'm 5-foot-even. Technically, by DNA standards, I should be between 5 ft.,3 in. and 5 ft.,8 in. tall. But, thanks to the 50 LB. tumor my mother carried as my close next door neighbor within the womb, I was a little crunched for space to grow normally.
4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be? Do I really, honestly HAVE TO answer this one?? Because if you REALLY knew me, then the answer should be as plain as the nose on my face.
5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot? All of the time, do I return the cart to a corral, or even in to the store it's self, if I'm parked close enough. As a former retail employee of three different grocery chains, I hated having to fetch carts from between cars, or even from neighboring retailer's areas.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Life And Limitations Of A Corneal Graft Recipient
Over on my profile page at Facebook, a friend of mine had some questions about my Corneal Transplant that I had done in October of last year. I'm almost eight months post-transplant. Barring a few complications, so far, I'm doing quite well.
My friend's father had passed away a while back, and she had his corneas donated. They went to two different individuals. Thanks to her gift of her father's corneas, two more people are able to see the world around them.
There is sadly not as much conversation, education and awareness, as well as support for Corneal Grafting Transplants. We seem to be on the back burner. Mainly because to many it's "just an eye" and it's "just tissue". But the reality is...it is SO MUCH more than that!
Corneas are literally the windows to the world around us. Without corneas, you would not be able to see. AT ALL! Nor can you protect your eyes from MOST infections. Especially those that are air-borne caused.
Like many other things. Your eyes (and your corneas) get taken for granted. That is, until you lose the cornea, your sight, and almost the entire eye(s).
Here are the questions that she asks, and my answers.
Can you drive after you've had a cornea transplant ? No, not at this time. Due to complications of tight stitching and an ever-more developing Cataract, I am Legally Blind and would not be able to see things clearly from the left side or from my peripheral vision, which is still limited as well.
What about contact sports, swimming, flying etc? I can now just go back in to the water, but must be careful doing so. Contact sports are still a no-no. Flying, I don't know of yet either. I'm hoping to be allowed to get on roller coasters this summer with my kids at King's Dominion. Should know today, being I have a two-month checkup this afternoon.
Can the pressure from those cause damage to the transplant ? Ocular pressure certainly can harm the transplant. This is why it is checked at every visit. And for the first six weeks post-transplant, I wasn't allowed to bend at the waist, pick up objects (even my child) if they were over a specified weight, and even sex was banned.
Also, for the first week, I was not allowed to take a regular shower or wash my hair. I wasn't allowed to use face wash for the first month. I didn't color my hair again until like four months after surgery.
Just the other weekend, I got in to the pool. Before then, that was a no-no due to the chemicals used.
We (Corneal Graft patients) are placed on the ocular version of Prednisone. The side effects remain within the eye region, instead of having overall systemic effects.
I'm pretty sure I have some nerve damage in the way of nerve sensitivity. Now extreme heat (over 350 from an oven) and extreme cold (like from a freezer) either gives me a sharp pain or a "searing" feeling. I noticed those the first time I got to cook again, and when I opened a freezer section door at the store. And it's been like that ever since.
If anyone has ANY question in regards to Corneal Transplantation, or Donation, please feel free to ask away. Also, if you have yet to become a registered Organ/Tissue/Eye/Bone Donor, please click HERE and become a HERO.
My friend's father had passed away a while back, and she had his corneas donated. They went to two different individuals. Thanks to her gift of her father's corneas, two more people are able to see the world around them.
There is sadly not as much conversation, education and awareness, as well as support for Corneal Grafting Transplants. We seem to be on the back burner. Mainly because to many it's "just an eye" and it's "just tissue". But the reality is...it is SO MUCH more than that!
Corneas are literally the windows to the world around us. Without corneas, you would not be able to see. AT ALL! Nor can you protect your eyes from MOST infections. Especially those that are air-borne caused.
Like many other things. Your eyes (and your corneas) get taken for granted. That is, until you lose the cornea, your sight, and almost the entire eye(s).
Here are the questions that she asks, and my answers.
Can you drive after you've had a cornea transplant ? No, not at this time. Due to complications of tight stitching and an ever-more developing Cataract, I am Legally Blind and would not be able to see things clearly from the left side or from my peripheral vision, which is still limited as well.
What about contact sports, swimming, flying etc? I can now just go back in to the water, but must be careful doing so. Contact sports are still a no-no. Flying, I don't know of yet either. I'm hoping to be allowed to get on roller coasters this summer with my kids at King's Dominion. Should know today, being I have a two-month checkup this afternoon.
Can the pressure from those cause damage to the transplant ? Ocular pressure certainly can harm the transplant. This is why it is checked at every visit. And for the first six weeks post-transplant, I wasn't allowed to bend at the waist, pick up objects (even my child) if they were over a specified weight, and even sex was banned.
Also, for the first week, I was not allowed to take a regular shower or wash my hair. I wasn't allowed to use face wash for the first month. I didn't color my hair again until like four months after surgery.
Just the other weekend, I got in to the pool. Before then, that was a no-no due to the chemicals used.
We (Corneal Graft patients) are placed on the ocular version of Prednisone. The side effects remain within the eye region, instead of having overall systemic effects.
I'm pretty sure I have some nerve damage in the way of nerve sensitivity. Now extreme heat (over 350 from an oven) and extreme cold (like from a freezer) either gives me a sharp pain or a "searing" feeling. I noticed those the first time I got to cook again, and when I opened a freezer section door at the store. And it's been like that ever since.
If anyone has ANY question in regards to Corneal Transplantation, or Donation, please feel free to ask away. Also, if you have yet to become a registered Organ/Tissue/Eye/Bone Donor, please click HERE and become a HERO.
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