I don't mean to be flippant with my caption, but the evening did make us all pause and wonder if we weren't meant to all be together on this particular evening. We'd invited our two immediate neighbors to an early dinner, and it was seemingly perfect. Ashley & the boys joined us, and the kitty made the rounds to be photographed as a prop with everyone! The photo on the left was the last I took of the group, and I returned to chat when my friend to my right slumped to the table and had trouble talking. For the first moments it was as though things moved slowly as everyone gathered to express concern and I told Ken to call 911 NOW! As the fire station is three blocks down from us, there were four paramedics coming to the yard in a matter of minutes. In brief, Avis had a stroke and is now in the hospital. How much worse it might have been had she gone home and we weren't there to get her immediate attention! In the first hour a medication can be administered to break up the blockage in the brain and recovery will follow. Being home a few days more, we can lend moral support, and I'm so glad we were here at this time.
On this "911 Day" another close friend had surgery to remove a malignant tumor from the back of his thigh. His recovery will be slow and already he'd been in our thoughts all day.
Having just emerged on the up side of my injuries, I've told these friends, and I'll share with you... Don't worry day to day... Set your sites on an arbitrary date some time from now when you're sure things will be greatly improved. It gives you a goal to fix on, and on that day, it's possible to look back and see you've left the pain far behind.
Wishing you all good health, as I have prayers for my friends. Treasure the little things, the small moments... Literally *and* figuratively, "Eat dessert first..."
Wow so glad you were able to get immediate help. We will remember her in our prayers. Melody's uncle had a massive stroke a little while ago that has left him paralysed and he is in hospital
Eating dessert now! Wonderful reminder how precious life can be and how easily it can be taken away. Glad your friend was with you and I hope both recover fully and soon so they can "eat dessert first"
Wow how lucky Avis was that you were all together and could get that vital help quickly!! Things like this make us all stop and think and make us appreciate everything we have. I always say make the most of today - don't put off doing anything as you may not get the chance in the future. Thankfully we don't know what tomorrow may bring!! Thoughts and prayers are with Avis and also you Louise and everyone who was at your party - what a shock for you all!!
That is really scary.... so glad you were there to get help quickly.... and you are definitely correct in your thinking -- dessert first is the way to live each day. Oh, seeing Brian's comment at the top (bkb), we had a wonderful visit and photo shoot with him and wife Melody when we were in Edmonton. He is a real Edmonton historian, and knows every old building's history, when it was built, what it is being used for now.... Great afternoon with them, and then we went out to dinner together for more visiting.
she was meant to be there with you. if she was at home, she wouldn't have been attended right away. good thinking, good call, good reflex. you are an angel, louise!
Powerful story you tell in pictures and words. I wish a good recovery to both your friends. And yes, it seems you were meant to be there for your friend.
@bkbinthecity My thoughts are also with you and Melody, Brian; many won't receive help as quickly as were were able to get it for Avis. Thank you for stopping by with kind words; my best to Melody's uncle.
What a touching story...you tell them so well. So glad you were there for your friend and got immediate assistance. Just read about the importance of recognizing the symptoms of a stroke. What a blessing...and things turned out the way they were supposed to.
@danette I'm so sorry to read that, Danette. Both the loss of a friend and your husband's emergency are a lot to deal with over a short time. Perhaps because my friends and I are getting older, this sort of things seems to be happening more often!
Glad you were with your friend and offer immediate assistance. Wishing Avis a trouble free recovery. I hope your other friend also has a good recovery after his surgery. Health is something that we often take for granted but shouldn't!
Oh boy, that was an evening and a half. So glad that your friend was able to receive treatment rapidly. Now I understand why you were bringing pralines to the paramedics!
How lucky your friend was to have such quick attention and hope both your friends are making full recoveries. I agree with your sentiments ,count each day as a blessing and live it as best you csn
I belong to a group on Weight Watchers called Caregivers and Grievers. We are most in our 60's and 70's and we understand the necessity to enjoy today and plan for tomorrow. When you are caring for a husband or parent with cancer, dementia, or something else equally as horrible you have to be reminded and this constantly and also to be selfish and take care of yourself first. So a reminder of this while you are home and trying to give a little care to everyone. My future take is the day I go part time and turn the responsibility of controller to a younger employee.
Oh wow, so glad you were at the right place at the right time to help assist and get medical help for your friend. Prayers are being lifted up for a full recovery for Avis and your other friend who had surgery. Glad to hear you are on the up side of your injury as well. So important to make the most of each moment. 😘
Beautiful commentary and in my humble opinion so very true. We are not promised tomorrow. I try to live for the moment. Nice pics by the way, I really like the starburst effect.
September 17th, 2015
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