Where have I been? I have not posted in the past month. I should be ashamed. OR maybe I should be thankful that I don't have any bad news to share. I think I will go with the later.
The Beasley's have hit our stride and we are now knee deep in a new school year. The little boys are adjusted to their new preschool. I have been so pleased with the way the year has gone so far. Russell had a rough time with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease a few weeks ago. I accumulate 1 sick day per month, so by the end of September, I was down to 0 days. Anabelle is doing great in K5. I am amazed at how much she has grown in the past month. Jack is still Jack. Laid back, silly, and the peacemaker of the family, this little guy has a big personality.
I am afraid that Belle, our 10 year old basset hound, is nearing the end. I mean, she has pulled some stunts in the past that made us think she was dying, but poor thing is just so old now. She is almost blind, and there are times when she will head over to a neighbor's house, we will call her home, and she trots back to our house passing us along the way without a clue that we are standing there. Josh carried her up the back steps and she slept in the kitchen. When I came down this morning for coffee, she wagged her tail like crazy but didn't get up. We are going to watch her for the next few days. Until then, I am sure she will enjoy being inside and being pampered. Josh and I started dating in April of 2004. I gave him Belle for Christmas that December. The average life expectancy for a basset hound is 12 years. I would say that Belle has done pretty well.
Yesterday, we had a "Shave Your Head" party for my friend Elizabeth. It has been a roller coaster of emotions this past month regarding her diagnosis. She has gone from stage 4, cancer in her bones, nothing they can do to now being staged between stage 2 and 3, treatment and surgery, and a favorable outcome. We have all been doing fundraising in an effort to help with co-pays and expenses. Yesterday's party raised almost $1,000 dollars for Jeff and Elizabeth. Several people shaved their heads, and many people brought scarves and hats for Elizabeth. It was hard to see her shave her head, but like I told Anabelle, losing her hair is like a sign of healing; she is getting medicine that will help her life.
Josh is doing great. He stills has days that are harder than others, but it is more of a mental thing than a physical thing. Just my opinion, but I think some people forget that technically he is still sick even if he looks and feels great physically. From what I have read, this is one of the hardest things people with MS struggle with. When things are looking great, those around a person with MS tend to forget the person has the illness. I plan on getting several books on this topic. I read that these books are great resources for caregivers and family members of people with MS.
It is homecoming week at school. Today, I am Sully from Monster's Inc. Tomorrow is holiday day, so I plan on dressing up for that. I am hoping the week goes by smoothly.
Happy fall!
Lori
