And Life Happens
First I want to say “Happy Veterans Day” to all active and retired service members! As a former Marine and a retired Navy Corpsman, Brett and I are proud to have served this great country. We appreciate each and every person that has given of him or herself to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.
Now for the hard stuff. I was really debating on writing about the things I have been going through the last couple of days. But in thinking about it this morning, I think that it is only right to do so. I mean this is a journal of our history too. We aren’t just talking about the history of this grand plantation, but also about the journey we are on to open it.
For anyone that has opened a business, you understand that while you work so hard to get things together and get things rolling, life doesn’t just stop around you. It is how you handle those things that happen that determine your success. And I also wanted to show those that are thinking about opening a business that it isn’t always wonderful.
On Saturday evening, I received a call from a friend of my mother’s. My mother had been rushed to the hospital. They had found her wondering around her apartment complex, disorientated and unsure of where her apartment was. They thought she had had a fall. She and my stepfather live nearby at an independent living apartment. My stepfather has Alzheimer’s and this was a good place for them to be. Before I could get there, I got a second call that she was being rushed to ICU and it didn’t look good. Her heart was beating about 20-30 beats a minute. Way too slow. By 2am, she went into arrhythmia and they had to put an emergency pacemaker in.
After a night’s sleep, I returned on Sunday. They were having a hard time waking her. After a CAT scan, they discovered that she had also suffered a stroke. I stayed by her bed all day. She isn’t really responding to anyone. They had to take her down yesterday afternoon to replace the pacemaker with a second one. Before she left I held her hand and talked to her. Her eyes opened slightly and she seemed to hear me. I don’t know if she really did, but I hope so. I stayed with her all evening.
Today we face a second CAT scan to see how bad the stroke is. My two younger sisters are now on their way here from Alabama and Northern Virginia. I know that we are going to be making some hard decisions this week and I am not looking forward to them. But we will make it together and try to do what is right and what she would have wanted.
I tell you this, not to look for your sympathy, but to show that even though we have this wonderful thing happening to us, life still happens. We don’t expect these things. We try to handle it as best as we can, but we continue on this journey anyway. When we first started this journey we came up on several “pot holes” in the road. But as I said then, “If you are driving to a location and it starts to rain, you don’t turn around and go home. You turn on the window shield wipers so you can get a better view of things.” Well this isn’t a “pot hole”; it’s more of like a lane decrease that slows us down. But we aren’t stopping.
Just like those things in the newspapers that I posted about last. I wanted to document this event in our history too. Because everything that happens to us changes us in a way. It gives us a new insight or view of things.
Life just happens…………..
So sad to hear about your mother. Sending strong thoughts your way. You’ll know the answers to all your questions, don’t worry.
Thank you so much. We really appreciate the support!
So sorry to hear your news and sending lots of positive thoughts your way. I’m sure she can hear you, and will know you’re there keeping strong for her. All the best x
Thank you! We realized that she could in fact hear us. It has been such a comfort. We really appreciate the support.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. Having been through similar experiences with my parents I know how tough it is to arrive at this point but you have support and that’s HUGE. Hopefully they can get her stabilized and the stroke hasn’t been too devastating but I promise you I’ll be praying for all of you…..this is of course part of “life”…..but it’s one of those parts of it that we dread.
Hugs of support
Pam (and Sammy too!)
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers! I am sorry to know that you also have had to face what we are. It’s not been something I would want for anyone. Thank you for the hugs, they are very much appreciated.
I’m very sorry to hear about your mother. Sending good thoughts winging your way. You’re right. Life isn’t just a single highway. It’s a super highway with multiple lanes and under and over passes. On another note: We appreciate your military service. The hubs was Air Force, and both my in-laws Marines. Prayers.
Thank you for the prayers and good thoughts. And thank you about our military service. I agree, this is a super highway. Things just move too fast some time.
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for your Mom. Coming from a heavy military family, thank you for your service, too.
Thank you. And thank you for the good thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it!
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. It is so hard. My Mom is 91 and I cringe every time the phone rings in case it is bad news. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers this week. Your positive attitude and strength will see you through these tough times. And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.
Thank you so much. We hope that when your call comes you will know that you will have our love and support too!
So sorry to hear that your mom is ill, I lost mine when I was expecting my second child and I know how hard it is. May God comfort you and your family at this time.
We are so sorry that you too had to endure this. It hasn’t been easy and we still have a tough day tomorrow. Thank you so much for your support!
So sorry to hear about your mother. What a tough time. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers and much love.
Thank you so much Deborah. We really appreciate that.
::hugs:: good thoughts and energy sent your way.
Thank you so much for the good thoughts and energy and HUGS!
Dealing with aging relatives can be heartbreaking and hard. Hoping all works out for the best for all concerned.
Thank you so much! How we are learning that lesson.
I’m so sorry about your Mom. Stay strong. I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Thank you much. We really appreciate the positive thoughts and prayers. We are trying hard to stay strong.
Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort and strength.
Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate that.
wishing you all the best in this difficult time of life.
Thank you so much! It really means a lot to have so much support.
So sorry to hear about your mother. I’ll be praying for her and you and your siblings as you face making decisions. God bless!
Thank you so much. Your prayers are very much appreciated.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Michelle. All of us who’ve faced life’s uncertainties with our elderly parents know what you are experiencing. We’re here for you whenever you need to share. Hoping for the best for your Mom.
Thank you so much Dianna. Your support and prayers mean a lot to us.
Love and prayers for you, your family and obviously all these extended friends who are responding here and elsewhere. Your mother is truly blessed to have you and two more in the wings. Sometimes it helps to note all the love and support pouring in your direction when life happens to know how truly blessed you really are.
Thank you so much for the love and prayers. We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving.
prayers for you! I am so sorry this is happening, but I know you are strong, and know we are all here for you
Thank you Terry! We so appreciate your prayers and support,
Hoping the best for your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Robyn
Thank you Robyn. We really do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry for what happened.
Blessings to you all
Thank you so much! We really appreciate the support. Blessing back at you too!
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. I imagine you are a bit tinged by fright and feeling lost. I wish you and your full family the best and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
As a business owner myself, I know all to well the pratfalls and pitfalls that litter your road to success. The frustrating part of it all is which do you give your complete attention to. You have to make choices all the time and you have to learn to delegate. Being a self confessed control freak that is the hardest thing for me to do but I do it.
I wish to thank you and your husband for serving our country. Through your sacrifice and your commitment, along with all the others that have served and are serving, this great nation continues to be free.
Leslie
Thank you so much your thoughts and prayers mean so much to us. I really am learning about delegating when it comes to this and our business. I am so thankful for my husband who is continuing while I take care of this.
I am sending you extra love, hugs and strength right now. I am so glad you decided to write about this, because now you will see how not-alone you really are. And in the way of our new brave internet world, we will all end up seeing how not-alone we are. Continue on your path, my friend, you have a strong vision and a true calling. What is that thing they say about happiness not being a destination, but a journey? I think the same thing applies to life. *HUGS*
Thank you so much for the extra love strength and hugs! It really does mean a lot to us. We are so overwhelmed by the support we have received. It couldn’t have come at a better time! *HUGS* back at you!
A thoughtful and caring post; my prayers are with you, your Mother and your sisters this day.
Dan
Thank you so much for your prayers. We are at a point when are going to really need them!
Sorry to hear about your mother. Praying you will be comforted, and given Wisdom for decisions that must be made.
Thank you so much. We have made the decisions and tomorrow will have to live them. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Sending positive vibes your way.
Vibes received! Thank you so much!
Life happens but it doesn’t make any less painful. My thoughts are with you and your family today.
Thank you so much for your thoughts. How true that statement really is!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong…
Thank you so much Amy! We really do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about your mother. Thinking of you, and like everyone else sending positve thoughts for you and your family.
Thank you so much! We are so overwhelmed by the love and support.
Regardless of what happens, she is proud of you and your siblings…
Thank you so much. I really think she will be proud of us in the end.
First off, I want to thank you and your husband, along with all of the other former and current service men & women who have served for our country. Thank you! Second, I am sorry to hear about your mom’s sudden illness. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Thank you. And thank you so much for your thoughts. It really is appreciated.
God bless and take care of you and your family.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I got the ICU call about seven weeks ago when my mom took an unexpected turn after colon surgery. I admire your bravery and willingness to reach out. It took me about six weeks until I could write about her. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry to hear that you have had to experience it too. Thank you so much for sharing it and for your thoughts. It really is very much appreciated.
Life happens… to all of us… to our beloved ones, to our neighbours, to strangers, to you and me… My support and warm wishes to you guys… keep going and take care.
Thank you so much. We really appreciate your support and warm wishes. We are doing what must be done and taking care of each other.
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am praying for her as well as you and your sisters as face this. I hope you gather strength from your friends and family and it helps to know that so many people are sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Thank you so much for your prayers! We are just so overwhelmed by the love and support we are receiving.
I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s illness and hope she pulls through. Having been through something similar, I, too, admire your courage and faith. Hang in there, you are not alone.
Thank you so much! We are so sorry to hear that you too have had to endure this!
Our prayers are with you. Nothing can make this easier — except to know that people do care and are thinking about you.
Thank you so much for your prayers. It really means a lot to us! No it is easy, but we are so overwhelmed by the love and support of others. Thank you!
I hope you mother will recover and be home with you all soon. God bless you and your family. Be well.
Thank you so much John. We really do appreciate that.
Reblogged this on Laurie McDaniel.
Thank you so much for sharing our blog with your readers! It really means a lot to us!
well it’s something i like it sings to me ty and ur are very welcome hope to continually see things from your blog 🙂
I lost my mom when I was 34 and my dad last year. They say this is the natural progression of life. It doesn’t make it any easier. I’m glad you will have your siblings together you will make the hard decisions. It’s a good time for hugging. Just do it.
I am so sorry that you too have had to endure this. It isn’t something that I would want for anyone. Thank you so much for your hugs! We really do need them right now. ((Hugs)) back at you!
Oh my. My heartfelt best to you and your family.
Thank you so much. We really appreciate your well wishes. It really does mean a lot to us.
Very sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she improves, and remember to take care of yourself too.
Thank you so much. We are doing what we can and making sure that we take care of each other.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with all your followers. My thoughts are with your family and truly hope that you will be noting improvement soon for your mom and everyone in the family.
Thank you so much. Your thoughts mean a lot to us. We really do appreciate it.
I will be praying for you and your family. God bless.
Thank you so much for the prayers! We really will need them tomorrow.
Most touching a story. What one can do in the circumstances is to try his best, and that you are doing commitedly. I wish you to succeed in your efforts.
Thank you so much. We appreciate your wishes.
Sending healing thoughts and positive energy to you and your family! *hugs*
Thank you so much Estrella! We appreciate the thoughts and positive energy and hugs! They mean so much to us right now. *hugs* back at you!
Sounds so much like what I just went through with my dad. Focus on what matters most to you. Some things will fall by the wayside, but when you get back to your new normal (whatever that is) you’ll be wondering why you were even carrying some of it around with you. Just know that everyday, whether you’ve been online or not, your blog buddies are lifting you up in prayer.
You know I thought of you as soon as this started. I hate that you had to endure it too. Thank you so much for the prayers!
Happy belated Veterans Day. Thanks for the follow! 🙂 really enjoying your blog, keep up the great work!
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of your blog in the future!
Thinking of you and your family this week…
Thank you so much! We really appreciate your thoughts this week!
My thoughts are with you.
Thank you so much! We can’t tell you how much we appreciate all the love and support we are receiving right now.
I’m so sorry to hear this — how difficult. Thinking of you guys. Steph
Thank you so much Steph! We really appreciate the support from everyone!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you… Cougina & Aggie
Thank you so much for the prayers and thoughts Cougina and Aggie! It really does mean a lot to us!
I a m very sorry to hear this for you. My late mother, 2 brothers and I had to decide for Dad in 2007 when he had a stroke, too. We knew he didn’ t want to like like he was and put him in the hospice for a week. He passed away peacefully.
I myself had a mini stroke in Oct. I was in that same section of the hospital and I didn’t like it one bit. Fortualtely, I know that strokes run in my family, as well as, high BP so I have taken preventative medicines and low sodium meals.
It’s not easy to make those kind of decisions. I am praying that you will all get through this part of life.
I am so sorry that you too had to endure this. It isn’t something that I would wish on anyone. But to also have a stroke after dealing with one for your father. I don’t know what I would have done! Thank you so much for the prayers. It really does mean a lot to us!
((Hugs)) to your family.
Thank you so much! ((HUGS)) back at you!
My thoughts are with you both as you deal with this aspect of life that no one really wants to deal with but it is something which happens to all of us. I am glad to hear that you are trying to do what is right and what she wanted. I hope that you hear positive news and know that you have many friends out here in cyber world from which you can draw strength and support.
Thank you so much! We are just overwhelmed with all the love and support we are receiving. It really has come at a perfect time!
My thoughts and prayers are also with you and your sisters. I too had some difficult decisions to make when my mother went into Kidney failure 30 yrs ago. I understand the pain you are going through, whatever you will face in the next days and weeks ahead, we are all here for you and I pray that gives you the strength you need right now. Hugs – Patty
From one blogger and lover of Virginia history to another, life does happen and my thoughts are with your family during this time.
Thank you so much Patty! We really appreciate the thoughts and prayers and Hugs! I am so sorry that you had to endure this too. It’s not been something I would want anyone to have to go through.
Sending prayers and good thoughts.
Thank you so much for the prayers and good thoughts. It really does mean so much to us!
There just are no words–my heart weeps for you right now. Prayers your way for you and your family.
Thank you so much for the prayers. Believe me, the words you have said are just enough to help.
Thank you!
So very sorry! I’m praying for all of your family.
Thank you so much for the prayers. It really means so very much to us!
Best wishes at this difficult time.
[…] is the saga of Belle Grove plantation the story of a couples dedication and drive to transform a heritage home that was the home of an […]
Thank you so much for sharing our blog with your readers! It really means a lot to us!
Praying for you all.
Thank you so much! We need all we can get!
So sorry to hear this news…life can indeed be a challenging and painful journey at times but with determination and a positive attitude, both as expressed by yourself you can make it through the rain to a better place as it were. Sometimes when we’re following our life plan just the way we’re meant to the negatives in life work 10x harder to unseat us and throw us off track any which way they can. Stay strong and determined and my very best hopes and wishes for all of you.
🙁 You’re in my thoughts and I wish you and your family all the best. Your strength and courage is astounding; we should all be so brave.
Thank you so much. Your support means a lot.
So sorry to hear about your mom! Life does happen, and not always in a good way. Aging just has a way of sucking the life right out of you sometimes. Prayers and hugs…
Thank you so much. Your support means a lot.
I am just getting the chance to catch up on blog posts and read what has been going on. I know this is coming late, but I am sending you many giant hugs!
Thank you so much!