Tucker McFadden

We lost our eldest yesterday, March 28, 2012.  Tucker Anne Hanson McFadden went on home to play with Chrissie and wait for us.  Karla didn't tell me, but I believe that he had been missing her a lot these last few days, and just decided it was time to follow her home.

Tucker Anne

Karla brought Tucker home when we was a tiny puppy, and of course he immediately became the favorite one, the play with me one, the full of energy catch me let's RUN! one.  He was into everything and loved everything and talked a lot and ruled the world.

When he came to visit we were all beside ourselves with delight - mostly at his joy from moment to moment!  He would bark and bounce and wiggle and launch himself into my arms the minute he came through the door.  His eyes were always full of mischief and he would race to Chrissie or out into the yard where they would play for hours.  Tucker ran rings around Chris, and once the chase was over they would get down to business, tugging and pulling at ropes together, shredding them into masses of strings. 

Karla made sure that Tucker had the best life a dog could have, taking him everywhere, giving him chances to camp, hike, swim, run, ride in the car, and be next to her side.  He loved it when she got other dogs because every day was a play day - but he always knew he was the special one.  I know I will miss him dreadfully, and am so very thankful for the joy he shared with us.

Tucker Cutie Pie in the Impatiens

Good bye precious Tucker, love you much sweet boy.

Wordless Wednesday 3/28/2012

Junior

After the flood

It is amazing to look at this blog and remember what happened.

Amazing to think that when I wrote that last post on January 13th, when I chose that picture of Asa and Bella, when I reflected on what they mean to me - that I was fine, just fine.

* * * * *

That evening (January 13th, 2012), at approximately 7:15 pm eastern, my appendix burst.  I remember sitting on the sofa watching Jeopardy, eating a bowl of chicken soup.  I remember the sudden amazing bloom of pain across my abdomen.  I remember how my vision immediately blurred, and that I could barely stand through the pain.  I know I was not thinking clearly when I said, "I am not feeling well, I have to go lay down," but I do remember getting into bed.  The next 36 hours passed by in waves of ever increasing pain.  Each time my husband would say "Do you want to go to the hospital?" I would answer, "No, I think this is some kind of terrible food poisoning," or "No, I think this is some kind of dreadful indigestion," or "No, the pain is moving around, maybe it will go away."

I didn't sleep more than five minutes at a time nor did I have a lucid thought - except "I don't have time for this!"

I had my days planned, you see.  And they were packed.  Blog entries, book editing, grand children visits, puppy training, family dinners, letter writing, craft room cleaning, laundry!  Life, lots and lots of life, was planned out around here.  And I was needed to be about the business of getting on with it, by George.

Sunday morning, January 15th, my birthday morning, I finally agreed to go to the hospital.

* * * * *

A month later, after I was home, I drew the flowers from the pictures on the wall in the heart wing at the hospital.  I noticed them every day as I did my paces, trying to get well.

I didn't feel up to completing the picture, but it looks as sickly as I felt.

* * * * *

Two months from my admittance to the hospital, I finally got off antibiotics.

Another three weeks later I was pronounced well, all the complications finally gone.

I am so happy to be walking with the puppies again.

* * * * *

I tell you what.  This whole ordeal has been a serious exercise in priorities, a test of determination, a focus of faith.  I am so very grateful to be well.  I am so very grateful to be able to appreciate the sun, the blue sky, the spring.  I am so very grateful to be here, after the flood.