I am thankful for the sacrifices others have made and are making everyday including dying for our freedom. As I watch memorial services today, the pain as if yesterday and tears flowing. America was forever changed by the terrorist attacks but Americans were not. We’ve seen the worst and it brought out the best.

I think about the lives cut short on 9-11-01 and today. The people behind the stories on the nightly news. Parents who had to explain mommy or daddy is not coming home. A fresh face twenty year old killed in Afghanistan a week before his tour is over. Each one helps keep America free.

We will never forget.

I didn’t know what to expect except cathedrals, ballet and art museums. St. Petersburg is so much more. People knew I was American since most women don’t travel alone. Russians and people from several countries came up to say how sorry they were about the tragedy in America. I cried knowing someone a world away cared. We can live in a bubble sometimes. The Russian people tried so hard to help me when asking for directions even thou we didn’t speak each other’s language. I walked everywhere even at night with little worry of crime. Restaurant owners would watch for me knowing I was a women walking alone. The food was outstanding, caviar superb and service was excellent. I felt like a princess and gypsy music never sounded so good.

I stayed at The Astoria one of the two five-star hotels in St. Petersburg. They had me at hello! From the Mercedes at the airport to the tour of the hotel, fresh flowers, chilled champagne even a hand written welcome note. The doorman knew my name when I arrived. I had a personal taste test of the different types of caviar. A little intimidating for a hometown Texas girl.

I hit the usual tourist spots and didn’t have time to see half of my list. St. Petersburg is beautiful with a very long and interesting history. The Russian people were warm and hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to go back.

The photo is an apartment close to the Kazan Cathedral. I can imagine having coffee on the balcony watching the sun come up. Hope you enjoy.

From Russia with Love

I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed. My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell us is that people his age die much faster, the end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what you want to say, cry for the loss and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.

Cleaning out the house was so hard, 46 years of memories everywhere I looked. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on back of photos, on little pieces of paper and even masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. This time everything was getting packed and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost parents as well, the best you could ever pray for.  The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life and know it’s a long  journey.

The Gulf Shores sunsets are like God smiling down on you. These photos are a mini vacation from my stressed out life. I hope you enjoy.

*Ask the doctor what happens if the  procedure does not work.
*If a second procedure is needed and does not work, is there a third option.
*What is the recovery time and what type of home health services are needed.

I went into this non-invasive surgery with a complete lack of information. I’ve been through many surgeries over the years with my grandfather. I just had not gone in for a non-invasive procedure and it turn into three over seven days. I made the mistake of thinking the procedure would go as they had in the past. Age makes all the difference, just five years at this stage in life can change everything.   

I’m blessed to be able to spend this time with my grandfather. We still have a long road ahead. It is very emotional and life changing because I’ve become the parent and he doesn’t like me telling him anything including when to take his medicine. He has raised his voice at me more in the past month than in my lifetime. It’s hard to take it in stride. The stress has triggered my depression so I struggle to keep myself in check and take care of my grandfather.