Wednesday, May 25, 2016

First a Card...

Without all my usual chatter, I have a card to share. It's a pretty QACAS one. Playing along with the current challenge at City Crafters, where we're to use black, white and gold as an accent.



My interpretation looks like this:


One Studio Calico Stamp set, using the little dots, one Studio Calico 'celebrate' die, and a couple of scraps; gold glitter and black. EZPZ, and I like the way this turned out. 

Now. I've got some 'splaining to do, so if you want to skip this next part, feel free. I haven't been crafting, posting or commenting very much as of late. Wasn't sure how much to share, wasn't sure how to say what I wanted to say, and wasn't sure you'd want to hear. And I spent a little time reeling with total brain shut down, too. But I'm going to give this a go, and see what falls out of my brain and onto the keyboard. Some of you know that my DH is a few (20) years older than me, and I'm no spring chicken. Overall, he's in decent health. Not great, not good, but decent. Took him to a new doctor a few weeks ago. She sent him for lab work (all wonderfully normal), and two CT scans; one of his brain, and one of his lower abdomen and legs. I expected something to show on his legs, so wasn't surprised to find narrowing of his distal femoral arteries in both legs (just above his knees).  Our youngest son, a Family Practice physician said we should leave them alone if he can tolerate the coldness, as he doesn't have any pain. The Vascular Surgeon we went to said to readdress this after he gets the other thing looked at/taken care of. His narrowed arteries are serious, but not acute, and not life or limb threatening. But it's the other thing that tossed me around like a rag doll in a tornado. For his sake, I had to pretend normalcy, but inside I was functioning in a fog. Thankfully, that stage has passed. Next moth, we go see a Neuroscience Team at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee for a consultation and to schedule final diagnosis testing. There's a real possibility that DH has a condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephaly (NPH). I'll let you google that, but it affects several aspects of a person, and if left untreated, well, there's only one outcome... There is treatment, however. It's placement of a shunt in his brain. Having worked as a Surgical Technologist, I know what that is, and how the procedure works. "Minor" brain surgery. 

Meanwhile, I stick close to him. His fall-risk has greatly increased as his gait has substantially worsened in the last few months (a symptom of NPH). And we wait. Full of questions. More full of prayers. Hoping that if his final diagnosis is NPH, that he's a candidate for the shunt. His regular doc, and the radiologist seem to think that's what he's got, but we have to wait for the Neuroscience team's diagnosis. It's going to be a long year. And I don't know if I'll have time or energy to be anything other than a caregiver. Did that sound selfish, or self-pitying? Hope not, that's not what I'm trying to convey. I'm fully equipped, and absolutely willing to care for my beloved in all things. But I may not be able to enjoy crafting and such. As I'm sure you'd agree, my priorities must be elsewhere. I will try to get in here when I can, and visit you all when I can, but it may all be very sporadic. So that's what's been keeping me busy. We're okay; trusting in God's promises to be with us, and to keep us. Since I've taken up a good deal of your time, I'll stop now. Feel free to email me with any questions, and I'll do my best to get back to you. Thanks for listening, and Happy Dances everyone.

33 comments:

Tracey McNeely said...

Bev a beautiful card and with all you are going through my friend I am so glad you found a moment to create. It's good for the soul. I so hope your hubby is not diagnosed with NPH, you have been through enough in this lifetime so far. Sometimes although a relief to have a name or diagnosis it just adds more stress. Sending you big hugs. Always here if you want to chat! xoxo

Brenda said...

Beautiful card Bev, I so love the color combo. I pray that hubby doesn't have NPH, but at the same time you and he need answers. If he does have NPH, I know you will be right by his side taking good care of him. My thoughts and prayers are always with you both as well as Tad. Creat when you can and visit when and if you can. We will be right here waiting for you. And please know that I'm here for you anytime you need to talk, cry or scream. Big hugs, Brenda

Brenda said...

Beautiful card Bev, I so love the color combo. I pray that hubby doesn't have NPH, but at the same time you and he need answers. If he does have NPH, I know you will be right by his side taking good care of him. My thoughts and prayers are always with you both as well as Tad. Creat when you can and visit when and if you can. We will be right here waiting for you. And please know that I'm here for you anytime you need to talk, cry or scream. Big hugs, Brenda

Hannelie said...

Hi Bev ! Your card is lovely and I am so glad you had time to create ! Boy you have a lot to deal with! Thinking of you and hoping and praying for the best possible outcome. Love and hugs coming your way x

Hannelie said...

Hi Bev ! Your card is lovely and I am so glad you had time to create ! Boy you have a lot to deal with! Thinking of you and hoping and praying for the best possible outcome. Love and hugs coming your way x

TK said...

Bev, your card is so lovely, only second to your heart! Your heart is in the right place, and I pray that all things will come into view a little clearer and that your DH can be helped through the doctors! I pray for peace, patience, and a few moments of relaxation daily for you as you tne to your priorities.

Anita in France said...

A beautiful card from a beautiful soul, Bev! Walking with you in spirit and in prayer, my dear friend ... and holding you close as you take on the next few months of uncertainty. Take care of you as well as John! Sending great big hugs to you across the miles ... miss you heaps! Bisous, bisous, Anita :)

Barb said...

A lovely card you've made Bev. I really am so sorry to hear what you and your family are going through and I hope for the best possible outcome when you get you husband,s results. I will be Keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs. Barbxx

Marina said...

What a striking black and white card with the glamourous gold sentiment. Thanks for joining in at City Crafter. Marina DT

lostinpaper said...

Big Hugs to you my friend x

Susanne Vargas said...

Bev, my thoughts and prayers are with you both! May you find strength to do what needs to be done! I will certainly understand if you don't have time to create and blog, but I hope for your own sanity that you will be able to escape to your craft area once in a while because it's good for the soul!
Your card is wonderful!
Lots of hugs and love,
Susanne

OH Babs said...

Lovely card Bev and touching story. It is at this time in our lives when we take our wedding vows seriously. Thankfully you have one another and a vast collection of friends and family. When people say how can they help, tell them and let them. Blessings to you Bev and your entire family. God Bless, Barbara

Suzanne said...

Your card is absolutely gorgeous, it's very striking and so beautifully simple! I'm so sorry to hear all that you have been going through and the long wait ahead, I sincerely hope all goes well for him and also that you find some time to do what brings you joy and peace.
Kindest regards....Suzanne

Judy1223 said...

Bev, your card is beautiful, thank you for sharing. I promise I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. Your priority is with him, of course!

Aileen said...

Hi Bev, just read your post and wanted to say there is never anything selfish in putting yourself or your family first. Go with what ever you feel in yourself and know we are all thinking of you even if we cant be there for you. I only know you through blogland but always enjoy visiting and reading your posts. My heart goes out to your family and my prays are with you all. Xxx Aileen

Lynn said...

Good morning my beautiful Bev. My thoughts and prayers are with you and John. Your faith and devotion will guide you through this journey. Praying for clarity for the doctors and for both of you. Praying that there is relief. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Asking for help my friend! Wish I was close by so that you could get out a bit and refresh. Completely understand about crafting...try to sneak it in when the house is a bit quieter to take your mind off everything. Sending lots of love and prayers. And of course, I love your gorgeous card. xx

I Card Everyone said...

When you need prayers, consider them said. Sending love and hugs as you deal so beautifully with all life's struggles, Bev. You are in my heart.
=]

JenniferE said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Lean on God, He will lead your way.

Geri said...

First, thanks again for the awesome phone visit! So nice to hear your for real person voice!

I’m back in bloggie land again! However, my absence was definitely a whole lot less stressful as yours! Brady was home this past week so I was busy enjoying a whole bunch of fabulous mommy/daughter time!

Your card....yep, WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER pal! hey...it's got polkie dots, a bit of glitz and is deliciously CAS. LOVE IT!!!

Patti said...

Oh dear Bev. I am so sorry that you ad your wonderful family are facing this trial. I will hold you close in prayer. Remember not to look too far down that road Jesus will give you the grace you need in your time of need!

BIG (((Hugs)))
Patti

oh gees! and your card is delightful! Polka dots are the next best thing to a Happy Dance! : )

Kim Heggins said...

Beautiful card Miss Bev...so sorry to about John, sending lots of good thoughts and prayers to you and your sweet family.

Ros Crawford said...

Your card is simply stunning!! I'm so glad that you could play along at CCCB this week ... I am so sorry to hear about your hubby and the stress you are under with all this ... My DH is older than me and whilst we don't endure your problems still and all there are a few and I can totally understand where you are coming from. My thoughts are with you ... I hope you can continue to find time to create and write for your sake ... People do care and I know it's helped me many times... Sending hugs

Bobby said...

My heart and prayers go out to you, dear Bev. It's wonderful to take care of John but be sure to take care of yourself, too. Hugs and comfort to you my friend.

Rose said...

A lovely card Bev! I feel for your during what must be a very draining & difficult time.
I sincerely hope there is a very positive outcome to your husbands diagnosis. In the mean time don't forget to look after yourself as well.

shirley-bee said...

What a tumultuous time for you and your DH, Bev, but it sounds like you are more than equipped to deal with this. I love that you've managed to produce a knockout card in the midst of all this. Take care of you both x

Kim S said...

You and your family are in my prayers daily. You have been an inspiration to me over the years with your cheerful outlook through everything - and your ability to reach out to an entire world of cardmakers with your kind and caring comments. You have the strength and ability to be a fabulous caregiver - and it is not selfish nor self-pitying to worry about all that entails. I do hope you have time to find some happy time with your cards - for YOUR sake - but don't let it add another stress. Just know that you have a world of people - most of whom you have never met - who care for you.

Stella said...

Bev I am so sorry to hear that there is so much going on. I hope the outcome will bring you the best possible news. In between the lines I can read how much you love him and I wish you and your husband more good years to come. And enjoying each others company. Family - and defnitely- your husband always comes first. I understand why you're not in the "crafting mood". But I hope you will fnid some time to do a bit of crafting. A sort of "me time". Your children will support you but also ask for help. This is too big to handle it all on your own. Thinking of you and wishing you and your husband all the best.

Oops almost forgotten; I love your card for our challegne at CCCB!

p.s. and my apologies for my English; I am not a native speaker/writer
Big hugs!

Darnell said...

It was good to catch up with you, Bevie, and to hear your voice! You know I am keeping you and John and Tad in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can figure out a way to move John into the doorway of your craft room or move your craft room into the TV room so that you can continue to make your beautiful cards (like this one!!!) and blog and visit, especially in the weeks spent waiting for appointments and answers. It's important that you have ME time to stop going mad and to be an even better nurse to John! Love and hugs, Darnell

maria f. said...

Oh dear Bev. Happy dancing polka dots to start out the post and then this news. And the worst part is the waiting. I hope you find the patience and strength to make it through this. Wishing you and DH the best and hoping that you find some time for yourself too. Giant hug across the pond.

Martha said...

Oh, Bev, what a lovely card you've created. Dots are always so classy. Fabulous design.

I'm so sorry to hear about all you and your DH are going through. Please know you are in my prayers. Take care of yourself, also. BIG HUGS! ♥

Marybeth said...

Hi, it's me......sorry I have missed some of these . I am sorry you have more on your plate right now...Bev....just when you think you have too much ! Sweet Bev know you are still in. Y prayers even when I don't stop by. Crafting makes you happy so hope you find some time to do it for your piece of mind. Jesus I Trust In You! ......hugs!

Petra Swart said...

First Bev: what a wonderful card you have made, my friend!!! The cheerful black dots on the white bg - LOVE it!!! And the gold sentiment on the black strip - perfect!!! This lovely card has got such a happy feeling to it and it's a winner!!!! So WOW!!!!
And then Bev: So, so sorry to hear that you are going through such a tough time ...know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I know that you will be given the strength to get through this and to support your husband as needed!!! What you've told us is definitely not selfish or self-pitying and I am so glad that you opened your heart to us so that all your on-line friends can support you along the way!!!!! Take care of yourself, too, my friend!!!! Hope that you will find some time now and again, to craft, for that helps to unwind a bit!!!! Keep well!!!
Warm hugz all the way from SA!!!!!

JD/ Jill said...

I was reading a newer post of yours and you made a comment about your hubby so I wanted to read through to find out what that was all about. Oh my, I can see why your crafting time has been limited. I can kind of relate...Hubby fell several weeks ago, and I have had to be a caregiver too. Doesn't leave much time for crafting. I'll have to read more posts and hope to read that things are going much better for you. Sending prayers your way.