2009 Secret Pal changes & News

[CindyB]

Hi all! You may (or may not) know that Keith's health has been taking a dive, so I've had to back off of Secret Pal's for the end of this year.

Next year, 2009, Debi/Astitchintime has stepped up to the plate, and will be hosting this, with my full approval!

I know that I've had to back off on stuff, and I apologize whole-heartedly.

Keith is being wonderful, but we've had to put several things on hold that we wanted to do.... no trip to SC to to see nephew graduate from Army basic training (wish I could go - and spend some time with Gardenquilter!), but we aren't going to be able to do this now.

I will be travelling to New Hampshire for Christmas (Keith is really insistant on this, since my folks are getting up in age, he wants me to spend Christmas with them - he says he has me for the rest of the year!) on or about the 10th, and returning sometime between Christmas and New Years. Keith isn't able to go - he has doctor's appointments he needs to get taken care of to have his total shoulder replacement Jan. 8th.

OK, so this is the scoop on Keith: he's been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (or Joint Degeneration Disease), I'm never sure which way this goes. This means that his joints (like knuckles, shoulders, knees, hips) are all just disappearing. Some joints (like knees, shoulders, hips) can be replaced, but the only way to ease is pain in his fingers is to fuse the fingers, which means straight - no more hanging on to anything. He's already progressed to the point that he can no longer play the guitar. His back is almost as bad as it was when he had back surgery two years ago... and again, they can't do too much with the spine, if there's nothing there to work with.

So, all of this has put him in a depression, worse than usual. It's pulled me down into a funk, too. I haven't really quilted since my shoulder surgery last September. (This is part of his disability, too).

One lady at a LQS says I'm in a "creative" stage, where I'm thinking about what to do next. Truthfully, I have so much to do, that I don't know what to do next.... guess I have to get back to the basics and do one thing at a time.

I don't want pity, and don't to drag everyone down, but this is why I've been absent a lot.

Now, I've come to the place where I can talk about this, and realize that I can't sit around and feel sorry for me or Keith any more, either.

My doctor has given me a blood pressure cuff, as she's worried about that, too. I still need to loose about 100 pounds!

Well, we're getting out and walking as much as we can (it's snowed all weekend here!), but it's tough....

So - how do you get out of your funks???

I'm sorry to unload on all of you - this was supposed to be an uplifting and supporting post that Stitch has my full support for 2009 Secret Pals! LOL! <shakes head>

PS - I'm going to be in NH/VT long enough, so that I EXPECT to see Mcmema while I'm there!!!

[sadiedaisy1]

Cindy, I'm sorry to hear about Keith's and your own health problems. I'm sure it must be very tough to not be able to do the things you love (play guitar, quilt, etc.). I think you need to try and focus on the things you can do. I know it's much easier said than done. You are both very fortunate to have each other's love and support, and of course the love and support from your family and friends, including us on the forum. One thing I always hear/read about helping to get out of a depressed state is to help others in need. It makes you feel good and helps you to forget about your own problems for a little while. I'm sure you already know about this as you have shown all of us that you are a very giving person. Keep up the good work and hopefully you'll be able to have brighter days ahead soon. Take care. Hugs, Lori

[katiekoala]

Cundy just take care of Keith and yourself we do miss you but understand that family comes first just as it should be!

[sewcarolyn]

(((Cindy and Keith)))))

Debi thank you for stepping forward to keep us humming along

[apolta]

Big Hugs CindyB... My prayers are with you and Keith that you both can see some relief in the near future! I appreciate all you have done for secret pals... I have loved being involved in it!

Debi... Thanks a bunch for stepping up... I would have been very sad to not continue with SP... I have met so many wonderful new friends!

Thanks Ladies!
Big Hugs to all!
-Alina-

[grandmaof12]

hi cindy, thank u for having the secret pals. I have enjoyed it so much and want to join the new one. You take care of yourself and your husband. focus on the postive things that u can do. Keep your eyes on the Lord, when he closes one door he opens another. Know that we all understand and we thank you. Please take care and have a safe trip and a blessed holiday. Jan

[chriskay]

I'm sorry to here about your husband Keith. You need to keep your spirits up and that is hard to do I know. My husband has terimenal cancer so I know how you feel. Thank you for doing the sp. Glad to see that it will continue in the new year and I plan on doing the sp when it starts up again. My prayers are with you.
Chris

[mamaw]

Cindy,
My best to you and Keith. Thank you for starting the Secret Pal which helped us to get to know each other better. It has been alot of fun.
I will pass on the new year also. I am having a complete knee replacement Dec. 8 and will not be doing any shopping or quilting for a while. Have to go to rehab because of my leukemia; but hear that the actual therapy is a step up from what home health provides, so guess that is a good thing. As long as I am home before Christmas, will do whatever they say.
Happy holidays to all of you!!
God Bless, Nancy

[quiltwen]

Hoping you and keith have a great xmas you both deserve it.Thanks for starting SP it has been lovely hearing from so many of you lovely quilting gals,
Hugs Wendy PS keep well

[IowaGal]

You all don't even begin to know. Cindy, you know I am here for you and Keith if you should need us to do anything for him whilst you are gone. Just call.