Egyptians, friends and Mom.

I have had a lot of news this week. Good news, bad news and everything in between. Personal, local, national and international news have all come into play in my little corner of the world in the past few days. I am so very happy for our Egyptian friends. What an incredible thing to witness, even if it was just through newscasts, newspapers, radio and internet. One of John's professors at Arkansas State University, Dr. Amany Saleh, is Egyptian and is one of John's all-time favorite teachers. Also, the toughest teacher he's ever had. We were talking as all of this unfolded and he said "I ought to call her." He hasn't yet, but sure he will. Dr. Saleh was so tough on her master's degree students that they actually bought t-shirts to wear that said "I survived the wild ride!" They all wore them to her house for a celebratory party at the end of their last class with her before they graduated. My point is, we live in a very large country, and just by the nature of our American lives, sometimes, we feel very removed from what is actually happening in the world. Knowing someone from Egypt, brought that one home for us. 

I found out yesterday, that one of our good college friends, who is an incredible horn player and may be the funniest person I've ever been around, has Carcinoid cancer and has been diagnosed since June of 2009. I was shocked and felt ashamed that I hadn't kept better tabs on both he and his wife. John and I speak of them often, but we just haven't kept in touch! I am sending positive, healing vibes to you right now, Tom!!! 

My mom has had a couple of mishaps in the last few days. She's 82 and does very well, but...a change in medication caused her to become shaky and forgetful...not a good combination when you live on your own at that age. She fell at 11p.m. and even though she had the phone right there, she couldn't remember any of my siblings numbers who live there in town, to call and get help. She didn't hurt herself, thank goodness, but she stayed in the floor until 4 a.m....when she could finally remember my sister's phone number. Then...on Tuesday, the day before my 44th birthday, she called me in the morning and sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I just laughed and said "Thanks, Mom!  but...it's tomorrow!" She laughed and said "Oh hell, I'm a day off!" I just figured with the snow days and her not being able to get out she was just confused on her days. Later that night, about 4:45p.m. I called her just to chat for a few minutes. We talked for about 10 minutes, laughed about her calling me that morning and singing to me a day early, talked about the weather and when it was going to warm up! We hung up with our I love yous and miss yous. At 5:15p.m. my phone rang. It was Mom and I figured she had called back to tell me something she'd forgotten to mention- which we both do a lot of the time! When I answered the phone, she said "Hon, I forgot to wish you Happy Birthday."........my heart stood still.....I could barely catch my breath. My mom, who has always been at the core of who I am, and from whom came any goodness that is in me, and all of the compassion that I have, was obviously very, very confused. After talking with her and discussing what had happened and talking with my sisters and sister in law, it was obvious that it was the new medicine. Mom agreed that this didn't start until she started the new med. The shakiness, weakness, and forgetfulness was all because of an unnecessary medicine. And now, that she's not taking it, she's back to normal! She told me yesterday, "that stuff was making me crazy." The worst part for me came when she said "I hope I don't have Alzheimer's." Which of course, was my very first, initial thought, but immediately dismissed it because of knowing about her meds and she has NEVER shown signs of any kind of dimentia or Alzheimer's. But, I hated the sound of her voice when she said it. She was scared, and I never want that for her. Never.
 
That medicine isn't something that is necessary for her right now, she's off of it and will go to her doctor's appointment next week as scheduled. I thank God for keeping her "safe" during these past couple of weeks while she's been taking that stuff. It's very difficult living three and a half to four hours away. I want to take care of her and give back all that she has given to me. For now, I'm glad she's back to her ol', funny, charismatic self! I'll be going home to visit for a few days very soon. 

So...here's to the Egyptians...may you all live in peace and harmony. 

Here's to Tom, Jenny and their family...may you heal in body and spirit and bask in the love that is being sent to you.

And...here's to my mom... and I'm stealing from Mr. Spock, but it fits...Live long and prosper and know that you are the teacher who taught me the most important things about life and because of you, I am capable of living, laughing and loving.