Memory lane

Today started out a little shaky after being up all night but as the day went on... It got better and better.  Today is our sweet Lauralees 30th birthday and we did a lot of thumbing through pictures and reminiscing.  You know I did all the talking, as usual, but Pat enjoyed it by the look in his eyes.  Later we ran errands and our friend Jennifer went with us. We showed  her where our children went to school and decided to turn into their middle school which was West Millbrook.  We parked at their baseball fields which holds so many memories for us especially Pat.  He was quite the coach to all three of our children, as well as half of North Raleigh!  We walked around the fields and the dugouts and the batting cage.  Boy did he perk up!  One particular story stood out today because it was about the birthday girl.  The story goes... Pat had two boys and one girl who he was determined to make into a boy it seemed.  Can you spell COMPETETIVE?  That's my Pat.  Well, Laura Lee was in the middle of softball try outs for  west Millbrook and it was do or die!  Her coach, Mrs Moore, looked far beyond the outfield up into a wooded picnic table area..... And who did she see???? There sat Pat in his coat and tie (work attire) perched on a picnic table spying on LauraLee!  Like he didn't stand out!  I don't really know if he was spying on his little girl or the coach but either way.. She made the team!  And lauralee never lived it down.  What a good day it was for COACH MERRITT!  He was and still is that kind of dad.  I will end with what I had to remind them both for many years afterwards.... LAURALEE YOU ARE A GIRL!  STOP IT PAT!  And what a beautiful DADDYS  girl she is....

I believe this was what happened

This morning Pat,Sharon Merritt, and I were drinking our coffee and watching the program "The Doctors". It was about Lyme disease and what it can do to your body if undiagnosed.  I went through years trying to figure out what was wrong with Pat. I was on the computer constantly researching what it could be.  Just ask LAURALEE... she'd come down stairs in the middle of the night and say..." You're searching for answers aren't you momma?" She got used to it.   We were in and out of the doctors offices and always got a clean bill of health.  But it never satisfied my concern.  I knew something was wrong.  Physically it was apparent that he wasn't well .  It wasn't until a few years later that it was obvious that his brain wasn't working up to speed for Pat and his sharp mind.  When I look back over the years and when I could pinpoint the changes that were happening before our eyes, I came to the conclusion it was chronic LYME DISEASE! I've always felt in my heart that's where it all began.  At this point it doesn't matter what caused it... It's too late.  But it isn't too late for someone else.  Be aware of this my friends.... Read up on it.  Know your body...  And FYI.... I'm known by many of my friends as THE WITCH DOCTOR"! I'm available if you need me........

It wasn't pat

Hi friends.... The past few days have been a little bumpy but we're  just holding steady trying to let' the meds get out of Pats system.  Not a lot of sleep!  It's very much like a toddler on the loose! They touch everything, they are in motion, they can't make their mind up as to whether they want to be inside or out... And they put things in their pockets.   I'm forever saying. " where did you put this... Where did you put that.... Let me check your pockets",  if anything is missing, I blame it on PAT!   Believe me I've had my moments and my patience runs mighty thin at times.  .  BUT to those who know me best....I'm sure that doesn't surprise you!  Just wanted to add a little humor to your day.... Yesterday we were watching the news and the missing jetliner was the topic at the moment.  I said" where in the world is that plane!!!! And pat stood up and emptied his pockets and said "I  DONT HAVE IT"!!! ! You gotta love it. Keep your prayers coming.......

Thought this would be a good idea

Hi friends.  I know you all aware of Pat's disease which is called FTD.  It's a form of dementia that attacks the frontal lobe of your brain which is what we call our executive branch.  He was diagnosed over four years ago but when we look back, this began at least 3 years earlier. It's terminal... We know that... But try to live in the present the best we know how.  With that said.... Our friends and family are so dear and frequently want an update.  My friend Sharon came over tonight and suggested I blog from time to time, that way everyone would be in the loop and she also thought it might help me as well.  So.... Here's my first update

Pats doing much better today after some trying moments these past few days.  He's calm, happy and has a little sparkle in his eye which tells me he's alright.  It might be because the wolfpack made it into the tournament!  I'm trying to keep him awake as we speak so we can watch the pack!  I'll end with this.... The other night as we were trying to get him settled into bed after a very difficult day... I tucked Pat in and said goodnight keeping my fingers crossed.  I heard him say something and when I leaned close, he said. "Go Wolfpack"bright before he drifted off.  I knew my pat was still in there alive and kicking!!!  Thanks friends for your love and prayers.  Each blog won't always be this long!! Promise!  Go Wolfpack!!!

Lee