Thank Goodness Wed. 11th is over!

What with the wild fires in Melbourne and Northwest South Australia, floods in Ingham between Townsville and Cairns, near the Great Barrier Reef, and now Tornadoes hitting down and killing people as well in Oklahoma, it has been a week or so of absolute devastation, and it tells us this. We never can completely be sure our plans will come to pass, when old man weather decides to step in, or some crazy arsonist decides to set fire, then our plans are out the window. If I have learned anything in life, it is that.

For the past year I have had some real health issues going on. Well my children will say, "tell me Mumma, what else is new?" But seriously, I have. I have postponed time and time again tests to see what is going on. But the pain in my stomach got so bad I finally was forced by my body to do something. So I did. Yesterday Stephen took me to the hospital to have an EGD (Upper Gastrointestinal Dilatation) and a Colonoscopy. I was not with the program when they wheeled me back into my room, so the Gastroenterologist told Stephen J. what was going on. I apparently have a stomach (and lower intestines are beginning to be part of the mess) that has been pretty much 'eaten away' by whatever, ulcers I suppose. It is pretty bad and so therefore about all they can do at this point is put me on medication to try and heal it. The doctor told Steve that I could be healed in three months with continuous taking my RX and following his instructions. I have been a habitual taker of Excedrin for many many years, and according to the doctor, no more. That has played a huge part in the problems. So - stay away from excedrin is my "Advice of the Week" to you all. I believe there are many other contributing factors, but that is one I was told. I have been in horrible pain and each day it became worse, but I knew in my heart that it was not the "C" word, I never felt that was a factor. So I will say this and end this conversation.

I am so grateful, even though it is serious because if I do not get these cleared up I stand the potential of what is called a GI bleed, and that is where things erupt and it can be serious. But the exciting thing here is, millions and millions suffer with ulcers, the bad thing is, mine are about as bad as they get. But the good news is this. I believed with all my heart I just needed to find out what was causing the pain and associated problems and a cure would be the outcome. I have accomplished that much. My faith will continue until these yukky nasty things are cleared up, and I have a nice functioning body. So I share this information with you all so that you know I am OK, and that it is curable, and for that I am sure I have many to thank for this blessing.

So that is about how the week has gone. . But - one exciting item of news this week - on Wednesday, yesterday, Jonathan celebrated his 35th birthday. I cannot believe it. Seems yesterday this little 6 pound 14 ounce, 19 inches, red headed baby boy entered our lives. What a blessing he has been to us and to many others. I am sure Cathy and Ethan would totally agree with me on that. So happy birthday Jonathan. We love you and are proud of you.

Until next week, cheerio, and have a great week. Hope some of you in Oz have cooled down from the 117 degree heat and those of us over here, Natalie excluded, although I hear Phoenix down to 55 yesterday, are not too cold. Love till then. Maureen/Mum