Tom's Miraculous Recovery

As all who follow me on Facebook know, my father-in-law Tom, has been in MICU fighting for his life. This last week his kidneys began to fail as he fought pneumonia and MRSR (medically resistant staff infection). I was told by Dr. Doom (my nickname for him) that Tom's prognosis was "grim" and that I should call the family if they wanted to say good bye.

Needless to say, I was quite devastated by this turn of events. Being who I am, I immediately contacted everyone I knew requesting prayers. I have been saying rosaries daily (more than I have said in the last 40 years).

I let everyone at the hospital know that Tom is a fighter. It seems that many of the so-called professionals are too quick to give up on 86 year olds, but I do not ascribe to that view. Up until January Tom was working at the Hombre Golf Course and playing regular golf with his buddies. This is not a man who has given up....

Now for the good news. Tom is improving every day. Today, he was able to speak a full sentence without losing his breath! He conned the nurse out of two breakfasts which he gobbled down. When Paul and I were visiting this afternoon, the nurse/social worker came by to tell Tom he would be transferred to Select Care for extended rehab this evening. I think he has walked away from Death's Door for now. I can't thank everyone enough for the love and prayers that have been sent our way. Continue to keep Tom in your prayers and God Bless....

All Women's 1st Twilight 5K for Maine Cancer Foundation

Thursday June 3rd I ran my second 5K, the all women's Twilight 5k at Southern Maine Community College. We ran by Spring Point Marina and around Bug Light and back to SMCC. What a course! There were hills and valleys, unlike any running I've done in flat Florida. My first 5K took me 39 minutes 16 seconds to run; this one took me 34 minutes 46 seconds (about an 11 minute mile). I finished 5th out of 13 in my age group. Paul followed me for most of the race encouraging me to dig in. It wasn't easy because about 1.5 miles into it, I developed a horrendous headache (I would like to think it was due to pollen and not my shunt) and every step hurt my head. Paul kept telling me there was only 100 yards left but there must have been an awful lot of 100 yards because it seemed to go on and on. Quitting never entered my mind but having Paul with me made it easier. One of the women I ran with commented on how great it was to have someone running with me.

By raising $1,000 for the Maine Cancer Foundation I became one of the top fundraisers. Many of our friends and relatives have died from cancer so it was my pleasure to help the cause.

My daughter, Kelly and two grandchildren, Trinitee and Gavin, also came to cheer me on. It was nice to have them at the finish line.

Some may say, why are you doing this at your age? For me, it is done in gratitude for being able to walk. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Communicating Hydrocephalus (this is not easily diagnosed but is very evident on a brain MRI). For many years, I had been going downhill physically and finally went to a neurologist. I am convinced it would have been a matter of time before I had ended up in a wheelchair. Thank God, with the help of a shunt in my brain, I am able to walk and run. And run I will do.

I am headed back to Florida this Wednesday to care for Tom again. He and I will be flying to Birmingham for his follow up appointment on the 21st of June.

From what I've heard it is hot and muggy. That just means I will be running earlier in the day........Unfortunately, I may have the opportunity to wash birds and sea life while I am there. The oil is beginning to show up at Panama City. Ugghh.....