Ellen's album

Photobucket Album

Melanie

OHMIGOSH. Just one of those moments that catch you by surprise. I have a sister named Melanie who lives in Texas. She and I share paternal DNA. I never got to see her as a child because they lived far away in Michigan and then Arizona and finally Texas. She just called me, I haven't talked to her in 15 years I bet. Last time I looked, she was like 11. Now she's 37. Whew. I think she said 37. She looks like an actress named Kay Lenz. That's what I remember. She talks with a Texas drawl, much like my sister Mary. My sister Jenni and I talk like normal people....hahahaha. The donor of the paternal DNA we share is apparently dying in a hospital in Portland Oregon. She has to make some decisions about DNR and stuff and was kind enough to call her "missing" siblings to see what their thoughts, if any, were. I really don't have any, he left when I was 4 and Mary was 3 and John was about 3 months old. I went to visit him and his mom, my namesake, Grandma Ellen, about 5 years ago, 3 months before Sam got sick. I love my grandma. She always kept in touch with us and we'd see her on holidays. She lived in a little house in Detroit, 1933 Green St. I wonder if that's why green is my favorite color??!! Grandma will be 91 in December. I hope I take after her side as far as longevity goes. Her mom lived to be 96. My mom was 51 and her mom was 52 when they died, so GO Grandma Ellen. So thank you Melanie for calling me. It means a lot that you included our thoughts in your decision. I just wish I could have helped you. But I'm glad for the blessing of talking to you tonight. You're my sister and I do love you. Oh and the weirdest thing??? She has 3 sons, Nicholas, Alex and Samuel. I have four kids, Nikolaas, Alec and Sammi. OH and Caitlin. I think it's very odd that our kids have the same names. Like long lost twins that find out all the things they have in common. Weird!!

Happy Birthday Alec!!!

Today my baby turned 13. Holy Cow, where did the time go??? Alec is an amazing boy, despite his problems. I told his teacher in 2nd grade I would never change his "problems" (at the time, he had significant speech problems) because he wouldn't be my Alec! Coming thru these problems will make him a stronger adult and person. I love you Alec, more than my life. I love you.

I'm baaaaaack!!!

This is Alec's wall of support when he was in the hospital. He got a lot of cards and letters and stuff. He's doing really well, 18 lbs and 3.3 inches. That's what he's gained since March, 90% of it since July.

Sam is not doing well. Headaches, nausea, crap crap crap.

I am ok. Nik is talking about having a benefit for us at his bar next month. I am really struggling. The kids don't know, they shouldn't have to deal with it. I struggle to hide it. I am ok at it, not great. But I recover fast when I falter. I struggle with everything, I'm sick of it but right now I have no choice. I could just lay in bed and cover my head and hide but I can't do that. I want to once in a while, but usually I just get out there and do what I gotta do.