My Journeying

2012-01-19T18:30:00.000-05:00

A new journey

Over three years have passed since I've been here. My life has been quite a journey in that time. Both children have graduated college and are happily employed. My youngest gets married soon! The first of the siblings to do so. Life keeps rolling on.

I have found love. Real love. True love. I, too, will be married again. Geez, and I was convinced that I NEVER would go down that path. No one has ever meant enough. No one has ever made me feel enough. The man I have fallen in love with is handsome, intelligent, funny, sexy, gets me. I am rarely "myself" around people, just family and a few close friends. I knew right away that I could be me, myself, with him. And I am happy! And I am sad. My dad would have loved him, too. Papa could have walked me down the aisle and not had to hesitate to ask if I was sure this time. I did have reservations the first time, and I think Pop sensed that, so he asked. I said he was being silly. I have no reservations now. I am confident that this man is meant to be mine, and I his. So this is part two but without a big part of part one...I miss you Papa.

Veteran's Day - Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008

2008-11-07T18:34:00.010-05:00

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

This upcoming Tuesday is Veteran's Day. Knowing how proud my father was to serve in the Navy during the Korean War gives this day special meaning to me.

There is a link under "Rest Stops" called The Gratitude Campaign. It is a movement for those, and "those" should be all Americans, to show a small token of thanks to our soldiers serving now. Please take a moment to watch the video.

And let's not forget....those not coming home....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBWgcSwJyOE&feature=related

If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English thank a soldier.

THANK YOU TO ALL UNITED STATES VETERANS IN ALL THE BRANCHES OF SERVICE!

To my dad

2008-11-05T18:22:00.004-05:00

It has been about a month since my father's death. It is still a very sad, hollow feeling, but I know he is in Tremendous Hands!

I love you Papa!

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

What to do with an AD patient

2008-04-21T17:16:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of things to do with a person with AD. This has gone around the message boards a lot, and so I thought I'd post...different levels will be able to do different tasks.

100 Things to Do With The Person Who Has Alzheimer's Disease

From the Alzheimer's Association:

Sort poker chips

Rake leaves

Roll yarn into a ball

Clean out a pumpkin

Reminisce about a favorite summer

Make a brithday cake

Bake cookies

Use the carpet sweeper

Read out loud

Count tickets

Look up names in the phone book

Read the daily paper out loud

Ask a friend, neighbor, church acquaintance who has a baby or young child to visit

Listen to polka music

Plant seeds indoors or out

Look at family photographs

Toss a ball

Color pictures

Make homemade lemonade

Wipe off the table

Weed the flower bed

Make cream cheese mints (2 lbs powdered sugar, 8 ozs cream cheese, 2 drops peppermint extract, food coloring as desired, knead together and press into mint molds.)

Have a spelling bee

Read aloud from the Reader's Digest

Fold clothes

Have a neighbor or friend who has a calm pet visit

Cut pictures out of greeting cards

Wash silverware

Bake homemade bread

Sort objects such as beads by shape or color

Sing Christmas carols

Say "tell me more" when they start talking about a memory

Put silverware away

Make a Valentine collage

Play favorite songs & sing together

Take a ride

Make a cherry pie

Read aloud from labels

Dye Easter eggs

Make a basket of socks

Take a walk

Reminisce about the 1st day of school

String Cheerios to hang outside for the birds

Make a fresh fruit salad

Sweep the patio

Color paper shamrocks green

Fold towels

Have afternoon tea

Remember great inventions

Play Pictionary

Paint a sheet

Cut out paper dolls

Identify states and capitols

Make a family tree poster

Color a picture of our flag

Cook hot dogs outside

Grow magic rocks

Water house plants

Reminisce about the first kiss

Play horseshoes

Dance

Sing favorite hymns

Make homemade ice cream

Force bulbs for winter blooming

Make christmas cards

Sort playing cards by their color

Write a letter to a family member

Dress in red on a football Saturday

Pop popcorn

Name the presidents

Give a manicure

Make paper butterflies

Plant a tree

Make a May basket

Make homemade applesauce

Finish famous sayings

Feed the ducks

Mold with Playdough

Look at pictures in a National Geographic Magazine

Put a simple puzzle together

Sand wood

Rub in hand lotion with a pleasant scent

Decorate paper place mats

Arrange fresh flowers

Remember famous people

Straighten underwear drawer

Finish nursery rhymes

Make peanut butter sandwiches

Wipe off patio furniture

Cut up used paper for scratch paper

Take care of a fish tank

Trace and cut out leaves

Ask simple trivia questions

Finish Bible quotes

Paint with string

Cut out pictures from magazines

Read classic short stories

Put coins into a jar

Sew sewing cards

Put bird feed out for birds

Gone...back

2008-04-16T18:55:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I've been to this site. I'm not sure why I haven't kept up. I was getting a bit drained, my baby graduated high school and went off to college, adjusting to empty nest has been time consuming. But, I'm back.

My dad still remains a prisoner of his mind. Progression has been slow, but constant ::::sigh:::
Hard to tell what stage...there is anger, paranoia, sadness in his eyes that is hard to watch.

Well, maybe being back to face my journey will help my journey...so, let's pack the bags and hit the road together, again.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Papa!

2007-07-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

Today, I partook in a wonderful celebration! A celebration that I will never personally experience. (That fact makes me a bit sad) But, today we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary! It's a few months early, but with this dreaded disease and the grandchildren all going away to school, Mom didn't want to wait.

It was simple, just my parents, siblings and our children. A lovely meal out. Good food. Good wine. Wonderful conversation. My brothers and I had originally talked, about two years back, of having a big party with friends and relatives. Perhaps under different circumstances we still would have gone on with our plans. But our family is very close. We see the changes. Too many people with too much noise would not have made for a good time by all.

After dinner we all went back to my parents for cake and to open cards. Well, more laughs occurred along with lots of tears. My mom spoke of how much she loved my dad and her family. She also spoke of how much she misses him, even as he sat beside her. We all knew what she meant. Dad was listening, but didn't say a word, instead choosing to kiss my mother's hand.

When it came to opening the gift, we presented them with a "gift certificate". On it was the option of a trip to Boston (we have family there including an uncle who is not too well) or a new television. Mom so much would love to make one more vacation with my dad. We knew which option mom would take...the trip! We asked my father which would he prefer. Dad, without skipping a beat and without any hesitation answered, " Oh, a television". It made us all laugh.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! And dad, we all miss you!

Love. True Love...to all the caretakers in the world

2007-07-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek it's own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Corin. 13:4

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Hugs to you Jenni!! Thank you for a beautiful story.

Memories aren't important

2007-07-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

Many times during my visits my dad tells me he can't remember things anymore. And if that isn't heart-wrenching enough, he will look me in straight in the eye with his beautiful blue eyes and ask me, "Why?"

Why, indeed. Papa, I wish I could tell you. Or do you know? Do you want me to say there is a horrid disease that is zapping you of your memories? Will my words reconfirm that fact? By saying it does it make it easier? ..better? I don't want to tell you, Papa, in case you don't remember.

Let's talk about what we can remember. Let's have happy thoughts and happy memories. Sometimes the memories you do remember aren't so happy. There have been soooooo many wonderful moments in your life, in our family. Surely we can talk about those.

Or let's just talk about today. If you can't remember something, maybe I can. You don't have to do it all, you know. So we will just talk and I can relay the memories.

Yet....

I think I have come to the realization that memories aren't important. Today is important, not yesterday. Tomorrow isn't even something to bother with as it is not here. So, let's just talk about today, Papa

A Strawberries and Champagne Credo

2007-06-29T18:56:00.000-04:00

I received the following years ago from a dear friend. Perhaps some words to live by...

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOOOHOOO! What a ride!!"

Father's day

2007-06-18T20:40:00.000-04:00

My weekly Sunday visit was wonderfully punctuated this week by Father's Day. I went through card after card, finding the right words that I wanted to tell my dad this year, much more so than prior years. Based on my mom's tears, apparently I did.

The day before was my daughter's graduation party. As I had done in the past, I invited family to stop by afterward to relax and give me more face time than I can have while hosting the party. Last year, Pop just wanted to go home. So Mom fulfilled his wish, missing the family visit. This year, 45 minutes into the party, my dad asked in a half joking manner, "When is this going to be over?" I assured him that mom can take him home anytime he's ready. He asked a few more times through out the afternoon. Well, the end of the party is here and off my parents go, saying their goodbyes. I, and some family members, remained to clean up. 15 minutes later my daughter gets a call that my parents are at the house waiting. Apparently, Papa wasn't ready to go home! I sent my daughter home and rushed everyone through the clean up!

I had set up the game of "cornhole" before leaving that day. It is a game of skill, tossing bean bags into a hole. Last year we played a few times. Papa made an attempt to toss a plum in the hole wanting to play on this night, but unfortunately no one else was interested at the time. I let him know that I would bring the equipment to his house the next day, Father's Day, so that we all could play.

Sunday morning, when he saw me start to bring the game pieces out of my car, he came out of the house, eager to help me set up. He joked about how silly the game was, yet grabbed the bags and began tossing! I love watching my dad play games. He lights up like a child!!

As the day progressed, the rest of the family joined in the game. We all noticed something about the way Pop was tossing. He didn't look at the board like we all were doing. We all studied it. Strategically planning our tosses to land in the hole. Not Pop. He was looking up. Not directly up. But up, at the trees. Or beyond the trees. Or up at some angelic guidance. Or was it at something else? We didn't know what or why, but we all noticed. He was doing as well as the rest of us, even though his eyes only gazed once upon the board before looking up, studying something before the release of his bag.

At the end of what would be the last game of the now evening, we asked him, "Pop, why do you keep looking up?" His reply, "I am trying to gauge where the arc needs to be to line up the decent of the bag so it would hit the hole." We all were completely amazed!! (And I am sure, not being very bright in math, that I did not say exactly what he said.) This is the dad we all know! The analytical dad. The dad who loves math. The dad who remembers there is such a thing as an arc!

Did I mention this was a wonderful weekend,

punctuated by Father's Day?

Sundays

2007-05-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

Traveling, as I do every Sunday, to my parents' home is not an obligation or a chore. My daughter has given up Sunday's with her father to come with me when she's not working or has a heavy homework load. My son, recently home from school does the same. I hope they never feel this a burden or a chore.

My parents truly love my children. My mom coddles them in typical "Nonna" fashion. When my daughter can't make it, my father asks where she is? Do they work her too hard? When my son leaves for school, it's almost a countdown for his return. My dad will ask when will he be back? Why did he go so far away when there are good schools around here? When my daugther leaves this summer for college, I can expect the same questions for her, too.

Last week my son stayed with my dad while I took mom to see The Rat Pack at the Sands. It was a Mother's Day gift from my daughter to my mom and myself. Mom was looking forward to some time away, my son was looking forward to catching up with Pop! My son sat with my papa and they worked on crossword puzzles, then watched some of dad's favorite shows. Pop hasn't picked up a crossword in quite awhile, so this was really special. Today, Dad did a silly dance over to my son and said, "Let's go to the computers and play Tri-Peaks. I bet you can't beat me!". Ohhh. A challenge!! Just like when my son was a youngster. My son and his grandfather were soon off. My daughter and I looked at each other and smiled. It's good to see some semblance of the man that is my dad.

I'm glad Papa asks about my children when they are unable to take the Sunday ride. I hope my children never mind the ride when they take it. And I hope Pop always asks, as asking means he remembers!

A Caregiver's Prayer

2007-04-27T20:02:00.000-04:00

Lord, show me enough strength within me because I am very tired,
Show me patience to care for the one I love,
Show me peace of mind as I struggle through each day and night,
Show me the joy in the little things my loved one does to help me out,
Show me love when anger wants to take over my thoughts,
Show me hope when I can see no hope,
And Lord, show me kindness for those who care about me.

The Alzheimer's Prayer

2007-04-23T20:23:00.000-04:00

Please grant my visitors tolerance for my confusion,

Forgiveness for my irrationality and the strength

To walk with me into the mist of memory

My world has become.

Please let them take my hand and stay awhile,

Even though I seem unaware of their presence.

Help them to know how their strength

And loving care will drift slowly

Into the days to come just when I need it most.

Let them know when I don't recognize them

That I will. . . I will.

Keep their hearts free from sorrow for me,

For my sorrow, when it comes,

Only lasts a moment, then it's gone.

And finally, please let them know,

How very much their visits mean,

How even through this relentless mystery,

I can still feel their love.

Author Unknown

A Race to Remember!

2007-04-23T19:28:00.000-04:00

Here is how I spent my Sunday morning! The local Alzheimer's Chapter sponsored its first annual Race to Remember. And what a race it was!

First, the morning was spectacular! Bright. Blue. Cloudless. Just a tinge of cool in the air. My friend and "running task-master" Maria, and I headed downtown with positive attitudes and our usual sillyness. I was very glad that Maria joined me for this race. She knows the cause is near and dear to my heart. It made the race all the more worth running when I had someone to share it with.

The race was to start at 9 and we had plenty of time to grab our bibs and racing chips, then slip back into the car as the "tinge of cool in the air" was cooler down by the river! Me, not realizing it was just a few minutes to 9, and Maria, thinking the race started at 9:30, had a quick run to the pack, as it was about to start without us! We laughed the whole way over!

With a "tater" and a "Have a good race!", we were off! Maria was doing the 10k, while I opted for the 5k. She broke away, as she is much faster than I, while I trotted at my turtle-like pace. With every step I took, I thought of my dad. In his younger, healthier years, Pop was fast. He played baseball on a farm team for the Indians many decades ago and could cover the whole outfield if they wanted him to! I, as humorously exhibited in my running, did not get my Dad's speed. Come to think of it, I didn't get anyone's speed, so if you have any to spare, please send it along!

The course was beautiful, and runs along the Cuyahoga River, not far from where my dad spent most of his youth and young adult life. There are hills to face, which is the second reason they call it a Race to Remember. Ugh!! Everyone has their hurdles. Hills are mine. I wish hills were my dad's only hurdles.

I finished the race with a minute shaved off from my last race. Maria had an outstanding run, especially if you consider she was just doing this to get some "easy" miles completed. She told me the last mile she thought of my dad. It brought tears to my eyes, even though that was not her intent.
This is the second of many races Maria and I will run together in friendship and camaradarie. Thanks Maria, you have no idea how glad I was to have you there for support on all levels.

The cause, the course, my friend, truly made this a Race to Remember!

(The pictures scattered throughout this excerpt are from after the race. I went back after I crossed the finish line and ran an additional two miles while taking the pics. Enjoy!!)

I need to be a selfish child

2007-04-19T20:17:00.000-04:00

Today was not the best day I've had. I know it pales compared to the days many of my real and online friends face. But every once in a while I feel robbed.

My dad was always there for friends and family. He would grab his tools and his knowledge and rush to the aid of whomever was in need. He asked for nothing in return. When I bought my house some 20 years ago, dad was there to help me and my then husband do what needed to be done to make it better. And along the way, he has been here to help.

Today I woke up to a leak in my basement. A big leak. I immediately ran back upstairs, knowing the source had to be the refrigerator. The floor was completely dry, even though I expected to slide into the kitchen on a cold, very wet floor. I ran back down with a flash light to try to find the source of ALL this water. An area in my basement ceiling, at least 5 feet long, was dripping, nay, almost pouring water from it's yet unknown source.

I remained calm. Dad would trace the pipes as it HAD to be coming from the refrigerator, perhaps where the water connection for the ice/water dispenser is. I traced the pipe through ceiling tiles and found the turn-off handle, immediately turning off the source. Whew!! I then ran back upstairs and pushed the refrigerator out of the way. A very small water puddle formed where the water was pouring from, and must have followed the subfloor to cover the basement area. No more water was eminating from the back. Whew, again!!!

I was now running late for work. However, I began to feel very heavy and sad. Five or so years ago I would have called my dad and he would have been over within the hour, bringing donuts and his tools. He, shouting orders, me, making the run for whatever he needed, even it it was just to hold the flashlight (that was THE big help when helping dad growing up...holding the flashlight!). My problem would have been completely fixed....even finding where the leak was from and the dispenser/ice maker would have been back up and running. Much more than I could do by myself.

When I started my shower, the cold reality hit me real hard and I began to cry: Dad can't come and fix this. Nor can dad come and fix my back steps, or my back door, or the cracks that are forming in the driveway. The plaster work in the bath will remain in need of attention. My closet that was gutted for a repair on the stack pipe, will remain unusuable. IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!

I need my dad!!

I need the fruit of his talents that so many family and friends had reaped benefits!

I need his brain to, at least, tell me what I need to do. To advise me on who is trying to scam me and who can really help!!!

I know this is selfish.

I know this isn't what I should be feeling.

But, I feel gyped!!

I hope those people realize what a talent my dad really was. I hope they NEVER took his good deeds for granted, although I think some did.

I only wish I could hold the flashlight one more time.

A few words about Mom

2007-04-11T18:28:00.001-04:00

Moms are naturally caregivers, I believe. Certainly men are capable and there are some moms who have a hard time, for internal or external reasons, to take care of others. But for most, it is part of motherhood.

I have spent my life admiring my mother. Mom is warm, kind, funny, strong, beautiful. She and my father taught me about faith. While my father taught me that God will provide, my mother taught me that Mary is the "go to girl" and I mean that with no disrespect to the Virgin Mother. I love and adore Mary! I pray to her constantly!! I bet she was warm, kind, funny, beautiful, and you know the strength was there!! She witnessed her beloved Son go through the most agonizing thing a mother could witness...the death of her child.

So Mary is my spiritual caretaker and I know she is my mom's, too.

But my mom takes care of us all in one way or another...my dad, my brothers, myself and we are all way beyond "grown-up"! She asks for nothing in return. She's my friend and my guide. We can look at each other and know what is going on by what the other's eyes are saying. I only hope I am helping her during this current journey. Caution: Bumps ahead, but mom, you're not alone!

2007-04-08T11:53:00.000-04:00

A Blessed Easter to all!

May the caregiver and the cared-for find peace, hope and moments of joy today and always.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid...for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deut.

“Give, and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.” Luke

When I Was Young

2007-04-05T21:30:00.000-04:00

When I was young, you cradled me in your arms.

When I was young, you were my Daddy.

When I was young, you danced with me, having me stand on your feet as we waltzed around the living room.

When I was young, you were my hero, protecting me from all that was bad.

When I was young, you held my hand and let me run then held my hand again.

When I was young, you took me (and the family) on many road trips across the country, for weeks at a time, seeing things I will now only hold in my memories and in photographs.

When I was young you sang to me. Your voice so beautiful that it made people cry.

When I was young, we laughed and wrestled and played and laughed some more.

When I was young, I sat on your lap as "we" did the crossword puzzle.

When I was young, you taught me how to treat family, about working hard and having friends and loving God. "He will provide."

When I was young, we took naps in front of the TV after you put in many long hours at work.

When I was young, you were my Pop.

When I was young, you watched me grow and let me spread my wings.

When I was young, you were proud of me for whatever I accomplished.

When I was young, you walked me down the aisle but not before first asking if I was sure, even at that last moment, if this was what I wanted to do.

When I was young, you helped me make my home into something better since it was greatly in need of repair.

When I was young, you cradled my babies as if they were me.

When I was young, you were Papa.

When I was young, my children loved you like I love you.

When I was young, I was no longer young. And the tides seemed to turn.

Now I am older.
And now I try to protect you.
And take you places.
And sing to you.
And dance with you.
And watch you nap.
And make you laugh.
And hold your hand.
And am proud of you as I have always been.
And love you now as I alway have.
By Pier M. to my dad with love!

Just for today

2007-04-04T20:01:00.000-04:00

Just For Today
Just for today I will try to live through this day only & not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that 'Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.'

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is & not try to adjust everything else to my desires. I will take my 'luck' as it comes & fit myself into it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study; I will learn something useful; I will not be a mental loafer; I will read something that requires effort, thought & concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn & not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count; I will do at least two things I don't want to do-just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as good as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything & not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry & indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself & relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. I will enjoy that which is beautiful & will believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

I am unsure of the author, but I find it beautiful and inspiring!

Ten requests

2007-03-30T19:15:00.000-04:00

This is from Twice Blessed. She posted it on the AD forum that I visit often.

Ten Requests From a Person with Alheimer's

1. Be patient with me-- Remember I am the helpless victim of an organic brain disease which is out of my control.

2. Talk to me-- Even though I cannot always answer you, I can hear your voice, and sometimes I can comprehend your words.

3. Be kind to me-- for each day of my life is a long and desperate struggle. Your kindness may be the most special and important part of my day.

4. Consider my feelings-- for they are still very much alive within me.

5. Treat me with human dignity and respect--as I would have glady treated you if you had been the victim lying in this bed.

6. Remember my past--for I was once a healty vibrant person full of life, love,and laughter, with abilities and intelligence.

7. Remember my present-- I am a fearful person, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, or dear friend who misses my family and home as I knew it very much.

8. Remember my future-- Though it may be bleak to you, I am always filled with hope of the tomorrow.

9. Pray for me--for I am a person who lingers in the mist, that drifts between time and eternity. Your presence may do more for me than any other outreach or compassion you could extend to me.

10. Love me-- and the gift of love you give will be a blessing which will fill both our lives with light forever.

Exposure

2007-03-25T00:02:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure where I want to take myself on this journey. There is a lot I could say. Exposing myself on a blog for anyone to read, interpret, criticize, comment on can be an interesting trip. I may say something or nothing. Relevant to you, only relevant to me. Silly, serious, heartwrenching, heartwarming.

You are welcome to come along though. So, fasten your seat belt...you may be in for a bumpy ride. I'm going to grab a blanket for myself...in case of over-exposure!