I didn't expect that this would be the last photo I took of her last Thursday which was Thanksgiving Day. Before Thanskgiving, we received a message from mom and George that she hasn't been eating for days. She was still very aware of what's happening around her though, and can still walk from corner to corner, but she looked weak. She was still doing okay before we left after our Thanksgiving dinner, until we received an urgent call from George yesterday that Hi-Dee was getting worst. He asked us to drive going to their house because mom was just crying like crazy! I know the feeling when you had that strong feeling of attachment to somebody else, including a dog. Dogs are so far the best companion and can give you the joy of just by being with them. Mom and George love her so much as much as we do. She was a little entertainment every time we are visiting there, and she would always have that personality to become so excited everytime she sees us.
When we arrived at their place, mom started to sob and cried! Our heart melted for mom, but Hi-Dee still seems to be conscious and coherent, but can't walk and just lying on the couch. George and Craig took her to the vet, while I had to stay with mom. (George said mom is a bit fragile, so he just wanted somebody to be with her just in case, which I did ;).
They had to leave her at the hospital for admission and the latest updates we got that day was that her body temperature was normal and she wasn't anemic. We had positive hopes from that results. They found out she had infected teeth and needed to be pulled out. Then we were told that they still need to run some more tests on her so findings were not yet complete as of that date.
On December 1st, at 9:30AM, I received a call from George that Hi-Dee didn't make it, and passed away! I was startled because I thought she was getting better basing on the updates we have been hearing from them. George sounded so sad and I can hear mom crying on the phone. I asked George if the doctors knew why she didn't make it, but he had no answer. But according to the vets they asked him if he wanted an autopsy done on her but he turned it down. I know the feeling...they just don't want to prolong the agony of sadness while still seeing Hi-Dee's remains staying there. They decided to cremate her and get her ashes.
I know I and Craig should just avoid talking about Hi-Dee for a while. They are on the grieving process and we are both praying they could recover soon. I and Craig thought we can get them another dog after they can recover...but we thought it's not yet too soon!!
I am not actually a morning person. I usually wake up around 11am or later depending on what time did I go to bed :).
Anyway, I woke up this morning and I found this on the doorsteps!
It's still 3 days early before Valentine's Day, but here is one husband who is thoughtful enough to remember it early!...so touched! Thanks beloved. No words can express how I treasure you and the love you're giving me. Mwah!
Our second box was dropped by at the Filipino store (Tampakan Market) in Glen Burnie. We didn't had time taking photo of it as we were in a hurry sealing it. So, two boxes are on their way to the Philippines!
There is still one left, and we're planning to send it either last week of this month or early September. Hopefully, they could arrive there in due time.
The first box (on the right) was dispatched yesterday (July 24). Mostly, it contains my clothes and other home needs I will be using in the Philippines for my upcoming trip. I planned to be travelling light and no luggage to carry in November since I am alone. Besides, I hate carrying big luggages, not, unless my husband is with me :). I am sending 3 boxes c/o Cargo Plus. So, I still have 2 boxes to fill up.
I am having dilemma about what summer clothes should I pack and what should stay here, LOL! Anyway, I guess I can just work on that ;).
Way to go for packing!
It was a good thing to think that mom's surgeon and the nursing staff agreed to have photos taken during her operation. She had undergone a hip bone surgery last June 1, 2010 and thank God that she was able to survive the ordeal...with flying colors! LOL. We were praying all about it before we finally agreed to let her go on the surgical table. Thank God for all her doctors as well, the attending physician, the nurses, etc. who were with her all through out until after her operation. It was so tough...emotionally and psychologically draining to think about...come to think of it if you are 9,000 miles away from your loved one who needs your support and encouragement when an illness strikes! The financial aspect was a big challenge as well. But it wasn't a big deal for a life of a loved one. We were drained out of our pockets, but God is always good. Our prayers are always being heard. His blessings are always close to us. All we can say is an uncountable thank you to Him up there who was our mom's greatest doctor and healer. PTL!
On the other hand, we are always grateful and thankful for our family who helped mom on her bedside care, leaded by our beloved "tata" Joan :)...until now. We love you all.
Today, is aunt Pat and Tanya's departure back to Texas. Hopefully, Tanya can still come back once she'll get through a job in DC. That will be worth looking forward to. (yey!)
A brunch treat to our visitors?...steamed crabs! We had ordered at "Salerno's" which is only a couple minutes drive from the place to home. It was such a challenge how you would be pounding the crab shell just to take out the crab meat, whew! It's a trick you have to learn if you are a first time eater, lol!
An early dinner treat was set at mom Phyllis house later that day and one of the highlights was the meeting of mom and aunt Pat, their meeting after 54 long years!
 The tight hug...after 54 years!!!
 Craig with his cousin Tanya (middle) and his aunt (Pat) after dinner at home. Aunt Pat and Tanya arrived home later in the afternoon and had their dinner with us. As Tanya called us on the phone, she said both of them were already starving while on their way close to us. Thank God for pre-cooked meals, LOL!...although Craig got to share his tasty home-cooked grilled steaks! Turned out to be an awesome dinner for everybody with a treat of red wine for the visitors ;).
I guess this is not yet too late to greet you all a Happy New Year! My apology for the long hibernation, but this part of the season is still a busy time for me and hubby. Now, our updates:
TRIP:
We are preparing for our upcoming trip on January 27 til the 29th for San Antonio, Texas. As usual, we are requesting your humble prayers for a safety trip for both of us. We are not confirming this, but this might be the last trip we will do this year regarding hubby's symposium trips at work. SSA-headquarters is changing to a new symposium leadership training topics and hubby's not sure if he will still be needed in the symposium since he already moved out from the Office of Training. We'll keep you up to date regarding this.
The other piece of good news is that we already set up a date for our 3-week vacation to the Philippines in April this year ...(yay) :). The dates are yet to be confirmed as to hubby's work schedules.
My FACEBOOK:
I had been keeping my profile silent for two years in here. Now I am just starting in making it more active once again. I like the cool features, better than two years ago, LOL!. Please join me in facebook...angelnoah_1121@yahoo.com.
WEATHER:
Winter season is making me sick! I just checked the weather updates today and it says 9F!!?...I just become so lazy (and depressed?) when it gets too cold! Don't wanna go out, don't like moving much and all I want is to sit and sleep :)). I'm still struggling to overcome the "laziness" effect of winter on me. Why I hate going out? I don't wanna wear 4 layers of clothings and go shopping for just 2 blocks away from home, come back and takes me time to remove the layerings :(.
Hope the year 2009 will create more blessings and happiness to all of you.
Ciao! :).
Christmas was not only challenging for me, it was a season of catching the worst "bug" ever since I came to America. The bug celebrated Christmas with me until New Year. So, that means I had been "barking" from time to time for more than a week, LOL!
Thank God, I am feeling better now. I was deprived of sleep for the past few days because of the cough, but I now am getting good sleep for the new year 2009 :)).
Anyway, after Christmas, we thought of going to Longwood Gardens (one of our favorite place to hang out) in Pennyslvania to watch the Christmas lights. We didn't expect it was much of a challenge to get a parking spot that night of December 26th. Our parking was far away from the garden where a bus had to pick us up. But the Longwood Gardens staff did a wonderful job! Kudos! :).
We enjoyed the beauty of the garden lighted with sparkling colored lights at night...no wonder, one of the staff told us they receive at least 15,000 visitors every night for the holiday season! Whew!!!
We went home early afternoon of December 27th, and I was knocked down on bed! LOL!
It was all worth it. I trully enjoyed the spirit of christmas as well. Thank you Lord...we are so blessed! :).
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