It's not a tumor... Oh wait it is and so are some people I know.

Well I go under the knife on Tuesday. I'm tired and nervous but basically calm. My employer is not sure if they will be able to "hold" my job for me. I have not worked there long enough to qualify for federal protection under the Family Medical Leave Act. I'm trying to think of this as an opportunity but I'm struggling.
In other news...
I recently sent out an email condemning Measure 36 up for vote on the Oregon ballot. It would amend the constitution to specifically outlaw gay marriage. I'm opposed for many reasons. One of my apparently less intelligent friends didn't just reply to me she replied to all. And it wasn't good. It's OK to disagree I'm OK with that but she didn't tell just me her thoughts she shared them with my friends none of which she knows. Her last retort actually said that legalizing gay marriage opens the door for legalizing things like sex with kids and animals. I swear to God that is the most ignorant prejudice thing I have heard in a long while. So today I sent out an apology to my friends for exposing them to this ugly debate. I maintain that it is OK to disagree politically with your friends but now I'm having a hard time getting over the knowledge that she is so prejudice. I was so offended by her response. I'm truly shocked. I expected people to not like the idea of gay marriage but comparing homosexuality to pedophilia and beastiality! Then she says the obligatory, "don't take this as anti-gay. I have gay friends". Good for you! Do they know how you feel about them? How can you be friends with people who you honestly believe are going to burn in hell for their moral depravity? Maybe I'm being closed minded. I'm find her ideas so abhorrent I can't seem to think clearly about the subject.
The good news is I'll be in the hospital for a week on mind altering pain medication followed by 6 weeks of recovery at least so I guess I'll have plenty of time to figure it out.

Finally, I want to thank my sister and her husband for their generosity and kindness. They have not only loaned me a car but my sister is coming to take care of me my first night in the hospital which is the worst night to be alone. I am so grateful that I have you guys. Thank you thank you thank you.

Amber Alert

In my search for the perfect eulogy for my aunt I stumbled upon this site which allows you to add an "Amber Alert" ticker to your website. Although it has absolutely nothing to do with my aunt I thought it might be good to use here. I don't know if it will help find children or not but I thought if there was a chance then I should do it. If you think so too then you can check it out at http://codeamber.org/get_ticker.cgi

If you want to add it but are having trouble placing it let me know and I'll help if I can.

Born Sept. 8, 1907 Died Oct. 3rd, 2004

Jane Somerville Higgins, a beautiful woman of grace and courage, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday afternoon, October 3rd, at the age of 97. Somer was born September 8, 1907 to Aida and Fred Agnew in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Somer married Anthony J. Higgins, the great love of her life on May 22, 1934. Although she had no children of her own, she nurtured and cared for many people throughout her life, most notably the children of her brother, Boyd. To these children, she was the best Aunt in the world, sometimes like a second mother. In the early years of her married life, she lovingly cared for her ailing mother-in-law, then her mother until their passing away. When her beloved Tony developed cancer, she nurtured him for 13 years beyond his diagnosed life expectancy. She sustained him with her positive prayers and loving attitude, nursing him at his side to the end of his life. Then at the age of 57 she began a new life as a career woman, managing a medical office until retirement, then she began another career of caring for foster children and exchange students in the home of her dear friends the McCrearys. She led a life of service to others, caring for people from all walks of life and from many nations of the world in her uniquely open and loving way. She shared with these special people her personal philosophy, which showed many the ways to their happiness and peace of heart. She was an ardent and devoted student of spiritual matters throughout her adult life. Known for her independence, strength and intelligence, Somer had many stories to tell from her amazing life experiences and travels. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and always expressed that love to them openly and often. The last few years of her life were spent in Oregon City, Oregon, with her niece, who cared for her in the same loving and devoted manner Somer had exemplified throughout her life. She was a humble person who was dedicated to the work life placed before her. She accomplished more good in her lifetime than even she was aware. To the very end all who met Somer felt the power of her love and acceptance, recognizing her as a great lady with strength of character and a wonderful person. The world has lost a spirit of beauty but those she loved and cared for will carry the ripples created by her loving care across generations. She has returned to forever and our hearts fly with her. She will be lovingly remembered by the many she leaves behind and joyously greeted by those who have crossed over before her. The family would like to express their gratitude to Homewatch Caregivers and Willamette Falls Hospice for their dedication, compassion and support.

and the days plod along

Well my dear friends and readers I am here again if only for a brief time to bring you up to date on my travels. I have been spending all my free time with my dear Somer who's literally at the end of her days. We don't expect her to make it to Monday. She is rarely awake and has stopped eating, drinking, or going to the bathroom.
I decided though that this was not enough excitement so I thought I'd make a trip to the hospital myself. I had a check up with my Gyno and guess what?!?!? I have ANOTHER!! mass of indeterminate origin or make up in my abdomen. Now having already had a hysterectomy, both ovaries removed, my gallbladder and my appendix removed, my bowel rebuilt and my bladder resuspended just to name a few my body still hungers for more apparently. I think I should own my own hospital gowns or they could at least have a regular room just for me. The nursing staff recognizes me. I actually have email relationships with some of these people. These facts should let you know just how often I end up in the hospital. The good news is that I've done this before so I don't feel overwhelming dread. If my body really wanted to kill me it would have done it before now.
I will keep you all posted on the developments and I hope everyone near Mt. St. Helens (that ash-hole, Mt. St. Helen's blows)(sorry I couldn't resist, illness brings out the worst humor in me) is safe. I have to go now and return to Somer.