Could use some prayers, good thoughts, vodka

[The Straight Story]

I swear I am at the point I just want to fill the tub up with vodka, grab a straw, and hop into the tub and start drinking while downing a crave case from White Castles.

Yesterday things were going so well - went to the creek with baby girl, fed the geese - we named one Grumpy goose because he kept chasing the others, I was feeling better (was sick part of last week).

I got home today, laid down to watch some news and the phone rang.

My X, who has Parkinson's and 2 brain cysts, and has been very ill for weeks, called me.

"Come pick up baby girl". The Dr. (Side note here, she is on state run medical care - who initially screwed her over but she finally got some help. I mention this out of fairness because I ranted at one point about how they screwed her over) told her that she has rheumatoid arthritis but that the main issue facing her now could be TB - and that my daughter should not be around her until they know for sure what the current issues with her lungs and such are.

She is going to the hospital to get some x-rays/etc. She has been sicker the last few weeks than I think I have ever seen her. Can barely talk, walking with a cane mostly, lungs rattling more than 67 chevy, her feet and hands are swelled up - and, well, it just ain't pretty.

Baby girl is dealing the best she can. She turns 10 this week and the plans we had made for her b-day are kind of on hold (but I am taking her to the creek to wade out to the island and collect shells and golf balls, she wants to go and play in the creek more than anything - I am apprehensive at times about wading out into the creek as it has become rather polluted, something else I have ranted about - didn't use to worry about such things when I was younger...maybe I am now the grumpy goose).

At any rate, I am worried about the X and my daughter. Work can go screw itself if need be, got to look after family first. On top of all this baby girl is worried about her big brother in Iraq and misses talking to him and playing her online games with him (it meant a lot to her to play with him online and now she only hears from him here and there and is worried something bad is gonna happen).

Sometimes, I just don't know what to say about all of these things. She is not even fully sure why she is staying the night here except that mommy is not feeling well.

I just wish I had something to say other than 'well, it is one of things and mommy is not feeling well'.

[liberal N proud]

1. I can help with the prayers and good thoughts

Kind of hard to do the Vodka from here.

We are thinking about you, keep the faith.

[Bluzmann57]

2. Here are some good thoughts and prayers for you and yours

Can't help you with the vodka but I can surely pass along good thoughts and prayers. Hope things get better, like maybe the son comes home from Iraq safe and sound. And the exes health turns out ok. Good luck brother.

[endless october]

3. prayers for you and your family.

[w8liftinglady]

4. whatever you need, PM me.

if you need a bracelet for babygirl to get her through this,pm me the favorite colors and where to send.i have cute charms I'll put on it.I've been in babygirl's place with my dad.
Healing thoughts going your way,friend.

[Mimosa]

5. God bless you (and your family) Straight Story.

You're one of D.U.'s best. :)

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. Until you are centered about what to say to baby girl

what you have said is fine, sounds like.
May I share what has helped me?
there have been times when all I can do to stop the mind spinning and whirling with the worry and possibilities is to ask myself:
"what is the next right thing I have to do at this moment?"
and repeat as many times during the day as I need to.
It helps keep me focused on the immediate, since I cannot do anything about the future.

Crossing my fingers for you and yours, ok?

[TBF]

7. First of all, hope your ex is ok -

I have a different kind of arthritis (2 kinds actually) but I'm doing well with exercise and injections. But, I remember when I came down with it and had so much inflammation that getting out of bed and making it down the stairs safely was the biggest challenge of my day. Here's hoping they can find some things to stabilize her.

Also know what it feels like to have illness and kids - mine are 7 & 3 currently. They know I am "tired" sometimes and need to rest, but other than that we try to keep things as normal as possible. Your daughter has school during the day and it sounds like wading out in the creek is a perfect after-school activity. Anything you can do together that keeps things on an even keel will be positive for her.

Take care, I know it's hard.

[ZombieHorde]

8. She is 10 years old? Watch some i-Carly or a cool cartoon, like something by Pixar or Dreamworks.

**Beams good thoughts your family's way**

[juajen]

9. I'm so very sorry. I can't give you anything that is magical, but

I learned in getting through my disabled husband's 25 year illnesses, to take one day at a time and not to borrow trouble. In other words, don't start worrying about TB until you know she has it.

Have you checked online for a vet group that might be volunteering to comfort and encourage children and siblings of soldiers in the war? Of course, do the usual checking. She is a young and there are so many crazies out there. There could also be a support group for you that could help with her condition/s. I wish you all the best; and, also, imagining a good outcome can sometimes help, and get as many people as you can to also imagine a good outcome. I will be the first.

[juajen]

11. Oh, I forgot, ix-nay on the vodka. Try dark chocolate instead?

[Lifelong Protester]

10. all I can say is we are pulling for you all, and hope for the best

whatever the "best" can be...hate the constant "new normal" (Jeez, I hate that phrase).

Don't go for the vodka, although that might be a temporary help, you know it is going to bite ya in the butt.

Some days it is all just ONE STEP at a time. ONE STEP. Don't project too far out. Hug your daughter. more helpful to you and her right now than anything.

Keep us posted.

[pacalo]

12. It's a sad situation, Straight, but since none of these issues are within your power to change,

there's one way you can help your daughter & yourself: Think positive. Focus on the positive. Stop thinking about the "what-if's" or anything else beyond your control.

[Lefta Dissenter]

13. sometimes the burden is just overwhelming

That's what we're here for - to try to carry some of the load. I am just so sorry for all of the pain, fear and uncertainty that you and your family are going through.

Try a bubble bath instead of the vodka alternative, and try to just absorb the positive thoughts that are being sent your way from all of us at DU.

[The Wielding Truth]

14. Bless you. I send all good thoughts. It is a blessing that they both have you

to turn to. it sounds like you are doing your best.

[Snoutport]

15. My dad was real sick when I was 10

There isn't a lot you can do except make sure she feels like she has a home if things go badly. My mom was real upfront with me and I understood every visit with my pop might have been my last one. SO I cherished the moments.

It changes you to face things like this when you are young. That can't be helped. But you being there is the most important thing and you are taking a hard lesson about illness and possible loss and showing her that there is a safety net when you have loved ones around.

Peace to you during your hard times.

[RagAss]

16. My best thoughts are with you.

[OneGrassRoot]

17. Good thoughts, prayers, and hugs of support....

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[NashVegas]

18. You Don't Have to Say Much At All

Just be there and let her have her own feelings, whatever they are.

good luck.

[Raine]

19. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers

and hopes that things get better! :hug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. Hugs

:hug:

best we can do right now

[lapislzi]

21. DU love to one of my fave DUers

Hang in there, bro. Baby girl needs you. You have so much love on DU. I would give you the shirt off my back if you asked me. Be strong.
:hug:

[elehhhhna]

22. just keep your arms around your baby.

daddy's love is a powerful thing.

prayers for you all.

[madmax]

23. Hang in there SS you've gone through

tough times before and you always rise up to meet them and kick them in the ass.

See all those posts ^ You have friends here - you don't need no stinken vodka!

:hug: