Success/Failure

I’m thinking that this means goofing off on Facebook and StumbleUpon. Maybe not, though. Can those really be categorized as any kind of work, even busy work???

Nightmare

I just awakened from a nightmare.

That will teach me to sleep until 10:30 am.

I had done something terrible in this nightmare. I was attempting to help a situation, but ended up making it far worse.

Hey, Kyle!

(raspberry at Kyle)

John’s Twin

Today I saw a man in CVS who looked so similar to John that it was uncanny! Except for the fact that he was black. But really, he looked like my John Boy! He was tall and lanky. His face was quite similar to John’s. And he had the sweetest disposition. He was very friendly and well-mannered. And as Elizabeth noted, he was curious just like John Boy. His mannerisms were akin to John’s.

There was one big difference between John and this gentleman, though. The man that I saw in CVS was special. It was not severe mental retardation. Mild, I would guess.

I told him that he reminded Elizabeth and me of John. He said, “Well, thank you, pretty ladies. Have a nice summer. Have a nice everything. Once upon a time.”

I fell in love with him.

Sweet HB

Here’s a picture of our sweet boy back home where he belongs.

Is he not beautiful? Don’t tell any of our other cats, but he is the prettiest cat we have ever had. His markings are just gorgeous. He even has polka dots on one of his back legs!

He is so happy to be back home. We missed him something fierce.

Elizabeth

I would do anything for my children. I considered writing that I would throw myself in front of a train, as a woman in Chicago reportedly flung herself in front of an on-coming train yesterday. But I digress, as usual. I would do anything for my children.

Elizabeth was all pumped for this move. She was adament about coming even after the big chaotic string of confusion. But thinking about it and living it are two different things. She was in tears last night. It broke my heart. I was ready to gather up our things and head for the train station right then, but she said that she still wanted to give it a try. She misses her siblings. She misses her friends. She misses her cat that returned home the night before we left. But most of all, she misses her dog, Isabella.

This morning she feels a bit  better, but is still nervous. I told her again that we can go back. She said that she really wants to stay and try school here. If she is still not comfortable after that, then she will say that she wants to return to Blue Springs.

I’ve got her back. Kyle’s got her back. Neither of us want her to hurt.

So for now, we wait.

Dear God, I love that child.

The Prodigal

h

He’s back home! Sweet little HoneyBear.

Pics Taken Today of John, Hannah, Elizabeth and me!

This is John doing his Ray Charles impression. I’m his backup singer.

To the right is a photo of Hannah, Susan and Elizabeth. We are contemplating the great mysteries of the universe.

Center: Susan Sonnen

Below: Susan and Hannah                                                            Below: Susan and Elizabeth: L for Love!

The Day Before the Great Move

Today has been quite a day. There were the expected challenges and there were the unexpected challenges. There were the reconciliations with circumstances and there were the definitive hard-ass this-is-the-way-our-family-rolls-if -you-don’t-like-it-fuck-yous.

I came to the realization today that while I am independent, spunky and spirited, I also am still a people pleaser. I don’t like that about me. Don’t get me wrong. I want to be liked. I want to get along with other people. Just not at my own expense. Today I was told that I need to get a backbone. Instead of saying, “Excuse me? Have you raised five children on your own? Have you, while raising those five children as a single mother with limited resources, dressed one of your children’s burns, stayed with him while he screamed in pain, argued with doctors and insurance companies immediately after fighting a child custody suit and while you were pulling yourself out of homelessness?”, I said, “I know.”

Someone slap me.

Welcome, Sunshine!

My new Mac awaiting my arrival in Chicago! (Her name is Sunshine. Don’t you name your computer?)

Thank you, Kyle!