Christie and her mom: Need good thoughts!
By Gina Spadafori
September 10, 2009
Christie’s mom, Kathleen McKenzie, got a visit from the ultimate therapy dogs for her: Scottish Deerhounds, brought in for a visit by a long-time friend. Christie said the visit was the best thing that had happened at their home for a long time, and certainly helped lift everyone’s spirits, especially since Rebel’s death marked the first time in more than 25 years there hasn’t been a shaggy and noble presence in the house.
Christie took pictures, and was meaning to write about this impromptu Deerhound therapy today, but it was not to be. Kathleen fell last night and shattered some bones, and is now being prepared for surgery.
Please, share a good thought for them both in the comments. They are both at the end of their reserves of strength, emotionally and physically, and I can’t help but think some mental energy pushed their way — call it prayers, whatever suits you — would help.
***
In the meantime … good veterinary care and prayers seems to have given Heather a shot at more time with us. She is on Day 3 of her new protocols — new drugs, new supplements, new exercise regimen and more — and feeling so good that she got out of bed on her own steam today and asked to go out with friend Bob on the morning run.
To be sure, her “run” will be a slow walk-trot of a quarter- to a half-mile at most, while Woody and McKenzie may do 10 miles with Bob at a fast clip. It doesn’t matter: What matters is that Heather wanted to go. Two days ago, where she seemed to be wanting to go was another place entirely, one where the living can’t follow.
Positive energy being sent to you and your mother from Illinois.
Comment by Joan — September 10, 2009 @ 8:02 am
Christie-
You and your mom are both in my thoughts. Best wishes.
Comment by The Other Lori — September 10, 2009 @ 8:17 am
To Christie and her Mom: Whatever strength my thoughts and prayers can provide they will be continuously providing. Just here you have a huge circle of people who care very much.
Atta girl, Queen Heather!
Comment by Original Lori — September 10, 2009 @ 8:56 am
Sending lots of hugs and good energy your way, Christie! You and your mom are both in my thoughts.
Heather is, too, Gina! It’s so hard when they get old…
Comment by Sharyn — September 10, 2009 @ 8:57 am
It does help to know people care about you…and that is what is going on here Christie…people do care—about you and your mom…Sending special prayers for this to be a minor setback for you both..
Comment by Carol V — September 10, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Keeping Christie and her Mom in my thoughts with heartfelt hopes for a speedy and successful recovery!
Comment by The OTHER Pat — September 10, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Focusing all the positive chi I can muster up on you guys!
Comment by Alex — September 10, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Positive thoughts to Christie and her mom—with hopes for a quick and complete recovery.
Comment by HollyAnn — September 10, 2009 @ 9:36 am
All possible good thoughts headed to Christie and her mom — and to you and Heather, too.
Comment by Susan — September 10, 2009 @ 10:36 am
Postive white healing light pointed in the direction of Christie and her Mom.
So glad to read that Heather wanted to go on a slow-trot today!!
Comment by Judy — September 10, 2009 @ 11:03 am
I am sending best wishes to Christie and her Mom privately, but to Gina (about Heather) treasure these times! I’ve been doing the same with Riker. Dogs just don’t live as long as we would want them to.
Liz
Comment by Liz Palika — September 10, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Christie and her mom are in my thoughts; I’m so sorry to hear of this latest development, and I hope Kathleen recovers as quickly as possible.
I’m glad to hear the good news on the Heather front, though!
Comment by (Another) Liz — September 10, 2009 @ 11:53 am
I just visited Christie’s blog and caught up on her ordeal. I am so sorry to hear of this latest fall. The vivid description of navigating the health care system made me cry. To Christie and her mom: I am sending the most positive vibes I can from Ohio! I’m so glad you got to enjoy some time with a beloved pet friend, too. Wishing you both comfort,
Keenwell (Emily)
Comment by keenwell — September 10, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Think good thoughts for all the aging loved ones.
Comment by Schnauzer — September 10, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
best best wishes for Christie and her mom. I’m having a similar, though less horrific, situation with my mom, so I have lots of empathy. There is no easy way to do what she is doing.
Comment by EmilyS — September 10, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
Strong, positive energy coming your way - enough for BOTH of you!!
Kathy B
Comment by Kathy B — September 10, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
Good thoughts for you all.
Comment by Cait — September 10, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
Positive energy coming your way, Christie… we went through several shattered bones with my MIL and each incident was beyond horrible. She recovered, but the experience was not one I would wish on anyone.
Make sure that YOU are getting lots of rest - it’s so easy to exhaust yourself when you’re taking care of others - which doesn’t do anyone any good.
Looking forward to the photos of the deerhound visit. :O) I’m sure they are lovely.
Comment by Kim — September 10, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Positive thoughts and prayers for Christie and her Mom. Also for Heather !
Comment by Leslie K — September 10, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
good thoughts for Christie and her mom, and for Heather and her mom….
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — September 10, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Best wishes and positive thoughts to Christie and her Mum coming from me. What dreadful times they’re going through at present.
Gina, I’m very glad to hear Heather’s feeling perkier.
Old people and old dogs… too precious and fragile, all we can do is our best for them (and love them).
Comment by Alison — September 10, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
*positive thoughts*
(fragrant roses and perfectly ripe apples and that book you’ve always wanted to read and the scent and softness of kittens’ and puppies’ bellies when you blow raspberries on them)
*positive thoughts*
Comment by Eucritta — September 10, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
All the best to Christie and her mom and Gina and
Heather.
Comment by VJ — September 10, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX.
X.
O.
Comment by Miki — September 10, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Positive thoughts and wishes to Christie and her mom.
Glad to hear Heather is feeling better : )
Comment by Kristen — September 10, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
Hi Christie,
My best thoughts for you and your beloved mom in these tough times. If you need an ear, or the help of a social worker, you can call me. I’m pretty well versed in both millieu.
Take care.
Love,
Victoria Cameron
Comment by Victoria Cameron — September 10, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Christie and her mom as well as many continued prayers for Heather. Sending as much light and sunshine as possible to all of them.
Comment by Sandi K — September 10, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s fall - sending all the healing thoughts I can *hugs*
Comment by Teary Tiina — September 11, 2009 @ 3:46 am
Sending empathy, sympathy, best wishes and hugs to Christie and her mom (and Gina and Heather too.)
Comment by kb — September 11, 2009 @ 5:32 am
I forgot to mention Heather - I was stunned to read she had had some bad times recently. So glad she has turned that corner!
Comment by keenwell — September 11, 2009 @ 6:16 am
You know you’re in my thoughts and prayers, Christie.
Gina, I hope Heather enjoyed her outing.
Comment by Therese — September 11, 2009 @ 9:17 am
Christie’s mom came through hip-replacement surgery last night. What the future holds is uncertain, but for right now she’s holding her own.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 11, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Good news, fingers crossed that she rallies back well from surgery.
Keeping everyone in my thoughts
Jen
Comment by JenniferJ — September 11, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Thinking of you both tonight!
Comment by John — September 11, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
Hoping for a good recovery and rehab !
Comment by Leslie K — September 12, 2009 @ 7:59 am