I also sent her an email. Please keep us posted if you hear anything new.

FlowerLady

Thank you for your kindness, Kristi and for the loving words and offers to those of you wno responded. Here is the latest. I am extremely tired and have not had any sleep since the wee hours of Friday morning so be patient with me please.

Lee was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pains on Monday. He was released Wednesday afternoon. Friday he complained of his tummy aching badly and feeling light headed. He insisted I go to work due to having missed three days this week, I checked on him several times and around 9:20 he told me that he had been asleep but his head felt like it was asleep inside. I wanted to come home but he told me that there was nothing I could do. I arrived home at 1 am Saturday morning and he was sprawled in bed with his left arm nangling over the bed and the phone receiver was laying in the floor and beeping at me. I touched his arm and it was colder than ice. I was afraid to touch his face for fear it would be ice cold also. When I touched him head it was warm and it took me 45 seconds of lightly slapping him to elicit a response. He sounded like he had had a major stroke. I call 911 and he was taken immediately to the hospital. His heart rate has been between 20 and 50 almost all day. His blood pressure has been extremely low but they found no evidence of any bleed in his brain or anything. He will be undergoing surgery tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) to implant a pacemaker with difibulator and hopefully he will survive the surgery. His aneurysm has increased in size and if it is leaking they will try the last ditch effort to repair it and extend his life. I do not know what to do as he keeps telling me he just wants to die. I am headed to bed and I am exhausted and scared for myself though I know God is in control. I just am not ready to lose him yet., I need at least another week to get some things prepared. I just love him so very much. Thank you all once again. Linda

Linda,

I am so sorry to hear about this new development. You and your husband are in my prayers. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Hugs,
Carmen

Sent off an email today. Thanks Kristi for the headsup. I've been busy at work and haven't checked here lately.
M

Lee is going for another procedure today to fine tune his pacemaker. They are going to sedate him and them stimulate his heart to where it is beating really fast to test the defibrulator so that it will shock him. He will feel a very sharp hit to his heart when it happens and we hope that it does not make his heart stop. I will post how he is after the procedure. He is feeling so much better and has a hopeful attitude once again. Thank you for all the prayers and caring. The prayers are woeking because I am hearing from some of my relatives I have not heard from in years and they are all offering help. Two of my cousins are coming from Georgia to assist with Lee for a while and they are both nurses. Glory to God in the highest. Got to run, Linda

Dear Linda ~ Thanks for letting us know the latest. You and Lee are still in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs ~ FlowerLady

Linda,
Take comfort in knowing that we are all thinking of you and Lee. Best of luck in this procedure.
Linda_Leaf

Lee came through the procedure fine and his pacemaker and defibrulator are working fine. I brought him home this afternoon dn my cousin will be here tomorrow to assist with is care and to allow me to return to work fulltime with the exception of his doctor appointments. Your prayers have been answered in more ways than I could begin to explain and your care has been the best medicine. I love you guys. Linda

That is great news Linda. May Lee strengthen with each new day and be up and about really soon. Get plenty of rest yourself.

Hugs ~ FlowerLady

great news Linda!! happy to hear he is doing better...as well as you. :)

cliff

Linda, I'm glad things worked out. Come back here when you can.

Linda, so glad he is coming through this so well! Kudos to you for all your bravery and courage. This must have been a tough tough time for both of you. My prayers of thanksgiving are in the air for these improvements and for abundant blessings for you both. Hope you are getting chances to relax a bit and nurture yourself.
Good spirit!
Arabesque

Thank you one and all for your kindness. God has answered prayers in many ways. My cousin Jane arrived late yesterday afternoon and is a God send. I will be able to return to work and leave him in her capable hands. She is a nures. Lee still manages to prevent me from getting adequate sleep, but I hang in there. He woke me up in the middle of the night scared and wanting to talk. It was one of the hardest things I had to do to stay awake and listen. Now I have to leave for work and he is clinging. I would stay home but today is my training day for my new bid of shooting at the resorts. He undersatnds but for some reason is clinging. That worries me a bit. We are just glad that he is looking better and feeling better. Hope to see some of you at Biosphere this weekend. Linda

Linda,
If you don't feel you should leave Lee this weekend, just let one of us know what plants you are interested in and we'll pick them up for you.

Thanks for the offer Soltice but as you know I brought him along. I am cherishing each moment I have with him. My cousin Jane is here to assist and she says she is staying with me until it is finished. Her sister is a nurse who works in a cardiac lab and given the size of Lee's aneurysm and other heart ailments they both feel like it may be 6-8 months. I know he is in God's hands and God will do things in His time. Had a good time at Biosphere and went home with a Devil's Backbone. Wanted the red passie but knew I couln't spend the money. Maybe next time. Sorry to miss Tom's. Linda

Update - Lee is back in hospital. The doctor thinks he has the shingles on his left side. We will see what the morning brings. I am exhausted after being at ER all night and then coming home long enough to shower, throw on clothes and head off to work. Just got home and can barely see. Linda

Oh dear Linda, What an awful thing to happen now. Hope the morning brings some relief for the both of you. You are still in my thoughts and prayers.

FlowerLady

((Oh Linda)) Please keep us posted. Keeping good thoughts for you and Lee.
Marion

Lee is home once again and we caught the shingles so quickly that the medicine prevented them from breaking out on his skin and the itching is subsiding and the pain has almost been eradicated. I am still struggling from lack of sleep, but I got off an hour early, have no where to be in the morning and can hopefully sleep until 9. Do not have to be in at work until 3. Thank you guys do much. Linda

Good Morning Linda & Lee

I'd like to add my hugs and good wishes also.

What a difficult time for you both,makes us feel, that whatever problems we may be facing each day, is insignificant in the face of what you both are going through

we are thinking of you, and sending you both warm wishes for peace and happiness.

Irene

Linda ~ How are things going with Lee? Hope he is doing much better. Hope you have gotten some much needed rest.

FlowerLady

Lee saw his surgeon today and his pacemaker is working well and his incisions are alomost healed. He tires easily and is weak. His daughter wants him to come to Tampa for a couple of days, but she does not realize how frail he is and the need for constant care. She has five children and they have tons of activities, volleyball tournaments, parties, etc that she is constantly running them to and then she and her husband both work. She does not seem to comprehend that she needs to be coming to her father and not him coming to her.

I have had two nights of a minimum of 7 hours of sleep but I only received 4 hours last night and will be working until midnight. At least I can sleep in tomorrow hopefully. I am still extremely tired and my muscles ache all over. We will see how I feel by this weekend. Thank you so much for all the prayers and messages of concern. Linda

I keep checking here to see how you and Lee are doing. Hopefully his daughter can come and visit you. Get some rest and take it as easy as you can. I know it's rough on you both. (((( )))))Hugs from me!

Just checking in on you Ms Linda. Hope you have gotten some rest and Lee is ding well. ((())) to you both.
Marion

Lee's endurance is weak but he keeps trying. He tires very easily and he is suffering from angina more than usual. He sees three docs this week. I am taking things one day at a time and I am not concerned about myself at all at this time. My entire focus is on him. Thanks for checking and caring. Linda

Linda is tired to the point of tears. The doctor said he is surprised that I have lasted this long without breaking. They told Lee today that he should be able to function the way he did before he discovered all the problems he had. They told him he is the only person who can ,make up his mind whether he is going to live or die. They said if he continues the way he is he will be dead in six months, but if he changes his attitude and gets on with the job of living he could have several more years. He is sleeping days and keeping me awake at night. I am ready to admit myself to the hospital for exhaustion. I am currently working six days a week. I am in tears because I will not be able to make Ricky's swap because my cousin has to work on Sunday and I can not leave Lee for a day. My heart is broke and I am devastated. I have look forward to this swap since last year. I want to thank you for letting me share about Lee and things. I love each of you and I have not posted because it hurts to not be able to be a part of things. I am depressed and very very tired. You all have fun and enjoy your gardens. Take care. Linda

Honey, you take care of you first. Then take care of Lee. We, your garden buddies will always be here for you. To everything there is season. The garden can wait. We will miss you much but we will see you at Ricky's in the spring. Lisa will make you eat chaya. I will force feed you salsa. We all will treat you like a queen. Fatigue makes cowards of us all. (I think that's a Vince Lombardi quote) In otherwords, being tired throws you out of wack. Try to get as much rest as is possible. Just keep checking in so we can check on you.

((((Linda)))) Do try to get some much needed rest for yourself. You and Lee are in my prayers. Taking care of loved ones can be very stressful. It is a wonder you are still going with all that you have had to deal with so it's no surprise you are depressed and very tired.

FlowerLady

It was nice to see you this weekend at Diana's swap, Linda. Glad you could make it. I won't forget that I owe you a plumeria!

Kate

Linda it was nice to see a photo of your shining face! I'm glad you had the opportunity go to the swap and have some time to yourself. Take care of yourself and wewill catch up soon! (((Hugs)))
Marion

Linda appreciates all the well wishes, hugs, prayers, etc. We are not out of the woods here, but it seems that a lot of my husband's issues at the monent are tied to his kidney function. If it is determined that he needs dialysis we will deal with that as it happens. The doctor told him that he has had the aneurysm for some time and that 6 cm is a large size but as long as we keep his blood pressure under control that he should have at least two to three mone years or longer. He also said that he has benn operating fine with the 50 percent of heart muscle he has left and that technically he should be back at the level he was prior to April. His kidney specialist states that most of the symptoms he is experiencing could be due entirely to his kidney function so we making our fourth attempt at collecting a complete 24- hour urine to determine kidney function. Life is looking up somewhat here and I am more rested with the advent of my cousin's arrival and the ability to work full-time once again. Life feels more normal and I love each and everyone of you who put up with my venting and sharing. I desperately needed someone to talk with and I consider each of you part of a special family. **************hugs to each of you*************** Linda

PS: god is opening doors all over the place and it looks like I may have been guided to something that is going to be big and I do mean big. I will fill you in later with details as my friends and I continue I strategy sessions. I am truly excited as it will utilixe my photography skills along with my writing and information studies skills. This is going to mean big bucks and then a home of my own and my own garden instead of patio gardening and I just keep praying to God to direct me and to give me the courage to grab this golden ring. Life is looking up. Linda

God does hear prayers and He does answer them. Thanks to each of you for all that have been offered and continue to be offered. You guys are the greatest. Really going this time as I promised my husband spaghetti and need to get busy before leaving for work. I am soing so well at work that I am in the running for one of the new monetary incentives and I am getting praise from every direction. They say that I have found my niche. Thanks, Linda

Linda,
I am so happy that things are getting better for your hubby. Since you haven't posted is such a long time, I thought the worst had happened. You and your hubby have been on my mind for a long time. Your postings have always been informative. Good things will come to you because you are a special person.
Linda Leaf

I always check over here, too, to see how you are doing. You sound rested and so much better.I'm glad things are going so well at work. They should realize what a gem they have in you! If the Dr.s give Lee 3 years he needs to get up and moving. No more of this waiting to die stuff. Miss Kristi said so. So you better plan on being at Cindee's swap in March and you better be bringing bourbon pie. Oh wait, there were pecans in it too, right?
Praying for good things!

Linda, do tell where in the park you are working these days. I agree with Kristi that you sound rested. Tell that man to get up out of the chair and stop feeling sorry for himself. Maybe you can bring him to Cindee's in March.
Glad things are looking up!
Marion

I am working in the resorts doing dining photography. I have worked Chef Mickey's for many weeks along with the Hoop De Doo and the Luau. Several of my friends and I are in the process of starting our own business but I will be employed at Disney for some time yet. Yes, life is doing better. Thanks you guys, Linda

Lee's heart is the same as it was prior to all of the issues he has had. It appears that most of his problems are kidney related and the fact that he gave up and has allowed himself to become weak and not eating properly. We are working on the weight issue and he is slowly regaining weight. He is also using his walker a little more and he has changed his attitude towards living. He is getting up more and moving around. We will see how he feels comes March.

The business end will entail photography and wedding planning. It is an exciting venture and will definitely be an adventure. I hope to eventually be able to have gorgwous container plants available to rent for weddings, receptions, etc as part of my package. I will provide more details as things progress. I am staying busy with Lee, work and doing the computer work, etc for our business. I am also taking care of the advertising, and all the written communication and forms for us. I also manage to garden in there and sometimes I sleep. *smile* I truly appreciate each and everyone of you who has been here for me and Lee. I truly consider you to be dear and cherished friends that I will love for life and beyond. I am sorry if my emotional state has caused any other members to leave. That was never my intention and I would leave in a heartbeat if I knew that my posting offended anyone. That was never my intention. *hugs to all* I will keep each of you in my prayers and know I am always here for you. Linda

Great news Linda! I have been lurking here, and keeping you in my prayers. I have tried to call you so many times and get an "all circuits are busy" message. I did leave one message on your voicemail.
We are all "pulling for you" let the blessings rain on you!
Kat

Thank you, Kat. I will give you a jingle soon I promise. I get up early and I am on the Internet doing what I do best - research and assembling information. I then make calls to arrange meetings to establish contacts in the wedding industry and then off to work and inbetween I do chores, garden and take care of my sweetheart. I do find time to sleep off and on. Thanks so much for being such a good friend. I miss you tremendously. Hope things are going better for you. Love, Linda

Linda ~ Hugs and prayers for you and your DH.

Your new business venture sounds like fun. Do keep us posted.

FlowerLady

lInda, I've haven't been in here for a while and just read your posts. I'm glad things are going well in your house. I meant to write earlier to see how things are. Sounds like everything is going well. I'm happy for you.

I gather from your posts that you do photos for Disney. I'm taking my grandkids there this weekend. Any chance I'll run into you? All the best,

Barbara

Barbara, I do dining events now and I will be at Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary on Saturday. I am off Sunday. I hope you and your grankids have a blast. Linda

Merry Christmas and some decent news for a change. Lee has gained weight and is beginning to act more like his normal self. He is working on his train and sitting at his computer and doing things. He has even begun using his walker for short walks. He has been getting out some and going shopping with me once in a while. Things will still be touch and go with the aneurysm but he is doing so much better. We go to the doctor on Tuesday to learn about his kidney function and that will be the determining facter in how he is living. Thanks for all the prayers.

I just learned that I have moderate kidney disease from my diabetes that was worsened by the heat stroke I had at work in July. It has resulted in my body core temperature rising and I have very limited tolerance for heat. I also lost my endorinologist to retirement and they have made no arrangements at his office for one of his partners to take me so my Internist has referred me to a new endo doc.

We are preparing for the holiday season and despite the fact that I am totally exhausrted, stressed to the point of dropping and depressed according my Internist I am beginning to feel some joy in the season.

I also am excited about my new private endeavour that my friends and I are entering. I can announce that we are opeing a photography business that will include wedding planning, coordination and caterering. I am very happy with the prospects though I am exhausted from all the work I have had to do getting the business plan together, etc.

So life is improving in our neck of the woods and we want to thank each of you who have kept us close to your hearts and in your prayers as God is answering those prayers. I love you guys and think of you as part of my family. *hug* and Merry Christmas Linda

LInda, I'm glad things are going well with your husband. Things seem to be looking up for you too with regard to your new career opportunity. Best wishes for a lovely New Year.

Barbara

Linda Thanks for the good news. Your new venture sounds exciting. Please promise to get some rest.
Hugs to you and Lee. Happy Holidays!
Marion

Linda thanks so much for the update and glad things are more positive for you and your DH.

Merry Christmas.

FlowerLady

Linda got the best hug of all between Christmas and New Year. God arranged for me to work as photo assist at my job at Chef Mickey's and I saw the most wonderful person approaching me. I got the hug I had been waiting on for almost two months. Coffeemom and her daughter were standing before me and the next moment I was wrapped in the most wonderful hug. Coffeemom had been in Downtown disney and had taken it upon herself to seek out my fellow co-worker and locate my whereabouts on property. She made a special trip over to the Contemporary Resort to Chef Mickey's just to give me that much wanted and needed hug. Normally I would have been running pictures out to tables and selling them, but it was all in God's plan that I be accessible. I took this as a wonderful omen for the New Year and a very wonderful late Christmas present. We had hoped to spend some time together on Sat but my dear friend came down with a nasty sore throat and cold, but we have plans for mid-year. There will also be plant swaps and other special events to keep us close. Bring on the salsa, Coffeemom and we will have a good time.

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes, meaningful and thoughful posts and for your prayers and just for being you. You have helped me make it through a long and trying year. Lee and I will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversay this coming Tuesday, the 16th, and of course it will be at Chef Mickey's. I am so blessed to have met all of you and look forward to meeting others at upcoming swaps. If you are near Disney and would like to play for a day just give me a yell.

Hope you are feeling better, Kristi and thank you so much for making my whole holiday season. *tight hug until the next real one* Linda

Linda, I sent you an email. Let me know if you got it. Glad you're back on the computer!

Thanks, Kristi, i received it and of course sent you a book in reply or at least I am working on sending the book in reply. *giggle* Linda