To the Vet I go

Went in early to work today- because I wanted to get Clarence to the vet early this afternoon- he has some fluid on his chest and I wanted to see what was going on- how do I know he has fluid on his chest I listened I have a stethoscope at home and yes I do listen to my critters lungs and heart but for Clarence I listen more - he has a grade 3 / 4 heart murmur (Murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that are produced as a result of turbulent blood flow which is sufficient to produce audible noise-Grade 3A moderately intense murmur not associated with a palpable precordial thrill (vibration) Grade 4 loud murmur; a palpable precordial thrill is not present or is intermittent )( diagnosed atleast 6 years ago) and he has been coughing which is a rare thing in cats - it sounds like he is hacking up a hairball- but nothing comes out- so when he looked like he was passed out after hacking this morning I decided it was time. He was diagnosed with a cardiomegaly ( Cardiomegaly is a medical condition wherein the heart is enlarged) and I keep tabs on it - not feeling all positive right now - just know being in the business that heart issues in cats is not good and I knew that when he was diagnosed we were unsure how he would do. Now- I think it is catching up to him.

Food- Fellowship and Fun

We went to the Currie's house last night- and we ate we laughed we laughed we laughed- it is nice going to homes where I can relax and enjoy myself and there are others around watching out for Marcus.

We left about 10 I will probably pay for it later with Marcus' behavior but he wants to come to main service with me this morning which is a good choice.

Then after service we go to meet up with Aunt Lori- Marcus will be with them for the week- Sarah goes to youth camp -

Marcus will be going to the YMCA- again and learning how to swim- praying he has a better time with his behavior then last- praying he uses his words and is able to speak about being upset about something rather then hit people.

Scared

This is what I was told the other day from my son- Wednesday to be exact- I would have written last night but I was exhausted- I had surgery (not on me) from 6:30-2:30 yesterday and was beat.

So I am writing today-

So Marcus was very sad looking on Wednesday when I picked him up from Sarah's

He did not want to talk but it eventually came out on the way to church-

He said he was scared that his foster dad was going to come back and hurt him- I reassured him- allowed him to express what he was feeling- and hugged on him but mom was not enough he spoke with Sarah and wanted to speak with Dustin- Marcus just hugged on to Dustin for a few minutes before he told him what was going on- Dustin listened and then prayed for him-

Marcus is tender right now and I am so thankful I have family around that loves on him and reassures him-

Thanks Dustin ( he looks up to you)

So I emailed his psychiatrist and told her what was going on and she said that this may be a phase of remembering through this development- reassure him (check did that) - let him talk it out (check did that) - let him know it is okay to have feelings like this (check did that as well) plus I added in that God is with him and protecting him and surrounding him with people who love him and care about him so much.

This week has not been too bad- Sarah is doing an awesome job with him and I know she is unsure at times but I am so very thankful for her. I was kidding her today- if she can handle Marcus she will be able to handle any child. She is learning what works and what does not and I am giving her tips of what works for me.

A Shout Out

Okay well I am truly excited that just around the bend is Go Girl Conference- what makes me all the more excited is meeting PDs sister Kimberly- Hello Kimberly can not wait to meet- heard lots of good things- Glad you enjoy my blog-

Off to get ready for church tonight- God is so good

Teeth Pictures of Marcus

Here they are- now some have you seen him with them all fixed and you can not tell the difference

Okay here goes my tag

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

- I had just moved to Tampa to go back to school- left my hometown- I had lived there for 27 years.

2. Name 5 things on today's to do list.

- finish laundry

-take Marcus to Uncle Adams

- Go to Life Coaching

- Work on JBQ

- Work on Sunday School Lesson

3. Things I'd do if I were a billionaire

- Buy a house that is big enough for lots of people to come over - have a yard

- support missionaries all over the world

- give to the adoption agencies and foster care system

-give to friends and family

4. 3 Bad habits

- staying up late and getting up early

- getting an attitude when things are not just right

- eating chips and dip when there is nothing else to do ( a whole bag really it is true)

5. 5 places I have lived

- McKeesport, PA - only lived there 1 year

- Venice, Fl- 27 years

- St.Petersburg, Fl- 2 years

- Tampa, Fl- 4 years

- Wesley Chapel, Fl- current residence

6. 5 jobs I have had

-Stable hand at Throughbred farm

-Child Care worker (all of high school)

- Certified Veterinary Techncian

-Practice Manager (along with Certified Veterinary Technician)

-Lab Animal Manager (again goes along wit being a Certified Veterinary Technician)

7. 5 people I am tagging (sorry only 4)

Melissa

Cathy

Lori

Misty

Hi Mommy

Those were the words I heard around this time 3 years ago when I met my son

- (can you believe he was that little)

today is a thriving 7 year old which has come along way from where he was- I am so proud of him and I am proud of myself as well- I had no clue what I was doing as a parent- and at times still do not- but with God's grace- and the many caring and concerned family I have in my life we have grown so much.

Today was a rough one but he is realizing that bad choices there are consequences even if he wants to do the privileges.

He is learning - I have learned and have my days of forgetfulness on what works with him- I have learned that calmness works best and for the most part I do now remain calm- it gets tiring but when you see how it works for him it is the best thing.

We have come so far and we are going to go so much farther- stay tuned for more reminiscing over the next few weeks.