When you are a kid, you never think about your loved ones not being there. It's almost impossible to think about them being removed from this world, because they have always been there. You spend your Saturdays playing in the backyard constantly looking up at their backporch to see if one of them would come out. When they would, you would wave and hope there wouldn't be many questions. There was something about answering 20 questions about school/elementary school boyfriends/life in general that wasn't too appealing espcially on a Saturday.
And those mid-summer/mid-winter visits next door were the worst. Their house was either hotter than blazes or colder than the artic. It was non-stop talking about something that Sis and I couldn't understand. Most of it probably was about Auburn, football, or Auburn football. At the age of 7, I wasn't too interested in football talk. Not appealing...
Something else not appealing: pulling up to the bus stop in the afternoons looking to see if he was standing there to (yep, you guessed it) ask 20 questions and chit-chat for 5 minutes. Did he not understand? We were ready to get home to our snacks and cartoons. We couldn't miss The Rescue Rangers or Saved by the Bell reruns. We were on a strict afternoon schedule before homework had to be done. We didn't have 5 minutes to spare.
Now I would give up a lifetime of tv just to have 5 more minutes with him....
My first grandparent to pass away was my father's father. We called him Popa, but our (older) cousins called him Granddaddy. My dad is the baby of 3 with a brother 17 years older than him and a sister (who passed away in 1996 from leukemia) 11 years older than him. Needless to say, Sissy and I grew up on my dad's side without cousins around our age. Popa and my grandmother, Winnie, lived next door to us. Or rather we lived next door to them since we bought part of their land in the late '80s to build a house.
Growing up, Popa always wanted to see/talk to Sis and me. There was nothing about our lives that he didn't want to know about. Sadly and shamefully, we didn't pay him the time of day he deserved. It was a huge inconvenience to stop and talk. I think that is what I feel so guilty about now.
November 2001 Popa had surgery. Honestly, I can't even remember what type of surgery it was because it was so minor that everything was sure to be alright. I mean how life-threatening could a little surgery be to someone who was 83 and in tip-top shape? Well, the surgery itself was fine, but it was the sponge that was left inside of him that began the downward spiral. When we found out about the sponge, we initally thought something the size of a dish-washing sponge. After much questioning, the sponge was the size of a foot by foot (12" x 12'). Someone in the O.R. was not doing their job because all utensils and equipment had to be accounted for before he was sewn up. It's odd to think that the sponge was causing factor of what was to come. He developed pneumonia in one lung and then the other. He wasn't getting any better. He was put in the ICU. How life-threatening could this little surgery be?
I will never forget the call: Sunday, December 23rd roughly 5pm. Dad called Sis and me to meet him and Mom at the hospital, because he wasn't expected to make it much longer. No way, I thought. There is no way! It was just a sponge!
There was a whole room full of us there: cousins, my uncle, Mom, Dad, Sissy, my old youth minister, and others. We gathered around his bed and watched him breathe his last breath around 6:30pm on December 23rd, less than 2 days before Christmas.
I was a senior in high school and thought about my graduation without him. In early September, I was accepted to Auburn, which I was able to share with him. Popa was the biggest Auburn fan I knew (even bigger than my dad which is hard to believe if you know him) and I knew he was proud of my accomplishment. I think my degree from Auburn was my gift to him. I still regret my actions of ignoring him and not spending more time with him. Being a kid, you don't think about what the future holds, or who it doesn't hold.
Today on the 10th anniversary of his passing, I remember all of the good times we had. I wish I had more time, but that time will come again.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
dear 17 year old me
It will haunt me for the rest of my life. Why did I do such an irresponsible act? Why did I feel like I needed to look a certain way in order to be beautiful? I knew the consequences and shrugged them off. Then it hit...
I was a junior in high school (yep, just 17) when I went to the dermatologist for the first time. I was going for 2 reasons: acne and a large mole removal on my mid-back. I don't remember much about the visit other than Mom's main concern was my acne. It was bad (and still is as far as being an adult). After trying every known acne-prevention product, nothing seemed to work so it was time to call in the professionals.
As I was lifting up my shirt for the doctor to see my mid-back, he noticed a place on my lower back. He said that was the one that needed to be removed, but could remove the other as well. Both were sent out for testing. The mole that the doctor found had precancerous cells. Surgery had to be done immediately to remove the roots and surrounding cells. The surgery wasn't too bad, but they did have to give me a double dose of shots to numb my back. And my dad had to sit down because he got queezy watching. He was there holding my hand. I had about 10 or so blue stitches that prohibited me from bending over. If I did, I would have ripped my skin. That scenario didn't sound pleasing so I did not bend over once during the number of weeks that I had stitches.
A few days later the results from my precancerous cell removal surgery came in: they had successfully removed all of it. But I was under strict orders to lather up the sunscreen and beware of tanning beds for the rest of my life. Did I listen? No. Every bride must be tan at their wedding. Bad mistake...
This past week I went to my 2nd dermatologist appointment specifically for a full body checking. And I had another mole removed, but this time from my stomach. The doctor also measured some on my back. That night I was following my cleaning instructions and I took off the band-aid to find another belly button: a gross one at that. My biopsy spot was at least 3 times bigger than my removed mole and the hole was deep. All I could think about was that I hoped the doctor had removed all abnormal cells, because I couldn't go through another cutting. Thankfully God is looking out for me, because the results were as good as they could be. No additional cutting is necessary, but there is a 10% chance that it could return as cancer. I will go back for periodic check-ups.
I want to challenge everyone to go to the dermalogist for a full body checkup. Skin cancer can pop up without warning. I was a 17 year old who was diagnosed with precancerous cells. Ten years later I am a young adult with continued skin problems and my later years don't look promising. Tanning beds are NOT safe. I will NEVER use a tanning bed again and will only be spray tanned in the future. Please know the facts and myths about tanning. Also use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. Beauty in your younger years will quickly turn into wrinkles, leather skin, and sun spots in your later years. Please watch the video below. It changed my life.
Dear 16-Year-Old Me YouTube Video
http://youtu.be/_4jgUcxMezM
I was a junior in high school (yep, just 17) when I went to the dermatologist for the first time. I was going for 2 reasons: acne and a large mole removal on my mid-back. I don't remember much about the visit other than Mom's main concern was my acne. It was bad (and still is as far as being an adult). After trying every known acne-prevention product, nothing seemed to work so it was time to call in the professionals.
As I was lifting up my shirt for the doctor to see my mid-back, he noticed a place on my lower back. He said that was the one that needed to be removed, but could remove the other as well. Both were sent out for testing. The mole that the doctor found had precancerous cells. Surgery had to be done immediately to remove the roots and surrounding cells. The surgery wasn't too bad, but they did have to give me a double dose of shots to numb my back. And my dad had to sit down because he got queezy watching. He was there holding my hand. I had about 10 or so blue stitches that prohibited me from bending over. If I did, I would have ripped my skin. That scenario didn't sound pleasing so I did not bend over once during the number of weeks that I had stitches.
A few days later the results from my precancerous cell removal surgery came in: they had successfully removed all of it. But I was under strict orders to lather up the sunscreen and beware of tanning beds for the rest of my life. Did I listen? No. Every bride must be tan at their wedding. Bad mistake...
This past week I went to my 2nd dermatologist appointment specifically for a full body checking. And I had another mole removed, but this time from my stomach. The doctor also measured some on my back. That night I was following my cleaning instructions and I took off the band-aid to find another belly button: a gross one at that. My biopsy spot was at least 3 times bigger than my removed mole and the hole was deep. All I could think about was that I hoped the doctor had removed all abnormal cells, because I couldn't go through another cutting. Thankfully God is looking out for me, because the results were as good as they could be. No additional cutting is necessary, but there is a 10% chance that it could return as cancer. I will go back for periodic check-ups.
I want to challenge everyone to go to the dermalogist for a full body checkup. Skin cancer can pop up without warning. I was a 17 year old who was diagnosed with precancerous cells. Ten years later I am a young adult with continued skin problems and my later years don't look promising. Tanning beds are NOT safe. I will NEVER use a tanning bed again and will only be spray tanned in the future. Please know the facts and myths about tanning. Also use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. Beauty in your younger years will quickly turn into wrinkles, leather skin, and sun spots in your later years. Please watch the video below. It changed my life.
Dear 16-Year-Old Me YouTube Video
http://youtu.be/_4jgUcxMezM
Saturday, October 8, 2011
3 years
On Tuesday, October 4th Daniel and I celebrated 3 years of marriage. It has truly been a blessing being married to such a thoughtful and caring man. Not every day is a walk in the park, but that is the beauty of a marriage. Some days are challenging, but most are rewarding. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. I love you, Daniel Henry Todd.
October 4, 2008
October 1, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
no pictures, please
Back in August, I shared my determination for shedding some weight. I am happy to inform you that my first goal (of minus 7 pounds) has become a reality. HELLO, WEDDING WEIGHT! Yes, that's right. I am at a weight I haven't been at since March 2009 (post-wedding). Yay, me!
Now for the ultimate goal: minus 10 more pounds to be back at my senior in high school weight. I still think I am crazy to want to be that small again, but if I am losing, then I better shoot high.
Furthermore, I wish that I had taken pictures before this process. Not like I would have posted for the world to see, but just for my satisfaction. If I know myself like I think that I do, then I wouldn't have been as motivated as I have been with those pics. The secret is no pictures, please.
As my weight loss journey continues, I will keep you informed....
Thanks for all of the support!
Now for the ultimate goal: minus 10 more pounds to be back at my senior in high school weight. I still think I am crazy to want to be that small again, but if I am losing, then I better shoot high.
Furthermore, I wish that I had taken pictures before this process. Not like I would have posted for the world to see, but just for my satisfaction. If I know myself like I think that I do, then I wouldn't have been as motivated as I have been with those pics. The secret is no pictures, please.
As my weight loss journey continues, I will keep you informed....
Thanks for all of the support!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge
Well, he did it. And I couldn't be more proud of him. Daniel set a goal and followed through with it. More surprising than accomplishing his first goal, he is actually setting another goal and working hard towards it.
A couple of months ago, Daniel told me that he wanted to compete in a 5k race. I thought he was joking, because he comes up with ideas all the time and they fade within a week. He was determined to prove me wrong. Boy, did he.
The morning of Saturday, September 24th was a chilly one especially waking up at the buttcrack of dawn. He got ready with great excitement while I tried to put on eyeliner half awake. I am sad to say that this race was the first time I had made it into Oak Mountain State Park (that I can remember). It was a beautiful setting for Daniel's first race. So many people are awake and dressed before 8AM on Saturdays as the park was pretty packed. Shocking to me that people get up so early on the weekends.
People from all walks of life, young and old, black and white, male and female, assembled for this great race. Proudly my husband stood as one of them. He might not have finished first, but he sure didn't finish last. He finished in the middle and I am so proud. He was able to follow through with one of his goals. He is currently working on his next upcoming 5k in December. I have started the running process as well, but I have no plans of competing.
Enjoy the moments captured that morning....
A couple of months ago, Daniel told me that he wanted to compete in a 5k race. I thought he was joking, because he comes up with ideas all the time and they fade within a week. He was determined to prove me wrong. Boy, did he.
The morning of Saturday, September 24th was a chilly one especially waking up at the buttcrack of dawn. He got ready with great excitement while I tried to put on eyeliner half awake. I am sad to say that this race was the first time I had made it into Oak Mountain State Park (that I can remember). It was a beautiful setting for Daniel's first race. So many people are awake and dressed before 8AM on Saturdays as the park was pretty packed. Shocking to me that people get up so early on the weekends.
People from all walks of life, young and old, black and white, male and female, assembled for this great race. Proudly my husband stood as one of them. He might not have finished first, but he sure didn't finish last. He finished in the middle and I am so proud. He was able to follow through with one of his goals. He is currently working on his next upcoming 5k in December. I have started the running process as well, but I have no plans of competing.
Enjoy the moments captured that morning....
Daniel's serious race face
I was so proud of him!
Jane came out to support as well! Thanks, Jane!
Daniel and his best friend, Scott.
Both did amazing in the race.
All of the runners and walkers for The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge
Starting the race...
finishing strong at 32:56 minutes
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 years of change and a lifetime of never forgetting
Ten years ago today, America changed forever. It wasn't by choice and (I like to believe even though there are conspiracies galore) no one saw it coming. Many have given all. What have you given?
I will always remember that day and exactly what I was doing. I will never forget how I felt. I encourage you to relive my 9/11 story as I told it 2 years ago. What were you doing that day? What have you done differently since? Have you thanked those who have given so much in order to protect our freedom?
May we NEVER forget. God bless America.
I will always remember that day and exactly what I was doing. I will never forget how I felt. I encourage you to relive my 9/11 story as I told it 2 years ago. What were you doing that day? What have you done differently since? Have you thanked those who have given so much in order to protect our freedom?
May we NEVER forget. God bless America.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A-U-B. Way to be!
All of these years I believe I have been lying by saying spring is my favorite season. uh, no. Fall has got to be my favorite season. There is cooler weather and FOOTBALL SEASON! Since attending an SEC school, my love of football has multiplied since I was a wee lad. My favorite part of football season while in college was Friday afternoons. Whether I was living in the dorm or in the apartment, the routine was always the same. The windows were up, the tunes were on, and I was in my element cleaning the place. Life didn't get any better than that until later that night when we got dressed up and we out. ah, memories...
Every year I am trying to celebrate my Auburn traditions by making a craft of some sort before the season starts. Last year it was making "AU" shirts for the Brindley girls: Sis, Mom, and me.
Every year I am trying to celebrate my Auburn traditions by making a craft of some sort before the season starts. Last year it was making "AU" shirts for the Brindley girls: Sis, Mom, and me.
Mom's shirt
Sis and my shirt
So this year I decided to try my creative painting side and make 3 Auburn paintings (one for each of the Brindley girls). Special thanks to Mom's neighbor, Brenda, for the hardwood floor samples. I wouldn't have been able to make this project without her! And I must say they turned out pretty cute especially for free-hand painting each one. I call them Auburn Aubie Art. Take a peek...
painting for Mom and me
another view of the painting for Mom and me
painting for Sis
another view of the painting for Sis
I think Mom and Sis are currently looking for ribbon in order to add a bow. Updates to come....
The projects didn't end there. Not only did I make 3 paintings, but I managed to find a set of navy placemats and turned them into this...
my homemade AU placemats
(Special thanks to my husband for buying me the plates. I love him!)
Hold on, because the crafting isn't over just yet! Mom even got in the spirit of crafting for football season and made me this for our front door...
My very own Auburn wreath. I LOVE it!
Stay tuned for next year's Auburn craft. Who even knows what that will be... And maybe Sis will get in on the crafting action. eh, or not.
War Damn Eagle!
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