Friday, March 28, 2014

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder


Well for Glenn’s dad it has made his heart grow stronger. About 6 weeks ago George fell at home while he was running a low grade fever. His care giver was unable to get him back up so she called 911. They determined it would be good to take him to the emergency room. They determined he had a staph infection in his blood. He was immediately put in ICU and on heavy duty Antibiotics. One evening the Dr. called to say, “It might be a good time to come and see him”. We all took this to mean he was nearing death.  To look at him you certainly would have concurred. His lungs were not functioning well. His already compromised heart, with its pig’s valve and pacemaker, was not functioning well. His color was completely off, his legs swollen. When my husband and his sister were out of the room, he called me over to his bead and through the air mask said “this is it isn’t it.”

 

Since then he has gone on dialysis (they haven’t yet determined whether it is long or short term). But he has steadily improved. He is shaky and older. He has lost weight and at times has not been the same mentally razor sharp man we know, but something else has changed. He has found his motivation to keep going. He tells his caregiver “I just want to see Alex again.”

 

How can this little girl have such a huge impact on a guy like George?

 

George, or Opa, loved his granddaughters this I know. But I don’t believe he has ever shown such remarkable gentleness and love like he has for Alex. Even in ICU when we would show his a picture of her he would break into the most heart melting grin. “That’s just incredible” is what he says. I have taken to bringing out a photo of her if he is in a down mood, and inevitably he melts.

 

Alex lives in Bolivia with her parents. She has seen Opa once when she was 2 months old. She sat on his lap. There is a picture prominently displayed in his house of the day.
 
 

 

For him, the absence of Alex has made him stronger.

For me, the absence of Alex makes me sad.

I know for both of us, the absence of Alex doesn’t make our hearts grown fonder – that would be impossible. Her place in our hearts is filled to the breaking point.

 

  

Saturday, March 22, 2014

BABY ALPACA designer coat

From time to time I will be posting here more photos of auction items for our Team's auction at www.AWTY2014.com First up...

A donation all the way from La Paz, Bolivia! If you have ever touched baby Alpaca wool you know...
it is incredibly soft and warm. This designer coat by Liliana Castellanos is a classic design. I can see Jackie Kennedy luxuriating in it. It is described as,


The modern creations of Liliana Castellanos have gained an excellent reputation in the international world for their innovative design and the excellence of the Alpaca fiber. Liliana's creations are designed and handmade in La Paz, Bolivia.

By natural evolution the Alpaca has a perfect fur for protection against the extreme temperature changes of the Andean region. The Alpaca fiber is three times stronger than wool, five times warmer, and lighter than cashmere. The fiber also possesses anti allergic properties and is resistant to both water and fire.

This baby alpaca wool coat has excellent durability and thermal properties. Liliana’s design will keep you getting complements year after year.
 
US size 10. Retail IN BOLIVIA (which would be significantly lower than the US) $400.
 


 
MAKE your bid at www.AWTY2014 Minimum bid $150