Finally purchased a camera

Well I finally bought a camera and took a picture of the painting that I just finished. I delivered it Friday afternoon and the owners were absolutely overwhelmed. There is nothing more that I could do that would make Sam so proud; it really does give me a good feeling of accomplishing something and it really helps occupy some very lonely weekends. I think my next one will be of him. I think that will either make me or break me -

we'll find out.

Sarah Elizabeth is back in school and doing so much better; no pain whatsoever. I don't know if the Crohn's caused her gallbladder problems or not, but at the moment, she is doing good. Cindy should go back to work at the end of this month.

She is doing good also.

I was disappointed to read of some new cases of cholangio on the blog site. It makes me so said to think of the journey that they will now have to travel - such a life changing event. I asked Sam one time what in the world I would do without him - he said you will be fine; you will just have a different life. I don't think he realized how different and difficult it was going to be.

Well I am not going to end this blog on a sad note - Spring is just around the corner and bulbs will be peaking their little heads through the ground soon. I am looking forward to Winter going away.

Love Betty

Good News

Sarah Elizabeth got to come home today from the hospital. I know she is doing better because she sent me an e-mail letting me know of the "Vera Bradley" items that she wants me to send her. Of course, I had to send Anna Katherine something for staying out of school and taking care of Cindy. All I can say is "money well spent".
I lost my stepfather "Sidney" two weeks ago; he and my Mother were childhood sweethearts and met again 17 years ago and were married - truly a love story. He was 88; she is 89 and lives in Tuscaloosa, AL so I will go and visit her on Sunday. Maybe I'll stop by Circuit City and buy me a new camera so I can post the picture of the painting on the blog. Don't hold your breath though - I absolutely hate learning how to operate gadgets; that was Sam's job.
All of you have a good weekend.
Betty

S.E. Update

Tim (Cindy's husband) just sent me a text message saying that they have removed S.E.'s gallbladder. Her labs need to get better before she can be discharged from the hospital. That is all I know right now. Sam absolutely adored this child; she was so very special to him. I really appreciate your concern and prayers for all of us.

On a little brighter side - before Sam died, I asked him what he wanted me to do after he was no longer here. He said I want you to paint and enter some art shows. Well I have just finished a portrait of a young lady with her riding horse (a commission). Believe it or not, it is pretty good - I even surprised myself. When I learn to operate his camera, I'll post it on his blog. He would be proud.

Sam's Granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth

It has been a while since I have posted anything to Sam's blog but I wanted to give everyone an update on Sarah Elizabeth. S.E. was diagnosed with Chron's disease when she was 7 years old; she is now 17. She is in Arnold Palmer hospital in Orlando, FL. She is jaundiced, has a stone in her bile duct and has pancretitis. Cindy, Sam's daughter, was just released from the hospital yesterday after having 8 inches of her small intestine removed; she has ulcerative colitis. I think most of you know that ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma but I'm not sure about Chron's. I think there are several on the site that have discussed how big of a role that genes play in CC. S.E. is a senior this year but has not been able to go to class for a large part of this school year but she has been able to keep up her school work at home. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and I will update you on her progress.

Betty Johnson