JUDGE NOT; LESS YOU BE JUDGED

My hard and intense anger … as I watched Senator Ted Kennedy take communion … was not at the senator. It was at the cameraman and (if given permission) at that person also; to be in a Sunday Mass … in the middle of a segment on some news show … just to get that action on tape … and show it … over and over and over; as happened for several weeks, on and off.
I know that only a mortal sin, not repented, can send us to h??l. But as I learned in catechism … there are 3 rules to committing a mortal sin.
First, you must have the knowledge that the action is a mortal sin.
Second, you must not care that your are sinning and putting more nails into our LORD, Jesus Christ … and may be leading others to commit the same sin. (That makes two sins; slander being the second)
And … THIRD … YOU DO NOT CARE WHAT THE MAGISTERIAM SAYS … YOU DO AS YOU PLEASE … NO MATTER WHAT THE CASE MAY BE … BECAUSE YOU ‘WANT TO DO IT’.
As I watched last night and today … and all the accolades to his memory and to his memorable public life … I came to the conclusion … HE HAD HIS BELIEF; PRO-CHOICE AND PRO-WOMEN’S RIGHTS.
Now let me say here, my husband goes to Mass on Saturday morning. That is a whole ‘nuther story, but I debated with several folks … ‘leave him alone; he is tete’ dur (hard headed) and you will not change his mind’. I remember at a Sunday morning mass, I man that I did not especially like but tolerated his word exchanges with me, to do as Jesus said ‘love thy neighbor’. This man … when he asked me ‘where is your side kick’ … I answered ‘he only goes to Mass on Saturday morning’. To my shocking surprise … he said ‘well, at least he goes sometimes’. That was the same words I used to quiet those who scolded HL often. And some just kept on; and on; and on … one being a priest and one being a religious brother. He continues to do as he pleases … and to me … because he believes … if you can go on Saturday night; why not morning.
Hearing all the things said about the senator, he had to be a very likable person. Funny things; pleasant memories; sad occasions; fighting for his country in the military and then in Congress for 47 years … still a senator at his death. Even Republicans spoke highly of him.
I have seen a bumper sticker that read ‘you cannot be Catholic and pro-choice’.
SOOOOOO … what if he felt deep in his heart, mind and soul … that women had so little rights that every man … young, old, rich, poor; hard working or lazy; even criminals have rights.
So what if he felt in his heart, mind and soul … that abortion was a woman’s right. I have no doubt in my mind that his mama would not approve of that … but then, who am I to say that is correct.
Sooooo, as the nation mourns the passing of yet another Kennedy icon and patriarch … I ponder over and prayed much for his soul … in the past few days.
I know little about Vicki; she did live in Crowley, LA (although I am not sure she was born there) and her father was a well known judge.
I know more about her now; not just from the things said about her … but JUST BY THE FACT … THAT SHE INSISTED THAT JOAN (TED’S FIRST WIFE) AND MOTHER OF SOME OF HIS CHILDREN … COME TO THE SERVICE. I saw several blondes that favored her, but none had their names flashed on screen.
So … judge not … that ye shall not be judged. I think that is from the Old Testament; but do not quote me on that. I recognize lots of scripture but cannot pin point it … when I really need to.
I wish Vicki a long and loving life … with her children, his children and all the extended family. Jean is the only child of Rose and Joe left. And so many of their children had dramatic and horrific deaths. At least, Ted died … knowing for over a year, that the brain cancer would eventually ‘do him in’ … but it is my understanding that he was pleasant to the end. Not that he did not fight … a valiant fight … for with his wealth … he could afford the best of medical care.
The priest that led the Mass said ‘it was a privilege to be with him and Vicki in these last days.
May his soul rest in peace; and may our Father God, our Sweet Jesus and the Holy Spirit … the Blessed Holy Trinity … and the communion of saints … welcome him into his Heavenly home.

I HAVE BEEN THINKING AGAIN; OHE, MY

Yep, with feeling so bad; only thing on this old body that gets regular exercise is these typing fingers ... unless I have to go into another room for something ... like make a sandwich or cook some egg beaters (like today) for breakfast for the next week or so. It says 15 servings ... so that should make it that long. And sometimes, I even sit in my kitchen rolling chair and sweep and/or mop.

SOME OF MY THINKING ... HAS BEEN ... PUT YOUR DAILY WHOOOOOOOES IN THE BLOG ... THEN IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED ... THEY CAN ALL READ IT HERE INSTEAD OF ... MY HAVING TO SEND MULTIPLE NOTES. NOW, I WILL SEND A NOTE FOR THIS ONE; AND MAYBE THE NEXT ONE ... BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE ALL THE NEWS YET FROM THE MEDICAL TESTS. **BUT FROM THEN ON, YOU WILL HAVE TO COMMIT TO FOLLOW AND GET THE AUTO-NOTE OR JUST COME OVER HERE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE IT.**

To start out, my FBS has been quite good for the past 4 months and Dr was 'proud of your kidney function numbers' in April. HUH???? I knew they do a liver function every April ... but 'kidney' ... from blood work; huh.
WELL, this time when the phone call came, it was 'fbs and ac1 are much better' ... yep, figgered that. 'But Dr has set you up for a kidney ultrasound for tomorrow (WED) at 1pm'. I DO NOT THINK SO. I seldom leave the house (even since after that 8am mass when the Rav was like an oven ... so am watching Mass on EWTN every day). And that beautiful rendition of Divine Mercy Chaplet (3pm EDT). And then the Rosary for Life.
I did not say anything to Carla, but kept thinking; no way. So called the hospital and they could fit me in on Thursday at 9am. Good; went to write it on medical appointments calendar; and told HL what I was doing. NOPE! His nurse practiciner for urology clinic had called; he had an 8:30 appointment. SOOOO, called back Jennifer ... and she said 'sure, no problem; that is Friday, 9pm.'
Now ... not getting off subject (promise, will connect below) ... I have 3 chairs that I sit in mostly; rolling and swiveling desk chair that I am now in. Then there is the recliner; just rocks and swevels; and then there is the nightmare chair ... an armless old desk chair that I use at the table and am afraid of ... so I brace it against the cabinet and sit, then pull myself to the table, about 18 inches.
About 3 weeks ago, this chair I am in ... moved as I started to sit ... and I fell on my knees (neither are good, but not in tooooooo much pain, I managed to pull myself up on a desk which I fell near. HL was not at home.
When I saw the dr on Tuesday, he explained that a lot of things could have made the change in the kidney function test since April; probably the most responsible was ... heat exhaustion. Besides that one Mass at 8am ... I went to a funeral of a dear friend ... and parked in the shade. Then to Kroger, for my b/p med ... that I had one left in the bottle. And then home to pack in ice. Don't ask; it ain't prrrruuuttttyyyy; but it works

And I had taken my lasix on Monday as usual, before the blood work; and I told him about the two bad heat exhaustion cases. So many things could be going on; he patted my knee and said 'not to worry; we will get to the bottom of this.'
The heat exhaustion cases ... probably 15 or 20 since August 2008, which put me in ER for a 4 hour IV drip of saline solution to re-hydrate me ... and since, I just took lukewarm to cool showers and then drank a ton of water.

OK! So to tie in the third chair; recliner that rocks and swivels. I seldom swivel; so just do not pay it any mind. Wednesday, I was supposed to be sitting down to do the Rosary ... and ... Whooooooooppppps!!! Swilved; the chair went one way (north) and I went the other (southeast) and against the table next to my recliner. Must have made quite a noise (me or the bump; or both) because HL came a running. By then, I was sitting up and trying to pull myself up on the long couch; no wheels; no swivels; no rocking; just steady old friendly couch.
HL had a fit; 'what happened' and wanted to call son-in-law from next door. I was almost on my knee by then, but had some pain; but I knew he had no business trying to help me. Help me, anyway, he did; and what was best for him. Pushing me on the right shoulder as I was on my left knee and trying to pull myself up by holding on to the back of the couch.
We got it done. And he wanted me to go to the ER. I had no new pain ... so decided to just rub it with pain reliver and take two Aleve. I even forgot to say my nightly prayers (sorry, Jesus and BVM) and we both went to bed.
Boy, was I glad that I did not have to leave the house the next morning; and in fact, went back to be about an hour after taking my meds and eating. I do not take noon meds ... so HL just peaked in on me a couple of times ... and I slept until almost supper time. >>>I thought ... there goes the night's rest.<<<
I ate my supper after sitting in a lukewarm shower for quite a while and took my meds and went to bed. I think I even beat HL with the snoring.
Thursday, was real sore ... and had a bruse about the size of my thumb on my right side by my rib. Again, glad that I had no place to go. After breakfast, back to bed. Now, if you know me well, you know ... I rather rest in my recliner than go to bed during the day because if I do sleep, I usually cannot sleep most of the night. But a new med to help me sleep ... got a workout that night.
Friday, got to the hospital for the ultrasound about 50 minutes early. I had brought my walker with the seat ... just in case there were not empty seats. When I realized that it was 12 minutes to 9 (my appointment time) and at least two folks that came in after me ... were called ... I ask 'why was I being passed by'. They did not figure that out ... but I was called next. When I rose from my walker chair ... my legs were asleep (first clue; had not felt that, sitting down.) Again, they crumbled under me ... but HL and a post was near by ... as well as the lady that was going to admit me ... so I just slumped a little; they put my walker in the walking position; and off we went ... about 5 feet. ;-}
Got admitted; got the test done; got back in the cool Rav that HL had seen to ... was not a 500 degree oven ... and home and right to bed.
By now, I am getting tired of all this ... falling; almost falling; going to bed during the day; getting up 5 or more times during the night (they told me to drink a lot of water). So I am just praying ... that lack of liquids is my problem; and I may have to be put on a different blood pressure med. I told one lady that if I am this unstable, what will it be WHEN I GET OLD. She looked at me ... funny; 'cause she had already seen on my wrist band that I am nearly 73.
Pray for me and HL. He is doing dishes right now; because I cannot ... and ... I JUST CANNOT SEEM TO TEACH HIM TO COOK IN THE MICROWAVE. I DO MY BACON AND HAMBURGER PATTIES THERE ... AND WEINERS WHEN I HAVE THEM ... NOT OFTEN; and all the TV dinners and pot pies. The only thing that I eat that cannot be cooked there is Eggbeaters; and I cook a pot full that lasts for several days. Don't ask about veggies; that is a whole 'nuther story. Yuck!!
Merci for listening and for the prayers. Am praying for all of you also.
DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! Je t'aime, me

I HAVE BEEN THINKING A LOT LATELY ...

And … that is much safer for folks that are around me a lot; me putting my brain in gear before I start spouting nonsense/gibberish/anger/etc.

When a couple of weeks ago, Thelma (HL’s sis-in-law) who was like a sister to me for over 50 years … was found dead one morning … I was numb. It seemed … even at the viewing … where she looked like she was sleeping … it was sur-real.

If you know me on the praying lists or spiritual discussion groups, you know I was having many health issues since August 2008. I was going to see Ricki who was still in the Care Center in DeQuincy … and sometimes I would cook some of his favorite foods. While in LSU/Shreveport … he ate very little ‘real food’ … although jello and pudding did go down OK. He had a tube in his throat for over 3 months … during all those surgeries he had … trying to get rid of the MRSA bacteria AND his throat was more than sore.

When I would go to DeQuincy alone; he would ask me to stay until he had to leave the room to do therapy of some kind. I did so … thanking our Sweet Jesus for his life and my being able to spend so much time with him … but …

When I would get in the RAV … it was like an oven. I suffered (in just one week) 2 bouts of heat exhaustion; the first put me in the ER for a few hours, getting an IV drip to re-hydrate me. The second one … I recognized the symptoms … and packed in ice after a cold shower … and drank lots of water.

Just before Thelma died … I started having body jerks in my torso and shoulders; no pain, just jerks that woke me up … and kept me up; sometimes walking the floor, just not to get back in bed … to jerk some more. And then my hands would shake all day.

Thelma and my cousin, Jessie Mae in Redmond WA told me that my body was finally telling my mind … to get some much needed rest. Yeah, right, I thought.

It got so bad that I did go to the doctor; smart young man … and right away … said ‘well, you had a lot of stress in the past few years … and your body is telling you to slow down’. WHAT; Thelma and JM were right. Of course, we pray a lot … but even the Cajun Traiteur prayers did not seem to help. Doc said ‘take a diazepam every night about an hour before you go to bed’. I DID; AND HAD 4 GREAT AND RESTFUL NIGHTS … and then they found Thelma dead.

My night that day … was bad, I thought; and I took another pill … because it had been over 8 hours … and allowed. I got up late … on the day of the viewing, finding out that we could go to the funeral home around 5 pm. So I rested some … here in front of the computer … and some in the living room; then took a shower to get ready to leave the house. HL told me ‘I do not want to go’. That was a shock.

But the next thing he told me … was more than a shock; it was a shocker.

Our local paper will put the name of a person in a square … with age and funeral home in charge. Well, Ms. Mobile phone lady friend called HL for the schedule of events … WHEN SHE COULD HAVE READ IT IN THE PAPER THE NEXT DAY.

When he told me that … I could not speak for a few seconds. Then I said ‘I certainly hope you told her that was none of her business (Thelma and her daughter, Shirley did not like this woman for what she had put me through for 3 years of talking to HL … every day and sometimes … more than once.) He told me he gave her the event times.

Here is where my mouth spouted (well, kinda shouted) words without my brain even being involved. ‘If she shows up while I am there, I will try to remove her from the building (said a little less than a shout) … (and him interrupting with … ‘not your business’) … (I went on … louder) … I will try to remover her from the building … quietly. If she refuses … you will see … not World War 3 nor 4 … but 5 and 6 combined’. And then I headed out the back door.

He said ‘I thought you did not feel like driving’ … and I reminded him that once I got on the highway in front of our house … it was a straight shot … about 4 miles to the edge of town and the funeral home. He said ‘wait; let me get dressed’.

We stayed about 45 minutes … and I wanted to stay for the rosary. He kept grunting and changing the position he was sitting in … so I finally agreed to leave. The next morning … we could be there from 8 am to noon … and then the church at 1 pm.

He would not go to the funeral home; and did not want to go to the cemetery.

Again, I thought … for him … because of his pain, I would do it his way.

That night between the viewing and funeral … my body was constantly jerking. Walking around … sitting in my recliner … up, down; up, down; nothing seemed to work … so when it was time for me to take another pill, I did … but it took over 2 hours to stop the jerking and let me get some sleep.

Now all this time … until yesterday … I blamed that really bad night on HL and his lady friend talking on the phone. She had been told a couple of years ago to stop calling … but she kept on. She was married to a cousin of mine … but he had died. But several close relatives in his family had died after him … and she called with the news … knowing that we get the local paper … and did not need her to give us any of the information.

But today … after the sudden idea popped into my mind; I realized … actually about
2 am … that it was not the phone call; it was the time I missed with my family … Thelma’s children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren … and even great-grandchildren.

That time can never be brought back to me. I mourn for my dear sister … who had a hard life … and I am sure she is with our Sweet Jesus or well on her way. But I also mourn for the missing … minutes; hours; days … that I will never be able to claim again.

My health has steadily improved since that time; even my fasting blood sugar readings have been good … and I am driving again. I thank every one who prayed for me … and know that is the largest part of my getting well. Doc did his part; but JESUS IS THE GREAT HEALER. This blog entry has brought me peace in my mind and heart. I hope to never get into that kind of health issue again.

I do want to say to our daughter … Faye (Sissy to many of you) and her daughter, Annie … who were there for me … and I found out a couple of days ago that Annie was afraid I was having a mental breakdown. Ohe, my sweet and Darling granddaughter … your prayers are always precious to me … knowing that … at one time … you found it hard to pray … and wanted to take all the blame for Jesus on the cross.

When our little Layla gets… here (sometime around June 25) we will again … be the 4 ladies on the road. Annie used to call us that when my mother was alive and we traveled to see her… or she was here … and then we did a lot of visiting.

Je t’aime … and DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! Merci for your prayers. Macile

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Still reading it over and over ... and

Yes, I did; read it over and over; and since most of my blog entries are ad-lib, I have not changed a thing. Sometimes, I wish I had said something differently ... but then ... it would be planned ... calculated ... perfect English (instead of some Cajun slang thrown in) ... and as I told one person years ago ... I like writing like I talk ... it is just 'more me' that way.

Ricki ordered those small McD hamburgers again toda ... and really enjoyed them and the fries. I ... on the other hand ... ate his roast beef (so tender ... it could have just been inhaled, almost. And I love those school house buns. Yep, I made a small sandwich ... but ate the cornbread dressing also. Then just the protein ... well, the tomato and pickle too ... of my grilled chicken (half of a half of a breast ... yep, not a repeated ... really was a half of half of a breast ;-)

HL was not feeling good at all ... so I drove; and we only stayed about an hour. But Ricki is so much more clear headed now ... and everything we talk about makes a lot of sense. We were just filling in the blanks for him for the first few days in DeQuincy.

I often prayed that he not remember some of the things they did to him ... and did not do for him as he asked ... and ... GOD IS GOOD ... ALWAYS; AND IN ALL WAYS. He does ask if certain things really happened ... or did he dream it ... and most of it is real, although maybe a bit cloudy ... and we answer all his questions truthly. Would not want him to believe that those memories are fantasy. We wish we could help other folks in that ICU who are not being treated right ... physically. One thing is ... the medical treatments are the best to be had ... if the staff 'of the day' is in the mood to work with the patient. Certain nurses were so dedicated ... and others were so lazy and unconcerned. I always say 'if you do not like sick folks, do not go into the medical field' ... and ... 'if you do not like kids, do not become a teacher'.

My vertigo is better so I will be heading off to Mass in a few. Hope all of you had a pleasant and peaceful weekend ... and ... >>>unhappy that I am not in Kansas City today ... but ... IN GOD'S TIME; I am sure Sissy and I will get there eventually.

Je t'aime ... and ... DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! Macile JESUS, I trust in YOU!!!

I am gonna try to write with my heart today ... but

the visit to see Ricki and bring him some home cooked food ... is just so new in my mind, I may not get this done. I have so many things that I want to say; but to me ... it sounds like I am trying to second guess GOD ... or even take control.

The saying 'let go and let GOD' is one motto that I try to live by; but fail so often ... it puts me to wandering ... 'why say it, if you are not going to do it'. An awesome lady that I know (and finally got to meet in June) ... mostly closes her blog entries with ... 'striving to be perfect; knowing that will only come as we reach our heavenly home with Jesus'. Now, do not quote me; it does not seem to be 'just right' as she says it ... but that sentence relays her feelings, I do believe.

There are so many feelings around Ricki; like only driving 30 minutes or so ... and Voila ... there he is. He is right next to an outside door ... and so we do not have to go through the front ... and all the activities going on; and it is a long walk for both HL and me.

My first impression of the building (and the shape it is in) was 'a smelly old nursing home' ... and 'how can they help him here, when that huge and clean hospital could not'? But that changed as soon as we met the Director of Nursing, the Wound Care Nursing director, and a few of the aids that are helping ... getting him cleaned up and the wounds treated and new banadages put on.

That is a good and gracious bunch of folks. They (when in the room with him and working on him) have him and only him on their minds. And he assured us, when none of them were listening ... 'they are so much more kinder and caring than at LSU'. Praise GOD!

And they are ... changing the dressing and putting on more anti-biotic cream on the wound near his tailbone ... TWICE A DAY; and his chest ... ONCE A DAY. AWESOME!!! LSU did them each ... once a week. Ohe, GOD ... why??? Again searching for answers ... rather than praying with 'an attitude of gratitude' that he is now is such good hands.

And he just called; worried about how hard this 'going almost every day' is for his dad and me; not only physically but emotionally. Like I told him; 'it may sink in later ... but right now, we are just so elated to have him close by'; and he thrives on company. Riley was there today with Trudy and ... she and her pawpaw ... got to play.

I am going to put this aside for now. And I may even edit ... or ... delete ... later when things fix better in my heart and mind. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

A LONG TIME BETWEEN ENTRIES

I did not realize it has been that long (April 16, it says) but our lives have been in such an uproar ... between HL's pain management; Ricki (still in ICU in Shreveport ... and that is a hard trip ... Sissy and I make in one day ... when HL is with us ... we stayed 3 ... each of the 2 times); Sissy trying to get all the laborers in line to finish the house ... and she and I went to the wedding in CA of my deceased sister's granddaughter. All that has been like a whirlwind.
Soooo ... just keep reading ... and visit the pages of my friends who blog also, mostly spiritually; and I will try to get back on schedule soon.
Funny thing is ... I have been reading and commenting on the blogs of those friends (mostly members of the stjames224 group) and so it feels like I have STILL been talking to all of you.
Merci for the prayers ... and come back soooooon.

UNCALLED FOR; AMBULANCE AND COP CARS

About a couple of months ago in the daytime, HL came toward the house from our pond ... which is only about 9 acres away ... but with a couple of curves and plenty of weeds, you cannot see the house until you are about 4 acres closer. As he rounded the last curve, he saw an ambulance at our front door, with the lights going ... but no siren and rushed to see what was going on. >>>It was when I had vertigo so bad.<<<
Two EMTs were in the cab, doing paper work on a clipboard. Our front door was closed, but from my computer room, I cannot see the driveway, much less who was at the front door. However, they assured them that they had NOT knocked yet. ***Good thing it was not an urgent 911 call.*** So then he had to go to the back door; maybe a minute more than if the front door was unlocked. He came in, slamming the door and hollering for me.
Imagine his surprise when I was looking into the kitchen ... and he can see me after about 4 or 5 steps toward the sink. I could not 'figger' out what all the hallow-ba-looooo was.
Well, I was on line; so no one could have used my internet line to dial out. They were satisfied with seeing me ... and knowing there was no emergency. But they claimed the call came from 3187 ... and that was impossible, we assured them
Now, on Monday night (4/15; around 1:30 am); BAM, BAM, BAM ... AND ... it was NOT Emeril. HL said 'be quiet' and took his pistol and went into the living room. BAM, BAM AND BAMBAMMMMM. They were determined to wake someone.
He said 'who is it?' and as the voice came back 'sheriff dept' ... I saw one of them step up on the bottom step and could see his patch on his shirt sleeve. I could also see the legs of one of them on the porch. I told HL that ... so he opened the door slightly, with his pistol hanging down at his side, but where it could be seen. Needless to say, he was being cautious; but still, wanted to be ready if the voice outside was lying. >>>They could have prevented all that anxiety by having their whirling lights on ... but only had on their headlights and there were 3 guys ... each in their own car. 'What is the emergency' was from the guy on the porch.
HL said 'I do not know what you are talking about.' About that time, someone saw the gun in his hand at the same time that he realized the uniforms and the cars were real.
The guy on the porch said 'I do not blame you; I would not have opened my door without my gun in hand.' They chatted a bit; 'do you have a computer' ... and I explained ... a laptop that I always turn off ... and since I get into several bank accounts (all with the padlock; but I am still leary about this new fangled gadgets) I always unplug the phone line. ;-) Yep, I do.
Sooooooooo your guess is as good as mine. We still do not know why or how that phone call was made. HL thinks it was our address but in Westlake (70669 instead of our 70663 because we get their mail and they get ours). Sissy and I think it was one of the many computers under the communication tower. Will probably never know. But if it happens again, I am going to be a lotttttttt more curious ... and ask a lot of questions.
For now; GOD IS GOOD ... ALWAYS; AND IN ALL WAYS. (Yes, we both thought it was bad news about Ricki or one of his boys [Daniel works nights] ... we praise our Sweet Jesus ... that it was just a glitizzzzz in some machine. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

Ricki is stable; but no where near release

Merci for all the prayers for our son, Ricki who is stable but not getting any better ... and for all of those who do not know ... a six day hospital stay for a triple by-pass has extended to a month and 4 days. (Surgery 3/11 ... and he now has a staph infection ... had two more surgeries and is his chest is laid open so they can clean the bacteria out a couple of times a day.) Any and all prayers are deeply appreciated. And I can be reached on this website ...
macilehooperlejeune. com DIEU TE BENISSE!!! Cajun Sissy Macile

I AM SUCH A ... WEIRD ... COWARD

HL left just before the Mass came on EWTN. I thought; watch it and let it take you out of yourself and the 'why, me/us/our family' mode. Praying always helps. NOPE!
Ricki came back from surgery around 3 am; held back because a 13 year old had a farm accident and they were trying to save his arm. Pray for him and his family.
At 10:30 this morning, R was resting ... still knocked out ... so he could get some strength back into his tired body. And he will probably have to go on dialysis.
I just got off the phone with Trudy; he is resting, in isolation and wanting her beside him every time he wakes up. They cannot sedate him too much; his b/p falls too low. And we know what could happen. His dr give the worst case secernio because he says if he sugar-coats the facts and then the patient almost dies or does die ... the family is hurt worse. I believe that and so does Trudy. We want to know the worst that can happen ... and then pray for better outcome. As if GOD does not already know how we love Ricki and want him well and home.
So Mama (me) is looking for strength of mind and soul; and >>>that will happen as I read the reading of the Mass along with the lector ... and listen to the sermon. NOPE!!!
I have always feared ... (get this now) ... the 23rd Psalm. ***The Lord is my Shepherd***. What's to fear? THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH; HE is our Shepherd; He will steer (herd) us right ... as long as we are willing to follow the TRUTH.
But I always associate it with sympathy cards. When my mom had her thyroids removed ... I was writing to our troops in Vietnam. I went to see her about an hour after learning that one of my favorite guys had been killed. And there on her table beside her bed ... a beautiful get well card ... with ... yep; the 23rd Psalm.
Father Dominic said Mass; and what a homily. (Pay attention, Dean; he could be your big brother ... so take care of your hair. ;-) He said >>>Jesus is the Main Shepherd; Pope next in line (although part of the flock); then Bishops, priests ... on down the line (all part of the flock; but leaders also; even us ... who have no title except laity); we should lead all we meet to the Truth; always evangelizing.<<<
Take heed; my kith and kin; and new readers. 'Much is expected to whom much is given.' I keep saying 'Jesus, I trust in YOU'. When will I start to believe and act upon that; and show some 'gratitude'. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

RICKI NEEDS A LOT MORE PRAYERS

'Be specific' Sissy always says. Soooo, Sweet Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary, Undoer of Knots ... please make this the last knot that needs your attention. Help his stomac heal; his kidneys to start functioning normally; and get rid of this infection so he can come home to all of us that miss him so much; especially little Riley. FOR THIS AND ALL OUR OTHER PRAYERS, WE PLEAD THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS; REIGN DOWN ON OUR SON ... IN THE NAME OF CHRIST JESUS ... OUR FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

SOMETHING IS WRONG

AND ... I am not afraid that it has anything to do with Ricki; I turned that over to GOD several days ago. I just have this wierd feeling today. Yes, I prayed and prayed. NOW ... Sweet Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary, Undoer of Knots ... bring my heart and soul back in line with both of you; and St. Dymphna ... clear my mind of these thoughts (am sure old red leggs is laughing out loud .... 'got cha' he is saying). NOPE ... gonna beat this one ... with the help of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta; St. Therese; St. Teresa; St. Rita of Cascia ... and St. Jude ... yes, I was a hopeless case until I prayed. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

RICKI; ME; PRAYING

After Trudy called me while we were at the eye dr office, I started saying Hail Marys … with Mary, Undoer of Knots … please take care of him. And, of course, there were plenty of please to JESUS, in your Divine Mercy.
Six hours later, I was standing next to our fridge, where there is space on the counter between the microwave, toaster and toaster oven. I was making me a bologna sandwich for supper.
And like a loud bull horn in a riot … I almost heard (out loud, but only in my mind) … Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, please help.
That was all of my prayer. Less than 2 hours later, Trudy called. The cardiac surgeon came by with his senior surgery resident. He announced … ‘no surgery’. Ricki and Trudy were stunned.
‘NO need (right now) for surgery; your fever is down; your cultures are getting better and better’. >>>Of course, I cried out in joy. Trudy’s voice was also shaky; and HL was wiping tears from his cheeks. Ohe, Sweet Jesus; merci beaucoup plus et plus.<<< And merci for your praying also.
DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!

Me; and myspace; and why

A few months ago, when Sissy made me a myspace page without telling me (she wanted to surprise me) ... so I could keep up with the goings on in her life (she was still moving around a lot) ... and with Annie, Damian, Joe, Daniel, Rachel and other friends, I really thought it was a waste of her precious little time ... energy ... and when in soooooooo much pain, she could have been resting.
JESUS and Our Father, GOD ... and the Holy Spirit ... have amazing ways to enrich our lives. Some folks thinks that computers are 'evil'.
But since owning mine (I have had four at one time; two which still work) I have had so much joy and spiritual pleasure using them. I initially bought a used one to type and save the Newsletters for Cajuns with Diabetes. It cost me $140 and even came with a printer. Then Mama ... after seeing a laptop that MJ brought home with him on a 4 day weekend ... thought I needed one of those. Ohe, my; what a change.
This one I am using today is called #4; and it can even burn CDs and DVDs. I bought it when my annuity matured ... using some of the interest money. MJ and Ricki both kept saying, 'buy something for yourself, instead of giving away your money'. Of course, MJ believes in tithing and knows that I do also. GOD should always come first in our opinions ... not from leftovers.
The main reason that I am writing this today ... is that I am sooooo grateful for things that our Sweet Jesus, HIS Blessed Mother and Our Father GOD does in my life. I am so lucky to have all of you in my life ... and now ... MERCI TO DJ, I HAVE A COUPLE OF AWESOME 'FRIENDS' ON MYSPACE.
St. Benedict is DJ's third name ... and the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of his friends. I just tried to send a message to Father Corapi. Did you know he is ill??? But with his myspace page ... you can write to him, even if he has not been on lately.
I have watched his teaching on EWTN for a long time. And he is some teacher; just like is ... Father Benedict Groeschell and Mother Angelica ... ohe, and Father Mitch Pacwa. Well, lots more ... some regulars and some 'once in a while' like Fr. Staub. If you have not seen these folks, go to ... ewtn.com and click on schedule ... and watch some real 'reality' shows that will enrich your life.
May our Sweet Jesus and His Blessed Mother keep their arms around all of us!!! DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! ;*-}
Je t'aime, DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! Macile Hooper LeJeune,
a little old Cajun lady, 17 miles east of Orange, TX ... in Cajun country. Macile's Thoughts on Life and God Get Macile Hooper LeJeune's Prayer Team praying for you today - Submit a Prayer Request and other ... Prayer Requests at MichaelLeJeune.com St Louis MO Business Consulting Services for Small to Medium Size Companies

Ricki needs more prayers; though not urgent

On Friday (was that just yesterday) ... no, on Thursday ... the drs said he could come home. He and Trudy spoke up almost at the same time, same words 'but' ... he had not walked for 17 days. The only time he was out of the bed was a couple of days after the surgery; put into a chair by 4 biggggg orderlies. >>>His surgeon was not pleased that the PT had not been walking him up and down the hall.<<<

Soooo they started doing that right then. A few steps ... (he claimed it was more steps back to the bed than away from it; tired out, he was). But they did a lot of that all afternoon. Then Trudy went to her aunt's house to get some much needed sleep. (In CCU, they started letting her stay with him, and even sit on the bed, once they took the tube out of his throat. That gave him a chance to EAT ... and so the IV drip antibotic and the feeding tube were gone.)

Friday morning when she got back to the hospital, things were not right. He wanted to go to the bathroom and since his bed rails were down and no one would answer his bell ringing, he went by himself. And his incision started ozzzzzing drops of blood. They did an echo gram ... and ... found his breast bone was not coming together like it should.

Yep, another surgery called for; but just an opening of the incision and ... they will tightly wire his breast bone together ... instead of the staples they had used. I am not sure, but some of them must have moved. This is a non-emergency surgery; and as we called friend and family for prayers ... we found out it happens to most Diabetics. But we are still praying.

Please join us ... and as Michael says ... pray with 'an attitude of gratitude' as we believe that our Father GOD, Sweet Jesus, and Blessed Mother Mary will intercede and that the Holy Spirit will guide the hands of the surgeon and his staff. JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU.

HE IS RISEN; ALLELUIA; ALLELUIA; ALLELUIA

Ohe, yes; on this bright sunshiny Louisiana spring day ... HIS hand is in all creations; trees blooming, bird singing, folks in their finest, singing ... singing ... singing ALLELUIA.
HL and I ... both ... made it through ALL the mass. ALLELUIA!!!
The altar was full of spring flowers; daffodils, daizys, narcissis; a bright aray of yellow, white and green. Spring has really sprung; and all is right in our world ... ALMOST.
Ricki is still in CCU ... but doing much better; awake a lot and responding to words and touch. He is trying to tell Trudy something ... but his hands are toooooo weak to hold the pen.
Our prayers today ... is that he makes his wishes known. It may be some trivial thing to all of us ... but it is so important to him ... that when Trudy and family are MADE to leave, he gets much agitated. Ohe, Sweet Jesus; help him make them understand ... so he can rest ... knowing his wishes will be fulfilled. DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! ALL OF YOU; MERCI FOR THE PRAYERS ... AND HAVE A JOYOUS AND HOLY EASTER.

THE DEATH OF HER ... SON ... AND

In this holiest of HOLY WEEKS … in the Christian calendar … with tomorrow commenting the death of OUR SWEET JESUS, I can sympathize more with our Blessed Mother … than ever before. Before … I would think, ‘what would it be like’ to lose one of our children.
If you know us personally, you know … that our first born, a son, Ricki Joseph recently had heart by-pass surgery. He did well, surgery went faster that originally thought; he was off the respirator and in a chair by the third day. Then something happened. He was having panic attacks (nurse said) … and the more he had, he had much more. Finally they sedated him because someone noticed that they were fewer and farther between while he was asleep. They put him back on the ventilator.
Then he developed fluid in his lungs (they thought) … which actually was in his lung sacks. And he was building up mucus and could not cough it up because of the ventilator tube in his throat. They started pumping it out.
Then came the scare on Tuesday of this week. Things were not looking up anymore; just down and down and down; except his temperature. And someone (hospital staff) told the family ‘we have done all we can; now it is up to his will to live’. Sooooooo, no problem; he really wants to live.
And live he did. >>>Was Tuesday … only 2 days away. All the prayers in his behalf … did not get him up and walking around; but GOD did hear … and GOD did say ‘yes’. >>>Again someone (hospital staff) decided his sedation med was ‘maybe’ causing some of the problem.
Yesterday morning … his wife and sons … found a much better situation … and his fever was down from 102 … to 98.7. Gosh; he is normal.
Of course, we are all praising GOD, the Father; HIS SON; and our Blesssed Mother … with an army of saints … and saying ‘merci beaucoup plus et plus’ … over and over. DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!!
JESUS … I TRUST IN YOU; HE IS RISEN!!! Well, on Sunday.

PRAISING THE LORD; NO ... TO ME; BUT

HL had a dr appt this morning ... and I was tooooo dizzy to drive. I had prayed most of the night that I could go ... so he could get a 'big' pain shot. With the negative answer to my prayer ... I found out as HL started to leave ... it really was not NO; just not my way. >>>He had been buzzing around all morning, but I had not asked him about pain ... because to me, it seemed he did not hurt.<<< Soooooooooo, as I apologized for not being able to go ... he said 'no matter; I feel good (it was a med check) and do not need a shot'.
YEP, PRAISE THE LORD; AMEN; ALLELUIA.
***I do not know how to drag and drop ... another website ... but ... Christine started a novena to St. Joseph this morning. AWESOME; and for fathers, husbands and ... yep ... carpentars (I pleaded for Sissy's house to be finished soon and under budget.) Christine's webpage is ... a widow's walk ... and the link is at the top of my page. Take a look; at all the links up there. All are by such spirit filled ladies from the stjames group. Great Lent reading.
DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

DID YOU EVER WONDER ... WHY ME, LORD???

I was sitting, my head hung low, asking 'why me' ... 'for so long' ... and it came to me; almost as a whisper ... instead of just a thought.
I must confess ... that I have never had the 'reverant devotion' to the Mass and Eucharist ... that I see in so many folks. We have one man that goes to 10:30 Mass every Sunday. He lives with his aged mother (she attends also) and a grandson they are raising (he attends also and is a server as is his granddad). This man kneels on both knees with his head bowed, before entering the pew. His hands are always ... palms together and straight up; none of this half way for him. He is a member of a group of men, that say a 'spiritual' rosary at funerals. They pray; sing; reflect on scriptual; sing; pray ... and end with 'Gentle Woman'. It is an amazing and awesome service to attend.
Now, for me. The past few days, I have been almost 'normal' in the late afternoon. Just wobbly but no dizzzzzzieness ... and with some energy.
But today ... is a day ... that Dr. S told me to wean myself off the patch. 'It is only a temporary thing; not meant to wear forever'. Ooooooooopss!!! Could it be a subliminal suggestion? It has been about 2 hours, and I am slightly dizzy, more nauseated ... and almost crying.
I am thinking ... this 'cross' as Esther said 'is probably some lesson I should learn'. Yep, bet Jesus wants me to have more reverant devotion to HIM in the sacrement of Eucharist. I am not even thinking (ohe, yes, I am) of how much fun ... old red legs ... is having with me. >>>GO AWAY, DEVIL/SATAN/EVIL ONE<<< Now, say it out loud. That is what Sissy does.
Well, HL just shouted 'dinner is served' ... he barbarqued and even made the potato salad. Yucks, just thinking about it makes me ... ??????? Am going to try though to keep some of it down. He is trying hard to keep normal in all of this.
DIEU TE BENISSE!!! PRAY FOR ME. Merci. xxxooo

WHEN WILL IT END; IN GOD'S TIME

I know in my heart that when HE is ready, I will be well. I am the most ... impatient patient that I know. Well, I guess after HL. But he expects ... when he sees a dr today; tomorrow will be ... back to normal. But since Dr. S said ... 'try this for 5 days; and if you are not better ... take 1/2 of a valium at night.' I hope we do not have to do an MRI ... nor go out of town for a specialist. But this seems to just drag on and on. Well, not really. Remember, I did have some good days on the patch ... before I got on the Bactrim. Yep, he took me off that ... because the cyst incision was healing nicely (he said) ;-)
And yes, I know that it may take a few days to get all of the Bactrim out of my system. I actually felt almost well ... Tuesday and yesterday ... just in time for bed.
Soooooooooooo am praying ... and Sissy is treating me ... and I have such a prayer warrior group of kith and kin ... that I know in my head ... when HE is ready. But ... just want to say 'HURRY UP, SWEET JESUS'. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Merci to all of you who are praying. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!

Keeping it all straight; need data file %-p

Last night and some this morning, I kept thinking ... go to my aol blog ... and add some things about eating right (for a Diabetic ... trying to lose weight and get the FBS at an acceptable level). Well, I went there a couple of time, between reading mail and other blogs ... and just could not find what I was looking for. DUH!!! Need my brain cleaned, especially memory area.
I started putting that stuff on this site ... so I can repost it on CCC when we get it up and running. NOW ... for the confession of the weekend.
I was doing fine; blood sugar just a little high (135 or less) for over 2 weeks now, and soooooo, decided to eat that half banana, a couple of the huge strawberries we bought during the week, and of course, that went into the bowl holding the 'no sugar added' butter/pecan ice cream. Then I remembered the 'light' cool whip and the choc shell ... going to waste on the table.
NOW ... the first mistake I made ... was to whip up this concoction; and second was eating it in the middle of the afternoon. But ... it was Sunday; my 'over eat' day so my body would not think it is in 'hibernation' and adjust my metabiliosm. Soooooooooo, this morning, my FBS was 215.
Ohhhhhhhe, my; ohe, my; Never ... in the 22 years of testing first thing in the morning ... did I have a reading like that. Soooooooooooo, gonna put that # on the fridge in large red letters ... and try to get my tired body and brain to stop looking for excuses ... and just 'git it done' as one of our grandsons like to say. DIEU TE BENISSE!!!