Gilles and I met in April of 1998, on the internet and we are the happiest couple we know. We consider ourselves very lucky that our relationship is as great as it is, because a lot of internet relationships just don't work out. I'm convinced, though, that fate somehow connected us and that we were meant to find each other where and how we did.
However...........
The year 2000 was supposed to be a great beginning to a brand new century. While it may have been for some, for us it was a nightmare. On March 27th, Gilles suffered a stroke and as a result was left partially paralyzed on his right side. He did manage to regain some movement and strength while recupperating and was able to walk with the use of a cane.
In September he was scheduled for an angiogram and it was discovered that he had 3 arteries that were blocked. They scheduled him for an angioplasty 2 weeks later. While performing the angioplasty, the surgeon discovered that one of the arteries had become more dramatically blocked since his angiogram and so he was scheduled for triple bypass surgery on October 6th. The bypass was successful but has put him back to square one in regards to his strength, etc. He has had to begin physio-therapy again and as a result his strength is slowly coming back. We use the wheelchair a lot for trips to the grocery store, etc., but for the most part he is able to once again walk with a cane.
Having gone through this ordeal has been very hard on both of us and his family as well. At a time when we were just settling in and "getting to know" each other, we were hit a hard blow. Then, as if that were not enough, my 20 month old grandson, Brandon, was diagnosed with leukemia. Although he is in remission, it's still tough for him and the family. Coping with all of this has certainly been a trying time, but we've managed to keep things on the positive side and every day we are truly thankful.
Although I don't want to wish time away I, for one, will be happy to see the end of this year.........
A Personal Thought:
Along with wanting to make a page of my recipes, crafts, household hints, etc., I also wanted the "net world" to "know" my boys. I didn't realize, however, that in doing this website, it would help me enormously. By being able to share and express my thoughts through this medium, I've been able to accept these things that have happened and accept that we can go on, we can deal with the tough times thrown our way, and that in the end we are survivors! The support that we've had from our family and friends (including the internet) has been amazing and we thank each and every one of them for being there for us. |
