This page requires that scripting be enabled in your browser to function properly. If you need help enabling scripting, please vist our
technical FAQ page.

Allrecipes Home > The Buzz > Blogs

the buzz

Welcome to The Buzz

1st blog...save blog name..ok.

View Blog

Blog Archives

Blog Extras

Read More Blogs

Tomorrow is the day

Mar. 4, 2010 9:00 am

Updated: Mar. 10, 2010 8:09 pm

We have an appointment at the shepherd center in atlanta at 8:30 am tomorrow. this is THE test. it's a neuro-psch test. it determines if she regaing her teaching certificate. i'm worried . she still has problems with simple math skills. her memory about most everything else is there.her multi-tasking skills are coming back...but not at her level prior to the stroke. i know she is very apprev ensive about this test. we are driving up tonight when i get off work and stay in a hotel 3 miles away. the test starts at 9 am and goes to 4pm with an hour for lunch. i hope to learn the results afterwards. the waiting, as tom petty sings, is the hardest. we have still not heard from social security adm. about their decision. her sick leave days are going to run out very soon. pretty tough time could be coming. when we first got married we rented a house with the floor furnace out. we made it thru a very cold winter with shared hot baths and an electric blanket. we can make it now as well. she is with me...we will stay warm! love to all.

Send to a Friend

Tags: N/A

Previous Post | Next Post

Comments

Add a comment

Lynda Wright

Mar. 4, 2010 9:15 am

Good Luck with the tests. I sure wish we were "friends" as I could have offered you a place to stay and saved the hotel expenses in Atlanta. I am just 35 mins north of the city. Having said that, I wish you both the best of luck and will be keeping you in my throughts and prayers. You Gderr are one of my heroes.. I wrote a little blog about you that expressed how I felt. (don't worry I am not a stalker... too old to do much stalking)

Rae

Mar. 4, 2010 9:27 am

Gderr I will be praying for you and Claire that all goes well with the test. And I hope you get the results quickly. Waiting is really difficult.

Luvs2Bake but no PRO

Mar. 4, 2010 9:45 am

More prayers headed your way! The sun is shining so hopefully it shines down brightly on both of you! You're my hero to Gderr never saw such a outstanding husband (next to mine that is!)

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 4, 2010 9:46 am

hi lynda! i read your blog concerning claire's struggle. i left some very heart felt comments for you. please read them. claire and i are very lucky. even if the results are not what we hope, we still have each other and our girls. good luck on quitting smoking...i'm hoping to quit 3/10 i used the patches last time it worked until claire ... thank you again! i did not know of your blog...i'm still crying.

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 4, 2010 9:59 am

hi rae & loves2bake! i'm not worried. she is still here being a bed hog. i know the worst is past.

Christine M

Mar. 4, 2010 10:21 am

Good luck! You're right, you've been through the toughest part - it's just that after all you both have been through, she deserves to be able to do what she loves to do. And I hope they can tell you right away! Good luck! :)

Janet Shum

Mar. 4, 2010 10:47 am

Thoughts and prayers are sent to you two.Hugs around!

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 4, 2010 10:56 am

thx christinem and janet. it's gonna be lemonade!

Ken from CA

Mar. 4, 2010 2:28 pm

Best of luck tom. Will be thinking of you both. God Bless.

Suzey

Mar. 4, 2010 2:47 pm

Hope all goes well with Claire's test today.

Daiseyland

Mar. 4, 2010 3:27 pm

Some people believe that keeping a positive attitude creates a positive result. It can't hurt. Keep saying: "Everything is going to be all right. It will all turn out for the best in the end." Ask, believe and recieve. And anyway, it might help, but it can't hurt. Having confidence in someone is a very powerful motivation.

Elle-NO! I'm NOT

Mar. 4, 2010 4:40 pm

It will be a very long day for both of you. I hope you have someone to see/something planned while she is testing and that the testing goes well. Wishing the two of you the best possible outcome. I'll be thinking of you and sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Gitano

Mar. 4, 2010 5:09 pm

Good luck and best wishes to both of you!....and now I have Tom Petty stuck in my head.... :)

witchywoman

Mar. 4, 2010 7:01 pm

I have every faith in the world that Claire will do just fine. Best of luck tomorrow and we'll be praying extra hard for you two here in Washington!

yo.mags

Mar. 4, 2010 7:04 pm

I will be thinking about you and Claire tomorrow as I do many days. My friends even as how the two of you are doing. We will be waiting for the update. Many prayers coming from New Jersey. Mag

goodeats

Mar. 4, 2010 8:51 pm

Positive thoughts coming your way from CA! Hope everything goes well!

Belinda

Mar. 5, 2010 5:12 am

Good luck with the testing and Social Security. I just recently was awarded Social Security Disablity so I know what waiting is like. I just happened to be very lucky with the people I dealt with there. Good luck and Gods Speed.

becca

Mar. 5, 2010 4:45 pm

Positive thoughts and Good Karma for you and Claire and the rest of your family from me in Tex. She will be well soon. Good luck

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 5, 2010 7:48 pm

thanks everyone...we have been home now maybe 2 hours. we stayed in a marriot (sp) about 7 miles away. a terrific room. she was tested from 9 until 12:15. break for lunch. all is well. she goes back in at 1pm...mike ,the inquistor, comes out at 3:15 and asks if the nero-physh doc as been down. he has--he went to finish speaking to another family.mike says another 15 minutes and they are done. i run and smoke outside. i show back up and everyone shows up within 5 minutes. claire has been crying.i am MAD. adam and mike confer...she has misplaced an answer, they rectify the proceeding answers. all is forgiven. we have to wait until the 15th of this month for her driving test to get the results of this test. she is so apprehnsive. i can't do anything it seems. this day sucked. we ate in the cafeteria today for lunch...memories and the sights i saw..i broke down with her....so many sad stories wheeling by. i feel so very fortunate...tater walks, talks...she comes complete! so many are not. a lesson in humility. i need that. many thanks for your well wishes.

Am & Ad's Gram

Mar. 5, 2010 9:40 pm

I'm a Sally come lately, but have disabilities S.S. would not finacially compensate for because I was lacking 4 weeks short of the required 5yrs work in a row. This was because I closed my business so my husband and I could help our daughter and son-in-law with their newborn son who had been born with multiple brain damage. During the 4 yrs. he lived, I had brain surgery, was left with a seizure disorder myself. My hhusband was disabled, and grew worse, but we have, as my neuroligist said, become survivors. I have found something that fulfills my desire to share with those, like myself who have suffered a loss, a mental deficit.I have the joy of sharing the joy of wonderful theraputic effects music can have on the whole body, including the comlicated director of our whole soul. By the way: The first favorite classic piece I have chosen to feature in my session on RX: MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC CLAIRE DE LUNE Your expressions at the end of your 3/5 7/:48 pm blog are so reminiscent of King David's Appreciation in the Psalms.People need that meekness now more than ever. Waiting for the 15th

Maggi

Mar. 6, 2010 7:32 am

Hello Clair and Gary. I just want you to know you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I imagine the anticipation of the tests takes its toll - wishing you both a calm mindset as Claire excels....Hugs, Maggi

patricia3096

Mar. 6, 2010 10:32 am

Claire and Gary...sometimes the worst things that happen aren't really the worst that COULD have happened. You two will make it no matter "what" and we're all hoping and praying the "what" is just more good news. Chins up both of you, you've made it this far!

mimosa ain't no PRO

Mar. 6, 2010 5:32 pm

Oh Gary, Claire has proven herself to be an amazing warrior in all this and so have you. If all the results are not as you both hope this time, they will be everything you want next time because she gets stronger every day. Life, indeed, is what happens when we're busy making other plans, but this too shall pass. The two of you will have your life back because you have your love, your faith, and the prayers of so many that love you. Claire, you are a champion!!!!

cbjc

Mar. 6, 2010 7:30 pm

I just saw your blog. I hope everthing goes well. Look how far she has come! Love and (((hugs))) Cara

Virginia Mom

Mar. 6, 2010 7:38 pm

I hope everything works out the way you & Claire want them to, Gary. You've all been through so much since this all began. &hearts;

pelicangal

Mar. 6, 2010 7:45 pm

Hi Gary and Claire, so sorry that I did not see the blog before. I did not know that this was such a difficult time for you. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as always. You have both done an amazing job and it continues, so as Mimosa said it may not be what you want this time but there are other times and with your strength and Claire's determination you will prevail. Big (((hugs))) from Oregon. love ya both.

lisa j

Mar. 6, 2010 8:51 pm

Gary, I empathize with your situation. I have information I do not want to post here. Can I have your email address?

Hezzy_tant_Cook

Mar. 6, 2010 9:39 pm

Praying for good results and a restful night.

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 7, 2010 6:10 am

hi lisaj...email me at cderr@aol.com, thanks.

Trystan's Mommy

Mar. 7, 2010 7:01 pm

Good luck! My thought and prayers are with you. Take care...

CookinArgentina

Mar. 8, 2010 5:25 am

Well, I posted one earlier and it got lost so...I know you both have gone through the really tough stuff together and have stayed positive so this is just a test...Smile you got it made. Either way she is a teacher, with or with her certificate. You both have taught us so much about what is really one of the most important things in life, how to really be there for your loved one, thorough the good and, the not so good times. Let us know how it went.

Buckeye Baker

Mar. 8, 2010 5:37 am

Gary and Claire, I did not know you before but I do now! I am so proud of your fortitude and wish you the very best good fortune! Also, I realize how petty my little troubles are! Have a sunny day.

Buckeye Baker

Mar. 8, 2010 5:38 am

Uh, sorry for the plethora of exclamations! ;)

Skunkee

Mar. 8, 2010 6:14 am

Gary, I've been a no-show on the RE lately, too much drama for my taste. However, you and Claire are one of the good things that I have found on AR. I've been there since the beginning of your journey and I intend to follow it through to it's successful conclusion. Claire is first and foremost a teacher, (I was one once, also.), no matter what the conclusion of her test says they cannot take that away from her. Now is not the time to discuss this, maybe later on, but there are other options open to her w/o a certificate. I wish I had came on sooner and new you were coming my way, I would have loved to have had y'all for dinner, met you somewhere or just drove up to the hospital so you would have had someone to talk to. I am watching and waiting for the "good" results that you are going to post. Take care.....Sonya

LadySparkle

Mar. 8, 2010 6:36 am

gderr, I just saw this. Prayers sent continuously. Skunkee is right, weather "they" officially approve or not Claire IS a teacher. Expecting the BEST result. Hugs to you both.

SKYEYES

Mar. 8, 2010 8:46 am

Thoughts and prayers like so many others have said...and my admiration and respect for both of you for exemplifying the meaning of marriage vows..."to have and to hold, in joy and adversity, sickness and in health..." You inspire me. Hugs to you both! :)

Pam-3BoysMama

Mar. 8, 2010 9:21 am

Gary, I just caught this blog today - so sorry you both seemed to have a rough time. I hope she gets good results both from this test and her driving test. You've both been through so much. You are so strong! Hugs to you both!

KDStreet

Mar. 8, 2010 10:05 am

Hi Gary, You're right about humility - it can come to us when we're not even looking; and it has a very unique way of opening our eyes to what is normally not considered or even noticed. May God fulfill your joy and grant you both the desire of your hearts for Claire to teach again. Grace to you all. kdstreet

redneck gramma

Mar. 8, 2010 10:36 am

Gderr-at the risk of sounding like I am preaching, I am going to send you this...Our prayers are answered but we may not like the results. I like to think that as a window closes a door opens. "A window" b/c we can always look back through to the past. "A Door" because we have to muscle up the courage to open the unknown. What lies beyond that door may not be what you wanted and wished for. Make the best of situations as I am sure you have in the past. Things will work out, even if they are not what you are used or what you consider as the normal. Every season of our life holds a new vision-take that forward:) and best of everything to you and Claire!

Nurse Ellen so not a

Mar. 8, 2010 2:20 pm

Prayers and good wishes being sent to you and Claire!

Maureen

Mar. 8, 2010 7:51 pm

you two have been through so much. I know everything will be ok!

BigShotsMom

Mar. 8, 2010 9:07 pm

I just found this and I am so sorry that after all you have been through Claire was driven to tears. I have always tried to hold on to the idea that God works in mysterious ways. Unfortunately SS Disability seems to work the same way. I hold you both in my prayers and know things will work out for you. ((HUGS))

Marianne

Mar. 8, 2010 9:31 pm

I hold you both in my prayers. There's always hope!

grannygigi

Mar. 8, 2010 9:53 pm

Gary and Claire, you are both in my thoughts and prayers so often. I wish I was close enough to give you both big (((hugs))). Praying for good test results for Claire but what ever the outcome, she is getting better and stronger and will continue so just know that next tests will be even better!! Love you both.

gderr the dysfunctional

Mar. 8, 2010 9:58 pm

so many good friends here! i wish we could have a group hug! so many inspiring stories...i'm in awe of your compassion! what a wonderful group of people. folks..this has been a journey that many of you , in their own ways, has undertaken...certainly not by choice. "what does not kills you only makes you stronger!" life is almost normal. we just need the " powers to be" to acknowledge her progress...or not...i truly don't care. she is still my bed-hog! love ya...may your trials come to a swift and satisfactory ending.

sueb

Mar. 9, 2010 2:34 am

No matter what, with each other you two are great examples of "for better or worse"! I hope things go well. Prayers and hugs!

TIE

Mar. 9, 2010 9:42 am

Prayers for good results.

Daisy K

Mar. 9, 2010 3:03 pm

I always love reading your blogs, comments, etc... there is such an air of love and compassion in them. It always makes me stop and think... now how can I be more like that in my relationship. As Sueb said, you two are definitely a great example of "for better or worse" and I will continue my prayers for you both!

jrbaker

Mar. 9, 2010 3:08 pm

GDerr, you & Claire are so precious, and a tru testament of love between a married couple, and a great example of what to do in times of trial. You have inspired me (and so many others) with your neverending devotion to your Claire. Thank you for keeping everyone her posted on the progress, and I said a prayer for both of you.

*eclectRicity*

Mar. 9, 2010 3:38 pm

Hi Gary and Claire - I haven't been on the RE for a while, but just want to say you are both still in my thoughts and I continue to send positive thoughts your way. Hang in there!

travhops

Mar. 9, 2010 7:16 pm

Gary and Claire. As a 13 year stroke survivor som advice I can pass along is NEVER GIVE UP! Sometimes milestone come in inches, sometimes in feet, but they do come. After my stroke I literally had to learn to crawl before learning to walk again. If not this time there is always a next time. If Claire or you ever need to talk my email is travhops2@hotmail.com I've been there and come out the other side. Maybe I lost some things but have gained many more.

Meagan621

Mar. 9, 2010 9:33 pm

I would just like to express my sympathy for your situation and to assure you that you and yours will be included in our prayers. I imagine time seems to be creeping by while waiting for the results. As hard as it is, try to stay positive and focus on the life you both are still living. Keep friends and family close. In my experience, at even the most treacherous of times, my family has been able to pull each other away from the harshness of reality. No point in facing reality until you are certain what it is. Laugh, be goofy, and just keep remembering again and again why it is the two of you fell in love. Love can move mountains, so it can certainly move those lips to form a smile when it seems impossible. God Bless!

Jan's Kitchen

Mar. 10, 2010 4:03 am

Hello Gary and Claire; I am soooo happy to hear of all of the progress that Claire has made,it is clearly a true testament to your love for each other. With her determination and your constant support, Claire will have many options for her future. We wish you all of the love and happiness that you both deserve to have.

georgi porgi

Mar. 10, 2010 8:09 pm

Hold onto one another and don't let go!Prays are with you and Claire.LOL!

Add a comment

gderr the dysfunctional

Living In
Columbus, Georgia, USA

Member Since
Mar. 2008

Cooking Level
Not Rated

Cooking Interests
Grilling & BBQ, Slow Cooking, Italian, Southern, Mediterranean, Healthy, Vegetarian, Gourmet

Hobbies
Gardening, Camping, Boating, Fishing, Reading Books, Music, Charity Work

Links

Blog
Cooks I Like
Photos

Profile
Reviews

ADVERTISE WITH US

About Me

i enjoy cooking. the wife considers it a chore. i hate yard work. she loves it. we mesh. i love bass fishing, reading, music, baseball, college football and my family.

My favorite things to cook
i love vegetables, soups, and italian cusine.

My favorite family cooking traditions
holidays are a big deal! christmas is my time to shine. i try to add a new recipe each year, but the family demands pretty much the same menu. kinda frustrating!

My cooking triumphs
i cared for my mother in law about 3 months when she had shattered her shoulder. i didn't work, so money was tight. we survived on only wife's paycheck during that time. ma-n-law had diet restrictions. it was difficult to make cheap, nutritious meals everyone would eat. we prospered as a family and learned alot about each other's strenghths and weaknesses.

My cooking tragedies
a stove top fire. i explained that one already. the grill falling over was another one...oops grill season is here! i love the tragedies...those are the ones that i'll always remember!

the buzz

Welcome to The Buzz

1st blog...save blog name..ok.

Blog Archives

Blog Extras

In Season