Last week, I went over the first part of my year in 2025.

So far, it seemed, so good.

In July, my husband Mark, needed back surgery for the 2nd year in a row.

He was scheduled for a 2 day surgery, the first day they would go

through his front, then the second day, through his back. I was able to

take him home after he spend 4 days in the hospital. Recuperation

would probably take a few months.

I then heard from my youngest daughter, Amber, that she would need

open heart surgery in August. She was able to schedule it out towards

the end of August, so my plan was to get Mark on his feet, so I could fly

out to Ohio to help Amber during her recuperation! Whew!

Amber did great during the surgery, but the night of her surgery, the

hospital and staff didn’t prescribe pain medication. Because of her

being in recovery, someone was afraid she wanted the medication

because of her previous addictions. This girl, had her sternum cracked,

her heart on bypass while they repaired a valve and they didn’t want to

give her pain meds! I felt so bad for her and no matter who I talked with

the next day, it was clear the nurses, the doctors, whomever did not

understand addiction at all! By the end of the 2nd day she was finally

given some relief, but I was so disappointed in this

hospital and her doctor.

With Amber home after a few days, I was amazed at my daughter’s

stamina. It was a fight trying to keep her in bed, resting, but she did the

best she could. I stayed for 3 weeks, making sure her followup

appointment went the way it should. I made dinner a few nights a week

and was still able to work on my coaching. I came home right after

Labor Day in September.

September 30th, my 98 year old mom passed. I was able to see her

before she was picked up and I was able to say goodbye and hold her

hand. She looked as if she was sleeping, so peaceful, no more pain.

That is what I wanted for her was to finally be at peace.