Thanks to comments by David, I realized there was far more interesting things to be said about Uncle Paul. Then talking family history with Sister Judy over lunch the story about Uncle Paul turned up some interesting twists. First, on Saturday, I realized I didn’t have everything straight! As to Uncle Paul,I thought he was watching the funeral on TV. Historical error –Ashland, Ohio had no TV coverage when Roosevelt died. I do know he shed tears over Roosevelt’s death- but I couldn’t have been there to see it. We were living in Pawling, New York. Aunt Judy reminded me that when Truman and Dewey were vying for the presidency, we were living in Pawling and saw a couple of Dewey’s speeches. Uncle Paul was such an ardent Republican, his tears were tears of joy. Note from you history books: Roosevelt served four terms as president. Now any president can serve only two consecutive terms.
As David reminded me there was more to Paul Fritzinger than his politics.
He was an only son, with three doting sisters, maiden aunts, and loving mother. He had two sons; he had two wives and served in World War I. David would remind you he authored a tale about his Grandmother Cowan.
(This can be found in Chitzie’s Park family history. David says it played a prominent role in his proposal to Debbie.)
As you see, I’m learning much about family history.
January 31, 2011
January 15, 2011
My journey began on a cold stormy morning in Brighton, Michigan 76+ years ago. The night had been really bad and my dad, a young doctor, had been out all night on a house call.He was sleeping soundly when I began my pilgrimage in this world.
Far more interesting were some of your arrivals! Phillip arrived in Conroe, Texas much nicer day in May. Jill was in labor and Ron and I were in the room to give her support. Suddenly the fetal heart monitor began to drop. Being really concerned, I wanted to get the nurse, but how without alarming everyone. Suddenly Ron whirled around and summoned the nurse. The cord was wrapped around the baby's neck and they quickly did a C-section. But to cap off the excitement,grandpa locked his keys in his car - a new Thunderbird. I had to drive him back to his office in Houston and then back to Conroe for the car,
Then there was Gwen,another May baby.I was in Fort Worth for the event caring for big sister Abby.WE waited patiently for Leigh to call us in for the arrival in a room not much larger than a broom closet.Besides Judy, were Leigh,Debbie Clark, the doctor, a student doctor
, and two nurses.My job was holding Abby on my shoulders so she could see, and to preserve the event on film. Another funny that Judy reminded me about: Abby and I were near the nurses station; a scream was heard from Judy's room. The nurse was concerned about Abby's reaction. Abby replied ,"Oh,it's all right - momma said she'd probably be screaming!"
Next time I'll tell a little about my Uncle Paul. What would you like to hear?
Far more interesting were some of your arrivals! Phillip arrived in Conroe, Texas much nicer day in May. Jill was in labor and Ron and I were in the room to give her support. Suddenly the fetal heart monitor began to drop. Being really concerned, I wanted to get the nurse, but how without alarming everyone. Suddenly Ron whirled around and summoned the nurse. The cord was wrapped around the baby's neck and they quickly did a C-section. But to cap off the excitement,grandpa locked his keys in his car - a new Thunderbird. I had to drive him back to his office in Houston and then back to Conroe for the car,
Then there was Gwen,another May baby.I was in Fort Worth for the event caring for big sister Abby.WE waited patiently for Leigh to call us in for the arrival in a room not much larger than a broom closet.Besides Judy, were Leigh,Debbie Clark, the doctor, a student doctor
, and two nurses.My job was holding Abby on my shoulders so she could see, and to preserve the event on film. Another funny that Judy reminded me about: Abby and I were near the nurses station; a scream was heard from Judy's room. The nurse was concerned about Abby's reaction. Abby replied ,"Oh,it's all right - momma said she'd probably be screaming!"
Next time I'll tell a little about my Uncle Paul. What would you like to hear?
January 13, 2011
May 31, 2010
Memorial Day 2010
It is now nearly the end of May, and I’ve been very busy.
In mid April, a group of English ladies came to our church to put on a real English tea and in the process, help us raise funds for a new kitchen. Two of the ladies stayed with Judy and Leigh and I fed them breakfast and helped chauffer them around. It was great fun, but the English tea was full of sweets and my weakness for sugar went rampant.
Two weeks later, I prayed for help to be released from this weakness. I had an appointment with my oncologist and in taking my blood, he discovered my blood sugar was high and reported the same to my internist. When I talked with her nurse that afternoon, I explained the situation and said I’d watch it. I’m sure she’ll recheck it next week.
I’ve increased my volunteering days at the hospital to three a week; two days in the Joan Katz Breast Center. This Wednesday, I visited patients on my own. It was most fulfilling. I hope my visits will reassure them they are not going through this alone.
This weekend, John and I drove to Odessa for Alice Mossbarger’s high school graduation.
Now, as June approaches, I’m beginning to focus on my pilgrimage to Scotland. My son David (father of Alice) will be my travelling companion and I think he’s as excited as I about the trip.
My health and energy continues to improve. I feel better than I did before the breast cancer. Thank you, God!
In mid April, a group of English ladies came to our church to put on a real English tea and in the process, help us raise funds for a new kitchen. Two of the ladies stayed with Judy and Leigh and I fed them breakfast and helped chauffer them around. It was great fun, but the English tea was full of sweets and my weakness for sugar went rampant.
Two weeks later, I prayed for help to be released from this weakness. I had an appointment with my oncologist and in taking my blood, he discovered my blood sugar was high and reported the same to my internist. When I talked with her nurse that afternoon, I explained the situation and said I’d watch it. I’m sure she’ll recheck it next week.
I’ve increased my volunteering days at the hospital to three a week; two days in the Joan Katz Breast Center. This Wednesday, I visited patients on my own. It was most fulfilling. I hope my visits will reassure them they are not going through this alone.
This weekend, John and I drove to Odessa for Alice Mossbarger’s high school graduation.
Now, as June approaches, I’m beginning to focus on my pilgrimage to Scotland. My son David (father of Alice) will be my travelling companion and I think he’s as excited as I about the trip.
My health and energy continues to improve. I feel better than I did before the breast cancer. Thank you, God!
February 5, 2010
A New Journey Begins
Two weeks ago Thursday, I had a PET scan. As I waited, I questioned the lady at the desk about when to expect to hear about the results. She said generally the doctor would hear by the next morning. Then she asked my doctor's name and explained he was one who liked to review the information himself, so I might not hear until Monday. Knowing how thorough he was, I resigned myself to not hearing untill Monday afternoon.
I was anxious to hear because the weekend before I received a flyer from one of my favorite instructos at Kanuga regarding a pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland. David was interested, too, since it was not just a tour.
Wonderful news The doctor's office called and gave me the all clear! We're going to Scotland!
I'm now taking a nutrition class on Tuesday evenings. I'm learning to eat my vegetables. They suggest with my form of breast cancer (estrogen positive) that I stay away from all meats and dairy products and fat should be less than 5-10% of my daily calorie intake. Well, I may not be able to follow all the rules, but I'll try.
Sharon, the head of the physical therapy department gave a talk about exercise and what is available. In preparation for the pilgrimage, I plan to get fitter and stronger in that way.
Yesterday, I had more good news. My good friend from Fredricksburg is going to Iona also!
God has good plans, if you just listen to what he has to say!
Thank you for being patient with me. I began this two days ago - and then lost it.
I ended up posting a blank. But my son Allan saved the day and it disappeared! Thanks , super-computerman!
I was anxious to hear because the weekend before I received a flyer from one of my favorite instructos at Kanuga regarding a pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland. David was interested, too, since it was not just a tour.
Wonderful news The doctor's office called and gave me the all clear! We're going to Scotland!
I'm now taking a nutrition class on Tuesday evenings. I'm learning to eat my vegetables. They suggest with my form of breast cancer (estrogen positive) that I stay away from all meats and dairy products and fat should be less than 5-10% of my daily calorie intake. Well, I may not be able to follow all the rules, but I'll try.
Sharon, the head of the physical therapy department gave a talk about exercise and what is available. In preparation for the pilgrimage, I plan to get fitter and stronger in that way.
Yesterday, I had more good news. My good friend from Fredricksburg is going to Iona also!
God has good plans, if you just listen to what he has to say!
Thank you for being patient with me. I began this two days ago - and then lost it.
I ended up posting a blank. But my son Allan saved the day and it disappeared! Thanks , super-computerman!
February 2, 2010
January 4, 2010
Sorry I’ve been gone so long. After surgery and recovery, I guess I hoped to forget all this for a while.
I am back to almost normal health and activity. I returned to volunteering at the hospital in December. My energy level is gradually getting back to normal. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to gradually increase my exercising. I’m slowly beginning to follow my Tai Chi DVD.
Each time I go out with Andrew I try to increase my laps of walking round the pool. It’s too cold for swimming laps! Besides the pool cover is still on. (I’ll get back to swimming when spring comes.) Another resolution is to spend more time Writing – so bear with me.
One of the main reasons for not writing was some minor physical abnormalities Dr. F was concerned about. One resolved itself; the other is still a work in process. There has been some redness around the surgery sight that 2 doses of antibiotics have not cleared. I will see Dr. C. Later this week and will probably have a needle biopsy at the site. They seem more worried about it that I. If there is cancer there, it will probably mean more chemo or radiation. Somehow I’m not concerned about it. I’ll deal with it when the time comes.
This promises to be a good year and I’m looking forward to whatever is ahead.
Over the holidays, Jill was here and she and I travelled to College Station, Houston, and Rosesharon. We saw most of the family except David’s. Being a priest at the Holidays doesn’t leave much room for visits. Besides all the extra services, one parishioner dies and a memorial service was added to his already busy schedule. Our new temporary bishop is the former bishop of David’s Diocese. In fact, Bishop Ohl was the one who installed David at St, Barnabas in Odesssa; I mentioned to him I wished David could move back to this diocese. His response was he was needed more in Northwest Texas: so much for a mother’s desires.
I wish you a blessed New Year and many joys and much love.
I am back to almost normal health and activity. I returned to volunteering at the hospital in December. My energy level is gradually getting back to normal. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to gradually increase my exercising. I’m slowly beginning to follow my Tai Chi DVD.
Each time I go out with Andrew I try to increase my laps of walking round the pool. It’s too cold for swimming laps! Besides the pool cover is still on. (I’ll get back to swimming when spring comes.) Another resolution is to spend more time Writing – so bear with me.
One of the main reasons for not writing was some minor physical abnormalities Dr. F was concerned about. One resolved itself; the other is still a work in process. There has been some redness around the surgery sight that 2 doses of antibiotics have not cleared. I will see Dr. C. Later this week and will probably have a needle biopsy at the site. They seem more worried about it that I. If there is cancer there, it will probably mean more chemo or radiation. Somehow I’m not concerned about it. I’ll deal with it when the time comes.
This promises to be a good year and I’m looking forward to whatever is ahead.
Over the holidays, Jill was here and she and I travelled to College Station, Houston, and Rosesharon. We saw most of the family except David’s. Being a priest at the Holidays doesn’t leave much room for visits. Besides all the extra services, one parishioner dies and a memorial service was added to his already busy schedule. Our new temporary bishop is the former bishop of David’s Diocese. In fact, Bishop Ohl was the one who installed David at St, Barnabas in Odesssa; I mentioned to him I wished David could move back to this diocese. His response was he was needed more in Northwest Texas: so much for a mother’s desires.
I wish you a blessed New Year and many joys and much love.
December 11, 2009
Since we initiated this site on April Fool's Day, I've belaboered the point that laughter is the best medicine (ala "The Court Jester," Elaine Stritch's "There's No Business Like Show Business," A Shakespearean "Who's on First?" Barbra Streisand's "Cockeyed Optimist" and A Maxine Cartoon).
What about some Christmas Fair? I know Emily Ruth's favorite would be "Little Drummer Boy." For me, I'm harkening back to 1964 and the Mossbargers' days on Carb Drive. [The pic above is as close as you can get to the house. For some reason, Google Maps didn't go down the block.]
So it's 1964--45 years ago. We're watching the very first airing of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." (Anybody else remember it was right after the GE College Bowl?!?!?!) Anyway, we get to moment 7:47 in the clip below and, while Santa pauses, my Dad says EXACTLY what Santa says in the next breathe!!!! Being only 6 (and forgetting that Santa says the exact same thing in the famous song), I was amazed at the magical powers my Dad had!!!
Be sure and AT LEAST watch 7:47 to the end. Feliz Navidad, ya'll!
PS ALLAN! when are ya gonna publish the Clem Kadiddlehopper post (which is, now, only a draft)???!!!???!!
October 8, 2009
Pleased with my progress, and no radiation!
Today we visited with Dr. Chow and yesterday we saw Dr, Fredric. Both are pleased with my progress. The good news is Dr. F thinks the route to go is hormone therapy and pills to keep the bones strong. Needless-to-say, I am delighted not to have radiation therapy in my future. This is being composed in the midst of chaos, since I will move to Judy’s and Leigh until probably til Wednesday or Thursday since the flooring is being replaced in my apartment starting tomorrow. This is being composed as Judy takes my apartment apart and prepares for my move. I will be away from my home phone so you can reach me through Judy or my cell phone. Also I won’t have my computer available until I’m back home. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers - you have made this all possible
September 28, 2009
Finally getting back to updating you. First small corrections: my left sde is the side that had the cancer and was the side that healed nicely. My right side was the side that had bleed and they had to go in the second night and stop the bleed. The drains were removed first from the left side. On the right side, one drain was removed and I went back to the hospital for some cleanup work on Saturday, Sept. 24th . It was done under a local and I went home that afternoon. The Thursday before, the Dr. told me she and Dr.F. had decided radiation would be needed due to the small amount of cancer found in one of the left lymph nodes. That with the news about the surgery on Saturday came on top of news earlier that day that my friend Merene was now in Hospice. My loving daughter plied me wih Dove candy that night which helped my attitude.
All went well and I even went to church the day after surgery(sadly to discoverMerlene had died that morning.)
Since then, I've been to the funeral Thursday and had the fiinal drain removed last Friday. The best news is I finally ws able to take a real shower Saturday. All in all, I tink I'm doing well and am ready to have final stitches removed on the 8th of October wen Dr. C. returns.
Agan,thank you all for yor prayers and good thoughts.
All went well and I even went to church the day after surgery(sadly to discoverMerlene had died that morning.)
Since then, I've been to the funeral Thursday and had the fiinal drain removed last Friday. The best news is I finally ws able to take a real shower Saturday. All in all, I tink I'm doing well and am ready to have final stitches removed on the 8th of October wen Dr. C. returns.
Agan,thank you all for yor prayers and good thoughts.
September 20, 2009
Radiation Therapy Links
September 13, 2009
Report From the Surgeon from Judy via David
Well David and I took Mom to the surgeon today and got some good news and some that was not as good. The right side is healing very well and the drains on that side have been removed! There were some abnormalities in the tissue on that side but not cancer. The left side was not doing as well but that was not a surprise since there was a second surgery on that side. Those drains will have to stay another week as will the stitches.The pathology on one of the nodes on that side did come back positive with a very small amount of cancer.
So where do we go from here? Not sure yet. Dr. Chow the surgeon will consult with Dr. Frederic and they will come up with a plan. Mom will go back next Thursday evening to see Dr. Chow and have her stitches removed and probably the drains. I don’t know if she will tell us the plan at that time or if we will have to wait until the following Thursday morning (Sept 24th) when we will see Dr. Frederic. Mom is a bit disappointed but seems fine. Her health and spirits in general are quite good considering all she has been through.
Thanks for all the love and support all of you have given us through chemo and surgery. It has been wonderful to know that all of you are there for us.
Love to all,
JudySeptember 8, 2009
The Surgery and Recovery
Dear Friends and family,
Sorry it has taken me so long to update you on my surgery and recovery but being surrounded by loving family there was little time to sit down and concentrate.
Son Allan, Barbara, and daughter Mikha were here weekend before last. Mikha is beginning a Masters in Library Science and had to be in Denton Saturday for a class. It was wonderful to visit with them and here all about their doings. Barbara is working on a display for her library and has been asked to present her work at a state library meeting. Ben (their son) is back in Providence and is working on a project for physics. There were pictures on face book, but I was glad Allan was here to explain it all to me.
The next Saturday, Jill arrived and Judy and I picked her up at the airport and had lunch at Uncle Julio’s on the way Home.
Sunday, we went to church and the four of us and Judy’s two girls had lunch at P.F. Changs. By the time we finished John and Son William had arrived. I could go on about the wonderful times we had, but I’d better tell you about he surgery, etc.
We arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning at 5:30am. By 7:00 they took me to radiology where Dr. Chow met me and injected me with dye which would stain and help identify any cancer cells in the lymph nodes. She left for another surgery and the family (Judy & Jill) and Frs. Fred and Bill followed us to holding. They left for the waiting room and I was greeted by my friend Ruth who works there. After several interviews by surgery and anesthesia, Dr Chow reappeared and I was taken back to surgery.
All went well, and I was back in my room sooner than I thought.
All had gone well and a cursory look at the nodes showed no sign of cancer. The only glitch was that night, it was discovered I had a bleed on my right side . after two pints of blood, I returned the next night to surgery to check for any bleeds. All again went well and I went home the next afternoon in good shape with very little pain meds. And have been doing well ever since.
More latter
August 22, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Good news! We have a date for surgery. Tuesday, September 1st, I enter Baylor All Saints at 5:15 am. And if all goes well, surgery begins at 8:30 am.
It will be a five hour surgery so my family will have along wait, so come visit them in the surgery waiting room.
If all goes well, I’ll get out on Thursday and will be at home for the next 10 days, at least. Radiation will follow after that, if necessary. Will try to keep you posted.
It will be a five hour surgery so my family will have along wait, so come visit them in the surgery waiting room.
If all goes well, I’ll get out on Thursday and will be at home for the next 10 days, at least. Radiation will follow after that, if necessary. Will try to keep you posted.
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