My English Roses are finally blooming. It's always around the 4th of July each year when I get the first bloom and then they bloom until the first frost. This bloom opened on Saturday, right on schedule! I think they are gorgeous.
I finished another baby sweater, hat and sock set. There was enough yarn left for another hat and...
hopefully another pair of socks. I made this start in church yesterday. It's my take along in my purse project right now since it's small. I can usually make a sock in about an hour or so. I'll take this to the hospital with me to work on since I have to stay overnight. These are all headed off to a hospital on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota when I get a few more things made.
I started a baby blanket on Saturday from a new pattern I saw on facebook. I only got this far though, because at church yesterday I saw the announcement of a baby shower later this month. Since I have already made this particular Mom and her two previous little boys the rainbow blankets and sweater sets I asked if she had seen a pattern she would rather have.
She just chose this from pinterest.
I wasn't sure of the colors, but as I work on it I'm actually liking it more. It's an easy, peasy pattern that shouldn't take much concentration which I need over the next few days.
I am admittedly beginning to get a bit nervous about getting my pacemaker on Wednesday. I do wish they had just done it last week when my heart stopped so I wouldn't have had a chance to think about it. I got some news today that hasn't helped at all. As I mentioned before, my oldest brother got a pacemaker almost 2 months ago. He's back in the hospital right now and apparently the pacemaker isn't working at all and he has congestive heart failure. Now I know he is 15 years older than me and he has lived a life 180 degrees different than mine. He smoked non-stop until last year-I've never had a cigarette. He still drinks...a lot. I don't drink at all. He has abused his body much more than I have, but still, we share genetics and there are many, many heart issues in our family.
So, with all of that I am getting stressed about the entire process. Added to that, I don't know anything about what is exactly wrong with me. Dennis wants me to call the cardiologist's office tomorrow and see if anyone can answer my questions before the surgery on Wednesday.
I'm sure you didn't want to read all of that. I've been alone all day, Dennis was at work and had an evening meeting too and I've been sitting here with my brain going round and round. :-)
I know that everything is in God's hands. I am His child and whatever He chooses to do with me is just fine and dandy. I just don't want to think about it! Ha!
I'll check back in as soon as I can. Meanwhile, if you would care to send up a prayer for me, I would love it and be very appreciative.
"But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love." Psalm 22:18
and my very favorite verse,
"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Blessings,
Betsy
Pacemakers are a common procedure and a lifesaver. It is going to be a good thing for you.....your heart stopping is not good!! I will keep you in my prayers for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, poor Betsy! You lead such a healthy and honorable and giving life, I just don't think this is fair at all. I will say a prayer for you now. You need some diversion - a movie? Book? I like that new pattern you're working on.. I am going to go back and look at it again. We packed today and made reservations for a stopover in Las Vegas. Then we're off to the Grand Canyon. First stop is Lake Tahoe. I hope we make it and don't find we made a mistake with such a long trip! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad your procedure is coming up real soon and it will be good for you. Rest well and think on good things and it's all in His hands. Hugs and prayers for you and that God will guide the surgeon's hands as the pacemaker becomes part of you. I love your English rose. So pretty! Just think on that and all your down time to knit! I like the first set's colors! Take care my friend. I'd visit if I was closer! :0]
ReplyDeleteBetsy, your rose looks like a "Rose of Sharon". They are similar to a Hibiscus. :-)
ReplyDeleteDear Betsy,
ReplyDeleteWell, I wish I were there to distract you, but know that I am here believing that God is bringing healing to you through the pacemaker. I am sorry your brother is ill, and hope that the doctors are able to help him get better. My 94 year old uncle got a pacemaker just a few days before I visited last Fall, and is still doing well. My father-in-law had a pacemaker for many years and died in his 90's. You have many years to go before you get to your 90's! Your latest knitting projects will be a precious blessings to some babies Your rose is lovely and so are you. Sending you lots of hugs of encouragement, and I really appreciate the verses the Lord impresses you to share. Love, Gracie xx
P.S. My 7 year old granddaughter, Hayley, got baptized by her pastor in the Clackamas River tonight.! It was so exciting to witness!
You certainly will be in my prayers. Try to get some answers to all your questions and I am sure you will feel a whole lot better.
ReplyDeleteI really like the new pattern and the colours being used. I hope your procedure goes well. It's hard not to compare with what's happened to other people - especially someone as close as a brother - but it doesn't mean that the same will happen to you. You are in the best hands when you put your trust in God.
ReplyDeleteBetsy it is indeed a Rose of Sharon flower. Your knitting is gorgeous. I will be thinking of you for tomorrow and this is for the best getting a pacemaker. As you said your brother has led a totally different life to you. Sending prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Betsy! I am praying for you.♥
ReplyDeleteIt will be ok Betsy! Many people have pacemakers and do fine. I know it is hard not to worry, but get your questions answered and then focus your.thoughts on God and good, positive things. Philippians 4:6-7. I will be praying.
ReplyDeleteBlessings + peace,
Aimee
Dear, dear Betsy. I know you are worried but as you said, it's in God's hands and I believe he still has plans for you here. My son got his pacemaker at age 14 and has just undergone another heart surgery to replace the mitral valve they did at the same age. The sutures were not holding up but that was 21 years ago. He is doing fine and I know you will also. You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sharon
Keeping you in my prayers always sweet friend. Sending hugs to you and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Blessings to you always sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteAwww, hugs to yoU! You are in HIS hands and I pray that all the other' s hands that touch you will be healing and gentle.
ReplyDeleteMy mom got a pacemaker about 10 years ago. At first it was really rocky. They had problems getting it adjusted to work right with her body and to get her medications regulated. At first the pacemaker only fired when her heart didn't work correctly, but eventually they had to cut the nerve supply to her natural pacemaker and allow the mechanical pacemaker to do the entire joy. The natural pacemaker was just too confused and not working correctly (it was damaged during radiation treatment for breast cancer). After about a year of frequent doctor visits and hospitalizations, everything started working correctly. They reduced her frequency of check ups to yearly. After her last battery change, the cardiologist told her she didn't need to come back for 5 years. She was very happy about that. At this time, her heart and pacemaker are not limiting her life at all. Trust God, trust your doctors, but ask lots of questions. And if something doesn't make sense ask.
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Betsy, I'm so sorry you had to go through such a hard time and had so much anxiety about all of it. I'm sorry I was gone and not able to look at your blog to find out these news. I'm so glad you are doing better and that things are slowly getting back to your normal life. I'm sorry you are still in pain but I am confident God is beside you helping and guiding every step.i will check in with you tomorrow. Lots of love.
ReplyDelete