In a...

...nutshell

Hello my friends. So much is happening in my life right now. 

If you are following me on IG, you know. For everyone else...here it is in a nutshell.

Let's just say, I've been making a boat load of lemonade! Holy heck. What ever could go wrong, did...What ever I didn't know, I learned. 

What ever strength I needed, I found and by golly, I'm hanging on!

Spent 3 grueling, emotionally exhausting weeks taking care of my mom (who still isn't ANY better)

We placed my dad in a permanent (awesome) facility this past Thursday

Applying for Medicaid is a F****** nightmare (sorry for the expletive) 

Austin did not make it into the Naval Academy (oh...that was a VERY bad day)

My daughter is getting married Friday (happy dance)

I joined theAlzheimer's Association and will be walking for a cure
My husband now makes better meatloaf than me (he kept the house running AND clean while I was away!)
Thank goodness Austin got his driver's license before I had to leave. He HAD to instantly learn to be totally independent (he's 17) -and did amazing!

Parents...PLEASE, PLEASE consider the "what if's" so your children don't have to live this hellish nightmare  my brother and I are going through. 

As things settle down on my end, I'm going to blog about this VERY important subject. I know it's not  easy talking about it...But if you have EVER had to deal with an aging parent that hasn't planned for unfortunate life events, you are dumping a horrible burden into your children's laps. I've made it my mission to be an advocate for this cause. More to come on that.

I have been visiting your blogs...but I will sit and comment in the weeks to come. 

I missed being here with y'all.

Happy (lemonade) Snapping!

xo

Kelly

Fridays...

 ...letters

Dear self,

How much sadness can the human heart take?

 Apparently a lot.

Dear State of Florida,

Although everyone is real friendly down here, ya'll have one speed...slow. You don't seem to realize we don't have a lot of time. Can you hurry things along?

Dear Naval Academy,

You broke our hearts. Yesterday was one of the saddest days we've ever experienced. Of course you didn't know I took a month off to be with my mom and fill out Medicaid forms, and search for SNF's, and file tax extensions and watch my dad deteriorate, and seriously...miss my boys till I think my heart literally broke...not to mention a list as long as my arm that still needs to get. But that's ok-cause Austin Will try again and then you're going to wish you didn't turn him down in the first place.

Dear THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL movie,

Thank you for the best quote on the day we heard from the NA,

"it will all be okay in the end if it's not okay, it's not the end"

Thats gonna be real useful in the days and months to come. 

Dear Mom,

I know things still aren't right in your head but you are being a trooper. You're eating and sleeping again and that alone does wonderful things. Dave, Teresa and I aren't giving up on you...don't you give up on you...ok?

Dear people at the Medicaid office,

HURRY

Dear Frankie,

I love you. Do you even know how torn I was being here and not being with you when that blasted letter came? I could have been in two places at one time, I would have...in a New York Minute. 9 days and counting. Xo

Dear 9 days and counting,

Hurry

Love,

Kelly

Life...

 ...interrupted

This says it all. The phone call, the decision, the risk, the loss. I flew to Fla. to take care of my mom. Except for an intermission to fly home for Jamie's wedding, this is my home until at least the end of April. I've left my comforts behind-my patient and loving husband, Austin, my job, my life, to fix two broken lives-my mom and dad. My brother and his wife are patiently dealing with a father who's brain is riddled with dementia and me-dealing with a shell of a woman otherwise known as my mom who is succumbing faster and faster to depression. I followed my head and my heart-they both told me that this is where I need to be-at this moment in time. It makes my heart sad-all of it, losing my parents of yesterday, the time away from my love, Austin who is getting "grow-up" lesson 101 in the crudest of manners. All I see at the moment is papers and numbers and appointments to make-I need a sign-a sign that will soothe my broken heart. 

xo

Kelly

Crazy hair...

...day

It was crazy hair day at school today...

...why should the kids have ALL the fun!?

Happy (hair) snapping!

xo

Kelly
btw...i've been getting a ridiculous amount of spam and I inadvertently deleted several post comments. I apologize...know it's nothing personal...just my quick fingers...

Fridays...

...letters

Dear Spring,

Thank you for showing up in So. Cal on time. So many friends still have snow and although beautiful to look at, I think I'd rather smell the sweetness of your blooms.

Dear Depression AND Dementia,

I hate you both. You are stealing my mom AND dad right out from under my nose and robbing them of their lives. Really? At the same time? Do you know how painful it is to call my mom and dad night after night and deal with the shit you are dealing me? They are NOT who they were just a year ago. You just take and take and take some more. I'm left with these shells of people that I don't even recognize. The really crappy thing is, I know you're not even done with them yet. I think I can speak for all my family members and tell you...

You both suck.

Dear Wine,

Thank you...that's all

Dear Jamie,

One more sleep till your bridal shower! I love getting on a bird to fly knowing you'll be at the other end to greet me. (giddy-ness)

Dear antibiotics,

Thank you. You done good!

Linking up with Ashley over at:

Happy (spring) snapping!

xo

Kelly

An Irish...

...Blessing

May you alway walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

I love how people embrace the luck o' the Irish today even though there might not be a lick of Irish in them. Not that I know much about my Irish roots...but they're there-It started with 

2nd Lt. Robert Crooks of the Irish Army.

 (my maiden name is Crooks) 

Pretty cool huh?

I had honest intentions of attempting the scavenger hunt today...but this sinus & upper respiratory infection has knocked me for a loop. Today is the 1st day that I feel the Semi truck that keeps running me over has moved on to greener pastures! At any rate, 

 May Irish eyes smile sweetly on you today.

Happy (shamrock) snapping!

xo

Kelly

Dear...

...Friday

I read over at Deanna's, this cool idea about summing up the week in a unique way called "Friday's Letters." She found it on another blog as a way young mothers connect and share advice about...well...being young mothers. Super cool idea but I'm by no means a young mom, and like Deanna, I have my own interpretation of this rather fun way of summing up the week.

Dear Sinus & Upper Respiratory Infections,

2 words...GO AWAY. I've suffered for 3 weeks and I'm really tired of being sick.

Dear Antibiotics, Inhaler & Cough Medicine,

 You have a big job and I need it done before next weekend. You see my sweet baby girl's bridal shower is Sat. and I CAN NOT be sick for that.

Dear Mother Nature, 

You have blessed me with another round of critters and I will  take such good care of them. You know how much I adore these babies!

Dear Naval Academy,

You are making us all crazy. We're waiting on pins and needles for an answer from you. Austin has worked SO hard for this and he's ready to commit a lifetime to the Navy. You are getting a really good deal with this one.

Dear Yahuda,

You make THE BEST gluten free matzo! Enough said!

Dear Matilda,

I hope you are enjoying your stay at the repair spa. Hurry home all fixed and ready to shoot ok?

Happy Snapping!

xo

Kelly