I am saddened tonight to learn that a friend of mine with MS has had a stroke. She is older but a wise, delightful, fun, and loving friend. I don't know a lot of details but it does not look good. It has dampened my day. The family does not want us to visit or anything today. We will see what happens in the next few days.

Emma can tell my mood and has been cuddly and attentive. We went to water exercise today. We came home briefly and got the news. Then I went out with another friend to chat. Emma has been very good all day.

I just don't have the energy to write something more uplifting Please pray for her and her only son and grandson. Her name is Jeanne.

Hug someone you love tonight,
Mary and Emma

Today we went to counseling in the morning and in the afternoon had a long session of physical therapy. The therapist said they have service dogs there but that none had ever been as well behaved as Emma. She couldn't get over how Emma remained so calm, laid on her blanket while she and I did the therapy. Emma was so patient.

Emma was great for my hour of counseling. More than 45 minutes on the Metro Mobility mini bus. Then we were an hour early for physical therapy. She waited with me of course. Then physical therapy was another 90 minutes. Then Greg picked us up. We went back to work with him and waited another 2 hours almost. That is a lot of waiting in one day. She definitely was happy to get home for supper and to have time running in the yard. She just had the best behavior all day today. I was so proud of her. Everyone commented on how cute she was today and how well behaved.

Emma you are the best. It was really cute - most of the physical therapy was in a private room. For part of it the woman had me walk in the halls. We had Emma stay in the room on a stay command. Her blanket had been right where the door was. She was then in a sit position. So I let her stay and sit. Here was her little face peeking out to watch what was going on. Her body language showed she was not thrilled to "watch" rather than be at my side..but she followed directions and stayed in her spot.

Now she is glad to be home. She is ready for some indoor play time and attention so I am going to close. Honestly isn't she a great dog?

Mary and Emma

Today we had a big day. We babysat. I slept when Rosa did, like always. Then we had dinner with my daughter Becky. Time went quickly. We watched some television and gosh I almost forgot to blog.

It is just delightful to see Rosa walk with Emma. She walks beside her, with her hand on Emma's back. Most the time though Emma snoozes while we play.

Tomorrow I have 90 minutes of physical therapy for my dizziness and vertigo. I hope Emma can handle that time with me at the clinic. My guess is she will do just fine. We will have to wait awhile for Greg to pick us up so I packed a book in my large purse. Metro Mobility will take me there but is not available at the time I need to get a ride home.

Sophia, age 7, was showing me things she liked in a toy catalogue. How I remember when we were small and took time with the Sears Toy Catalogue dreaming of what Santa would bring us. My favorite presents were one year I received a Barbie doll and home sewn clothes from my favorite Aunt Ethel. When I was a bit older my Aunt Betty got us a record player that played both 45's and 33(was that the correct term). I thought I was pretty cool having that for my room. I think it might have been for both my sister and I. We used it for many many years till they no longer made needles for it. New winter pajama's were also a big hit with me.

Now of course, my treasured gift is time with my children, husband, and grandchildren. I recall ten years ago when he had cancer, hoping he would survive to see more Christmas' with us. I also remember that each day took on new significance in my life. We treasured each family gathering as if it was indeed Christmas Eve. That has not changed for me.
With the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis - I must live for each day. I don't know what the future will bring for either Greg or I - health wise.

It is absolutely joyous to share a day with Rosa, and to greet Sophia after school and play with them both. I wish I had the energy to watch Rosa more often, but I do enjoy each and every time I am with her (Sophia too). I think I have the best granddaughters in the world.

I often think of all the people born in this world - I was able to be the wife to Greg, the mother to Anna, Michael, Rebecca, and Danny!! Tia is my wonderful daughter-in-law. Now I also am able to be Sophia and Rosa's grandmother. I am so grateful for those gifts.
I try hard to never take it for granted.

Emma and I are going to the MN MS Convention on Sunday in downtown Mpls. I am excited that we will also man a booth for Helping Paws at this event. It looks like they have enough staff that I will also hear some of the speakers. I am just thrilled to help out. In past years, Hearing and Service Dogs had a booth. I will be curious to see if both organizations are present. The MS participants always love the dogs and are curious about how they help individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. I sure can offer information on that topic. Watch out Eileen for calls next week ha ha.

Emma is such a dear to me. On the way home from babysitting, I sat in the back with her. She fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. I just love that. While I watched tv she also was very close to me. It might be my imagination but I think when we share a day with our granddaughters she is even more eager to have me all to herself at night.

Wishing you all snuggles and time with family.

Love Emma and Mary

Monday

Emma and I went to the doctor today. THe MS Specialist who is a neuro-opthamologist (I think that is the correct term) saw me. He said we need to wait another six months to see if the dizziness and vision improve. The problem is in the brain stem resulting from the MS. He said he is hopeful there will be some improvement in the vision and the dizziness even if it is not a full recovery. I was pleased he had cautious optimism to offer. I think he seemed a bit frustrated he could not do more right now. I was glad to have an honest talk with him about this and other MS issues.

Emma was very good. We also saw Dr. Schapiro while in the waiting room. He went to get her the treats he keeps on hand for service dogs. I do let him pet her. Dr. Calkwood also. I figure the two Drs. who keep me going with my Multiple Sclerosis and its problems can surely pet her...but they always ask permission first.

We were home both in the morning and the evening. We went to supper at El Lorro and they like Emma there. They also know us and the waiter remembers what we order. Somehow when we left I forgot my purse. I didn't realize it till we were almost home (It is about 20 minutes or more away from us) so we had to drive back there. I think they remember me because of the dog. It has great Mexican food at reasonable prices. IT is in Crystal MN right by the Target there (for those of you who live in the area).

This day went by quickly. I am working on some Christmas gift ideas in the evening now. I can't say what it is as my daughter-in-law reads my blog. I think my daughter does sometimes also. I have at least two gift ideas but will have to see what time allows. I can't believe we are up so late.

Off to bed. We had a nice day.
Wishing you a good day Tuesday. It is suppose to get up to the high 50's maybe 60 here in MN. Unbelievable for this time of year. We can't complain - that will be great for us. We will be babysitting.

Wishing you a happy day.

Mary and Emma (sorry no picture today)

Oops I missed the sleep over picture. The other was with Uncle Danny at Rosa's Baptism