I took a long, long break.

[Donna McCreary]

Hi everyone,
Finally, I was able to visit the forum today after an extended absence. I have missed everyone, and hope that things in my life have changed enough that I can visit here more often. My life has taken very serious twists and turns, and some things are still unsettled; however, as I have been reading and catching up on other's post, I see that several of our forum members have been experiencing drastic life changes as well.

Last January, I had a suspicious mammogram. Ever since, I have been trying to get the required tests and surgeries scheduled. Surgery is set for August 23rd.
In February, my mother was admitted to the hospital. A prescribed medication poisoned her liver and paralyzed her stomach. She lost nearly 50 lbs in nine weeks. Mom has always been a small woman; losing that much weight has caused her to become weak and need a wheelchair. I spent as much time with her as I can.
The day after my mother went to the hospital, my husband went. He had no medical insurance when he was admitted. He went into respiratory failure and spent nineteen days in the hospital; eleven of those days in ICU; and eight days on life support. (He has a living will which clearly states "no life support" but the doctors placed him on it despite his wishes.)
While my husband was in the hospital, my son came home to help me sort through financial papers and accounts. In doing so, we discovered that the bank accounts had been wiped out; investments had been cashed in; the retirement account was depleted; and the safe had been emptied.
After discovering what my husband did with our investments and savings, I filed for divorce.

There is an old expression: Don't mess with the Scottish - they are temperamental - Half temper - Half mental.

I have been messed with, lied to, made a fool, and hoodwinked.
Because there was no health insurance, the bills are piling up, but I will not be responsible for most of them. (Thank goodness for good attorneys and Scottish mentality!)

My attorney has advised me to stay in the home for one year before trying to sell it. In the meantime, I have to find funds to pay bills, taxes, and insurance. Since my ex-husband was a financial planner and traveled frequently, I have mostly been a stay-home mom and worked part-time off and on.

I wish some of you lived close to me. Almost everything in my house is "for sale" and I think some of you would find my Lincoln collection interesting. I've started listing a few things on ebay and have been selling items to friends. No matter what I decide to do in the future, down-sizing is a must.

Through all of this, I am trying to focus on writing a book. My research is mostly finished. There is still much writing to accomplish. It is doubtful I will meet my deadlines. With my surgery scheduled for later this month, I will be useless for a few days.

I appreciate the notes some of you sent during my absence. I was not trying to be rude by not responding; I just needed to get things settled. Your kindness truly helped me move forward.

There is another Scottish quote which has gotten me through these past months:
"I am a Scot. I do not need your approval, your opinion, or even your notice of me.
I do, however, need for you to step aside and get out of my way.
Great things are in my immediate future. Watch me do EXACTLY what you said I could not."

My mom does not like these quotes -- I find them inspiring -- and so much like another woman of Scottish descent -- Mary Lincoln.