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.

[Susan Higginbotham]

Glad to see you back after all you've been through! Do you have a link to your eBay sales?

[Eva Elisabeth]

Yes - glad to have you back, and I pray for better - good times to come into your life (again) now.

[RJNorton]

Donna, you are in all of our thoughts and prayers!

[BettyO]

OMG - I pray things will be much, much better, Donna! So glad you're back - your friends are here for you ....

[L Verge]

I perked up when I saw you posting again. You had hinted at your private struggles in an email with me months ago, but I had no idea how awful things have been. I have a lot of Scotch in me also (not the liquid kind - can't stand the taste!), and we lassies do tend to take care of ourselves. An old boyfriend once told me that he admired me because I never got myself into something I couldn't get out of. Shortly thereafter, I got out of our engagement.

My hand is stretched across the miles in support and my prayers are offered for a speedy exit out of your many troubles.

[Eva Elisabeth]

PS: She must have Scottish roots, too:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fCR0ep31-6U

[Donna McCreary]

(08-07-2016 05:24 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  PS: She must have Scottish roots, too:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fCR0ep31-6U

Oh my -- dancing on roller skates! Those were the days.

I truly appreciate everyone's prayers and support. I am just starting to post things on ebay -- right now, I have only listed a copies of my own books, but will start listing other things soon. I'm not sure how to do a link to my items.
I am hoping to find an auction house that will haul things away and sell them in a larger location. I have several pieces of antique furniture and larger pieces of art work that will not ship well.

In the meantime, I am working on my manuscript! Today's work includes working on the Appendix listing Mary's friends.

Thank you everyone for your support. I greatly appreciate your kindness.

---

Before I list these on other sites, I have a few treasurers which I plan to sell in the near future. These books are going to be some of the first that go to an antique dealer:

1. A. Lincoln: The Crucible of Congress by Paul Findley -- 1979
The dust jacket shows some wear, but the book is in very good condition.

2. The Photographs of Mary Lincoln by Lloyd Ostendorf -- paperback

3. Abraham Lincoln: Man of God by John Wesley Hill -- Hardback
Autographed by the author

4. Tad Lincoln's Father by Julia Taft Bayne --- Hardback -- 1931
Very good condition
Autographed by the author

If you are interested in any of these, please send me a private message. I am currently having these appraised so I can determine a fair price for them.

thanks

[Anita]

Donna,
Just saw your post. Talk about serious twists and turns, that's a lot to have come crashing down. I wish you the best possible outcomes as you work your way through this cluster of troubles. I'll be praying for you on Aug. 23rd. Anita

[Linda Anderson]

I was stunned to read of all that you have gone through this year, Donna, and I'll also be praying for you on August 23. I love your tough spirit!

I hope your mother is doing better.

[Donna McCreary]

I wanted to stop by and say "hi" to everyone. My surgery was this past Tuesday, and the healing process has begun. The pain medication helps, but I am still sore. Before I left the hospital, the doctor asked me how I was doing, and I responded, "I woke up -- we go forward from here." The tests results came back today, and everything is okay.

Prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated. I will visit the forum when I can, but since this medication alters my thought process, I doubt that I will post much for a couple of weeks. I try to rest and sleep and as much as possible.

Keep those wonderful posts coming! I enjoy reading them.

[RJNorton]

We are all behind you, Donna! I pray for a complete, 100% recovery.

[Linda Anderson]

Wonderful news, Donna! I'm glad you posted.

Besides, praying for you myself, I'll add your name to our prayer group which starts up again in September.

[L Verge]

Ditto what Roger said... Just keep reminding yourself of your Scottish heritage.

[Gene C]

Glad your test results came back ok.
Some of my more interesting posts were when I was on pain medication so don't let that stop you.

With prayers and positive thoughts for you as well as best wishes for a speedy recovery