Friday, November 28, 2008

Star Santa & a Sob Story


Well, it's been a rough week for me. First, after all these weeks of severe pain and lots of tests, I was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (an auto immune disease). My mom suffered the last half of her life with it and now I guess it's my turn... The Rhuematologist that I am seeing has encouraged me by explaining that there are several drug therapies that can keep it in remission for periods of time but all I visualize are my mom's deformed hands and how much she cried from the pain. I'm trying to look ahead with a positive attitude and plan on taking this a day at a time. So, I had my pity party all week for myself, and my future, and felt like I was in a pretty good place about it now. Ready to face whatever lies ahead. Now, today I had to go for some tests and x-rays. When they x-rayed my hands, I had to take off my wedding rings. Yep! You see where I'm going with this? I forgot to take my rings when I went to the next room for a different test!!! (gasp) I realize it as I'm laying on a table having a Bone Scan and start to panic! I get dressed and go straight back to the room where I left the rings but they had another patient in the room already. As soon as the guy walked out, I ran in and the they are GONE!!! I think that this next patient took them but I have no proof. So now I have no wedding rings. I guess I don't have to explain to you how I am feeling right now. I'm sure you understand... I believe that everything happens for a reason but I sure can't figure this one out! Maybe whoever stole them needs the money to feed their family... It's a hard call to make given how bad our economy is. I have to tell myself that something good will happen to someone because of these rings. It helps me feel better. Okay, I'm done venting. Thanks for "listening".

The good news is that I came home and made this card to get my mind off stuff! I used the(retired) Star Santa set from Stampin' Up. I hope your day is going better than mine. Thanks for stopping by! Take care... (hugs)

19 comments:

Cindy Haffner said...

Oh Joanne I'm so so sorry, bummer man, I can't imagine how you feel. Wish i could give you a hug! Love your card, Santa is so handsome.

6 wacky women said...

Oh my, Joanne I am so sorry to hear about your troubles this week.
You have been through a lot!

You still have your magic touch, as this card is fabulous!! I just love it.
Karen x

Cheryl said...

Joanne what a really rough week. Sorry about your health problems and your loss of your rings.

I have a very close scrapping friend who has had RH for quite a few years. While in pain quite often she does marvelous work and that is one thing that really does keep her very active.

Terrific card.

Diane said...

Oh my goodness Joanne,that's terrible!!! To get such news and then get your rings stolen! Maybe they will be returned to the xray dept and they will call you.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Why does stuff like this happen to the best of us,I don't know!!!!!
Your card is wonderful,have a wonderful weekend! Hugs to you!!!

Pat (mspfd) said...

Boy, what a bummer of a week! I am so, so. sorry.

Hopefully your rings are covered through your homeowner's policy. I lost my wedding band a few years ago, so I share your pain. Maybe Santa will surprise you with new rings!

What a fabulous Santa card. Hope that cute image gave you a smile. Hugs!

Nancy said...

Joanne, I am so sorry to hear what happened with your rings. It is very sad that someone could take something so precious. That said, your attitude is wonderful, and you came home and were productive, making a wonderful card. What a great stamp! ((( ))) Nancy

Carolyn Bounds said...

Joanne, my heart goes out to you!!! Sounds like you have had an exceptioanlly rough week. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your outlook on things is inspirational!!! I don't think I could rationalize things in such a positive manner. You are a true and very rare gem!!! I am honored to know such an incredible person as you!!!

Hugs!
Carolyn

Tonniece said...

OMG!!!!!!!!!! Sorry to hear of your bad week, but happy to see you are thinking positive in spite of it all.

Your card of amazing

Annapurna said...

Sorry Hun! I have osteo arthritis in my knees and noticed that it flares up with certain foods. You may want to start keeping a journal of your foods and pain and may be able to find a correlation. It might help you control your pain with fewer drugs. For me it is potatoes. Who would have guessed right?

Lovely card. Your crafting hobby might ease your pain too. Take care. Hugs. Anna

Lisa Olson said...

Oh Joanne what can I say about ur cards that I haven't already said, wonderf creations, thanks for sharing and thanks for inspiring us.

sandyh50 said...

Great card Joanne! I am inspired by your positive attitude with all your troubles this week. God bless you!

Michele Kovack said...

Awwwwww Jo, I don't even know what to say.....except I am sooooo sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers........Big cyber hugs until I see you.....

Crafty Connie said...

Yikers Joanne how awful!!! I know, just like you the horrible effects of RA. I hope that you are able to get good therapy and medicine and that you will continue to create beautiful cards like the one posted. What a very cute Santa card. As for your rings, I believe in karma and your very positive attitude toward your loss speaks volumes to the kind heart that you have. Hopefully your rings which represent love will be used for that same reason. If not then I believe that the karma train will come to run over the thief.

Curt in Indy said...

Bless your heart! OMGosh I can't believe that after such bad news, you then have your rings stolen. How low can people be? What I can't believe is your attitude and how positive you are despite what you went through last week. You are a trooper, and you are an inspiration to me! I only wish for the best outcome for you, Joanne! You are such a great person, and you deserve so much more than the crap you got last week! I'm pulling for you kid! Big hugs! Your card is awesome too! Represents your spirit! You are amazing to me! Best to you! Curt

Shirley said...

Oh my gosh, Joanne. Hugs here and wow! What some people won't do. I am so sorry about the rings. Also, have you every taken Glucosamine chondroitin with MSM. My mother had Rhuematoid Arthritis and I take the above. I am 65 and so far so good. Just a thought.

Your card is just beautiful. That is one of my favorite stamps. I love everything you did with him.

Catherine said...

Oh Joanne, i'm so sorry but always remember that God does not gives us anything that we can't handle.

Your card is so beautiful

Lauri said...

I just read this (boy am I behind!) and not sure where to start! RA is a tough diagnosis, but let's pray that medicine has advanced and you will live a long full happy healthy life! and your rings, well...I like your take on things, and I guess although there is a lot of sentimentality to them, you are still married and still have your family; all that matters, really!

fishlips said...

I'm a card nut too...It can put your mind at rest and peace but its so terrible that your ring is gone, My it find it's way back on your hand soon...

Your Card is so stunning and the colors are totally perfect...I just love it and I'm so happy I got to come and see all your lovely creations!!!!

Cindy Van Sluys said...

I realize that it as been nearly a year since you posted this lovely card but, I just had to respond.

I was looking on SCS for the best SU Santa and a fellow SCSer posted your pic on your blog. I am just going to have to find that set!! He is just too cute!!!

I am so sorry that you were diagnosed with RA. I hope that you are still doing the best you can to deal with your disease.....crafting I hope has eased your mind.

I am wondering about your wedding rings though....were you able to get them back? Did you get another set? I don't need to know but, I think about what you must have felt!

Peace and God's Blessings Joanne!
XO
Cindy