MY DEAR MAMIE

My beloved friend and across the street neighbor died in the early hours of Sunday morning. It was expected as she battled terminal cancer for 21 years. I was was one of the 6 woman pall bearers, Mamie’s choice. Girlfriend pall bearers was definitely “ a spunky Mamie thing”. After the funeral and burial, I hosted all family and friends here at my home. My gift to Mamie, her sweet husband, and their family. This was one less worry for the family and it filled my heart with joy to do so. This is the arrangement I put together that sat on my dining table with my food this Tuesday as we remembered our dear Mamie.

Mamie’s life story is incredible. She was a championship golfer, a fierce and successful business woman, and a fighter. She never gave up, ever! She taught me so much.

Mamie refused to evacuate prior to Katrina, even though we begged them to come with us. Mamie wouldn’t leave her daughter and granddaughter that live around the corner. Mamie’s daughter is paralyzed from the waist down. This happened many years ago, in a large city in Louisiana. Mamie’s daughter,at the age of 16, was shot by an intruder breaking into their home. Years of surgeries and worries filled Mamie’s life over her daughter’s health.

The morning of Katrina, Mamie and her husband tried to swim down the street to get to daughter’s house. Mamie & hubby had to be rescued by other neighbors when the rushing tidal surge swept them away. Meanwhile daughter, granddaughter and a few other neighbors climbed into daughter's attic and prayed the water wouldn’t come any higher. How they managed to hoist Mamie’s daughter into the attic is a feat we all marvel at still today. They all survived.

In the 3 year aftermath of Katrina, Mamie and I sought and found comfort in each other’s arms. It was the comfort and understanding that bonds women friends together. Our husbands moved on much easier, they could never understand why we still had that vacant look in our eyes and lost our zest for life. But we did get our joie de vivre back. Mamie made sure of that!

Mamie outlived her terminal cancer diagnosis for 21 years, much to the surprise of the doctors at MD Anderson. Mamie always said this was God’s choice. God knew she needed to be here for her daughter. We know it was a “Mamie” thing also!

I love you and miss you Mamie! I know you are at peace in heaven and still taking care of us from above.

LUCIKEST PERSON ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH!

Yes, that's me, the luckiest person in this entire world. We had no major damage, just a messy yard. My communities to the south and west are wiped out and devastated, though. Took us a while/but yet no time at all to get power and back online. (After Katrina, those was no power for at least 3 weeks...depending on where your home/grid power line was.) We took care of MIL, MIL's power out over 27 hours, which is nothing compared to what a lot of people will have to deal with.

Earlier had to empty out her 2 refrigerators/freezers, and same for friends that are out of town. Also taking care of their 16 year old dog named Lady. Someone else was supposed to babysit this poor 16 year old dog, but bailed out and they evacuated at least minute. So we are taking care of Lady! Ya'll know we are soft when it comes to pooches! It's been a hectic few days.

Can't stay online and connect with any one's blog. We are taking in....2 families....the men work with my husband....these families lost their homes. So we are sheltering them, feeding them, and loving them as best we can. It is the least we can do!

I'm praying for everyone that has been in the path of this storm....Susie, Diane (and her son), Cena, my children, (both are under tornado warnings, heavy winds, and rain), and those unknown to me. God keep you under his strong reach of protection!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers...they worked!!!

I'll visit with everyone when time permits.

xoxo, Lamp Tramp

There is nothing better than....

bloggy love and support from all of you. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers, and taking the time to express them. We are all so appreciative.

After a long day of painting, moving furniture, & cleaning up the 5 lbs of dust that was hidden behind said furniture, I am headed here...

HEY PINK POPPY

You are so sweet and attentive. I love you but I don't know anything about you. Please will you make a blog site. Tell all of us about you! XOXO UPDATE: I just got the most beautiful e-mail from PINK POPPY. She is so sweet, sincere, inspiring and fun loving. I'm thrilled. I'll email you back shortly when I reread your letter. What a dream job she has! Just knew that lobster on cashmire cable said it all. Thank you for being such nice bloggy friend. xoxo