by Sharon O | Feb 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Today is the thirty-day mark with this knee. I never realized how painful bone surgery was and to think my husband had two knee replacements and shoulder surgery.
My next one will be a replacement surgery but not until next year. You know the insurance issues that have to take place.
I have rested and rested more. Recently I started Physical therapy and that kicks my behind for an hour. I am ready for my chair and ice when I get home.
My brain has not been in a writing mode, but I will get there soon, I hope.
I have to find a rheumatologist for some answers on this knee my bones were very angry, and I was walking on a lot of red angry nerves.
So much has happened in the last few months I am just taking one day at a time.
Spring will be here. The sun will come out, and the dark rainy Oregon days will change.
That is about all I am doing tonight will come back tomorrow.
by Sharon O | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
This is another new year. I have not written here for sometime, since My brother-in-law passed away, that has been really hard.
Then Our anniversary came and that was celebrated by us. Thanksgiving came and then Christmas.
Now I am recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery so it will be a while before I am back to regular writing.
Plus, we purchased a new computer as I was locked out of my old one. SO, challenges on many levels.
i will return when i CAN.
by Sharon O | Nov 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
A very special man in our family recently passed away.
Two months ago, it started out as a middle of the night ambulance ride.
Those always rattle one’s heart especially when it is quiet and then the urgent takes place.
He had a dissection of the aorta which was extremely serious and life threatening in its severity.
He made it through that long surgery then a few days later he had an aortic aneurism which was another serious surgery.
Then he had leg surgery and final number was four very major surgeries in 14 days.
Way too much for most people and he was not an exception.
The stress and the seriousness of the situation was very difficult for all of us.
So much to do and so little ability to know what he could do once he came home.
The days moved into a few weeks with him home and managing specialized care.
Then it all became too much.
He left us a few days ago. His heart just couldn’t do it anymore.
Saying goodbye is not easy.
Remembering him not easy either.
How will I remember?
He was gentle, and kind, he was peace and calm, he was deep-thinking
and a caring man.
He was like my brother I knew him over 60 years.
He was the one who nicknamed me mouse.
He was the one who encouraged me to think on my own.
He was an educator and had a way with kids, and also the elderly.
He was patient and soft, his words challenged me to think.
He loved my humor.
He listened more than he spoke and within that listening you felt heard and known.
I will miss him always.
The house where they lived is not the same now since he is not there.
The atmosphere is different.
My sister is alone and entering into the widow hood the best as she can.
We all will take that turn and walk down that road too.
A very special man in our family left us sooner than we all wanted.
I’ll say goodbye till I get to see you again. 
by Sharon O | Oct 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
No matter how busy our lives, there are ways to make sure neither distance nor everyday demands
keep us from friends we don’t want to lose.
Our friends are important to us especially as we age.
I am one of these people if you get to know me, and I allow you into my life.
It takes a lot to lose me.
You would have to do something very hurtful for me to take a break and write you off.
Relationships are supposed to challenge us.
They are supposed to show us what we can tolerate and what we cannot.
I have had people in my life that I chose to give distance to.
It was not healthy, it was not helpful, and it was not an encouraging friendship.
Because of my ‘growing up years’ that would bring many moves which in turn did not allow friendships to develop.
Going to a new school as a shy child was like having no anesthesia for painful things.
I am not a social butterfly.
I enjoy quiet time. I enjoy alone time.
When I was a little girl, I would get up and go outside to play with caterpillars and other things like kitties.
It was peaceful outside.
As I have aged, I have learned to value friendships that walk alongside me, as I realize being alone is not always helpful.
As an adult I don’t think of myself as shy, but I am also not outgoing in a crowd.
I am an observer.
I am content to just be who I am without an audience.
When was the last time you challenged yourself to step out and talk to someone new?
When was the last time you signed up for something you have never done before?
We need to hold close those people in our lives that have stayed our friends for many years.
We need to call or write or send them something just to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
We need to also press in and allow ourselves to meet new people and perhaps we might surprise ourselves.
With a new long term better than ever God planned friendship.
No matter how busy our lives get we need to be sure distance, or time does not keep us from those who we value and care for.
by Sharon O | Oct 4, 2025 | Uncategorized
Life has a way of challenging us.
When I look around and observe people going through many difficulties, trials and testing’s, I wonder to myself, why.
We are not promised an easy life.
In fact, we are challenged to press on towards our calling in life and see to it that we help others in the process.
It is not easy not comfortable at times.
I know a few people who have gone through extreme health issues lately.
I know some who have gone through family trials.
What do we do when we feel pressed on all sides and just not able to move one foot in front of the other.
We remind ourselves that THIS too will pass and soon we will look back and be able to say, we did it.
I don’t know about you, but I like things in life easy.
I like no conflicts.
I like seasons to come and go with no hardships and not any intense challenges.
In reality that easy life does not build character,
Or trust. OR belief in our ability to make it through.
It is ok to just move from day to day and not have any challenges but when I observe my little great granddaughter who is 14 months.
I see her get up every day and try harder, do more, walk with balance and enthusiasm.
Her mom videotaped a moment where she was playing and just started twirling around and around until she fell down.
Then she got up and did it again, hoping to improve her new skill.
That is what I am talking about.
Challenging ourselves to do more and do better.
Even in the middle of life’s crushing moments.
Press on to the next moment, the next day or the next week.
It is so important to have hope and not give up and give in.
There are many choices and many options for us.
I encourage you in the middle of the trial Life has a way of challenging us.
Let’s put ourselves to the test and win this battle.
