Here's the "skinny" on Frances

Ha, Frances and Skinny in the same sentence... I've been slowly getting in some posting time, so I thought I would give a shout-out to all my supporters and prayer warriors who have been so kind in my time of ...well, Francesisms. "Life is pain .. you just get used to it." Yes, I've taught this movie motto (Long Kiss Goodnight) to my very young child and my husband thought I was morbid until he fell down a flight of stairs, breaking both knee caps and rupturing all the tendons and ligaments in his legs. Now, dude sees the "wisdom" in experiencing pain and just getting "over" it. Big, Broken Bear -- Thanks for the wonderful support for Scott. He is still not walking or even standing, but he's working out at least three hours a day and in a month, when he can stand, I'm sure he will be tap dancing in no time. He has transferred to a rehab hospital that is one block from our house ... on the same street. This beats the heck out of 50 miles round-trip in traffic and lights. I'm battling the staffs (new and old) to get him more food and good protein sources. He must lose weight, but he must heal and recover.  He's lost more than 20 pounds in two weeks and I'm bringing in food almost daily. His protein offerings are "criminal" at best because most folks in rehab hospitals are 60-80 years old with little demands from muscle. My bear is 39 years old, 6'2" and weighed 380+ at the start of this journey. He's below 360 now and I am cooking tonight. I don't want a weaking returned to me -- DUDE NEEDS TO EAT HIS WHEATIES and some of yours too! Mama Bear-Crazy Bear -- Who am I and what do I do next? I'm nuts with exhaustion. We have no family in town and a preschooler. After a week of splitting my time between the Papa and Baby Bear, I was so pained and tired, I gained a "bad" reputation with the surviving hospital staff. Weight loss -- hell, mind loss -- I'm just staying sane, folks. I try to get the protein and keep it down. I think I was planning to fix a slipped band before all this started and now, I hoping it fixes itself. I have days that I can eat and days that I can't eat. I don't know how my weight is holding, but I've managed to work some and keep my side-business clients while chasing a preschooler and doing things for my Big Bear that the marriage vows didn't mention. (check the fine print) Baby Bear -- My baby bear is 4, 45 inches tall and weighs 48 pounds. If you have ever seen a picture of Serena Williams, you have seen my tall baby Amazon. She's a little tired of all the shuffling and she doesn't like fast-food, but likes the cool "toys" that come in a Happy Meal. I will admit that I go through drive-ins just to make her happy and then give her oatmeal, fruit, yogurt and peanut butter when she gets ready to "eat." I fully believe that I am being trained and conditioned to become a stronger wife, mother and professional. The Lord's ways are not our ways and I simply ask for your prayers that I can accept these challenges and take care of my family. I like you folks and I'll be around more and more, but you will understand if weight loss or "broke-back" band are not at the top of the priorities list right now.  I know when I get Scott walking again, that his new work-out routines and focus on eating healthy will be a boost to both of us. Until then, I will strive to maintain my weight and sanity. I'm off to shop and cook today. Onward! Frances

Frances,  I am sorry to hear about all of the stuff you and your family are going through....I pray that it improves for you... Jodi

Hey Girl, You will be fine. You are an officer in the Army of the Lord.  Good for Scott, losing 20lbs. He is gonna get up lighter on his feet and his knees. That's always a good thing. Please believe I know. As for little miss Cece.  You just let her have her way because she has been a real trooper through this whole storm. She deserves kudos as does her mom.  I am praying for your strength and perserverance Frances.  I know sometimes it is more than rough.  But JC will bring you through it. He always does.  Much love, Bejai!

I am so sorry about your husband's accident.  I hope he feels better soon and is back on his feet again!  I'm praying for you and your family.  Take care, Nonnie

Hey Frances, I got on the website today to try and find you.  I have misplaced your phone number and email address.  I really need to talk to you.  Please call or email me asap.  Thanks, Phyllis Smith, [email protected]  601-941-5062.  Thanks!

Hi Frances, i'm a newbie here on the boards, actually this is my very first time posting anything...i have been reading them for quite some time now and i know you from here...i read your page awhile back and always admired you sis...neways i finally joined and am now in the process of getting my page up and running...i have lot of info that i still need to insert, and in time i will. its funny but i have just been scared to get started, even though i wanted to convience myself that i just didnt know how. it was all a bunch of crock i guess because i can, just was pretty rusty from the storm(its been a hard toll just trying to get along with life)...i live in New Orleans and may possible have surgery (God say the same) @ Vista Hospital by Dr. Teresa Klainer...NEways i need and want some really good friends. Even before i joined i could see your dedication to your WLS journey and your friends...what i remember you always being was on top of things girl(i would really love to have the comradary of support groups like you)... you are  a true inspiration for me...i was so glad to see you. i just to holla and ask for friendship but, i saw what you have been going through with your hubby...i am so sorry for your family sis...but just stay strong and things will get better...i have requested friendship even still but  i know your time is very limited right now. i tell you though i will feel so very reassured and honored to have your on my list...because you are one of the voices of experiences that could only be treasured.  Dreamz

Hello Fran   I am sorry to hear about everything you have been going through, but I know you will make it through with flying colors.  From my hospital experiences, I fully understand everything you are going through and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless!!! Fred

Hey Fran, I am sorry for what you have been going through.  My prayers are with you guys.  I haven't read or posted in a while because I have been busy working and doing all my other stuff but I am glad I read at this time to wish you luck and give you my best wishes and prayers.  You have helped alot of us and with all our prayers and support you will be great. 

Hey Frannie, my prayers are with you. If you need some help give me a call, as I am not working yet maybe I can come over and watch your little for you or something?? Let me know. Hugs BB

I'm so sorry you're all going through so much hon... it just doesn't seem to end does it?

Well I will keep you and Big Bear in my thoughts... I hope things work out soon... don't worry about being a meanie to those nurses... sometimes we nurses get caught up in our "job" and don't remember that families and support folks are GOOD for patients... and they don't devote their entire existance to cause us to have a difficult day....  You do what you have to do, and don't worry about them... and if they get to giving you a hard time... you can pick a nurse you like, and slyly mention that you'd like to get her full name to send a thank you letter nominating her for their award to especially caring nurses.... to the Director of Nursing there and the State Board of Nursing.... you'd be surprised how fast and well a little positive reinforcement works...  If that doesn't work, you can always bribe them with food too