Hello from the Big Tall Fat Guy From Tennessee

[ToddDH]

Good evening to all of my beloved Cruisemates.

Actually, the description in the Title would probably fit half the men in this area of upper East Tennessee....at least the "Fat" part.

Fran's dear Niece Adelaide goes from morning to night cleaning, arranging etc. I swear, she reminds me of the Energizer Bunny. I, on the other hand, qualify for the Energizer Turtle if not the Energizer Inchworm. I have little to no energy, shuffling along as if I were 85 and sleeping a lot. I was so furious with myself that I completely GI'd the master bath (meaning scrubbing the floor the military way on my hands and knees) although it really wasn't all that necessary. Of course while I was doing that she was immaculatizing the whole house even going so far as to scrub the saddle of the carport door.

Everyone has been so wonderful it brings tears to my eyes. To say it's been mind boggling is an exaggeration. Foremost of course are you, my beloved Cruisemates.

It will be some time before I get back to whatever is considered normal. The real test will come a week from tomorrow when Adelaide leaves and for the first time I'll be alone in a house with a zillion memories. At least I'll have my five feline children to comfort me and of course I know I have all of you should the need arise.

I'm almost on the verge of sending a sympathy card to QVC. Now that Fran has gone they'll probably have to lay off 50 people. Even though my income will of course drop, just the savings from that quarter alone will greatly soften the blow. Bless her heart, she put forth her best effort to solve the economic crisis. I probably have every kitchen gadget or small appliance ever invented; matter of fact I've got a backup of several. Oh, anyone for a coffee mug? I've got boxes full of 'em from New York. We never even unpacked them.

Lord knows I've more than enough to do to keep me busy once I mentally recover to that stage. Then again, there are more than a few out there who would insist I never could mentally recover from anything simply because I never had any mental acuity to begin with. They're probably right.

There is posted on Kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com a slide show. Just type in Frances DeHaven. Of course you won't know most of them. Save it to say the two old folks were Fran's parents (which when you think about it is a little obvious). If you happen to view it and want to know who anyone is, feel free to ask.

In closing, I just wanted to say I'm on my way back although I won't be posting routinely for awhile. A week from today long about 8 Eastern, I promise not to call you as I've a jug of bourbon and by 8pm, I'd be shall we say a tad difficult to understand.

Love to all and I hope everyone has a tremendous weekend. It goes without saying that prayers accompanied by a request for multitudinous Blessings continue unabated.

TDH

[Donna]

Hi Todd,
It is good hearing from you, I'm sure many of us think about you and how you are doing, so if you can, just drop a simple note from time time. As you go through a difficult time, just know there are people out there that care about you...They say, time heals, which is true, but it will take a lot of time and you have some wonderful memories, you will carry those with you each day.

Just take care, get some rest and go day by day, it will get a bit easier eventually.

[rollerdonna]

Todd, so good to hear from you and see your sense of humour is still intact!
As I've been away on a cruise this past week I've missed out on all the news, but I was surely thinking of you every day.
You just take your time coming back to "normal" whatever "normal" may be...
We'll see you around here when you're ready...

donna

[Luanne Russo]

Hey Toddy,

It's good to hear from you.

I hate to tell you that your old normal is gone. Believe me that was the one thing I wanted back.

What you will do in the coming months is to come up with a new normal.

I look forward to the day you are back posting on a regular basis. We could have used your opinion about airport security.

Love you much,

Luanne

[beenie weenie]

Good to see you posting! It's been kind of busy around here. Yesterday after we spoke, the kids asked who I was talking to. I said oh, that was Todd. They looked at me and asked which Todd?, Tennessee Todd or Guitar Todd? So it would appear you shall be known as Tennessee Todd from now on... Hope that's OK lol.

Sounds to me like you're doing really well. Please give our love to Deanna and Adelaide. I pray Deanna is recovering well.

Give me a call if you need to talk.

[CruzNut]

Good to hear from you Todd. What a wonderful tribute to Fran - enjoyed the slideshow with all the people and cats that were so important to Fran but most especially you.

God bless.

Jane

[Manuel]

[QUOTE=ToddDH;1329974]Good evening to all of my beloved Cruisemates.

Actually, the description in the Title would probably fit half the men in this area of upper East Tennessee....at least the "Fat" part.
QuoTE]

That would fit a lot of men here in Ct. as well . The fat part would fit me.

I'm glad to see you posting and God bless you.

TM

[Trip]

It's so nice to hear from you,and, normal does seem to change from time to time...this I know.....

[Lakers Fan]

Good to see you posting ,Todd .Stay well .

[Aerogirl]

Todd.... It's so nice to hear from you. Don't expect to much to soon. Just take one day at a time. {{{hugs}}}

[Fern]

Todd, thanks for posting. I really enjoyed the slide show with the people and the kitty's who were important to your dear Fran. I know it's hard, but as a couple of my favorite people have said, "One day at a time".

[CruisinK n J]

Todd, I know from experience that "normal" can change, a lot! After Keith's illness, "normal" changed. After my diagnosis of breast cancerand surgery, "normal" changed.

Special greetings to you and to the kitties. Take good care and post when you feel bad and we will help sooth you. Post when you feel good and we will rejoice with you.

Judy

[Lisa]

Thanks for posting, Todd. There will be many difficult "firsts" this next year. You will survive and establish your "new normal." Please post as often as you can so we can help you through all those firsts......it does help to talk to someone even if it is only online. Been there and done that.

[Cruznut2]

So nice to drop in and see your post here. Todd take your time and post when you are up to it. We are here and we understand. Most of all take care of yourself. That is the all imortant first step back to normal.

Laura

[LS80]

Todd.........great to see ya posting.......know that you are in our thougths..........




Sharon

[Lakers Fan]

Todd ,if you are able to ,I hope you can rest and read a good book or watch a film.