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Drumroll, Please

May 30, 2008

And the winner of the AIDS Lifecycle Sock Raffle is……

Carol!

Which is great, because she has ridden the AIDS Lifecycle before! She was one of the first people to really get a chance to tell Lala about what the ride would be like, and I know she was one of the first people to help Lala believe she’ll be able to make it. So she deserves a nice pair of hand-knit socks. (I’m sorry if you wanted to win and didn’t…. everyone deserves nice pairs of hand-knit socks. Next time?)

But you people! Lala’s goal was $3,000, and she’s almost to the $5,000 mark! Seriously! Is that AMAZING or what? Thank you, THANK you for all the knitterly, loving help. I’m so happy for her, and I’m so excited that she’s almost on the road — she’ll be hitting the pedals bright and early Sunday morning. Her 40th birthday is on Monday, and she’ll be doing the longest ride that day, more than a hundred miles from Santa Cruz to King City. I’ll get to see her that night, barring any unforeseen circumstances, and I’ll check her into a hotel for her birthday. A bath will be in order, I think. With epsom salts.

Me, I’m still with Mom. We took her home today, and the lovely Hospice helpers came this afternoon. Dad and we three girls are by her side. Just had a nice chicken dinner, and I’m making broth now. I can hear Christy and Bethany laughing in her room. It’s good to be home. It’s good that she’s home.

(Have I told you how amazing you were in that last round of comments? We can feel the peace here. Thank you. All love to you.)

Posted by Rachael 30 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brandy says

    May 30, 2008 at 9:31 pm

    What brings me peace, on the other side of the continent than you, is seeing the succession of postings: a desire to re-create your mother’s sweater, a request to the the universe for support, and then your reflection on your sisters’ laughter.
    Thank you for sharing your peace with me, and I hope that your mother can feel it as I can.

    Reply
  2. Brandy says

    May 30, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    What brings me peace, on the other side of the continent than you, is seeing the succession of postings: a desire to re-create your mother’s sweater, a request to the the universe for support, and then your reflection on your sisters’ laughter.
    Thank you for sharing your peace with me, and I hope that your mother can feel it as I can.

    Reply
  3. Mel says

    May 30, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    It is very good that she’s home. And that you’re there. Hospice has helped my family several times; a hospital is not a good place for peace.

    Reply
  4. Alida South Africa says

    May 30, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family right now. Special blessings to your mom. Hope Lala has a smooth and painless ride – just keep going Lala, You are doing it for a good cause.

    Reply
  5. ayla says

    May 30, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    I’m glad your mom is home. I’ve done in-home hospice care (as a nursing student) and in-hospital end-of-life care (as a nursing student and as a nurses’ aide) and I have to say that people at home are almost always more peaceful and more comfortable as time goes on. I have also never met a hospice care worker who I thought was in the wrong profession. Those people are amazing, and I am in awe of them and what they do every day.
    Blessings and Peace to you and your family.

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    May 31, 2008 at 5:38 am

    Peace from Boston to you and your mom. And will be sending energizing thoughts to Lala tomorrow.

    Reply
  7. Nancy Jo Cullen says

    May 31, 2008 at 6:29 am

    Hi Rachel,
    I follow your blog pretty regularly. I haven’t popped by for a while and then I read that your mom is sick. I am so sorry for you and your family and yet reading your postings tells me you’ve got the peace thing mostly figured out and it sounds like you have an amazing family circle as you all go on this difficult journey. Of course I will add you and your family to my “good thoughts” list. I truly hope you find continue to find joy and miracles through this difficult time.

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    May 31, 2008 at 6:38 am

    I’m so glad you’re all home; so much better than even the best hospital. Continuing to send peaceful thoughts your way.
    And amazing news about the Lifecycle, too!

    Reply
  9. beverly says

    May 31, 2008 at 7:05 am

    I’m so happy to hear your mom is home. I’m also really excited for Lala–the ride will be amazing!!

    Reply
  10. Lee Ann says

    May 31, 2008 at 8:14 am

    I missed out on commenting last time around…I will be dancing this afternoon in a show, with my hip-hop troupe, and for the first time my mother gets to come see me do it. (Last year she was supposed to come, but her mother, my Nanny, was ill and subseqently passed away.) So today’s quite special for my own little mama, and I will be thinking of your Little Mama as I bust a move. Dude, I will so rock out for your mother. For mine, too.
    Much love to you, sweetie.

    Reply
  11. caroline says

    May 31, 2008 at 8:18 am

    Sending much love to you and the family, Rachael. And especially to Janette.

    Reply
  12. Donna says

    May 31, 2008 at 9:10 am

    I love working as a hospice volunteer; I get to meet interesting people at a time when they most need company and caring. I am so glad the little mama is in good hands.

    Reply
  13. Jeanne B. says

    May 31, 2008 at 11:55 am

    Still thinking of you and holding your Mom in my prayers.

    Reply
  14. scoutj says

    May 31, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    Oh R. Sending you hugs and love and hugs. I hope I get to hug you in person in a few weeks. Your mama will be in my thoughts.

    Reply
  15. meg says

    May 31, 2008 at 2:32 pm

    best of luck to lala!!
    i’m thinking of you and your family and still sending positive vibes your way. take care.

    Reply
  16. LizKnits says

    May 31, 2008 at 2:49 pm

    Please send Lala best wishes for her adventure … I’ll be sending along good thoughts!

    Reply
  17. Joan in Reno says

    May 31, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    I’m glad your mama is home and you are there. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And Lala, too.

    Reply
  18. Amanda says

    June 1, 2008 at 10:12 am

    So glad the mama’s home, surrounded by people who obviously love her. Hope she continues to recuperate.
    GOOD LUCK, Lala! Happy birthday!!

    Reply
  19. MaryB in Richmond says

    June 1, 2008 at 10:18 am

    Ah, sweetie — my heart hurts for you! But those hospice people? Angels on earth, all of them — and some of them also have a wicked sense of humor, which everyone will appreciate.
    Prayers for all of you!!

    Reply
  20. MX says

    June 1, 2008 at 10:42 am

    Congrats and a great big happy birthday wish to Lala. She sure knows how to bring in a b’day!
    You take care of your sweet mamma, we’re all thinking of you.

    Reply
  21. JudithNYC says

    June 1, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    You and the Little Mamma have been in my thoughts all weekend. Peace and love vibes going your way.
    PS I am in awe of the birthday girl.

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    June 1, 2008 at 6:19 pm

    Hand squeezes to you and your mom and dad, and Bethany and Christy, and more cowbell! to Lala.

    Reply
  23. sil says

    June 1, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    Good luck and happy birthday to Lala.
    I’m glad your mom is home and all her beautiful daughters are with her. I’m sending you all my good thoughts. Take care.

    Reply
  24. Juti says

    June 2, 2008 at 8:45 am

    Sending you another dose of peace:
    mmmmmmmmmmmm!

    Reply
  25. PICAdrienne says

    June 2, 2008 at 10:24 am

    I don’t see a place on Lala’s blog to leave a comment, so, Happy Birthday Lala! 40 is great, I have been here for a few years.
    Rachael, how are you doing? A prayers are continuing.

    Reply
  26. Kirsten says

    June 2, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    I’m thinking of you and your Little Mamma, Rachael. May that feeling of peace carry you through. Hugs to you and your family.

    Reply
  27. Nell says

    June 2, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    I’m so glad she’s home with her family!
    Good Luck, LALA!!!!!

    Reply
  28. Rhonda from Baddeck says

    June 3, 2008 at 11:20 am

    I want to wish Lala a (belated) happy 40th birthday — and good luck on the ride. Keep those wheels rolling — you’re doing great!

    Reply
  29. Kathleen C. says

    June 3, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    Glad to know that your Mama is at home. And surrounded by people who love her.
    Give Lala my best wishes for a smooth and strong and zebra-less (or filled, whatever she prefers) ride. Go Lala!!!!!

    Reply
  30. elisa says

    June 3, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    Hospice workers are special angels on earth, I tell ya. I’ve been thinking about you, little mama, your sisters, and Lala, and wishing peace for all of you.
    I’m also lovin’ on my husband (who travels every week for work) as much as I can, and giving my doggers extra helpings of hugs and kisses.
    And then I’m sending some extra hugs and kisses your way.
    xoxo.

    Reply

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