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Post Info TOPIC: An update on life and such..


"Fatchuk" Rod-side member Board administration & clean up guy

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An update on life and such..
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I have trying to do this for a bit now. just have trouble trying to find the words. Most if not all know about my how things went south for me after I hurt my leg when I cut it on my shop hoist. That injury has finally healed after a full year with a good 6 months in extreme pain, 4 months of an intravenous bag of antibiotics for 4 months of a bone infection "Osteomyalitis" and pain that I hope I never experience again, Getting strung out on too many pain pills, then withdrawal to get off them. Losing my wife to Dementia and having to put her in long term care in a nursing home. coming home to an empty house alone after 57 years of marriage has been devastating.. This last year my life has been devastating, emotionally and physically.. I am not totally out of the bush yet. I still have days of depression but they are getting less..I did feel I needed to bring my friends up to date on why I have not been participating in much conversation on the board.. 

I have had some life changing chit hit me that I am working my way through and still have some hoops to jump. My leg is no longer a problem as far as pain is concerned but, it's still a hi risk injury area if I should hurt or injure it for a few months yet but I am confident I won't hurt it. I will never forget the number of nights the pain was so bad I ended up in emergency only because I didn't have a gun to shoot myself and I was crazy in pain.. Even with all the pain killers they had me on none of them helped with the pain.. I was on lyrica, percocets, hydomorphin, oxcontin, all at the same time but the only thing that gave some relief was a shot of demerall in the emergency ward and then letting me sleep there overnight.. Getting off that stuff was tuff. I ended up in hospital for 17 days, and nearly didn't make it a couple nights except for how hard they worked on me to keep me here when I was in so much pain I wanted to go.. 

Diane has been in long-term-care since April now. I make supper to bring up to have supper with her every night so we can still keep connected. She still knows who I am but can't remember most things from day to day. I spend about 4 hrs every day now at the nursing home doing some volunteer work visiting and helping to fix some small things. My experience with putting Diane in long term care and being involved with her there has opened a new chapter in my life as I am writing the last chapter of my own life. During the time I have been going to the nursing home,  I have met and adopted as my cause a younger lady Jo-Ann who will be 43 in Jan. She has a horrible disease and after a few months of walking past her every day and ashamedly totally ignoring her, I had an incident that I had to speak to her.. I was a bit shocked to find she had no trouble at all at this time with her Cognitive ability's. Jo-Ann has an issue with motion and cannot control her body muscles. Her arms, face and legs are constantly moving, flailing,  causing her face to be twitching and distorting.. ( if you care to know more about this disease you can do a you-tube for Huntington's  Chorea.. the disease is fatal with no cure, no treatment. Jo-Ann has an unbelievable cruel life. I was so ashamed of myself for passing her so many times like she was a  unintelligible  freak , after talking to her once, I began to visit with her. I have adopted her now and love her like she is my daughter She is a wonderful person with a cruel horrible disease.. I visit her everyday and look after her just as I do Diane. For the last many months the work I do at the nursing home has occupied all my time, it has not been without stress and emotional consequences that tire me to my core at times.. But right now for the present anyway,  I am committed to helping at the home and I know that I do make a difference in both Diane's life and care and also Jo-Ann's. I hope over the winter after Christmas I can find away to ease my commitment a bit so I can at least have a day or so off once a week.. I am exhausted, but I know Diane and Joey depend on me, so I will continue on everyday for the present. I bring my dog Riley ( Mini Schnauzer) everyday to visit with several residents. Riley has become like a rock-star to the residents and they all love him and look forward to his daily visits. I don't even leash him when I go in. he just goes free and visits room to room on his own he has surprised me with his patience and how much he enjoys going to visit all his friends as I do.. I have many residents that I like to visit ,talk and hug daily.. many are so lonesome and glad to have a visit.. 

For this year at least, cars and hot-rods have been on the back burner at least as far as participating in any hot-rod events.. I have only driven my car back and forth to the nursing home where on a couple of nice summer days I spent time taking the able residents out for a ride in my car which they just enjoyed so much . Sorry I have not just had to much time to spend here. I do check in everyday to delete the scammers that have been trying to attack our board.. I am not complaining about anything that has happened this last year. I am grateful for the experience that I am living in a way. It has oped my eyes to the plight of others and I am glad for the opportunity to help others.. It is tiring and stressful some days but what a ride it has been this last year.. I am looking forward to some stormy winter days when I might be snowed in so I can do some chit-chatting with my friends here.. I do check the board every day to clean up, take care of maintenance.. delete the dirtbags trying to invade us.. I so appreciate the great group we have who are so good about not ragging or abusing other members.. you all are an amazing group of car guys and friends. Thanks for all your support and for keeping the board alive without any of the crap that too often has destroyed to many local forums .. I can't say thanks enough for everyone that contributes here.. 

 I hope to soon get some more time to spend here with you. I ask for some prayers for our Janice here as Her hubby Art is undergoing Chemo at the moment and her family has been struggling with serious health struggles.. Janice is one tough, but soft and caring member here for for a long time and I love her dearly so if I can ask for you to include her and Art in your prayers for those of you that are believers. Keep up the great work, take care of each other.. I will try to get on a little more. I am just overwhelmed with a number of things right now as I work my way through stuff and get into a more regular routine. I have not had much time to visit or nurture many friendships this year. 

 

Thanks .. You guys are the best. 

Chuk 

 

Short videos on Huntington's chorea

 

 

Another video . Glen Campbells last song . He wrote this I believe for his wife when he knew he had Alzheimers .. Because I am watching my wife live through or slowly dying from this horrible disease. it is a beatiful sad song every time I hear this song it brings shivers and tears to me..Thanks for the song Glen and R.I.P. 

And Glens Sons version of the song.. it's beautiful too..

 

 

 



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Veteran Member Oakville On

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brother you have more strength than I ever will.you know I think about you guys daily as I am sure every member here does.those that believe I am sure pray for you guys now they will add Janie and Art to them.I do not need a reply as I check in daily looking for an update on you guys.try and keep your chin up that goes for you too Janie.

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Carleton Place On Rod-Side Member

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You have more strength than most, hope the healing continues. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Also Janice and her family. It doesn't seem like much to pray compared to the pain and anguish you have/ are enduring.

I regret not meeting you last summer when you had the tractor.

I wonder if we knew each other when you lived here, I worked at my dad's Sunoco on Merivale, late 50- early 60's.

All the best, Henry.



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Carleton Place, ON. 57 B/A wagon, 355/ 700R4,71 Nova 355"SB, 51HenryJ.
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Race starter St.Thomas Drags Rod-side Aylmer On Member

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Your always in my thoughts & prayers Chuck and

with Art & Janice.

 

 

Junior

 

 



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Vancouver Island Formerly Hamilton Ont

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You're a good man, Chuk.


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Hamilton On Rod-side Member Amsoil Dealer

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Good to hear from you Chuk. This isn't a main concern with what you are going thru and have had to endear. I think it's fantastic that you and Riley spend time at the home. It will bring endless happiness to some residents who have nobody to visit them. I don't think that I would have the strength and courage to go thru what you are. All the best....

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Campbellford On Rod-side Member Licence Plate restoration Chris Stapley Kustoms For U

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Each and every one of us on this board is very lucky to have become friend with you Chuk,carry that thought in your bag of tricks as
you carry out your daily routine with your extended family at the nursing home, I think I can say for all of us too that if you
need anything,please do not hesitate to ask outright and we will be there as soon as we can brother! Janice,we are praying and hoping for Art to have a full recovery too, people are coming home from this sickness every day now ,hang tight young lady,you're
doing an awesome job as well.. To everyone else here,thanks for being a friend!
Cheers,
Chris.

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Hydraulic Service Dundas On

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Your a good Man Chuk. Keep doing what your doing  there is no better cure for the emotional turmoil you have been through in the last year



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Courtice On Rod-Side Member Pin Striper

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^ X2 Chuck ^

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Sault Ste Marie On Rod-side Member "Towing"

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Thanks for the update Chuk,

Think of you often as I developed a tremendous amount of respect for you after meeting you and Rick for coffee that time.
You took time to meet a car guy from another city on short notice which was tremendous and I hope to do it again when life gives you a break. Your drive, determination and compassion makes you a great example for others to follow. I don't know honestly how you have done what you have done. Everyone has a breaking point at some point yet you keep going. You touched a lot of lives my friend and will continue to brighten more. You do what you have to do and we will be here for you at anytime for moral support or just a simple hello.
Sending positive vibes and prayers your way for you and your family and also sending them to Janice and Art as they face their troubles as well. Also can't forget your new friend Jo-Ann sending positive vibes and prayers her way as well.
Just remember we all have your back and will do whatever we can to help.

Pete


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Niagara Falls Member

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Its good to get an update from you. I have,, as I,m sure several others here, been wondering how you have been doing. Glad to hear that nasty wound has finally healed up and you are getting your health back and you are gradually getting back to some sort of order in your life. I know how it is when you have someone in a nursing home as my dad was there for 4 years. He made several friends there as did we and we visited with everyone we could as often as we could. It was heartening to see the smiles on their faces when we came in. You are doing a good thing there as the staff can only do so much and they appreciate the help they get. I also pass on best wishes to Janice and Art and hope all turns out well.
As Chris posted , if we can help in any way , just ask and we will do our best to comply. St. Marys isn't that far away after all especially if a friend is in need. You have touched a lot of us here with your thoughtful and helpful posts.
Best wishes to you and Diane ,,, and Janice and Art.

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Niagara Falls Rod-Side Member

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Glad to hear you have not given up...we will keep you in the prayers from here. the effort you are putting in seems to be helping you cope and rebuild your own inner strength...the cars can wait....

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Mississauga On Rod-side Member Ford guy

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Nothing does the heart , mind and soul more good than service and helping those in need .We think our own lives are so bad till we see others in  a lot worse position .Keep up the good things you are doi g Chuck

Joe Mac 



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Foxboro On Rod-side Member

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thanks for the update chuck as i have been wondering how you were coming along both physically and emotionally with your situation down there. i have never had the pleasure to meet you, yet, but i am sure that will get remedied before long. god bless you and your's bud and you are in my prayers as with janice and her ordeal with art and that awful c-word.



-- Edited by shag766 on Monday 13th of November 2017 01:39:34 PM

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South River ON Rod-side Member & House Mother, Custom Furniture Builder

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Um Rick.... snow starts with an S ... not a Cno

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts. It's been a long haul up a bumpy steep hill. I've sure put a lot of miles on in the last 8 months getting him treatment. Good thing I like driving. We are fortunate. His dr's are the best. And support from family and friends gets us through. Many struggle alone Without help from anyone. 

You can bet Your making a huge difference in someone else's quality of life Chuck.  We're all just squirrels chasing the same nut If you are blessed with family and friends and you can help out  with someone else that is struggling , that's what we're supposed to do.

At the end of the day, that's what matters. Well that and old hot rods....😁 They still matter.IMG_5368.JPG



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Janice



Vienna ON Rod-Side Member Classic plane Restorations

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After reading all of the others replies Chuck,..there isn't a whole lot left to say except that you have the heart of a lion and the mindset and soul of a saint bud. Sitting reading your posts from time to time of your everyday struggles to just get by, day by day, one day at a time, often being upset with yourself because you had promised so and so that you would get such and such done for them, but in the end couldn't because of personal health reasons, or out of your sincere dedication to your wife,...it all brings to mind a poem I read years ago by Robert Frost,..unbeknownst to him at the time,...I believe that he wrote this poem around your life my friend,...and especially the last 4 lines. I wish you nothing but the very, very best in the near future Chuck, and sincerely hope that life takes that great big turn for the better for you soon.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

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Foxboro On Rod-side Member

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honest injun chuck. i am in the front seat and the guy in the back is another old driver friend. a lot of people can't imagine the pain or the amount of meds.

IMG_0225.JPG

 

hang in bud, if it was easy anybody could do it, but it ain't. it takes special people.



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"if you are not the lead dog, the view is all the same"

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St.Thomas On member

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Stay strong my friend. You have gone above and beyond.

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Oakville On Member

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Thanks for the update Chuk. I was wondering about your leg, and glad to see its healing!

Nice to see that you're out each day touching many lives, and making such a positive impact.

I'm sure that alot of the patients look forward to seeing Riley.

- Jim & Daniel Colburne

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