I have had a lot going on recently. I need to go MIA for a while.

Let me briefly tell you why. I have severe scoliosis (we are talking a 85% curvature on my spine). I have a lot of back problems, can't stand straight, etc. I went to one specialist in Dallas, Tx. and to make a long story short he told me there was nothing he could do for me and within 10-15 years I could find myself deceased. It was not a good visit.

I have sought out a second opinion and back surgury is a very good possiblity for me. Which I am glad for. But, it is back surgury, it is putting rods in my back, it is a long road to recovery. I am scared, very scared, but also excited for the possiblity of standing straight, having no back pain, and most importantly being around to retire with my husband and see my boys graduate from college.

I am a bit overwhelmed with this all. If the surgury is a go I would go back to Utah to have the surgury and take my boys with me. My dh works too long and can not take anytime off from his Drill Sergeant duties to take care of me or the boys. I have family in Utah, my parents, that we would move in with and they would help take care of me and my boys.

I'm not sure exactly when this will all happen, but things are moving fast- we are looking at with in the next two months. I would be in Utah for about 6 to 8 weeks for recovery.

I don't want to bore you with a lot of the details, and I've shared more than you probably want to hear.

Here is where I need help.

1) pray for me if you can
2) I need someone to take over the little animals swap. I have stuff from mom2kbeth that I will mail back to her, or onto whoever can take over hosting the swap.
3) the only other swaps I am in are the musical insturments and the castle/renassance swap that someone can have the spots for. I am sorry to take a spot and then drop out. I know how coveted these spots are. But, I just don't have the time or the mindset to be doing extra crafts right now. I am trying to get things ready to be gone from my home for a long time, and prepare myself for what is coming up.

Thank you all, I will be around drooling over all the things I am missing out on and to give an update when I can. But right now I need to be with my family. Life is short and no one is guarenteed one more day with our loved ones. Right now I just need to focus on them.

Tawnya

oh mama i am soo sorry that you haev so much on yoru plate, and i am excited for you to have this surgery and com eback to us with wonderful results. In the mean time you will certainly be in our hearts and our prayers!

I woudl happily take over this swap for you. and i am sure soemone will take your swap spots...if not...dont; worry about it

just take care your yourself and your beautiful boys:hug:

I will pray for you
You sound so brave and courageous :D

(((Hugs Tawnya))). I emailed you. :hug:

You, your family, and the medical personal will all be in our prayers.

you and your family will be in my prayers.

As someone who also suffers from scoliosis (although my curve is not quite as severe as yours yet) I completely understand the need and want to get rid of the pain. Take care of yourself Tawnya and don't worry about the swaps. The swaps will still be here when you are back with no more pain. :hug:

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers:):hug:

You are a very brave Mama! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you a quick recovery and finally a back pain free life. :hug:

Tawnya. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. I will certainly include you in my prayers. Keep us updated whenever you can.

I also have scoliosis. My back is an s :hug: I understand how painful even small jobs can become. I am a canidate for the rods as well. They were recomended when I was a child, but my mom refused.

My sons 3rd grade teacher had this operation. It was a painful recovery, but she was thankful to have it done. Before hand she was on so many painkillers and could barley survive the day.

I am glad to hear that your parents are able to help.

I am in Utah. Holladay, Utah. It is about 15 minutes from the University Hospital. Do you know where you will be? I would love to bring you a welcome to Utah gift for your family. Tell you were all the hotspots are -okay the dollar theaters, good health food stores, and a listing of my favorite craft stores plus some fun stuff for your kids.

I could take your swap spots if they still need to be covered.

PM me and I will give you my number. If you decide you want to get together or if you need anything I'd be more then happy to help.

good luck mama. i am no stranger to back pain and have slight scoliosis myself. i threw out my back playing with ethan last april and am still not 100%. some days i am 50%. i hope this works out for you and that you are pain-free someday!!!

i'll think of you and your family!

:hug: you'll be in my thoughts.. recover quickly, and we'll be here when you return. :hug:

Oh Tawnya ((((((((((big hugs))))))))))))) I'll be thinking about you and your family. Much love! :hbeat:

:hug: My step sister had the same surgery when she was in highschool.. I'm praying it will all go smoothly for you and then this :cuc: will be you when you're all done!

I'll keep you in my prayers. ((hugs))

Katie

I am praying like crazy for you!

Take care.

Crying and praying for you, your family and medical providers!!! like someone said, the swaps will be here when you get back!!! Please keep us updated.

We'll be praying for you Tawnya. I'm in Utah too (although I'm very south) and if you need anything I'm definately up for a road trip.