This is my latest painted sketch.
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Today was emotional, stressful, but ultimately we prevailed!
It was emotional because we visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. He ate the pineapple pie and drank the grape drink Brian brought for him, but didn’t say a word. We thought it was going to be a complete bust of a visit.
We showed him pictures and told him about what was happening in our lives, trying to include him. He nodded or shook his head, but otherwise wasn’t responsive. We weren’t sure that anything was getting through to him. Some questions we asked were totally ignored.
Just as we were leaving, he said, “Love you, Babe.” I lost it. He hasn’t said that since his stroke 9 months ago. I ran back in and hugged him again, thanking him for saying that. Totally unexpected, absolutely appreciated. I was tearful the whole way home.
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It was stressful because the new lock on my door was really hard for me to open and close. It’s a nice lock, a sturdy one, well made and fancy, but the arthritis in my hands, particularly my thumbs, was triggered each time I tried to open or close my door. It was just too much for me.
Brian came in to my place when we got back from visiting Harvey, screwdriver set in hand. He worked for over an hour on it. He would take it apart, it would work, then when it was put back together, it got tight again. He finally called the locksmith back for help.
Happily we only had to wait a little while for him to come over. He and Brian worked together. Brian was able to demonstrate the problem. The locksmith was able to see with his own eyes where the problem lay. He had to work on it another hour, but finally got it to work really, really well.
Best of all, when “I” tested it, we could all see that it was perfect. No English on his side, no Thai on my side, but we communicated that we were both really happy he had made it work so well. Best of all, he refused payment for today’s travel and work. So we prevailed to the satisfaction of all.
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Half the afternoon is gone now and I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to try to relax and take a nap in celebration.
I hope that you are having a great day.
creativeartworksblog 
Life with a loved one after such a big stroke is such a roller coaster. So happy for you that your Harvey told you he loved you today. ❤️
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Thank you. I’m still tearing up about it.
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Oh, Linda, I am so happy for you that your Harvey gave you that “gift” to let you know that he is still in there and still loves you. I am tearing up at the thought of what that must have been like for you.
I know you are glad to get the lock fixed on your door. That was good that the locksmith was able to come back and fix it so quickly. That must have been frustrating to be unable to get in and out, but Brian came to the rescue, reached out to the locksmith, and now all is well with your door. WHEW! I know you are happy that is over and done. (Donna)
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Yes, I’m still tearing up. It has been a long time now. It means everything. My lock works perfectly now and my door works like a real door! What we take for granted!! 😂
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I forgot to say the picture was so cute. You did a great job on it.
I also hope you were able to rest after such an emotional day. You definitely needed it, I am sure. (Donna)
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Thank you, Donna. That means a lot. I’m going to go to bed early. Have to be up at 4:30 for the gym.
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I am curious how long it takes to walk a mile on the treadmill and at what speed?
You get up at 4:30 AM for the gym, and I get up at 4:15 AM for work. Both take effort and dedication to continue. (Donna)
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30 minutes on speed of 4 kgs per hour. I never had to get up that early for work. I am finally adjusting to this in retirement. I admire you.
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Wow, Linda, I am so much glad 😊 for you that your Harvey gaves you that to let you know that he is still in there and still loves you. I know you are happy to get the lock fixed on your door. That was good that the locksmith was able to come back and fix it so quickly. You are so Lucky to Sunday December, he Said “Love you Babe”😘
Beautiful your latest painting. I Like 💞
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Thank you, Raj. I appreciate your caring words.
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Most welcome ,Linda 😀. Iam so happy you care my little words.
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❤️
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🙋👍
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OMG about that lock! Good on Brian for trying so hard and good for the beautiful Thai locksmith to come back and give it his all. Wow.
As for Harvey… “Just as we were leaving, he said, “Love you, Babe.” I lost it. He hasn’t said that since his stroke 9 months ago. I ran back in and hugged him again, thanking him for saying that. Totally unexpected, absolutely appreciated. I was tearful the whole way home.” TEARS!!! So profound and poignant, Linda!!! I can imagine how you felt just melting into that moment! God yes, we live for these moments.
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You and I know, Sheila.
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