My "little girl" is 22 today!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MARAH...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

ENJOY YOUR DAY MARAH!!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

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First of all, I want to give an update a few things. The "For What It's Worth" FRIEDA FANS sale is a go for Saturday. The weather looks like it's supposed to be fine, so please do come and join us! Thank you in advance to all of you who have written to me and offered donations of items. They are most welcome and so appreciated. There is no one that I know that loves a good ol' yard sale like Frieda Hudson. She's going to be so mad that she missed it! I am sure of that.
Frieda is coming along more each day. Her spirit is good, she's anxious to take on the next levels of healing and she wants to come home. In order to come home, she is perfectly aware that she's got a lot of hard work ahead of her. We talked about it today in terms of physical pain, breaking through barriers of healing and basically how she feels about it all. We've had bouts of frustration, that turn quickly into humor. I think that will be what gets Frieda through this as well. We all know about her strong will, strong spirit and determination...lest we forget her sense of humor. Frieda has an incredible ability to laugh at situations and she knows the times to be serious, yet there are the times that she gives "those looks" or makes a gesture with a laugh or grin. That's "the essence of Frieda."
One of the occupational guys was there today. He's worked with Frieda actually since she was in ICU. She seems to like him and was willing to do the things he asked. (God forbid she didn't like him! I'd have to feel REALLY sorry for him!) We worked together on her shoulders, her right arm and hand. She is experiencing pain in her hand and wrist, so the fingers, etc. were manipulated. Frieda toughed it out and kept her sense of humor, even when it was painful. She was focused and (here's that word again) determined. I have noticed that she is speaking more clearly and more strong. Her vocabulary is popping back in the least expected ways and in the least expected conversations. We discussed a lot of friends today. I have tried to tell her every name of every person who has sent an email, made a call to me or sent something to her through me. Mentioning those names have led to conversations with lots of "remember whens" peppered all through. It's really amazing how much she does remember. And don't think I'm taking HER word for it! (She might be inclined to tell me a little "porky" if she thought she could pull if off! Frieda's not going to let you see her sweat in that department!) But, seriously, although there are things she has to think on for a minute, generally things have come right back to her. I have quizzed her and actually tried to trip her up on a couple of things and basically got "the look." Wednesday night, Wayne and I were setting up a sting operation to "spring" Frieda from the hospital. She was totally involved in these fantasy plans we were making. I had said that since Wayne is using a wheelchair while at the hospital, (it's too big a hospital for him to get around on crutches), we would let him run interference for us while I unhooked Frieda's bed and we whisked her out of the building. We had no plans on what we'd do after we escaped, but right in the midst of the conversation about Wayne being the distraction, Frieda starts laughing and blurts out "That's your responsibility!" We cracked up. So see? She's with it. Words might come slowly, with some thought and delay, but they're in there. It's evident every day that she's improving.
Folks, I have driven that road to Greenville over and over again thanking God for answering our prayers. We petitioned God to spare Frieda. We pleaded with God and said "not yet!" Our prayers were answered. I hope we can all look at this situation at a deeper level. I hope we can understand the power...yes POWER of prayer and the strength in numbers of those of us who have been touched by Frieda Hudson. She is one person who has touched so many. Imagine what we can do if we all pray for EACH OTHER and we're not asking for "miracles." Who knows what a miracle might be from one person to another. I know that events generally have a cause and an effect. So, Frieda has a stroke. We're all terrified. We pray. We reach out. Frieda survives. Our prayers were answered. I don't think that God so much asks us to keep thanking Him profusely for the same blessing again and again. It occurred to me while driving home this afternoon that perhaps God might just want us to share that same grace and power of the blessing we received with others, thus keeping "the blessing alive" and spreading it far and wide. Does that not make us all "ministers" of some fashion? If we share what we have learned from each other, if we help another in pain, if we extend just a smile to someone who needs it in the grocery, we have "ministered." And that's a beautiful thing. Faith enables us to do things we were sure we could never do. Perhaps we should look at even the tiniest miracles in our lives and be thankful for those as well.
As a result of FRIEDA'S stroke, I feel stronger somehow. I feel blessed and most of all I have seen the continuation of miracles as a result of this stroke. I have met such wonderful people in my own county. I have met wonderful caregivers who are incredibly dedicated to their jobs and truly do care about our loved one. There have been bountiful blessings that I have seen "as a result of" one near tragedy. That too is a part of "the miracle."
We will see you on Saturday and again, thank you all for the love, prayers and continued support. It has renewed my faith in mankind, it has allowed me to have peace, at a time in my life when I thought there could be none and I know that Frieda's work is far from finished. She has a good ways ahead in terms of rehabilitation, but, I know we are learning and will continue to learn from this in every step of way.
Thanks for reading and spending some time with me and my thoughts. It means so much.
My friend and neighbor Johanne Pryor is having surgery on her shoulder, so Jo, I'll be sending good energy and prayers to you too! We're thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

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OK...this is it! We've been pulling and tossing and grabbing up all sorts of things to get ready for the "FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH" FRIEDA FANS YARD SALE!
We will be at the Hardtail Saloon (alias the grain bins, the twin towers, etc) parking lot. Things get started at 8am and go until we have cleared it all out.
All the proceeds will go toward materials for Sandy, Frieda's brother and Wayne, my husband, to take care of the modifications needed for Frieda's return home. The proceeds are for materials only...since we have two EXTRAORDINARY connections on the labor, that is FREE!!
Come by and visit with us...we are giving FREE FRIEDA UPDATES and since we all love to talk, I'm sure there will not be one lull in conversation.
We would really appreciate the support.
Some folks have already emailed to say that have items they would like to donate. If you are interested in doing that, please email me at annehaley@hughes.net, send along your phone number and I'll call you back to discuss. How easy is that???
Today's info on Frieda...she will be moving to the rehab unit TOMORROW. Isn't that great news? We are all looking SO forward to getting things rolling and watching Frieda make even more progress.
I'll be up there at 7:30 am along with Mrs. Nancy and Young Nancy and so I'll be able to report back about Frieda's new digs.
I am so happy for her and this will be a big day!!
Keep those prayers, thoughts, and healing energies coming!! SEE? THEY ARE WORKING!!! And we're all watching it happen!
Thanks so much for the continued support. We'll have ol' Frieda right back in Oriental where she belongs before you know it.

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It's 4:21 on Sunday evening. We just got home from Greenville...and it looks like we had a pretty good little storm while we were away. The current was off when we got here, so I fed little Buckwheat his bottle, then decided to do deep breathing for myself until the power came on again. Little unexpected breaks are a good thing.
Today was a very good visit. Frieda, Young Nancy and I were to have met with Donna Mooneyham, who is both a teacher of rehabilitation and a specialist in her field. We have a mututal friend (Martha Myers) who had gotten us acquainted via email. Donna was DELIGHTFUL! She's energetic, full of life, has had her own life experiences that involved recovery from a very serious illness. A charge nurse had come in before Donna arrived and said that Frieda is looking at Monday or Tuesday in terms of moving to the neurological rehab unit! We are so excited! Knowing that, Donna who actually helped develop many of the facilities in the unit was able to tell us all about how things will go.
Rehab is not play time. It is very serious and is taken as such. Frieda will be working HARD...each and every day for 3 hours or more. Frieda is ready and totally up to the task. She was thumbs up with everything Donna was discussing. One particular touching moment, which is totally "Frieda," made me very teary. Donna asked Frieda what was troubling her the most about the stroke. We all knew that Donna meant PHYSICALLY for FRIEDA. Her reply, through her vent was very clear to me. She said, "she was worried about everyone else." I asked her again to be sure of what I heard and she looked at me very seriously and said again "she worried about everyone else
not this" (meaning the stroke). I think we were all taken aback a bit, Young Nancy and I would not have been one bit shocked at that reply, but I feel confident that Donna didn't expect that. Later, when we talked Nancy said she was really stunned to hear her mother say that, but then again...not really.
I learned that Donna lived very near our old home on Oak Island. We knew a lot of the same people from both there and on the Outerbanks, which is a frequent haunt/'second home' of ours. Wayne was thrilled to talk about our favorite fishing captain on Long Beach with Donna and Frieda was all ears. We had planned a deep sea fishing trip with Mervin Darnell, who is one amazing captain. We will fish with Mervin yet, but it just will be postponed for a while.
No visitors are allowed in the rehab unit during the day. I learned that from Donna. Rehabilitation will be intensive and I am thrilled that many of the folks there are aware that Frieda is "on her way!" It was like a ray of sunshine popping into that room with me when Donna came in. She brought confidence, support, love and faith into Frieda's room and into her heart by the bushel! Donna gave us the big cheer to GO FOR IT, WORK HARD and GET OUTTA THERE! It was great having someone give us the extra boost and the confidence that YES, this will be done.
Later Karen Winfrey and Barbara Ritchie came to visit! They brought some fun things in that Frieda cleary loved! Hank sent a stuffed dinosaur, Karen brought some wonderful lotion and Young Nancy had also brought a basket of "feel good stuff" like great smelling lotions to pamper Frieda with. That dry hospital air can make you stir crazy in itself, so the lotion was a huge hit! She didn't even wince or give me a look when I started putting some of that lotion to work! We got her arms, hands, fingers, legs, etc covered really well and she said that made her feel much better.
All in all, it was a very informative and motivational visit. Frieda is still in the "I CAN DO THIS" mode...where she will have to remain for a good while. That said, time flies. The same amount of time she has been in the hospital in general is what they're using as a baseline for when she could possibly be ready to return home! So, hey...if she starts asking "ARE WE THERE YET?" I feel quite comfortable is saying closer today than we were yesterday, or two weeks ago!
Check this week's paper for the yardsale!!! We've all gathered up our favorite junk (not junk, just kidding!) And we're having a BIG OL' FASHIONED RAG PULLIN' to raise money to get Frieda's place ready for her to come home. There will have to be modifications and we're just getting things ready for that! Do have a look at the ad in the paper (local readers) and for those of you reading this who are not local, please wish us good luck, great turnout and great weather!!!
Keep your fingers crossed on Frieda's move to the new unit! This will be a great happening! Sorry this post is delayed. We had a few more storms last night! Rain is very much needed, but so is electricity to continue writing a blog! So, I had to get done in increments.
More as I have it...am waiting for Young Nancy to come over. We're going to be pricing YARD SALE STUFF!!! Oh boy! :)

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(Image provided by Martha Myers, a dear friend of both mine and Frieda's. The "THUMBS UP" in the image, provided by FRIEDA HUDSON herself!!! YAY FRIEDA!! Martha, having recently had surgery herself, still managed to locate CLICKABLE dry erase pens! She also sent the box of wonderful items that will assist Frieda greatly in the weeks to come. The water pistol, sans the water? Yep. That was Martha too, right there in the box. Very seriously though, she knows exactly what she's doing in gathering items that are FUN and FUNNY, yet very useful in rehabilitation. That is her career and she's darned excellent at it. On a serious note, Martha made letter charts, picture charts, etc. that will be great to use when the time is right! Patty Rosenkrantz also made some AWESOME picture pillows!! They're all in a basket and well, Patty, I hate to confess this, but Frieda and I determined that we could also throw them at folks who bother us too. HEE HEE HEE! They are GREAT Patty!! Frieda loves them! But, when you are middle aged, immature women like us, we simply MUST find the wrong way to use these items too! It just wouldn't be "normal" if we didn't! Each pillow has a request, a feeling, a need, etc. For example, "sad, hot, thirsty, pain, etc." They're just the coolest things you've ever seen!)
Today Wayne and I went up in the afternoon. Frieda was in her chair. My parents were there to see her, Gray and Sarah, and Bob Baskervill. I was sorry I didn't get to see Bob!
Frieda looked comfortable and she was actually quite animated and humorous.
We discussed what things would sound good to eat once she's "outta there." Among those things were chicken, iced tea, calamari, Wayne's "monster burgers," homemade ice cream and milkshakes. We all kind of got hungry just talking about it!!!
I was able to spend some time alone with Frieda, we held hands and drew "FRIEDA" and "ANNE," then we traced the names over with our fingers. She liked that a lot.
Well, I have to confess, we had a really funny moment that I'm sure I'll pay dearly for when Frieda gets out of the hospital. The shift changed and a new nurse came in. She introduced herself to Frieda and I was across the room. She was checking all the gadgets and being polite by making small talk to me and asked "if I was FRIEDA'S DAUGHTER!" Well, of COURSE, I was not going to let that pass by instantly correcting her. No way that was going to happen. Happily, I said, "Yes, I am... the oldest of three!" I wish there had been a camera in hand, but Frieda Hudson ALMOST went into orbit!!! By then, the nurse was in the restroom doing something else and I still had not corrected the misinformation! HA! Frieda was rolling her eyes, ready to bust my chops and laughing all at once. After a couple of minutes, I confessed that I wasn't Frieda's DAUGHTER and by then Frieda was laughing and pointing the famous "Oh you just have NO idea how bad I'm going to fix you when I get out of here!!" And I am so sure she's going to let me have it for that one. When I did come clean with the nurse, through the vent, Frieda told the nurse "Best Friend," then she pointed at me and shook her head. I agreed. Some best friend, huh? (She would have done the same thing to me and loved every second of it!)
I look very forward to seeing Frieda in the morning. There is a lady who is actually teaching rehab classes at Pitt who has learned all about Frieda through our friend, Martha Myers. Her name is Donna Mooneyham. Frieda and I talked about her visit tomorrow just to meet Frieda.I think it's just wonderful of her to take her time to come and say hello. I believe it will be a great meeting for us all!
As I understand it, Frieda may be moving into neurology unit as early as Tuesday! That is GREAT news! I'll find out more on that tomorrow and let you know as soon as I know something.
As always, THANK YOU all so much for your prayers and for your support. I think we can all say that we have seen all of that wonderful energy at work. It's truly amazing to see how Frieda has progressed thus far. She is so strong and she won't surprise any of us by her determination. She and I were already joking about how we were going to "spring her out of there" today. Believe me, she was ALL for that!!! What a great day that will be!
More tomorrow!!!!

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I'm sitting in Wilmington, NC in my daughter's apartment. She started her senior year yesterday and that's just stunning to me.
Wayne is sitting across the room working on something business related. I remember when Wayne, Frieda and I moved Marah into this apartment. I remember when she needed a bookshelf, so we went to Wallyworld for a cheapy one and how it "COULDN'T" be THAT hard to put together. After all, those nice Chinese folks even sent all the tools! (Grin!) Well, it was. It was a nightmare. Frieda and I would start laughing SO hard that we'd have to run to the potty or outside for breath, which ever was needed most desperately or available! It was not easy. Not one bit. It took FOREVER!
Marah lives in a great apartment. I'm so thankful she's here. Faithful Vinnie is ever by her side. I remember we had a sofa that Young Nancy and Marah called the "coma couch." They swore that every time you sit down on it, you fall asleep. Well, it must be true. I woke up on it, quite comfy and warm around 4am. The place was dark and quiet, except for the hum of the AC at the time.
Frieda would have been here with us, celebrating, buying books, which by the way has changed SO much since I was in college.
When I was in school, you RENTED your books for $40 per semester!!!! Then you turned them in. That was that. I am still having a few palpitations from our trip to the book store yesterday. Marah's books were EIGHT...yes, EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS!!! I wondered privatedly if she has changed her major and has decided to become a surgeon or something. Bear in mind, that's not tuition, other "fees" and hidden little costs, paper, pens, blah blah blah. However, NC STILL has a fabulous university system and even though it sounds like I'm complaining, it's truly a great price for a great education. It's just kind of like that initial sticker shock! I still remember the price (books and all) when I started school though. One thousand and five dollars per semester. Period. That's it. Dorm, all meals, books, etc.etc.etc.
Seems like things have changed a bit since 1980, haven't they?
We had such big laughs when we moved Marah into this place. Furniture is always a bear. This case was no different. We were laughing and telling stories about that last night. I know Frieda would have been here kicking Marah's butt right into her senior year with love, pride and joy. We'll just have to do all that butt kicking when Frieda's feeling better.
Marah, congrats on all your hard work. We cannot even start to tell you how proud we are of you and how we know your future will be bright and how the world is a lot better with you in it.
More on Frieda when I get to Greenville. Going to do my best to get there today, if time allows. Still have to leave Wilmington yet though!!

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Ok, I cannot type through the tears. Good ol' Dave took the liberty to save ME some steps and put this link together. Please enjoy this and make it work in your life too. I promise you'll sleep better for it.
This is link to the song I spoke about in my last post, "Friends." Dave saw that I was going to send mp4's to everyone on "God's green acre," and he put this together for us all to share.
There's Frieda in the pic and me looming over her shoulder at one of our "Tuesday People" gatherings at Dave and Marsha's.
Thank you so much Dave. I can't thank you enough.
I will cut and paste his instructions. If you have problems opening the song, let me know. I'll help you out. It's worth the listen.
DAVE'S INSTRUCTIONS: (I had to use the control button and the mouse method, and it worked fine. You may need Quicktime to play it, and it's a FREE download..and quick.
From Dave, Marsha and Annie...thanks and ENJOY!!)

Instructions:

If Mouse Clicking on the Play Button does not start
the song, please do a "Control" plus "Mouse Click"
That should work.
Dave

http://www.pamlicosounds.com/Friends/

***NOTE: if the link doesn't work, as I haven't tested it, just cut and paste it into your address bar and go from there!" Please wait for the song to "load." There will be a slim gray bar beneath the picture...when it completes loading, then follow Dave's directions! Sorry about being too simplistic, but I just want to make sure that there's not a lot of guess work and wondering "what is going ON here's" going on! Enjoy! From my heart to all of yours! -ah

As always, thanks for reading...and in this case, for LISTENING!!! :) God's peace and love to you all.

From Annie, Frieda, Dave and Marsha

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So, why have I given over my personal blog to discuss the progress and give information to my best friend, Frieda Hudson? Initially, it was a choice I made in order to get information out to the public, take the unbelievable amount of questions away from Frieda's family as they digested all that was happening to her. The eventuality is this. I found myself sharing with the readers the fundamental relationship of two friends. It's that simple.
Frieda and I were connected pretty much from the start. We shared all the same interests, we both love politics, we both love music, we both love computers, and many other things, so there was always something to talk about. I realized early on that friendship with Frieda was not something she took lightly. She's a prominent figure in the community. She's seen a lot of folks come and go. I was a newbie here. I knew no one and it was as though she took me under her wing. We have a great ying and yang. We have the same sense of humor. We had dreams that we shared. We had plans to to many things together. We had music opportunities that we intended to work on together. Frieda was a huge supporter of my music. She saw the same vision I have for my work instantly and she made it clear that she wanted to be a part of it. We worked well together. And most importantly, we related so very easily together. We respected and loved each others differences, even though there were truly few. As I said in an earlier post, if I had something to celebrate, she was celebrating even louder. If something was sad for me, she was right there with just the right words, just the right amount of comfort and a perfectly timed sense of humor to bring me right out of any doldrum life had thrown at me.
"Best friends." Cliche? Maybe. But that's ok. We just knew we had a close bond and we treasured it and protected it fiercely.
We will do all those things and more once she's better.
We wanted to write a book together. We'd been talking about that for some time now, because we believed we could do it and make it something GOOD for people.
Frieda is someone who is totally trustworthy. I knew that what ever I wanted to share with her went no further than my mouth to her ears. You don't find that so much anymore.
Now, as I post this, I realize that I'm willing and able to be her mouth, her ears, her arms, her legs and whatever else it takes to HELP her get back to where she was before the stroke. I know Frieda trusts me. That is an honor. Frieda isn't the kind to just start "trusting" someone. I am. I've been burned by that too. She has shown me that even that is ok. It's ok to give people the benefit of the doubt and if by chance I'm let down, drop back five and punt. Something even better is waiting around the corner.
I had lived a life in the music business. I never knew if someone truly wanted to be my friend or if they simply wanted to know someone I knew in the business or whatever. None of that mattered to Frieda. She was my friend and there were no hoops to jump through.
As I have said, we've been inseparable for a long time now. We discuss our daughters, our disappointments in life, our joys, what's new on the Mac scene, getting ready for when the new Leopard operating system was to come out...just stuff. Other times, we could just sit and really not talk about anything.
A big trip on Saturday is to the Ace Hardware in Bayboro, on to all the thrift stores, lunch at Charlies and perhaps a cruise to the grocery to see what we might want to scare up for dinner. Wayne, Frieda and I talked about vacations to take together, how we all have too much on our plates, how nutty people can be and why others don't just stop and ENJOY life. Yet, with schedules, it was hard for Frieda to do that. I am so proud that she has always found solice here at our little farm. We watched movies. We enjoyed good cups of coffee. We loved cooking a great meal and enjoying it together and topping it off with homemade ice cream.
It's all so simple, so benign, but it worked for us.
I know we'll have those things back one day and I will continue to coach her along, bring back memories and even manage to make some good ones from this experience that we are going through together.
For all you readers, I thought about it today and wanted to post the lyrics to a song I wrote a while ago. It is called "Friends." I hope these lyrics will touch your heart, give you pause to think about your own relationships and nurture them accordingly. I miss our "normal" way of life and I'm confident that those times will return, but for now, I owe my friend my commitment to help her get her body restored and her health back to where it should be. Forgive me for this being long, but I want you to understand that I had no idea what I was writing when I wrote this song, I just knew it was important. And now more than ever, my own words touch my own heart. (*Wink! Don't try to steal it! It's copyrighted! GRIN!") If you want a copy, I'll be glad to send an mp4 to you free of charge. It's on my CD titled "It's a Beautiful Life." But, because you've all be so kind and wonderful readers and supporters of Frieda, I'd like to offer this to you as a little gift. Just email me and ask...and I'll gladly forward it to you. Thanks for sharing this journey with Frieda and me.
"Friends" ( by Anne Haley)
1. If I had to leave today, knowing I'd be far away when the world spun round another morning bright.
I would simply smile and say, "I wouldn't have it any other way and I'd make my way into the Light."
(And I'd thank you, my friend. We've crossed a thousand paths and found ourselves together in the end.
And if ever I could have the chance to do it all again, I'd take the long road, with you, my friend.)
2. Life is short and bittersweet and often times so incomplete, though we sometimes place the burdens on ourselves. I've learned to take the time to grow, to really let my feelings show, give away some love and brighten someone else.
(And I thank you, my friend. We've crossed a thousand paths and found ourselves together in the end. And if ever I could have the chance to do it all again, I'd take the long road with you my friend.)
I'd take the long road, the long, long road...with you my friend.
This is an abbreviated version, but I think the message is clear. Reach out to your friends. Even if it has been a long time, even if you have had a fight. Even if you think it has been so long that you think it's not worth the effort.
Trust me, when it comes to a time that you are faced with the fact that you may NEVER get the opportunity to say all the things you wanted to say, do the things you wanted to do together, etc. Taking that step is much easier than living with any regret.
That's all for tonight. Just wanted to offer food for thought.
Thanks for stopping by! Always good to hear from you.
And keep cheering on Frieda!! She said, "I CAN DO THIS!"
If she can, WE can!

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It's one minute before the close of "Sunday," so I'm barely getting this post in on the right day! Seems like all my days are "running out of time" on me these days, but it's in a good way.
I had such a great time visiting Frieda on Saturday, to be honest, I was still relishing the night before. But, I did go up to the hospital to check in and share a smile. Frieda's brother Sandy had visited. He and I talked on the phone for a while and he was so thrilled to hear his sister speak to him again. It's a feeling that is just hard to describe. I was over the moon for him. (This post is for you Sandy!)
I visited with Frieda in a quiet way today. The nurse offered to put the vent in for us to "talk," but because she had just had some work done on her trach, I truly felt Frieda would feel better just having that trach left alone. I told the nurse that we'd been communicating fine for the past couple of weeks with our eyes and hands, so we'd go with that today. I'm glad we did. We held hands, we talked about her cards, Sandy's visit, her home, how things are here. I asked her if she wanted to know any news local or otherwise and of course, she did. I told her about Hurricane Dean and she really looked worried, but I explained that it wouldn't be an NC hurricane and that satisfied her.
Today was kind of a reflective day. It reminded me of times that Frieda and I spend together when I'm doing something and she's doing something else. We're ok like that. We don't have to talk. Of course, that's always an available option, but there are times that we just "are." We can walk out here at our place, take a ride, and marvel at the beauty of this area, or just sit on our porch. Kind of like Andy and Barney on Andy's porch after dinner..."Sure is nice today." "Yep, sure is." (long silence) "I think the wind might pick up tonight and come out of the north." "Yeah, well, that means the creek will be up tomorrow."
Today was one of those days. It was a great day to just "be" with Frieda.
And I just watched in amazement....again.
(Ok Sandy. That should suit you! LOL!) Sorry folks...this is a little private joke between Sandy and me, and I shouldn't do that, but I knew he'd love the laugh as a result. It's now 12:12. I see 11:11's, 12:12's, 3:33's, etc. I like to say a prayer each time I see those sets of numbers, my prayer now is for all of us to have the strength and courage to do the things we need to in this life to be happy, to be at peace with ourselves and others and to know that love knows no bounds. See you tomorrow!

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Just after lunchtime today, I got a call from Sarah, Frieda's sister-in-law. She was elated and so excited to share that she and Gray, Frieda's brother were visiting and the speech therapist had come in. She had placed the "vent" into Frieda's trach that would allow Frieda to speak. Yes, speak. In a meeting last week, we were told that this was the next step and everyone was excited for this to happen, yet we had no idea what to expect. Sarah said that the therapist pointed to Gray and asked who he was. Frieda replied, "Gray." She did the same with Sarah and Frieda replied, "Sarah." She was asked several identification questions such as "what is this" for a cup, glasses a pen, etc. The therapist also held separate items and asked Frieda to identify a specific item of the two. Frieda did those things. Sarah and Gray were clearly over the moon to be able have seen all this take place. She wanted to let me know what to expect for the afternoon visit. I couldn't stop thinking about it. What would she sound like? Would Frieda be comfortable trying to talk? How would all of this work?
Candy Bohmert and I had planned to ride up together. She was so excited to just see Frieda, as it had been a couple of weeks since she had visited. Young Nancy met us at the hospital and up we went. The nurse came in to put the vent in and Frieda first said, "Nancy." I asked her who I was and she kind of grinned and said, "Anne." I pointed to Candy and asked the same question. "Candy" was the answer. We had each heard our names. Nancy was overwhelmed. Those moments and those words were incredibly emotional for us all. We went out for the nurses to check on some things for Frieda and Young Nancy basically broke down. She had been waiting and waiting to hear her mother say her name again. It was so beautiful. Again, prayers were answered and we were in awe.
When we returned, Frieda was in a great spirit, very animated. She made the "OK" sign with her hands, gave LOTS of "thumbs ups" and used all the hand language that she has used comfortably over the past couple of weeks. She was ready to test drive her voice. We asked questions, she answered. We told funny stories, she laughed. Her voice is very quiet and very low, but it's there. At one point, everything was very real and very surreal all at once. Candy was in the recliner, Nancy had laid across the foot of the bed with her mother and I was in a chair. We were actually chatting. We talked about movies, we jogged Frieda's memory on people, places and events. She wanted to talk about the paper, so we answered her questions.
When Nancy left, it was evident that Frieda had plenty of things on her mind. Her demeanor did not change, yet her posture became more serious. She had lots of questions. Candy and I did our best to answer each of them to her satisfaction. She did not want anything sugar coated and made that quite clear. She asked "WRITE?" The clarification was "Are you asking if you will be able to write again?" Frieda replied with her voice, "Yes." We explained that she would and that it would require work and time. She was ok with that. There were lots of questions, explanations and listening that went on. We held hands. We offered reassurances and more reassurances. There was an item that was like an apron on the chair. I knew if I did something silly with it, it would make Frieda laugh, so I tied it onto myself and was teasing Frieda about hating to shop for clothes because nothing ever fits right. She was really laughing at that and letting Candy know that she really felt sorry for me. It actually felt like old times. The three of us laugh a lot when we're together and the room was filled with joy. The evening nurse even commented on what a good time it sounded like we were having. She was smiling at us and I believe even the nurse knew that what was taking place in that room was love, healing and a deep bond among friends becoming even deeper.
Frieda has a lot of concerns, as you would imagine. She wanted to know about her house, her cars, her paper and basically her life in Oriental. She wanted me to tell her what happened again. We talked about the helicopter ride and she was able to recall from that her helicopter ride with Candy at an event at River Dunes that happened quite a while ago.
Frieda hasn't quite gotten all the details of the previous weeks in order, as would be expected, but she does know what has happened, she knows she has plenty of rehab ahead and the most poignant part of the visit was hearing Frieda Hudson SAY to Candy and me "I CAN DO THIS." She said it folks. Her words. Her VOICE. Her strength.
"I CAN DO THIS."
Yes, you can Frieda. And you will. I have never had even the slightest doubt in that. Not for one minute. This evening was very emotional. There were things that Frieda said that are private and were filled with emotion. Those things will stay in the hearts of Anne Haley, Candy Bohmert and Frieda Hudson. Let it suffice to say that Frieda is ready for what will come each day now. Things might be disjointed. Words may take work to bring them from her mind to her mouth, and a lot of patience is in order along with plenty of close listening and loads of encouragement and "ATTA GIRLS!"
I will sleep well tonight hearing the precious sound of my dear friend's voice saying "I CAN DO THIS."
When you doubt what you can do, think of Frieda. Let her words be yours..."I CAN DO THIS." And whatever it is you attempt to accomplish, you will.

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Today is Friday. I said this in a previous blog that it's funny...when I type words like "friend," "Friday," etc. I end up typing "Frieda." I guess that's odd, but that also is the power of the mind.
Today I didn't visit Frieda. I had things that needed to be done at home and some personal things that needed to be taken care of that have been neglected for a long time now. Geordie hasn't had a ride in quite a while, so he was thrilled to jump in the back of the car and head out anywhere. He's my number one co-pilot and a great one at that! We bark, sing, howl and have a great time in the car together.
I had a good long talk with Renee Smith at Town and Country. It was good to be in town and among what is familiar to me. I also stopped by the paper for a bit to have some time with Karen, Terry and Kathy. It felt odd, yet it felt comforting as well.
I have always felt so at home there. It was strange not seeing Mrs. Nancy at the front desk, it was even more strange not seeing Frieda in her office, but other than that, Karen is running a tight ship.
Familiar felt good today. I went to the post office. I took a ride around town and took in the beauty of Oriental and remembered my first visits to this area. I almost felt brave somehow, as though I were stepping into the unknown, yet all my surroundings were known to me. Would people ask me about Frieda in the Town and Country? If they did would I cry? Would I react like a robot and give information in rote detail? Would I give a cheery "she's coming right along, thanks!" and keep going down the aisle? I wished I had brought sunglasses, so that could somehow help me to conceal all the thoughts. Don't we think the craziest things sometimes? And I guess I'm just crazy enough to share with the whole wide world just what thoughts were going through my mind.
I paid a visit to some friends that I had unfinished business with. I bought horseradish and half and half at the store. I saw vehicles that belong to people I know, I passed by Frieda's house, circled Freemason, went past Mrs. Nancy's toward the water and just kind of enveloped myself in things that I know to be true, things that I know are there. I needed to see things that are "static."
I needed to see life going on and it was. That is good.
Time is a funny thing. When something shakes up our lives, time stands totally still, yet time flies. You lose track of the day, the date, and things get fuzzy.
This morning looked like rain. This afternoon was sunny. It was good to be out with no agenda.
So, tomorrow, I will go back to Greenville. I will be back in the groove of hanging with my buddy and cheering her on.
I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful Friday evening and I'm wishing you a fun weekend full of love and surprises.
I thank God for small things today. Just a ride to Oriental where I saw welcoming, smiling, caring faces. Those are the faces who are with me tonight as I count all the blessings that have been given to me this week. I also thank God for healing...in all its forms and phases. Healing of the mind, the body and the soul are essential to a happy life and a healthy life. Remembering the things that give me pleasure was just the nourishment I needed today.
Do something fun! And remember what beautiful things are just within our reaches. All we have to do is make an effort to see them, grab on to them and hold them tight!

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Young Nancy and I arrived at the hospital this evening and Frieda was awake. She was listening to music and just kind of hanging out. The TV was on, but nothing that was particularly appealing to her. She indicated that she had been through some rehab work that was tiring for her. Of course it would be. She had also sat in the chair in her room again. She indicated that doing those things was tough and had run her through the ringer.
My parents had come by on their way to Washington early in the afternoon and Frieda grinned really big when I asked her about them coming. She then pointed at a card. It was a card that they had brought with them. I thought that was a great connection.
Frieda stuck her hand out for me to take it. She squeezed very tightly and just looked more "down" than frustrated to me. I asked her if she was feeling down and bummed out and she shook her head yes. I asked if she was just upset over the whole situation and she shook her head yes to that question as well. Nancy took her other hand and we both just tried to ask questions that would help her get her feelings out. It must be SO hard to be such a verbal person, as Frieda is, and not be able to talk. She sure tries though! And it will be a matter of time before she's re-fitted with something in her trach that will enable her to begin trying to talk again. What a welcome sound that will be!!
I asked if she felt sore...yes. I asked if it felt like the first day of basketball practice and she had been given 25 "wind sprints" to run. She grinned and nodded YES. I told her about an email I got from Dottie Osmun about playing tennis and what a determined player she is. Frieda loved that! And nodded yes. I believe that wonderfully competetive spirit of hers will shine right through this.
That took me to a REALLY FUNNY story. A couple of years ago, on Marsha's birthday, and Dave and Marsha Shirk, Frieda, Wayne and me loaded the Shirkmobile and made a road trip to The Royal James in Beaufort to dine on hotdogs and shoot pool! (Oh yeah...we're just high fallutin' like that!!!) Anyway, we had a blast. And I mean a BLAST! It's one of those times you just laugh until your stomach literally aches, but you keep laughing anyway.
Frieda was VERY serious in her pool playing. Me? Well, I mostly laughed and scratched. (The cue ball of course!!!) One of the, let's say, "local" pub attendees began to watch my lack of sincerity in my pool game. Before I knew it, I had a COACH. This salty old lager filled fellow accepted his role of "coach" with great honor. As Frieda played SERIOUS pool, I continued to rely on the careful instruction of my now named "COACH." Frieda, Nancy and I laughed as I recounted that story. Frieda was grinning and shaking her head at me. At the end of the evening at The Royal James, Marsha (the elected photojournalist---maybe that's where Andrea gets it from!) was taking pictures of Frieda, me and "Coach." Frieda was rolling her eyes and grinning when I said, "Can you believe we let that man hug us for a picture?????" She clearly remembered...and NO, She couldn't believe we did that. I'd say it had been a day or 10 since he'd run under any water faucet, but there we were striking a pose and making a huge deal of this "tournament" that Frieda mopped us up with. It's a really funny memory that I'll never forget. Good ol' "Coach." He didn't do squat for my pool game, and of course, Ms. Determination took the "trophy", but I did get in a few good shots. Marsha and I didn't take it nearly as seriously as Frieda, Dave and Wayne basically just laughed at us girls, but that story illustrates Frieda. Anything she attempts. She's GOING to do well at it, even if it's just playing around. It's the core of her being. That will be a huge factor in Frieda's recovery. Her fierce competetive nature will be her best characteristic in plans for recovery ahead.
Sandy, Frieda's younger brother called tonight and I put my phone on speaker. Frieda knew exactly who it was and was shaking her head at his fishing stories. She was giving him looks that said, "Yeah right Sandy. You just keep dreaming." That was a hoot. Then the sheriff called. Frieda grinned and was so happy to hear his voice.
My heart was so warmed watching her "talk on the phone."
I know that Frieda understands and realizes what has happened to her. Young Nancy talked about the next phases of her recovery with her, which includes moving to a room that is especially for stroke patients and includes intensive rehab. Frieda listened intently. That will be for several weeks according to the doctor today, but the upside of that is that once all that is finished, the goal is for Frieda to GO HOME!! The doctor told Young Nancy that she felt that was a great goal. I asked Frieda if she was ready to get into her big blue recliner and get back to Broad Street and I got a vehement YES.
Over the coming days, Frieda will experience more thoughts and feelings than any of us can imagine. But, knowing she's a fighter, not a quitter is powerful. She's not one to sit back and let someone else do the work. (We all know that, don't we?) So, while Frieda is adjusting to what has happened to her, I would bet cold hard cash that she's also plotting on the best way to get past it all too. She might not like it at all, and it's not going to be an easy, overnight task, but you can believe she's going to work hard to put this event behind her.
Just remember...it will be four weeks tomorrow. Check back on those blogs versus what I'm describing for you recently. You'll see Frieda shining right through, even in the most fearful times, we all carried FRIEDA'S strength in our hearts and never lost faith that she would survive and get better.
Everyone who has read this blog has had a MAJOR part of Frieda's recovery process. You have all been a part of "the team" and the teamwork we all share with Frieda has supported her. I want us to continue to do so. We will all be the benefactors of all the great things Frieda Hudson still has to offer this world.
More tomorrow!!! I'm off to bed now...and still humming that tune in my head from this morning's blog! LOL! Ain't life grand?
As for this stroke Frieda Hudson, it won't be long before you're sinkin' the 8 ball!!!
WE LOVE YOU FRIEDA!!!!

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I have been out doing my usual feeding, watering, visiting with my animals. Muffin, one of the little donkey foals was especially attached today. She wanted extra attention, leaving her mother and her friends to eat. She elected to have an ear scratch and eat later. As I looked at her, I admired her. She has the most kind and trusting eyes. She looks at me as if to say, "I know I am safe."
I had to ask myself a question. Do I feel safe? My answer was not as straightforward as Muffin's. Some days I feel very safe, others I feel totally vulnerable. I know this is not what God intends for me. Yet, there are days that contain fear and uncertainty.
I tend to "wonder" too much. I wonder if this will happen, I wonder if that is going to come to pass, I wonder why people are mean, I wonder why people murder, I wonder why I typically like animals better than some people! :) (I'm smiling now.)
All this pondering I do at home is comforting to me. I can be here and I am surrounded by "life." All is content here. All is quiet. I sang OUT LOUD this morning, as I often do when I'm feeding. Today's selection was an old Linda Ronstadt song called "By the Rivers of Babylon." It incorportates Psalm 19:14, in which David prays to the Lord to basically help him keep his mouth shut unless it's something useful. (Anne's interpretation, of course. I don't think I've ever seen it printed in any Bible version quite like that!) David also addresses what he THINKS.
Psalm 19:14 reads: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
So, we must come before God in with a pure intent not only in our WORDS, but equally important are our THOUGHTS and OUR DEEDS.
Were we kind today? Did we build someone up or did we say or do something to make them feel badly? Did we take control of our thoughts and direct them in a more beneficial path or did we simply allow our self to continue thinking "crap?"
No wonder everyone is tired. There must be a rollercoaster of thoughts going on in every human's mind that is relentless.
People ask me all the time..."Why do you keep all those animals?" They are THE best medicine. No pills, no nothing...just love and nurturing. I was thinking about how often Frieda comes out here and I know why. She could escape too. Did you know she has "her own goat?" His name is Dice. Frieda named him. We were bottle feeding Dice and Sophie when they were babies at Mike and Judy Davis's. Frieda was in love. So, conspirators that we are, we decided to tell Wayne that Dice is actually FRIEDA'S goat and since she can't have a goat in the village, he would live here with us and our goats! HA! I'm know he didn't buy it, but we like to think that Frieda "got his goat" PUN INTENDED! I was petting Dice today and remembering good thoughts and good laughs. The words from my mouth and the mediations from my heart indeed were acceptable in His sight, as I was joyful and thankful for my life, my home, my friends and my blessings.
I also remembered that I need to say on this blog that I've had many people who wrote to me to say that as a result of reading about a friendship between Anne Haley and Frieda Hudson, they have drawn closer to their own friends, their own families and realized how incredibly unpredictable life is. Most importantly, I think we have all seen what can happen in a blink.
A parable has been on my mind as well. Please consider this too, as well as Psalm 19:14. There was the story of how an old man was waiting for Jesus to show up at his house and he prepared a huge feast. (I'll condense the story, but you'll get the gist and we've all heard it before, so you'll know where I'm going with this.) He had put out his finest of everything. He was, as we'd say today, he got all decked out for the occasion. He had killed his fattest cow, and had really put on the dog. A widow showed up and he ran her off in case Jesus showed up and saw such as that at his house. A beggar showed up...same deal. Shoo! The Lord is coming to my house and you can't be trashing my situation here Beggar. The whole evening, the man ran the folks away that had strangely appeared at his door, yet the Lord hadn't shown up. He was getting pretty mad about it all. Irritated with the people just "dropping by," etc. After many hours of waiting for his "guest," he finally gave up. He put away the big spread. I would imagine he threw a little hissy fit that the Lord had stood him up. (And we all know where I am going with this.)
When he cried out to the Lord and gave Him guff for standing him up, which took a lot of brass, I might add! The man got the low down from God.
As we all know, the Lord had been there MANY times that evening. And it was the LORD Himself who was TURNED AWAY.
My friends, we do not know the paths of others we come into contact with. Just because they do not LOOK in accordance with how WE think they should look, act or appear, gives us no right to judge their hearts. That's God's job.
How many times have we had opportunities to serve "the Lord" and we turned Him away? How often have we judged someone because WE did not like the way they look? (This ties in with the "meditations in our hearts" part! We are saying nothing, yet judging up a storm and we think that's ok because we're not SAYING it. God hears it all.)
I will close with this thought. Matthew 25, verse 40 says,"Inasmuch as you have done to the LEAST of these, you have also done to Me." How does that hit you? Hits me HARD. For whatever I have displayed unfairly and biased toward another human being, I have also placed that behavior directly on God. I have sung the song I mentioned earlier HUNDREDS of times. Sadly, my focus was on whether the 5 parts of harmony were correct and in place and that the song was being sung "perfectly." Anne, Anne, Anne. I won't even comment on that. Duh. I blew that one for sure. Here is the song I sang and paraphrased it to work in my life:
"By the rivers of Babylon (which is Ball Creek in my case), where she went down. And there she wept when she remembered Zion. For the wicked carried us away, Captivity requires from us a song. How can we sing King Alpha's song in a strange land?
So let the words from my mouth and the meditations in my heart be acceptable in YOUR sight, over I."
Thank you for reading. I will post about our Frieda when I get to the hospital in a couple of hours.
And Frieda, I'm missing you Girl. I'm missing "us." Just keep on doing what you do, Frieda...being wonderful.
As a post statement, now I'm crying. Faithful Geordie is at my feet, as he always is. When I cry, he looks at me with such compassion. I told him I was ok, I'm just missing Frieda. He jumped up, ran off the porch and started barking. This is what he ALWAYS does when we say FRIEDA. He misses her too and even in his tiny dog mind, he has HOPE and even ol' Geordie expects and waits just like the rest of us. She'll be home before we know it Geordie and she'll be SO glad to hear your welcoming, loving bark.

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Hi Folks,
(First of all, I have ammended this blog! Had I had my RED PEN from my teaching days (once upon a time I was a teacher and taught WRITING of all things, I had to laugh at all my mistakes, typos and all. I'm a stickler on that, but I was just wiped out and didn't do a spell check OR any other check. I typed. I published and that was that. Even that is ok. MISTAKES are a part of LEARNING and that applies to life, now more than ever. You cannot correct everything with a RED PEN and a hug, but you can address those mistakes and try to remember not to do them again.) So, if you're reading this for the first time today...just overlook this part...and if this is a re-read, I hope I've made it more understandable for you! HA! That is SO not "me!" I'm the one who goes down the road and if a letter is inverted on a marquee sign, I have an uncontrollable urge to go turn it around! HAHAHA! Sounds like I need a hobby, but I love and respect words. Anyway, I didn't get much past the first sentence or two and thought, "Oh Anne...you know better than to publish without proofing! LOL! Tired is tired. You got the raw Anne if you read this late last night or first thing this morning.) In the future, just feel the content from my heart...not the presentation!
Doing things when you're too tired just begs for mistakes, doesn't it? That applies to all things in life, not just writing. *END OF DISCLAIMER! NOW ON TO THE BLOG!)
I will update more indepth tomorrow. Frieda is fine. Just fine. It has been a draining, emotional day for me at the hospital and I will catch things up as soon as I'm more refreshed and ready. Keep those prayers coming. I'll post tomorrow and give you an update. I just needed you to know Frieda is doing fine.
Sorry for this non-blog...I am collecting thoughts on everything that has taken place since Frieda had a stroke. There is a lot I will need to consider before posting. So, basically tonight, I am just not up to it. How's THAT for honesty?
Just know Frieda is fine. She was giving the THUMBS UP at me this evening. I learned from the nurse who is "in the club," Jimmi, that bumping fists is called a DAP! My daughter and Young Nancy explained this language to me as well. I'm not up on all the currently hip greetings that kids do, but apparently Frieda, who Wayne and I call "THE PYRAMID OF TRUTH," was WAY ahead of me on that thing! So, we didn't DAP last night. After her ventilator was suctioned, she gave Jimmi a THUMB'S UP! She felt so much better. Can you believe FRIEDA let ANNE give her a massage? Well, she did. And she did loved it. That made me feel so very blessed and so vey good. Being the "tactile defensive" that she is, I thought she'd DAP me on the side of the head or something, but she laid there with her eyes closed as I lotioned her legs, arms, hands, etc. and massaged her skin. It gets so dry in the hospital. Every now and again, she'd open her eyes and I'd ask if I was hurting her, if she was ok, etc. Frieda would smile and tell me no, and nod her head forward. Meaning "keep going." I was so happy to DO something for her that made her feel HUMAN. It meant so much.
Young Nancy has been by my side since we arrived at the hospital today and I appreciate all the support that she, Karen and Sandy have given me this evening.
Forgive me, but I just need this time on my own to look at all of this from MY perspective.
I hope all is safe and well in your worlds. All of you readers give Frieda and me such an incredible sense of love, support and
many other wonderful things.
All my very best to you...and for now, I'll spend my time in reflection on the past couple of weeks and the future ahead.
I'm so happy for Frieda that she is so loved by so many. I am most of all honored to be her friend. I am so thankful that she is alive and everything else is a wonderment and a gift. That is something that cannot be denied in any way.
God bless and keep you all. And once again, keep those prayers lifted up for Frieda and mentally picture her surrounded by love and healing. For you readers, I wish you LOVE, GRACE, and for the love of Frieda, JUST REMEMBER...she CAN and WILL come out of this. Nothing on this blog has waivered from that for even a second. And by the way...tonight was THUMBS UP night was again.
God blesses those who come to Him with a pure heart...and Frieda does just that in every single thing she does in life. That is a FACT. :) We have to continue on a positive path. We MUST continue to VISUALIZE her as well, vital and being the total package again. As I said in a previous blog, the packaging might be a little different, but it's STILL Frieda.
I could use a little re-packaging myself sometimes!
I wish you all such peace and such strength that we can all bind together and send those things to Frieda while her energy reserves are low right now. She will sure appreciate that kind of incredible support and from the bottom of my heart, I do.
-Annie

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I was out early this morning. I fed the dogs, cleaned kennels, fed the goats, who were shocked, I might add. Usually 5pm is feeding time. But they happily ate early. I fed the donkeys and played around with the colts. I thanked God for my home, my life, my farm and my many blessings. Among those blessings, I counted all of you folks, most of which I don't even know, who have reached out to me and in turn to Frieda to convey what she means to all of you as well. I thought I would share a few of the comments that I have received that have touched my heart so deeply. In a world of judgment, chaos, people who use words and deeds loosely, I can tell you that even in the darkest moments of sadness that I have experienced with Frieda's stroke, I have seen a kindness that has humbled me to tears again and again.
I think this post needs to be dedicated to all of you who read my ramblings daily and love Frieda enough to keep up with what I have to say. It is my pleasure to share with you. It is my pleasure to hear from you and even though I don't know you, I can love your hearts and I can love the totally support you have freely offered Frieda and her family. My friend Elizabeth Cordes always signs her emails with the wish of "Grace." How beautiful is that? Which brings me to a familiar line of a song that I could never stop loving to sing. "It twas Grace that kept me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home." Thank you dear readers, from the bottom of my heart.
Now for some excerpts...they are random. Some are from this morning, others are from some time back. I wish I could post them all, but you'll get the gist. I might just start ending my posts with a quote from one of Frieda's FANS! She'd like that!
*AL PRIVETTE- WOW Anne ........... these are amazing improvements, and truly answer to our prayers! It means a great deal to me also to get your “reports” .......... it helps me know how to pray. Thank you very much for doing this.
*MARTHA MYERS- (Bolivia, NC), who sent the water pistol!)-Annie, Annie, Annie...............I am SOOOOO humbled!! But more importantly, I am SO glad that the box was such a hit!! Keep up the WONDERFUL work!!!
I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?-Corrie Ten Boom
*DAVE SHIRK-(Oriental, NC) Anne, I am totally without thoughts ... and in total shock.I do thank you for your update, and hope you are doing OK considering. Your blog is very touching.
*JOAN MCCLELLAN (Suffolk, VA)-Annie, Annie Annie, I am so sending my prayers for Frieda . I don't like all of this junk happening to my friend. I am saying a prayer for you too Annie. Frieda is a lovely person and may God's Blessings be with her.
*CATESBY JONES (Wilmington, NC)-Dear Ones, We are right there with you . I don't believe I have ever read a more heartfelt letter. If greater hands can be moved we will stir them. If longer lives can be given we will extend them. If broken hearts abound we will mend them and we shall always love you and our dear Frieda for the pure kindness in your souls.
*JOYCE ALLEN-(a beautiful prayer and heartfelt sentiment from a our dear friend in New Jersey.)-The wind was knocked out of my sails as I started to read your blog providing the sad news of Frieda's stroke. I immediately said a prayer for her recovery, and then after a few deep breaths moved on to read the rest.
I've known Frieda is a true and loyal friend for you and Wayne and in reading your beautiful words understand fully why. A friend such as Frieda is such a treasure. Your blog shows the life of one who has run the "good race." Let us pray that she fully recovers and doesn't reach the finish line just yet so that she can continue to be that solid spoke in the wheel of so many that she touches. The wheel may be wobbling a bit, but let our hearts look to the hope of it again being "rock" solid.
I am deeply saddened by this news. It will take God's intervention and I am just one little fish in a big pond of people who will petition His healing of Frieda. Your reaching out to all of us to join you in prayer will strengthen the network on her behalf. At times like this prayer is often the only solace and hope we have.
You alone know all of our cares and needs, O, Lord. Provide for the needs of Frieda, of her mother and her brother, and of her friends Annie and Wayne, and of all who are close to her. Bring Frieda back to a full and complete recovery. Provide her family and friends with the strength and calmness as they deal with the illness of their loved one. Heal their infirmities and every need, spiritual, emotional and physical. Help them always to know your prescence and feel its' comfort and peace. Amen
*BRENDA CAMPBELL (Kure Beach, NC)- In spite of your shock and worry, what a wonderful tribute you made to her. I think I understand just how much she does mean to you both. I have noted that since your operation, seeing her over at Okracoke... I could always sense how special she was to you. Your description in your Blog painted a beautiful picture of your relationship. I am sure the feeling of love and respect goes both ways. I called Joyce immediately because I thought she might not open her mail until later today. She was just as shocked and saddened as I... We will be praying for her as well as you and Wayne. Please tell her that we are pulling for her to beat this. She must indeed be a special lady and I know you all love her dearly.
*DAVE AND RUTH SPENCER-(Colorado Springs, CO)-We were deeply saddened to hear that Frieda suffered a stroke. Please tell her that we are praying for her and hope that she has a quick recovery. I know how close you guys are. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
*Mary Grace McCord- (Birmingham, AL)- Hey Annie My God, your last words said everything: "BE KIND TO OTHERS. EVERYONE IS IN THEIR OWN BATTLE. We never know what others are going through and how they might be suffering. What happened to my friend today is a perfect example of that. I will not stop praying that Frieda can and will win this battle and I hope you, my friends, don't mind me asking for your help too." (Anne Haley blog post) You do have our prayers and energy, and BTW, Wayne has had them too. Y'all were certainly missed in Chicago.
*ANNE TREVVETT-(Fredricksburg, VA)-Dear, Dear Annie,I have Frieda's phone numbers sitting right here in front of me. You wrote them down for me before I left. She's been on my "daily list" to call for the last week. I can't tell you how often I've thought of her...her thoughtfulness in getting dinner and movies for us....how much I enjoyed sharing time with her. There is a lesson here. Please keep me updated. I am praying...and praying....and praying. I feel so helpless being this far away, but, then, I'm sure you feel just as helpless being right there with her. No. We are not helpless. Our Help is there if we but ask. (Frieda had shown up with dinner and a movie while Anne and her son Seth were visiting recently. That's just how Frieda is. She is such a thoughtful and sharing person. Everyone she meets adores her.)
*GEOF MORRIS-(Florence, NC and Carbondale, CO)-Hey Anne and Wayne, Wore that big ole Oriental t-shirt y'all gave me at my send off party a while back. Just maintaining a good picture of Frieda in my head. (Geof wore the t-shirt in Frieda's honor until she opened her eyes. I know he was glad when she finally did!)
*JIM CLARE; (outside Rochester, New York)-Hi Annie, Geof called and told me about Frieda. She's in my prayers, and I hope that her intrepid spirit sees her through her troubles.
*TONY THARPE-(Oriental, NC)-Getting quite a few emails and people sticking their heads in, calling etc . . . wish there was some way to let Frieda know how many people are concerned and praying for her. (We've sure been telling her Tony!! Thanks for letting us know too! You're doing a GREAT job with the paper, as well as Karen and the rest of the crew!! Love you all! -ah)
*DEE SAGE-(Oriental, NC)-Dear Anne, thank you for keeping everyone informed of Frieda's condition. We did not learn of her illness until late Saturday and she has been in our prayers since. Just Friday as I was returning to our office from the Bank I saw Frieda outside her office and she gave me a big smile and wave. I remember thinking how warm and friendly her gesture was. Who could have imagined that just hours later....If possible, please let her know that Bill and I are praying hard for her recovery and let us know if there is anything we can do to comfort her or her family. This must be hard on you, too--be strong girl!
*BILL SAGE-(Oriental, NC)-Hey Annie, Thank you for the updates on Frieda. Dee says she just sent you an e-mail, but I thought I thought l should also. We will keep her, her family and you and Wayne in our prayers as well. She is in good hands in Greenville. She is blessed to have a true friend like you. I know you have a lot on your plate just now. Be strong, you give so much of yourself, take care to look after Annie.
*JOHANNE PRYOR AND WINSTON BARNES- (Florence, NC)-Dear Anne and Wayne, my prayers continue to be with Frieda and her family and both of you. Please convey this to Miss Nancy, et al. I know this is hard on you as such good friends. Please get some rest yourself. Hugs and love from Winston and I. I am a hugger too so big ones are sent to you and Frieda's family.
*FLO DANIELS- (Oriental, NC)-(Flo also sent a beautiful poem that I've been saving to post at a later time.)-Hi Anne,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I have met you at the paper. I do the "Do You Remember..?" column for the paper and work with Habitat for Humanity in the county. Since Virginia Berger called me Friday night with the news of Frieda's stroke, Frieda has been in my thoughts and prayers. I emailed Ms. Nancy my thoughts. Please let me know if I can do anything to help the family or paper. Virginia says that Pamlico County prayers work as wehave prayed for her and her brother, Bruce, when we found about their cancers. I am a big believer that good thoughts and prayers work. Penny Dollar Farmer is my pastor, so I have a great pastor and friend. I will be glad to help out in any way.
Please give the family my love and let them know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Also, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how important good friends are in times of trauma. Frieda and you are blessed to have such a friendship.
(and of course, I do remember you Flo! Thank you for the supportive emails you have sent additionally! They are so appreciated!)
*MARK TEACHEY (Wilmington, NC)-So sorry to hear about Freida. Wow. You're right....you never know what can happen in an instant that can change our lives potentially forever. I will be praying for Frieda, her family and her many friends including you. There have been many who have recovered 100% from a stroke and I pray this will be the case for Frieda. Thank you for
sharing about your friendship through your blog. It's a great reminder....
*BRUCE MILLER-(Washington, DC)-Annie -I happened to be looking at the Oriental Town Dock online and it invited me to read your blog about the stroke your good friend Frieda suffered. Having had a stroke a year and a half ago, I felt the need to say a prayer and to jump in to read how Frieda was doing. I must say that I was not fully prepared for the feelings I felt as I read your blog on the concern, fear, hope, friendship, determination and just plain old love for a suffering best friend that I found in your entries. Lady, they don't grow many of them like you. I felt inspired to pause and read all of your blogs. Tell her that there are others out here that are concerned, even though they may not know her personally. Your writings/blogs, showed me what she was like as a friend before the stroke, she sounds like a keeper. Tell her to keep at it and give her alll of the support you can!
So...I hope this gives you an idea of the types of BEAUTIFUL emails that have come to me recently. Just when I think I have totally lost faith in humanity and that people are selfish, greedy, hateful and mean-spirited, something happens that shakes it all up again and God shows us that GOOD IS EVERYWHERE! Even through folks we may not even know.
I was driving home thinking this scripture last night and I don't know why...but I was thinking about Jesus and how he just kept doing the right thing, no matter what people said, did or how they acted. He kept moving forward and upward. "Even in the least of these, so have ye done for me."
THANK YOU all you wonderful people who have written to me. You have given me strength, courage, spirit and most of all you have given me love and hope. I am forever grateful to you for that.
With love to you all,
Annie
PS: There are MANY, MANY more where these came from...as I said, I think I'll start closing the posts with a quote from a FRIEDA FAN!!! To quote my friend Gary Mitchell, who wrote a song titled this..."LOVE ALL AROUND!"

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Tonight was a fun night with Frieda. FUN? Yes. Fun. Wayne, Young Nancy and I were with her during the evening. Our friends Martha and Gene Myers sent a box of goodies for Frieda that are wonderful and will help her tremendously in the coming days. It was already suggested by a nurse last week that Frieda needed a "stress ball" when she was clicking the pen and wanting to hold it. Lo and behold! Martha knew just what was needed. She's mostly a miracle worker herself, just so you know. She works with severe and profoundly disabled children and young adults. Many of these people can do little more than blink, yet Martha finds ways to bring even the slightest bit of communication out of them. She has been a wealth of information in terms of what to say to Frieda, how to say things, interact, etc. Her consensus?
BE NORMAL. Read to her. Talk to her. Give her the same courtesy that she had before the stroke occurred. In this box of goodies were charts that Martha had made for Frieda to look at for now, point to when she's ready and enjoy. There is a "magic wand," and you press a button, which makes it light up and make a MAGICAL sound! There was a door bell type thing that she can press a button and call for someone or just play with it, like the wand. Frieda loved those. But, the hit of the evening was not one bit shocking. It was a water gun!!! She grabbed the water gun and we had one laugh after the other as she pointed at me, she pointed it at the nurses, the nurses station, and basically anyone she felt like giving orders to. The night nurse, Jimmi got a point as soon as she came in the room and Frieda was VERY pleased with herself. She grinned and grinned at the whole thing. The nurse went to move the gun to do assessments on Frieda. It was very funny. Frieda frowned at her and moved the water gun RIGHT BACK to where SHE had it laying on her leg. Without words, so much can be conveyed. I am certain Jimmi didn't move the gun again until after Frieda fell asleep. She also wanted the squeeze ball right beside the gun. That's Frieda. She likes her stuff all around her.
Tonight was NOT a "thumbs up" night. Nope. She wasn't interested in that. She was raising her fist and bumping hands. She had a very focused look. Wayne observed it as being "determined." When Jimmi the nurse was working, she said something that meant a lot. She said there was a lot of love in the room. She spoke with Frieda directly. She did not act like one thing was "wrong" at all. Frieda opened her mouth when asked and closed it for taking her temperature. She looked VERY pleased at getting her teeth brushed and her mouth swabbed. I asked her if it felt nice and she made big eyes and nodded yes.
All her vitals looked very good. Jimmi said everything was very stable. At the end of the nurse check-up, she told Frieda she wanted to "be in the club." Frieda grinned a good grin at her and put up her fist to bump hands. Jimmi, Frieda and I bumped hands and Jimmi hugged her for letting her be "in the club." Watching that interaction was great...especially seeing how the nurses speak to Frieda, engage her and treat her with such respect. It was very touching. And that is what Frieda deserves.
Folks who are "in the field" so to speak, that I have talked with have said it is never too soon to start treating her normally, engaging her in conversations, and stimulating "thought." The doctor said she needed to "think about" moving her right arm, etc. Wayne massaged her arm for a while and then put lotion on it and rubbed it in good. She closed her eyes and looked like she was totally enjoying it. Later, I asked her if it felt good and she nodded. It sure looked like it would be very relaxing!
We laughed at Pat Sajak. (Frieda thinks "Wheel of Fortune" is dumb. She has always said that Pat and Vanna irritate her! HA!)
It is indeed frustrating when she's moving her mouth to talk and it's so hard to know what she wants. I just keep asking her questions and see if we connect on anything. Sometimes we do, sometimes we just change the subject to something we KNOW we can do...like "yes" and "no" things. That's just fine.
As you read the blogs, for those of you who don't know me, please understand that I write what I see. I have no reason, wish or desire to proport my visits as "what I want them to be" or "what I wish they were." Frieda Hudson is a determined, strong willed person. She will do this healing in HER own way and in HER own time. I have nothing to gain by sugar coating even one thing. I am still celebrating the fact that Frieda is such a fighter and she is with us. We all asked God to save her...and she is still with us. How dare I question that at all? Nor would I create what is not there.
Frieda is still Frieda...just different. It might take ages and ages, as many have said. I know that. Wayne knows that and I believe FRIEDA knows that.
I also know that what I see is what I see and those are the things I share with you. Nothing more. Nothing less. No sugar coating here.
I can only talk about what I see myself. But, God has allowed these things and every pretend pistol shoot, every squeeze of the ball, every funny look is a blessing. We all prayed for it. We got it and I am so very thankful.
The speech and occupational therapists come tomorrow to discuss their plans how rehabilitation will begin. That will be interesting and so very helpful in terms of what they will want for Frieda. I didn't get to see it, but before we got there, Frieda had actually sat in a chair for a while!! HOW COOL IS THAT??? When I asked her if it was fun, she looked at me like I was stupid. I laughed at that and she had a look that said, "Sure. Doing all that moving around was just a real hoot Anne."
Frieda says LOTS with her eyes. Knowing how much she loves to talk, I can't even fathom what this must be like for her. BUT! I certainly won't question "what is." We didn't want Frieda to leave us. Clearly Frieda wasn't ready and nor was God. All things happen on God's watch, not ours. So, considering where Frieda was versus where she is today, "progress" cannot be denied.
I said this before, but feel it's worth repeating. Even the tiniest of steps are so worth celebrating with and for Frieda. And as I also said before, these posts about Frieda are worth nothing if I felt I had to "make it all sound good" for the public at large. I don't operate that way. Right now, this is how our visits go. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I just know we accept each day as a gift and one step further away from a very sad and dreary Friday night a couple of weeks ago.
I want to thank you all for loving Frieda enough to read my posts. It was funny to me when I let a couple of days pass last week and didn't post! Boy did the emails start coming again! I had no idea. Now that I know how many of you are reading, keeping up and cheering Frieda on, I'll do this for FRIEDA. I am proud of her progress and yes, it's progress. Everything from this point forward is progress. Keep sending your prayers, support and healing energy. She's soaking it up like a sponge!
And I want to thank you all for the emails you send to me. They offer a great deal of comfort and support. I told Frieda tonight that when she's further along, we will sit down and read each and every one of them together. I know she will love that. The outpouring has been incredible.
With that, a BIG FIST BUMP to you all and a rousting FRIEDA POWER!!! Till next time...

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Today Frieda was moved from the intensive care unit into the intermediate care unit at Pitt Memorial Hospital.
She is now in room 245. Please make a note of this wonderful, wonderful change! Frieda is doing well, just tired,
resting and adjusting to her new environment.
As a reminder, the mailing address for Frieda is:
"PATIENT FRIEDA HUDSON-ROOM 245 NORTH TOWER
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
2100 Stantonsburg Road
PO Box 6028
Greenville, North Carolina 27835-6028

This is a great move! Rehabilitation can now begin and that's a great thing!

Because Frieda is out of ICU, she can receive flowers. Again, not asking for any! So many folks have wanted to send a plant or flowers and they are not allowed in ICU.

We've been waiting for this day!! KEEP GOING FRIEDA! We are right with you!!!

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It's late and I'm tired, but I feel like relishing through the details of the past two weeks.
Two weeks. Those two words have resonated in my mind all day today. I am so happy to say where we are on "this side" of two weeks (as opposed to where we were initially) is much better. There are still a lot of uncertainties. There are still all the unknowns that lie ahead. There is much work to be done. But, in two weeks time, I have watched Frieda Hudson battle for her life. She has made it quite clear she intends to stay around with us. I am glad for that.
We all knew that Frieda is a fighter...but watching this type of fight is a different matter entirely. I have had all kinds of questions. Does she know anyone? Are you sure of what you're seeing? Is that what she really means? Are those just reflexes when she squeezes? I guess those are perfectly legitimate questions...for someone who hasn't had the priviledge of watching Frieda. I have quizzed her on names. Some, her eyes light up, others she frowns and looks puzzled. Tonight she scribbled on the dry erase board. Nothing more, nothing less. Just scribble. The key point to note here is that FRIEDA made it clear that she wanted to do that. She also simply wanted to hold the pen. It didn't "click," and she rolled her eyes. I need to say to you how beautiful that scribble was! Is it fair for me to discuss how thrilling it is to watch Frieda even know what a PEN is? I say yes. I say that EVERY tiny little thing is worth celebrating. I say every frown, eye roll, grin, nod, every everything is worth mentioning if I am going to portray to you things as I see them. Otherwise, making these posts would be useless. I am trying to convey that we are spoiled as humans. We want instant gratification. We have no patience. We want what we want when WE want it and on our terms. Well, these are FRIEDA HUDSON'S terms. She calls these shots. I convey them to you.
I know what is ahead. I am no stranger to catastrophic illness. For example, my mother has Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease also claimed the life of my grandmother. The difference here is that Frieda CAN improve and has no way to go from here but UP. That, sadly was not the case for my grandmother and we're still pushing for research for my mother. I can make a difference in this situation by working WITH Frieda. As I said before, I am so honored to be by her side and I will help her in any way that I can.
As for the thumb's up....it was right there waiting for us today. I was thrilled by it too. And consider this...I told Frieda that folks probably didn't believe she could even MAKE a thumbs up. She did it right away. I said, "Hey...let's pose for a picture of just our hands just to show the world you're really doing this." There she went...THUMBS UP! So, I joined her. The pictures are posted for you to see, enjoy and reflect on.
Yep, this is going to be a long haul. I have nowhere else I would rather be than beside my friend, being a friend and helping my friend. Thank you all for the emails and most of all for the support and prayers. Prayer IS a powerful, power means of sending love, healing energy, support and faith to others. Prayer in itself sends ENERGY to those we are praying for. That is a physiological fact. So, please keep praying.
Prayers are appreciated by many, as I will demonstrate.
Presidential Press Secretary Tony Snow is an incredible man. He battled cancer, went into remission and now the cancer is back. Yet, he continues his job, he continues his positive attitude and he continues his total faith in God and in prayer for his healing. Shortly, I will share with you an excerpt from an email I received from him today. I think you will see that prayer is something we should all use to send energy to ANYONE, ANYWHERE who is in need, having health issues, etc. There is a simple slogan that says, "Prayer works." You'll get no argument here. Prayer does work. I've been witnessing that for a long time, but most recently, during my time spent with my wonderful, dear friend. In the presence of great medical minds, great abilities and great medical care, have you ever heard one person say, "I'm getting such great care here...just save those prayers for someone else." I know I've never heard anything like that. I personally don't know anyone that brave or fearless!
I sat and prayed this evening for a family who had to make a terrible decision to take the father off life support. They were calm, they were at peace. Was the man ill? NO! He had come in for routine tests and he had a reaction the dye used for his medical tests. Their priest was with them and they went as a family for their loved one's last rites. I prayed for them for comfort as they made decisions as to what organs were viable enough to be donated. This family was STILL calm, loving and GIVING, even in an unexpected death. I prayed and thanked God for the wonderful things I have seen, including the incredible strength of the human spirit. I've watched families supporting each other, friends rallying for each other, medical professionals doing the myriad of jobs that they do, including comforting all of us who "wait."
I know that things could have been totally different today, on this 'two week mark,' if any little thing had been different in this story.
(This is NOT political. This is from the heart of a man with a potentially deadly disease. Consider prayer and how he looks at it and ask yourself if you have "helped" anyone today. Everyone thinks they have no time to help anyone...just too busy, too crazy at work...whatever...but truly, are we? Prayer is available at anytime.) Tony wrote:
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you thinking of me and raising my name in prayer. Prayers have enormous power. They're good medicine - and they certainly have lifted my spirits. I feel as if I have been borne on the shoulders of thousands of friends, all of whom have made the ride easier than I ever could have imagined. We're blessed to live in a land where people just want an excuse to do something good for someone else. Thanks for taking advantage of that opportunity with me. Please encourage others to do it closer to home for other friends in need. Kind words, notes, emails, and small gestures have a way of lightening the load, while making our own lives richer and more rewarding." -Tony Snow emailed 8/10/07
Think about that when you say you just don't have enough time to do the things you'd love to do for others. Pray.
Enjoy the pictures Frieda and I have taken for you. We loved making them and I am so thrilled to share them with you. And Tony, we're still praying for you too, my friend. Hang in there.

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It's 12:46am and I've spent the past couple of hours thinking specifically about this post. I can't say enough about the emails I continue to receive every day, offering love and support to Frieda Hudson. Just when I think about how selfish our society has become, something happens that slides my opinion to a more positive place. There have been many reasons recently that "people" have been beyond disappointing. I have watched greed guide and direct lives knowingly hurting and harming others. Looking after 'self' seems to have superceded all compassion and concern for neighbor and fellow man. So I sound like a person who looks at life negatively? Not in the least. I've always been an optomist. It's just that there are those times in life that make no sense to me...until today. Things became clear in terms of all the things, that "life" throws at us. All of us have struggles. All of us have situations we'd rather not be in. All of us have circumstances beyond our control. I think it's safe to say that no matter what cognitive place Frieda might be in right now, I saw Frieda in her truest form shine through this evening.
The first visit was brief. Gray, Sarah, Young Nancy, Marah and I were together with Frieda. She seemed aggitated. She seemed uncomfortable. I thought that even that is something to be happy about. At least she is with us to "be" all those things. She looked great from the tracheotomy. She had good color, etc. Shortly after I arrived, the nurse said she was going to give pain medicine and we would have to go. Visit two offered a more rested, more comfortable Frieda. When Young Nancy, Marah and I returned, she was making good eye contact, she was smiling at me when I walked in and even "got" a couple of my stupid jokes. For giggles, I threw some terms out there to see what was returned to me. I told Frieda that Alltel had cancelled my package for "non use" since she had been in the hospital. With that, her eyes grew big, then I saw the connection...JOKE! She grinned at us really big and when we laughed, she continued to grin and squint her eyes tightly. That was great. I asked if she remembered using a pen on Sunday and she looked very shocked at that and reached toward me. Young Nancy handed off a dry erase pen and she started to try to click the top of it. There was nothing to click and she looked at us with a very puzzled look. And then started to draw "air circles." Nancy got the dry erase board and she began to scribble. The scribble began like an "F." We said, "FRIEDA! That looks like your signature," which brought another grin. I then told her that she had just signed a check and I was on my way to the bank with it. That drew a frown. We laughed hard! That was just like our Frieda. (I understand that before I got there, Sarah was able to get a smirky eye roll from Frieda when she had asked her about something! Sarah said she'd been waiting 13 days for that eye roll!)
The last visit of the evening brought something very wonderful. It has carried me for the rest of the day. I had no idea how I could even convey what Young Nancy and I saw in this blog. I just know that it happened. When the two of us returned, Frieda made us know she was uncomfortable in her bed. The nurses moved her into a better position, she indicated by pointing that she wanted the tube moved from one side of her face to the other. The nurses took care of that. She seemed sorted and okay then. I was getting an odd look from her, however, and it was a look with a question attached. I knew she was asking what is going on. I have seen that look a couple of times in the past few days. It was a stare directly at me. Frieda and I do not keep things from each other. Never have. I could feel what she wanted. I was holding her hand and she squeezed tightly while looking at me. I simply said, "Frieda, we're going to do this thing together aren't we? We're going to do everything we have to do together to get you well." Frieda was nodding up and down. I continued in saying "I know you'd do the same thing for me and we're just going to do whatever it takes and get you well." Frieda continued to nod up and down and stare at me. All at once, she let go of my hand and formed a fist. In a blink, she had a "thumbs up," pumping her hand up and down at me. Tears began to roll, Young Nancy began to cry. I handed that thumbs up right back and told Frieda that indeed we would go through this together and that it would all be okay. I saw fear turn into determination. I saw Frieda making the statement that YES. She would come out of this and yes, if it were happening to me, she'd be doing the same thing. I saw many confirmations. I pretended to fuss and said, "Now look what you've done! I was NOT going to cry." Laughter followed quickly when she frowned and shook her head "no."
How does this connect with how I opened this post? Life is all about choices. Some of us make good ones and some of us make bad ones. Life is about being able to cope with the moment, live in the moment and do the very best you can to do your best. Even making the best choices we can, bad things happen sometimes. There is no preparation for that. We just have to be strong enough on our own and possess a kind of conviction that comes from the INSIDE. Sheer will is what makes or breaks a survivor. I saw a surivor speak her heart today. Am I sure of what I saw? You bet I am. Young Nancy saw her mother assume a role today. It was that of a survivor.
There are things that happen to us all that we do not want to experience. But at times like this afternoon, I am restored, invigorated and renewed. I am reminded that even in the midst of "the bad," good can and does come from it. I have a feeling that we're just getting started with all that we will learn from Frieda and this experience. If I know her at all, she'll be knocking the odds down like bowling pins. I am seeing blessings even in these crucial times. Does God bless or show favor to one over another? No. I certainly dont believe that. But He does give us all "free will" and our choices are a result of that.
Frieda Hudson will choose to win, to come out on top and to be the best she can possibly be. Her competetive spirit has not waivered one bit. I am so very thankful for that.
Since I have known Frieda Hudson, I have seen nothing but example after example of "actions speak louder." She is an "actions" kind of gal. Nope, she's not mushy gushy. She doesn't shout from the mountain tops all she is capable of. She doesn't ever whine either. She's not hugging all over anyone...she's a doer. Frieda will get this job done too. Her quiet strength and determination will prevail in the aftermath of this stroke. I am a priviliedged observer.
The "thumbs up" said everything. Yes, my dear Frieda. We ARE going to do this thing together. We're going to take the bull by the horns and drag it kicking and screaming all the way up the long, uncertain road that waits ahead. And here I am getting confidence once again from my friend who is still in an intensive care unit at Pitt Memorial Hospital. THUMBS UP my friend! You betcha! We are going to do this thing together. Actions will speak so much louder.

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