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For better or for worse...

By
Mortgage and Lending with Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. NMLS257576

Well, it has been FOREVER (over a month!) since I posted. So in the spirit of the meaning of "blog" (web log) I need to catch up before moving forward.

For better or for worse is the name of this post, as the month of February (the one month of the year that represents LOVE) gave our marriage of over 28 years an opportunity to test both.Sunrise in Cabo

cabo beachFor Better: We had an incredible twelve days to sit in the sun with friends and family in Cabo.

We woke each morning to an incredible sunrise, somehow always different from the day before.

The first 5 days we spent with friends of 25 years, just the four of us. Our children and grandchildren joined us for the last seven days bringing our total to fourteen.

 

Cabo beachPool, beach, beer, snorkeling, sand castles... you get the idea: 14 days of fun in the sun! Even the twins who are three and half didn't Cabo beachhave time to snivel about a thing!

 

At the end of the trip, we surveyed "Who wants to come back next year?"

 

The answer was unaminous!

Cabo beachcabo beach

 

We got back just in time for me to repack and head to New Orleans for a real estate convention called the Keller Williams Family Reuinion. Even though I was tired from such a great vacation, I was really looking forward to the convention as it's such a wealth of training and networking opportunities that I was excited about going (even though we left for the airport at 3:45 am!) We finally got to New Orleans on Saturday (there were 7 of us in our group) in time to get settled in the hotel and head out for dinner. (Still wondering what the difference is between creol and cajon spices??) Sunday morning we headed for the New Orleans Convention Center just a few blocks (LONG blocks) down the way. First day of classes left me pumped for what the next 3 days would add!

Heading back to the convention center it started to drizzle just enough to wet the streets and sidewalks. And if you've been in New Orleans, you know their sidewalks leave a lot to be desired. Loose cobblestones, gravel, decayed asphalt... that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I slipped coming off the curb, bounced twice before telling the others not to move me, I was in too much pain.

I went to the scariest emergency room in the country (but then I don't have a lot of experiences to draw from to be honest). Hours and xrays later it was determined I had broken my hip. and would have to have hip surgery.

Here's where the second part of my post comes in.

Or for worse:

My husband (sitting in front of the TV in Colorado) got the call about 10:00 Sunday night. By the time I was going into surgery the next morning, he was on a plane heading to New Orleans.

What is amazing is how quickly a very independent, self sufficient individual can change to total dependency needs overnight! I don't know how my husband tolerated me over the next few weeks??? Surgery happened on Monday and I was released on Friday. In the meantime, I learned how to use a walker, why handicap bathrooms are so important, and how to shower when you can't stand up!

On Saturday we were booked on a flight back to Denver. I had plenty of time to worry about people bumping into me, how to get into my seat (even though it was a bulk head, I was a handicap IN PAIN and had no experience in navigating these types of things!) How to get from a walker into a wheel chair and then HOW TO TRUST PEOPLE to PUSH me! During the 3 hour non stop flight home, my oldest daughter and her husband got a handicap toilet for me, converted my regular shower to a hand held, and made arrangement to get a temporary ramp over the steps so I could get into my house when I got home.

My husband spent the next three days at home with me, continuing to help me with every imaginable detail of my daily survival activities. Something he has never had to do before, and something I have never had to rely on him to do.cabo beach

My sister flew in to release him of duty on Thursday of last week. And every day gets A LOT BETTER!

But through all of this, even though I'd prefer NOT to have had this experience, it is reassuring to know that when Jim and I took the vows promising "for better or for worse" 28 years ago... he meant it!

February, 2010 wias a GREAT month for me!

 

 

 

Posted by

Ruth Vogt, Reverse Loans in Colorado

Ruth Vogt
NMLS #257576
Reverse "Retirement" Mortgage Lender

Educating 62+ homeowners on how to leverage home equity allowing them to live more comfortably in their retirement years.

Leave a Legacy
or LIVE a LEGACY?

   

 

Call or Text Me:
303-881-7849

1271 Kelly Johnson Blvd. #110
Colorado Springs, CO 80109

ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the view of Fairway Independent Mortgage.

 

Comments (17)

Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Oh wow, Ruth.  How awful.  I wish you a speedy recovery.  But it is great that you have so many people to help you.  I am sure you will be running around as good as new very soon.

Mar 07, 2010 05:17 AM
Mike Wilbur
Guild Mortgage Company and Oregon Homes For Heroes - Salem, OR

Your trip sounded great.  Here is wishing you a speedy recovery!

Mar 07, 2010 05:21 AM
Mike Wilbur
Guild Mortgage Company and Oregon Homes For Heroes - Salem, OR

Your trip sounded great.  Here is wishing you a speedy recovery!

Mar 07, 2010 05:21 AM
Ruth Vogt
Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO
719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Jane, SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN! I thought of you frequently while I was in Cabo feeling guilty that I wasn't as good as you posting pics everyday! It seems like forever since we've touched base! Thanks for remembering me! :)

Mike, thanks for the speedy recovery wishes. For now, my speed is limited to the drag of my walker: step, drag, step, drag! ha!

Mar 07, 2010 06:01 AM
Dawn A Fabiszak
Private Label Realty ( Denver metro area, Colorado - Aurora, CO
The Dawn of a New Real Estate Experience!

Ruth ~  The better thing was that you had your vacation first!  The worse thing was that it even had to happen!  Hope to see you at Raincamp on Tuesday if you are feeling up to it!

Mar 07, 2010 06:07 AM
Anonymous
Jim Hansen

Hi Ruth,

It sounds lik you had a wonderful time with family and friends in Cabo. I'm not surprised...YOU are a person who actively creates that sort of experience for others and yourself!

My son, Ben, attends Tulane, in New Orleans. A few months ago, he tripped on a sidewalk (sic), almost did a face plant, but caught himself before he hit, and broke a hand in the process!

And, you know what? I'm not a bit surprised at how Jim responded to your need. Because, he is really that kind of man!

I feel privileged to know you both.

Mar 07, 2010 06:45 AM
#6
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Oh My goodness Ruth, I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you and thankful that you are doing better and have such a great family to help you while you mend.  I have to say, and I'm sure you will agree, I liked the first half of your story A LOT better!  It's nice to see you again - welcome back Ruth!

Mar 07, 2010 09:22 AM
Guy Thomas
WR Starkey Mortgage - Colorado Springs, CO

Ruth it is good to see you back on the blog. I hope you keep progressing at the speed you are. We all miss having you at the office.

Mar 07, 2010 03:54 PM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

I knew something wasn't right when you weren't around. I'm glad you were able to enjoy your Cabo vacation first! Just take things slow and don't over do it!

Mar 07, 2010 11:13 PM
Kerry Knudson
Cherry Creek Properties, LLC - Colorado - Castle Rock, CO
Broker, Realtor, SFR

Glad to see your post, Ruth, and I'm glad you're feeling a bit better each day!  Take care, Kerry

Mar 08, 2010 07:06 AM
Nancy Murray
Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty, Colorado Springs, CO - Colorado Springs, CO
Your NICE Real Estate Agent in Colorado Springs

Ruth, Now we know the whole story.  I'm glad you had such a good time in Cabo with family and friends before your accident.  Hope you are getting your strength back for RainCamp tomorrow!  Glad to see you back on AR, we missed you!

Nancy

Mar 08, 2010 11:36 AM
Ruth Vogt
Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO
719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Dawn, it was great seeing you yesterday!

Jim, always great hearing from you. How is California (that is where you moved, right?)

Mary, were you at rain camp yesterday? I was hoping to bump into you.  :(

Guy, be careful what you wish for! ha!

Mar 10, 2010 06:17 AM
Ruth Vogt
Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO
719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Jackie, Over do it? Hard to stay in neutral when you're used to running in high. But trying really hard!

Kerry, It was great to see you yesterday at Raincamp!

Nancy, It's so great to get things back into a familiar routine, even it's just a few things at a time. Good seeing you yesterday! Did you get my present today?

 

Mar 10, 2010 06:21 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Ruth, I did not get to go, I was bummed all day - but other things got in the way of attending. I'm already waiting "for the next one"!

Mar 10, 2010 07:05 AM
Ruth Vogt
Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO
719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Too bad. It was terrific! But they are already scheduling another one to cover short sales and foreclosures, I think???

Mar 10, 2010 07:32 AM
Ray Saenz
Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX
Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Ruth,
Well ! sometimes we don't want things happens on that way, we don't know the reasons why on that way, but I'm sure that your husband is a great supporter, take care

 

Mar 15, 2010 05:09 PM
Ruth Vogt
Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO
719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Yes, Ray, he is. I'm fortunate!

Mar 16, 2010 08:02 AM