Jim has been getting calls from another foreman who has taken over his job. This only seems to enhance husbands need to get back to work. I know Jim will not stand for light duty for more than a few days. As he is already feeling a bit more mobile, the cranky stir crazies have hit him. I know you cannot keep a working man down for long, however, due to the nature of his injury, if he goes back to working like he used to, he will reinjure his back. I cannot convince him as Jim defines himself through his work. It is deeply emotional for him to direct his own job from a couch at home. He simply hates it. He's a hands on foreman, directing the flow of a job by doing some of the hard labor himself. I know husband fears being perceived as weakened, and I know he wants to shrug the image of "bad back syndrome" as soon as he can. This is a tough position for me to be in, part health care provider, part supporting wife. It is difficult to know what to say sometimes and which position I should play!

Friday Jim and I are going to play a poker tourney in Atlantic City! I am scared to death lovies! jim seems to think he can sit through a tourney and we shall see. I think he shouldn't push it, he thinks I should go make some cash! LOL I am not so sure that I am ready to face real players as opposed to internet foes. He says "go baby go", and I know he is the gambler in the family! Thus I am the better poker player in the long run. Hubbie thinks we need to play hookie, now that he is up and semi-running! I say wait.........you are still doing a good imitation of John Wayne! Hubbie said, "lets go, I get to watch you win!" What a guy! Pain and all and still he is supporting a dream. Lucy Dear I need pointers big time!!!!

Husband is feeling better now that the meds have kicked in. He can return to work on Monday for light duty. I was glad to see our family Dr. take a conservative approach to Jim's care. He will be starting Physical Therapy next week. Doc also reccommended a few more preventative measures, including losing a little weight, and perhaps a excercise regiman. All in all I had already decided not to get pushed into more stringent methods of care such as surgery. However husband will have to be more careful of his physical body as it is his bread and butter. Emotionally this has been trying for Jim. He is a very strong man at 6 ft and 240 lbs. To see him in such pain and to have to be waited on hand and foot has been draining for him. The kiddos have been awesome, but you can tell they are concerned. For now Jim at least is moving slowly, walking much like a constipated John Wayne. He hates this forced break from work and although a bit stir crazy, has accepted my ministrations rather well. Thanks all for your kind support and prayers of love. I love you all right back.

I have been in the Dr.s office for two hours now with my husband. He tried to lift a sheet of heavy steel at work and hurt his back. I suspect at least a bulging disc, if not herniated disc in his lower back.

This is more disconcerting for him than me, but I am very upset as well. He has had to crawl, as he cannot walk, and I have had to help him into his more comfortable sweats. He keeps tearing up from the pain. He keeps apologizing. I keep reassuring him. I, his wife have been married to this man for 16 years this May! I am in this for the long haul, better or worse. He wouldn't leave me in a moment of need, why would I leave him?

But husband is so very stoic, and this time it is disconcerting for me to see him in this much pain. I am the wimp in the family!

My Boys are launching a new acoustic tour! They will be in NYC April 13,14 2006. Guess who will be there? ME! She talks to Angels................