Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Email "1 Week Later"

Email to Family & Friends on 2/21/2018:

Well, to say it's been an interesting 6 days would be an understatement - considering the fact that memories from days 1-4 are hit and miss, I finally feel like I am getting back to being me!  My injury happened on January 10th so I was definitely ready for surgery over a month later ... and now 7 days later, I feel like I am on the road to recovery.  Here are some of my reflections: they are worth the price of admission so feel free to take them or leave them.

1) I am always amazed in times of strife who rises to the top - close friends, family, acquaintances.  I have been through alot of strife in the past 10 years and I am still awed by the power of a serving heart!

2) Physical Therapists are like lactation consultants - a totally different breed!  I think that their mothers withheld toys from them as children and just said "Dig deep.  You can fight through the pain."

3) I vaguely remember my surgeon calling me last Wednesday after the surgery to check on me - I have no recollection of what I said; just praying that he doesn't blush when I see him on Monday for my post-op visit!

4) I have decided at this point that the only way I will not go insane over the next few weeks is to tell myself that rehab is now my occupation ... seeing as how being a woman of leisurely tennis was an occupational hazard, I hope that seeing it as a job will help me to find some solace in my immobility.

5) Pooping is a big deal for so many of us ;-)  Thanks for all the honest feedback and for the tips.  Prayers were answered and I no longer feel like I am carrying a pumpkin around in my mid-section.

6) Don't ever take the ability to do laundry for granted.  First and foremost, God blessed us to live in the era of washers and dryers - no washboards or clotheslines here ... but even with the modern appliances, when you are "couch-bound", you long to do even the most mundane tasks!  Today, I will do laundry!

7) I miss going out to lunch.  Most of you know that I go out to lunch everyday - I have pondered saving the roughly $10/day - $50/week - $2500/year - and making ham sandwiches at home.  But I find utter joy in being able to visit with friends over a Roly Poly sandwich or a Taco Casa taco and this "setback" has only recommitted me to my going out to lunch - because at some point, I will be able to do it again!

8) I can't wait to know "Why me, God?"  Certainly not life or death, by any means; but I always wonder why God brings specific trials into our lives.  Some answers I might get this side of heaven; but, the true reveal of how my injury has worked for His kingdom will only come when I see Him face-to-face!

Specific Prayers:
1) That I am healing on the inside as well it seems I am healing on the outside.  Hopefully, this will be clear on Monday at my post-op appointment.  However, I guess he will take out my stitches on Monday and the idea of that keeps me up at night!
2) Our new routine includes Barrett taking the kids to school in the morning - this has totally shot his routine which is very hard for him ... but it's good for them to have this bonding time in the car ;-)
3) That I would do this new "job" well!

This will probably be my last update, as the next chapter reveals itself.  I will see the surgeon for post-op on Monday morning and, hopefully, get a new brace that will allow me more mobility - the current one keeps my leg in a fairly straight position so it's no fun at all.  Hopefully, I will also know about the timeframe for driving, etc.  Thank you again for all of your support - the meals have been a true blessing and I cannot wait to get in your car in the coming days - I might be in tears on the way home from PT, but having a loving friend next to me, will make all the pain better!

Thank you for your love and your support!
Love,
Jennifer

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