Two Weeks Behind Me

Going in to surgery, I knew things in my life would likely not ever return to the way it had been. I was mentally prepared for the changes I would be facing, and so far, I have been proud of my focus. Time is a biggie in this; two weeks here, the next two weeks, and so on. Andy has been a real trooper, and I owe him big. Did I say big - what an understatement!!

My first words out of surgery were, "I change my mind!" Andy and Jackie had a laugh, but I think I half-way meant it. The next two weeks proved much harder and complicated than I imagined - because the surgery itself went just fine; it was all the drama afterwards.

My heart decided on Thursday to go into spasms. One minute, I'm watching the Spurs, the next - my room is filled with all sorts of folks because my heart is in fibrillation. Scary is not the word; it truly was undescribable. If not for those nurses beside me, I think I would have been totally out of control. (See previous post)

The rest of my time in the hospital was spent in dealing with getting my heart back into its normal rhythm, and now I am at home wearing a monitor for three weeks. The doctors in the know suspect that this was a result of stress from the surgery, and that all should be just fine. I am taking them at their word. As far as I know, I haven't skipped a beat since, pun intended!

So, less than two weeks out of surgery, I am off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds. That alone makes this whole thing bearable.

And last night, I rejoined the group at DQ! Yes, I sat there, surrounded by fries, gravy and cokes, sipping on my unsweetened tea. Instead of feasting on the food that put me where I am now, I feasted on conversation and love.

Why didn't I figure this out years ago?!?!

Angels Among Us

This past week has offered me many things to blog about. Unfortunately, there was no computer available, and when there was, no brain to use.



I know that I am loved. I have come in the past year or so to feel it in so many ways among family, church members and friends - and I have come to accept and relish that affection. But this past week, I was loved by people who had no history with me or the eventuality of a future friendship. They loved me because they are servants of healing - nurses, doctors, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and ladies who cleaned my room. While in my presence, I was their priority and focus.



At one very low point, when I was more scared than I have ever been, some strangers came to my comfort and support. They held my hands, looked me in the eye, and assured me that they were right there beside me. Later, several came to find me on another floor, because they were concerned about what had happened to me that evening.



The Men and Women of Methodist Transplant and Surgery Hospital have my undying (appropriate choice of words!! ) thanks and appreciation. I will never look at the scripture about "angels unaware" the same again.



When I left today, some came by the room and some found me in the hall. Some hugged; one told me to "soar as high as the sky." I will always pray for their works and hope for them a long and happy life.



Linda - Omar - Jolie - Dr. Guerra - Amy - Kim - Tres - Minna - Mikey - Angelina, and Sharon. Many whose names I have already forgotten; but never, ever their kindnesses toward me. A stranger. One patient among the throngs that pass through their halls.



They have no idea... how could they??

Meanwhile, back at the mine....

Like millions of other people around the world last night, I watched as one-by-one, the Chilean miners were rescued from their "jail" 2 miles below the earth's crust. As each man was brought up, tears would form in my eyes - I had no clue who these men were, even if they were decent men deserving of rescue - and yet the emotions of those around me were contaigious. Family, friends, fellow miners, even the Chilean President and his wife, were all there; with each one a loud chant would rise up. I could repeat it with them by too long - wondering what in the world I was saying!!

Sorryfully, I had two negative thoughts come to mind; would Obama and Michelle stand in support for 24 hours for American miners? Maybe in an election year and they were'nt on vacation.... the other thought was, "if this was in American, standing along the edge would be lawyer upon lawyer. How sad that on this happy occasions these indictments of our society came to mind.

In the end, all was over. The last rescuer bowed before the camera deep inside the earth, grabbed his back of rocks, and waved to the men up above before climbing into the Phoenix to ascend to the fresh air of life. It was an enhilarating moment to behold!!

Now, my prayer is that they will all fall into obscurity and get back to the life they had over 70 days ago; family, work, peace. I hope the world leaves them alone in thankfullness for what they masterfully endured.

Two things -


First - after 6 weeks of agony with my right knee, a new doctor injected me with cortisone, and I feel 90% better!! Saturday in Austin, I felt like and old, old woman - today, much more my age!!

Second - I miss my friend, Jackie, so much!! Between my knee knocking me out, and her being in Denver, I really, really miss her!! Come home, soon, my friend!!

Rain, rain, and more rain!!

My God can really answer prayers!! After many months of dryness and absolutely horrid heat, He came through and has blessed us with the most beautiful rain showers and cool temperatures! It has been such a beautiful sight to see it fall, and to feel the refreshing air when the opportunity comes to be outside - hopefully the cycle will continue for a while, but if it doesn't, we will take what is given to us.

Thank you, Father, for hearing us and sending us such relief! You truly bless us!!

Good, good news!!

Dr.'s office called today - all the results are benign!!! Jackie said she knew it, and I wanted to know it, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious when the phone rang!!

So, thanks be to God for His loving care, and thanks to all of you who've been with me through the ordeal!! Now, I can plan on that trip to the mountains with nothing hanging over me!!