Good morning! It's been awhile, I know. I suppose I could have written something mundane during these last few weeks but, honestly, my brain just couldn't come up with anything worth putting down in black and white. A lame excuse, I know.
It's been a continuation of what the last few months have been...resting, ...well, resting. I'm so grateful for all the prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, flowers and food with which we've been lavished. Hard to imagine going through this without our family and community. In addition to resting quite a bit I'm starting to take on some little chores around the house, take longer walks -- I've even gone to Costco (that was an adventure even with help) and Goodwill!
This is my "learning to be proactive" story. This morning I had a CT scan, prior to our next trip to the dr. in Seattle on Nov. 20. Since my last scan was so difficult I forewarned the necessary people before I went in. (I learned they call me a "hard stick"). What a difference! The technician (Rob) told me he was a "veteran", that a nurse was standing by with the ultrasound machine (to find a suitable vein) in case he had trouble -- they were ready. I did my part by staying warm and drinking lots of water beforehand. It was beautiful. Quick, painless, done! I also told Rob there were people praying this morning and he said, "Good!"
I grew up during a time when the family doctor knew you so well you rarely had to be proactive, and it just wasn't a normal thing to do. You just trusted they knew what to do and would do it. This was a long time ago, mind you. Penicillin wasn't in common use until I was 5 or so! Hard to believe, I know. Also, people died a lot younger! When medical care began to change it was a challenge to switch to having a proactive mindset, where you're the one who gets things to happen, not your doctor, where you understand you have choices -- but I'm getting better and better at it.
Another thing I've learned these last few weeks is when the dr. says it'll take at least 6 weeks to recuperate...emphasize the "at least"! Especially when you're an older chick. AND...it takes a village. I've learned to bless people by receiving their gifts of love gladly.
I'm mindful of my dear friend, Christina Nevill, who delivered little Isaiah by C-Section 10 days ago and now this week will have her 3rd brain surgery to remove malignant tumor. My heart is with her and her husband Doug and baby Isaiah...and all who are walking by their side through this. God says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. In those day when you pray, I will listen." That's Jeremiah 29:11.
