Brooks' Rehab Resort

Living out here in the Northwest means I am very far from family. Considering my health and the number of times I've been sick or had surgery, it could be very frightening, but God has provided for me in a huge way. When momMA and I were matched in Charis neither of us knew what kind of relationship God had in mind. He has blessed me beyond measure by placing her in my life. Her home is fondly called "Brooks' Rehab Resort," a clever name she gave it since I have recovered, recuperated and rehabbed at it following three surgeries now. I love the peace and comfort that surrounds me here. momMA loves me as a daughter and so I am free to be myself. Her husband has resigned himself to being my WA Dad and even occasionally wraps me in a hug and tells me he loves me. The Brooks are "good people." Today they are on a ride, enjoying the sunshine and getting out of the house. I'm still not up to being in a car that long, so I stayed home. It was a nice break for all of us. Dave can have his wife to himself and I can savor alone time. My tank will be full by the time they get home later tonight. I was going to write more about my surgery and recovery but I've decided I don't want to at this time. I still get very tired and the other things that are going through my head aren't ready to be shared yet. Here are some pictures of my beautiful "Rehab Garden." Who could help but get better here -- surrounded by sunlight, colors, fresh air and quiet? I miss the U.P. but in its absence, I wouldn't trade Brooks' Rehab Resort for anything.

Candid Pics

My surgery is over and I'm feeling great. I've had very minimal pain...a little bit of internal "heaviness" and the area around the five incisions is sore but nothing major. I've only taken two ibuprofen since I've been home. Immediately after surgery, I complained of pain so they gave me something in my IV - which I totally over-reacted to. I was completely out of it for about 24 hours. I couldn't wake up and I don't remember anything from that time period. Apparently I was able to communicate and answered questions in a way that made sense but I don't remember. Later, I was looking at my phone and saw that I took pictures. Here are the unedited snapshots I took when I was stoned and unaware of pretty much anything:

Who was I smiling at?

Sweet potato pancakes and sausage

Keeping blood clots at bay

Flowers from Megan

Arterial draw arm protector

And here are pictures momMA took after I got home. These are at Brooks' Rehab Resort. I am receiving great care. My nurse is the best.

Flowers from Mom, Dad, and Johnny

Sunshine from Megan

My devoted guard dog. He has watched over me faithfully.

Look at me Sissy. I'm watching you from the upstairs balcony. 

I'm still a little unsure of events and time so when I'm more coherent I'll write an update about my surgery. 

This and That

So I've come to terms with not having a child of my own and have decided to have a hysterectomy. It was a long internal struggle to agree to this but I'm at the point where I realize I can't raise a child feeling the way I do and I'm going to feel the way I do until I take charge of my health. My iron stores are depleted, I'm tired all the time, I've been sick more times this year than in the past several and in general I don't feel like myself. I knew this would take planning but I had no idea how much was involved or how busy I'd be. Part of it is because I'm working under a very tight schedule and everyone is trying to fit everything in before surgery. Part of it is that it is the end of the school year so I have lots of loose ends to tie up. Anyway, in the past two weeks I've had three appointments, with four more next week and surgery the following week...all while having strep throat and a trip to urgent care to receive steroid shots and a breathing treatment. It has been crazy. So, what does one do when life seems to be spinning completely out of control? When it seems the wisest thing is just to hold on tight and hope you don't fall off? If you are looking for a spiritual answer, you better go read another blog because I'm about to tell you the secret to my sanity, and it isn't spiritual. The secret is: 

Dream about re-decorating your house and backyard, of course.

Yep, that's it. Every time I start to feel overwhelmed, I work on a project for my living room. I purchased a new pull-out sofa on Craigslist. As a get-well splurge for myself I bought an awesome antiqued/distressed teal end table and I went to HobLob to get material to re-do the footstools and toss pillows in the living room. The new theme is "Nest" or "Home." I'll show you some of my inspirations, including the color scheme:

 New (used) loveseat

Distressed teal end table

And for the backyard:

Can't wait!!!

And, finally...this week's IchaBAD snapshot.