Katie and Cina, who once again drove me to and stayed with me at the hospital. They are so generous and funny and make these challenging situations as fun as they can possibly be. I am quite sure I laugh more than “normal” people in similar situations — and the girls play a big role in that!
Working with some of the most generous, delightful, funny, smart, caring nurses, docs, and other staff at the hospital. They really are an amazing group of people. (Though I’ve decided I need to go in every few weeks with cookies and visit them THAT way instead of being admitted….) 😛
The chance being in the hospital gave me to refine my MDFUN bingo cards. The nurses loved them and I learned so many interesting things about their lives and had so many fun conversations with them. One nurse even told us, “I was going to give you to another nurse, but I’m going to steal you!” We had so much goofy fun with her!
The sense of perspective my first night in the hospital gave me. That was a no-sleep night in a shared room with a woman who was having SUCH a rough time. I wished I could help her somehow. So did the nurses. Tough for everyone. 🙁 Reminded me of how fortunate I am.
Fantastic view from my 2nd room (and the chance it gave me to get some rest!)! On Tuesday the skyline played hide-and-seek through the fog. Gorgeous. 💙
My excellent stats in Tissue B-Ball (making shots across the room from the hospital bed). Final score on Monday was 30 shots made and 14 missed. (That may not sound like much, but YOU try throwing with either your non-dominant hand or an arm with an IV in it and see how well YOU do!) 😝
The lovely visits, calls, and texts from people while I was in the hospital. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of family and friends!
Pics and updates from Sarah. I am SUPER bummed to be missing our trip, but it sure is sweet to see Ida discovering sand and waves and geckos! 💚
Feeling so much better after transfusions and IV iron. Holy moly, I’m glad these things are possible! I SUPER appreciate the people whose donated blood helped me SO much. I don’t get to donate b/c of my crazy low BP, but I super appreciate everyone who takes time to do this!!
Finding a legitimate reason to bark while in the hospital. Yes, my life is very, very good.
My salty 😉 sister-in-law Laura who brought me ALL the gluten-free goodies French Meadow had to offer on Sunday, and then drove me home on Tuesday, and then picked up my meds and went grocery shopping for me. Did I mention how lucky I am??
Gorgeous flowers sent to me from my darling and thoughtful friends. We may live far apart, but we sure are in each others’ hearts. ❤️
Enough juice to get all the way around the block and soak up some sunshine! Thanks, Katie and Cina, for walking me. 😀
Now, having said all that, and just to be clear – I REALLY am willing to notice my good fortune every day WITHOUT some spectacular drama to bring it into focus. Srsly.
The amazingly funny creations my dream characters come up with! In a recent dream, Laura was going to a holiday concert (which would take place at a highway rest area), but wanted to bring her own food… so she made herself a pineapple upside-down cake with a chocolate chip cookie crust — and filled with chicken. Ewwwww! Just to be clear… the waking life, real Laura is an amazing cook and baker. I’ve never had anything less than delicious from her kitchen! 😃
Fabulous news from my PA Amy today — I get to drive again!!! Just short distances and no freeway driving, but it feels so exciting to have a little autonomy again! Plus, lots of other reassurances and helpful info like the fact that lots of people in my situation have anxiety and PTSD issues (I’m not alone!) AND the side effect of my anti-arrhythmic med that can cause skin to turn blue is, in fact, rare. Amy has only seen one case of it in 16 years at the heart clinic. I’m SO happy to stop worrying about turning into a smurf. 😉
Learning to ride this roller coaster of healing — and having so much support along the way. ❤ During the past few weeks I’ve started thinking I “should” be working more and getting more stuff done now since I’m not having dizzy spells so often and I feel okay. So, then on days when I can’t seem to do much of anything or want to sleep all day, I’ve been feeling like I’m just not trying hard enough. Ouch. Fortunately, I have some intuitive, gentle, and helpful people around me to remind me that being shocked and having your heart stop are not really like having a cold… and maybe, just maybe the effects and healing will have a slightly different schedule. Thanks for the reminder, sweet people. 🙂
Ahaha! Comical cousins’ coordinated communications…I received cards in the mail today from both Debb and Dennis. What fun! Thanks for the giggles, youse. 😀
Our new toaster, which not only works, but also presents the toast when it’s ready. 😉
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