Hello Gentle Readers, The last two weeks of May came with cooler temperatures and some gentle light rains. Yesterday for a brief moment, a flock of cedar waxwings flitted about the serviceberry tree just out from the deck. Now and then I see them in the neighborhood but to have them so near was a treat. Having the bright little goldfinches in and out of the yard brings sunshine on cloudy days.
I recently had a surgical repair and am recovering. The procedure went well but recovery has been more challenging than I thought. My husband is taking good care of me. So here I am taking it easy and slowly rejoining the world.
On this Friday, I am thinking about all of the support we have received from family and friends in the last few months. We are very grateful for all of it and will pay it forward. Still, thoughtful support varies with recipients. It doesn't have to be grand. Meals are often welcome but kind words and simple gentle messages with no strings attached are just as powerful. The immediate post operative period can be tricky for the patient and the caregiver. Schedules and bodies are unpredictable. Even in grief, rest is paramount, and social interaction requires energy.
I am ever so grateful for the gentle rains of the last few days. The air is fresh and not so full of dust and pollen. The trees are lush. Rain without violent storms is wonderful. Rainy days were a restful backdrop for recovering. I reread one of my favorite novels, Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson. This is a quiet story of two women taking care of each other and becoming friends.
I am inspired by students training in the medical professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I encountered residents training beside the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. At a follow up appointment, I watched two student nurses introduce themselves to RN's. They seemed to be there for observation and training with seasoned staff. Young compassionate faces enthused by the science and practice of medicine is a reason to hope.
Fun this week is on the sedate side. Late April I planted some lettuce seed in a large pot to keep it off the ground and away from the critters. I harvested some this week to eat with egg salad and it was a treat. For Mother's Day, my son gave me a generous coffee card to Scooters, a midwest coffee shop franchise. I'm looking forward to having a fancy coffee and trying out some of the fruit smoothies on the menu.
Anyway, all is well. I am recovering. I am reading all of your news but probably will not comment on all I missed. I enjoy the to and fro of our conversations and hope to be holding up my end soon. Take good care. Enjoy these last sweet days of May.
You were on my mind just this morning, Jane! I am happy to hear that your recovery is going well... and I am so happy to read that your sweet husband is caring for you in these post-op days! I was blessed to have a student physical therapist joining in this morning. She even asked some questions that I was happy to answer for her! Sending you all the healing juju your way for your recovery to move at the pace that is best for you! XO
ReplyDeleteGet well soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. And how nice that you have had the birds visit while you are recuperating.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely gentle post and I'm glad that you're taking it slow and gently to recover. Receiving rain, support from family and friends, and even reading Astrid and Veronika (I also loved that book) are all good things. I hope your recovery continues smoothly and you are back to enjoying fun - sedate or not.
ReplyDeleteDear Jane, your words are a calm for me ... thank you - and I trust you're feeling all the good thoughts and prayers from this community. I've been hearing and reading a lot lately about the shortage of doctors and nurses; your experience gives me hope for a coming generation of care providers. Take good care, and enjoy the rest.
ReplyDeleteJane I'm so glad you are posting again. I love reading your blog...it's like a story each week. I hope you continue to recover and can get back to knitting soon. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Jane - I really enjoy these little TGIF posts of yours, they are always full of bits and pieces that never come to the surface any other time.
ReplyDeleteI feel ‘we’ really do need loving support to help recovery (from anything) so it’s good to hear your family - husband included- are coming to the party for you. Get well soon 😘
Sending all the healing thoughts and prayers your way Jane. May your healing continue at a good pace. It is so wonderful to have the support of family and friends, isn't it? My son and I were just talking about cedar waxwings and serviceberries the other day!
ReplyDeletepraying for your speedy recovery!!! take it easy and do lots of self care.
ReplyDeleteGreetings to you, Jane. I'm glad to hear you are resting and letting your recovery unfold . . . on its own time table. How lovely to see a flock of cedar waxwings! They are one of my favorite birds, and it's always a treat when they visit my garden (usually fleeting while they're on their way to . . . somewhere else). Take care, Jane, and continue to be gentle with yourself. XO
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