In times like this, people naturally look for the positive.
Nobody wants to be the Fuddy Duddy,
saying things to bring Kathy down, pointing out difficulties as impossible or spreading hopeless predictions to the people who love her.
Nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news.
With this in mind, It would be easy to be unrealistically optimistic.
Easy to make a big deal out of little things in an attempt to avoid being that person we don't want to be thought of as.
I have to tell you, there is no avoidance going on here.
Sure, there is the chance that Kathy may not walk right again, but I REALLY think she will!
I'm not saying that it will be easy for her to keep her spirits up, but from what I've seen of her friends so far, it will be alot harder to bring her spirits down!
From the cards and gifts and calls, to helping to take care of her, clean the house and making dinner (so I can get back to work), the positive energy from Kathy's friends is overwhelming!
I have thanked people in this blog who have stepped up for Kathy. I have neglected to thank so many who have sent cards, flowers and phone calls that have been a light in her world. A world that could've easily been dark without you.
So, I'm not exaggerating my appreciation.
I'm not faking my optimism.
I say life will be as great as it was. Greater even!
Kathy says I'm a Dreamer.
I say she's My Dream.
Odds are you will all get to share in this dream becoming a reality.
Friday, November 11, 2011
creepy visual
This is Ted.
So, Kathy said to me this morning that she is going to get callouses on her elbows and forearms from dragging herself around the house, legs trailing behind her.
My first thought was the boys...
Imagine getting a bowl of ice cream in the kitchen at night and without warning, Kathy comes crawling around the corner! Freak out!!!
What if she gets really fast at it?!? What if she thinks it's funny to chase us all over the house?!?
After telling my buddy Eric about my concerns, he gifted Kathy some knee pads & elbow pads (along with flowers). He's looking out for me. Callouses make scritchy scratchy sounds on sheets that would keep me from sleeping. Nice guy that Eric.
The other option is for Kathy to just use her wheel chair. I hope she chooses that one.
It is strange to think about doing the OPPOSITE of child-proofing the lower shelves. I'll have to put things down low so Kathy CAN reach them!
It is so great to have her home!..even if she freaks the boys out!
So, Kathy said to me this morning that she is going to get callouses on her elbows and forearms from dragging herself around the house, legs trailing behind her.
My first thought was the boys...
Imagine getting a bowl of ice cream in the kitchen at night and without warning, Kathy comes crawling around the corner! Freak out!!!
What if she gets really fast at it?!? What if she thinks it's funny to chase us all over the house?!?
After telling my buddy Eric about my concerns, he gifted Kathy some knee pads & elbow pads (along with flowers). He's looking out for me. Callouses make scritchy scratchy sounds on sheets that would keep me from sleeping. Nice guy that Eric.
The other option is for Kathy to just use her wheel chair. I hope she chooses that one.
It is strange to think about doing the OPPOSITE of child-proofing the lower shelves. I'll have to put things down low so Kathy CAN reach them!
It is so great to have her home!..even if she freaks the boys out!
Home Sweet Home!!
What a great trip, really! With my van transformed into some sort of princess & the pea love wagon, we transported the Love bird home safe and sound.
We were much later leaving than we has wished and, oh boy, was Kathy ever raring to go!! There were phone calls at Grants Pass, Sutherlin and nearing Beaverton. When we arrived she was all but waiting at the curb! :) Room packed, meds taken,wheelchair ready, cart ready...LET'S BLOW THIS POPCICLE STAND!! Everyone was seriously sad to see her leave. Kathy, even amid the worst days, was a delight and because of her strong, cheerful spirit; she gained a solid Emanuel Legacy fan base. I'm sure she will stay in touch!
Kathy slept part of the way and Ted and I talked for 8 of the 10 hours...For how much time we've spent together, it's amazing how little we know about the other.(Nothing builds a bond quite like a 10 hour road trip...He shared with me his angst for Big Brother and radical politics and I spoke about the natural birthing process, breaking the cycle of passing on learned behaviors and the difference between working to live and living to work! lol)
Kathy and I talked the last hour as Ted slept and it was reminiscent of the multitudes of car rides we've shared(Minus the princess& the pea love wagon...which I feel should stay! ) It's always a great feeling driving back into our beautiful Rogue Valley & this trip was frosted in butter cream. How blessed we are that Kathy is coming home; so soon and, at all.
Leaving the Hospital and thinking back to those scary touch and go days...Ted & Kathys home in Eagle Point may as well be the Emerald City. It is beautiful!! Ted lifted Kathy into her wheelchair and after a wheelie or two, she rested in the entry and was greeted by the Boys handmade "Welcome Home" signs. Surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, smells, and the love of her three cats; Kathy took a tour of her own home and was happy it was still clean. ;)
Kathy wasted no time putting her things in order; wheeling herself to and fro(difficult on carpet) making sure her hospital items found an adequate home! She is resting now and I'm expecting a full nights sleep out of her...we are all pretty beat!
Kathy has a Dr. appt on Mon and a trip back to Portland on the 23rd...will be filling in tomorrow and putting together that promised calendar for future visitors, helpers and nurses.
Hip, Hip, HOORAY!! Three cheers for Kathy and a big fat, "welcome home Sister"!!!
Love, light and blessings!
Jes
We were much later leaving than we has wished and, oh boy, was Kathy ever raring to go!! There were phone calls at Grants Pass, Sutherlin and nearing Beaverton. When we arrived she was all but waiting at the curb! :) Room packed, meds taken,wheelchair ready, cart ready...LET'S BLOW THIS POPCICLE STAND!! Everyone was seriously sad to see her leave. Kathy, even amid the worst days, was a delight and because of her strong, cheerful spirit; she gained a solid Emanuel Legacy fan base. I'm sure she will stay in touch!
Kathy slept part of the way and Ted and I talked for 8 of the 10 hours...For how much time we've spent together, it's amazing how little we know about the other.(Nothing builds a bond quite like a 10 hour road trip...He shared with me his angst for Big Brother and radical politics and I spoke about the natural birthing process, breaking the cycle of passing on learned behaviors and the difference between working to live and living to work! lol)
Kathy and I talked the last hour as Ted slept and it was reminiscent of the multitudes of car rides we've shared(Minus the princess& the pea love wagon...which I feel should stay! ) It's always a great feeling driving back into our beautiful Rogue Valley & this trip was frosted in butter cream. How blessed we are that Kathy is coming home; so soon and, at all.
Leaving the Hospital and thinking back to those scary touch and go days...Ted & Kathys home in Eagle Point may as well be the Emerald City. It is beautiful!! Ted lifted Kathy into her wheelchair and after a wheelie or two, she rested in the entry and was greeted by the Boys handmade "Welcome Home" signs. Surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, smells, and the love of her three cats; Kathy took a tour of her own home and was happy it was still clean. ;)
Kathy wasted no time putting her things in order; wheeling herself to and fro(difficult on carpet) making sure her hospital items found an adequate home! She is resting now and I'm expecting a full nights sleep out of her...we are all pretty beat!
Kathy has a Dr. appt on Mon and a trip back to Portland on the 23rd...will be filling in tomorrow and putting together that promised calendar for future visitors, helpers and nurses.
Hip, Hip, HOORAY!! Three cheers for Kathy and a big fat, "welcome home Sister"!!!
Love, light and blessings!
Jes
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