A week in the life....

Tuesday was my surgery. I dont think I have ever looked forward to the deliberate mutilation of my bikini body, but I must say I did this time. Tifton is getting too small or something because no only did I know one of the nurses who worked in pre- op, but I knew all three of them!! One was from church and the other two were parents of my past students. Anyhow... Dr. McEachin said that most of my pain had been a result of the mesh from my previous hernia surgery "bunching" up and having several globs of adipose tissue (fat) clogged in it...He said that the fat cells had gotten tangled in the mesh because of my weight loss... Who knew such a thing could even happen !
I am now the proud owner of 26 staples and a 10 inch incision. I must confess that the pain that has resulted from this surgery is the worst I have ever experienced. Thus my aforementioned frequent trips to La La Land..
My room was actually quite wonderful. It was in the new wing of the hospital...the last one on the hallway. It was a private room and was bigger than any other room I have been in before. Big enough for two recliners, one double seated bench, a bed, a vanity, a TV and still enough room to even dance in if I so chose to. Also, I was able to sleep deeply for long periods of time even though I was directly in front of the nurse's station. Other than being extremely sore and my butt constantly being attacked by the "numbies", I actually felt quite rested when I was released today.
I was struck by certain similarities this week...
30 years ago during this same time period, I was also extremely swollen, was reduced to taking short panting breaths and easing myself into chairs. I was pregnant and at the "if I sneeze, she'll pop out" stage with Sarah. I cannot believe it has been that long and my last youngin is within days of being 3 decades old! Sarah, Travis and Lindsea managed to sneak into town on Tuesday evening and surprise me with a visit. Sarah had to go back on Wednesday because Guest Relations cannot run well without her presence. Lindsea nd Travis went back today (Thurs).
Another trip down memory lane this week occurred on Christmas Eve. 30 years ago, I had mentioned to Dad that all I wanted for Christmas was for him to record the Christmas story for me.. My cassette tape arrived in Illinois on Dec. 23rd and I can remember sitting in my rocking chair "being great with child" and listening to the Story all by myself as Travis and Dale were in Chester. Tonight I was again" great with swollen tummy" and listened on my cell phone as Dad read the Christmas Story for one more year...
I am truly blessed at this Christmas season... I have my health, a job that I love, a roof over my head, food to eat and friends and family to share life with...
I also have a great little nurse, Caitlin who is both cute and very serious when she is applying Betadine to my incision.....