Good Report from the Doctor

Thanks to Christina Barnes for taking me back to the doctor's office yesterday for my 2 week check-up visit. I received a good report! My doctor is still on vacation, so I saw his nurse, Haley -- we've become quite familiar with each other. :-) She took out my staples and said my incision looked better than any she's seen 2 weeks post-op. She said I must be a fast healer. Getting the staples out was easy -- thought it might be uncomfortable, but not at all.

I also talked with Haley about my medications. She recommended that I continue to take the muscle relaxer at night before bed. I did that last night and it REALLY helped with my middle of the night pain. I slept GREAT! She said I'm on less pain medications than most people at this stage in the game, but still no driving for me. She said I need to pay more attention to my body when it tells me to slow down.

Thanks to my conversation with Haley yesterday -- and a nudge from the Holy Spirit (via Casey Warren -- thanks, Casey!) -- I'm going to be more intentional about the rest my body needs right now. The healing is too important to forfeit. I guess I've been feeling like I had to prove to myself that I could heal quickly and be back in the saddle faster than anyone else. Many of my conversations with my church family have reminded me that it will be better for everyone if I honor this healing time fully...so, I'm going to do better with that.

One more thanks to Shirley Watts. She lives two houses down from our family and walked over some of the most scrumptious popsicles yesterday -- many are fruit flavored, but a few are COCONUT! They are so yummy, and I appreciate her thoughtfulness.

I heard from Kurt and Elizabeth yesterday evening. They made it to Washington DC in good order, and enjoyed the train trip immensely. They are staying with Kurt's cousin, Bucky, and Bucky's family. Bucky's wife's name is Elizabeth -- so the two Elizabeth Gwartney's are enjoying each other's company for a few days.

Today, they were planning a trip to Mt. Vernon -- George Washington's home. They are looking forward to several days of sightseeing. Bucky and Liz live in the city center -- so it is easy to get to many DC locations from their home. What a gift they've given our family by inviting Kurt and Elizabeth to stay with them.

Also, a BIG thanks to my mom and dad. They came yesterday afternoon and helped me with all kinds of tasks around the house. Dad cleaned up a limb that fell off our backyard maple tree in the storm on Tuesday night. He also mowed our lawn. Mom helped me with laundry, vacuuming -- and even cleaned ceiling fans. I appreciate them so much, and enjoyed their company yesterday.

I feel certain that God has lots to share with me during this time of healing -- and being here by myself. This morning, my commitment is to LISTEN. Peace and grace to each of you.