The countdown has begun

 My surgery date is February 9th, my COVID test is on February 6th and my isolation from runny noses and soar throats begins.  February 5, we leave the casita and drive south for the last time in at least a month or two. That leaves 4 more days to wait.  I have had my Pre-op call with the surgeon, Natalie, Melissa and Gene all were there to ask their questions, I went to the Notary and got my Advanced Directive authorized, I had my pre-op orders reviewed this morning with the staff. That is it. Now I stay healthy, have a few visits and wait. 

It feels good having so many of you thinking about me and praying that I will not suffer and that the path ahead will be clear. Thank you.

It feels good to have plenty of time to paint with Liza in the courtyard. My typical trip to the Casita involves lots of projects, planting, trimming, fixing, organizing, but today, we painted shells and rocks outside. We mixed our own colors and sat side-by-side comparing techniques. Max was rebounding on the trampoline, as Melissa bounced up and down. He has a great laugh. And Sam was inside with Gene, playing games. The days pass easily and napping is almost always on the agenda.  I'm resisting the desire to "get things done". I dread the 8 weeks of "no lifting" that follows surgery. 

The surgery day plan has firmed up, and I feel surrounded  by loving, talented people. Melissa, Natalie and Gene will trade off during my first hospital night after surgery. I hope it will be the first and only hospital night, but we will cross that hurdle when we get there.  

I am quite sure my story is familiar to many of you. It is reassuring that this is a common story, that mostly has an unremarkable resolution. 

For those of you who spend some, or all, of your energy caring for people large and small, know that you are doing the most important work on the planet. 

I added our holiday photo. If we had sent a card or greeting, this was going to be on it. All 8 grandkids, in one place, at one time. Melissa hosted us for Christmas this year and it was wonderful. 

Kids left to right:

Julia, Kylie, Lizzie, Wes, Liza, Max, Sam and Cooper. 


I am grateful every day for my family. 


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