A blast from the past

I updated the blog yesterday, but not sure what happened. It doesn't appear.

Yesterday, I had someone from the Museum bring our family dinner. Her granddaughter had participated in the first year of the Youth Academy for Community Leadership, and when she heard I was sick, she wanted to help in whatever way she could. In addition to dinner, she prayed with Cody and I and it was powerful prayer. If God didn't hear us praying around that table, then He wasn't listening...and I believe God is always listening!!
Several years, I made a conscious decision. If I was going to spend so much time volunteering or working, I was going to do it for causes in which I really believed, rather than trying to show up for a lot of one-time-only opportunities that together, didn't amount to much. I got a job at the children's museum and I was surrounded by people who valued the same things that I did - family and children - learning. I learned to say "no" then also. No. Even though it might be a good cause, it wasn't my cause. I worked for 10 years at the museum and then changed jobs in 2004 and continued in non-profit management with people who cared about being healthy and staying in shape and preserving land for future generations. With the Greenways, I get to work with an intergenerational group of volunteers and I get to develop a regional trail that connects many different communities and people from all socio-economic levels.
Most people never find satisfaction in their jobs. I've spent most of my adult life doing things that benefit my community. And it's this community that taught me to volunteer. I didn't learn that in my hometown, Chicago, or from my parents. But when I came to Muncie, it seemed that everyone I met volunteered for something and even though I started small, I continued to add meaningful "work" to my leisure time.
I don't think I ever would have done any of this had I not divorced when the boys were so young (5 months, 1 and 3). Since they spend so much time with their Dad, I HAD TO look for something to occupy my time -- and lucky for me, I found meaning during that time when my boys were gone.
It is amazing to me how life comes full circle. When I started the Youth Academy, I never could have dreamed that one of the teens' grandmothers would be bringing me meals to my home. I never would have dreamed that one of the teens' Moms would be consulting with me on nutrition. I never dreamed that one of the teens' Moms would be my counselor at the cancer center. And yet, here they all are.
God sends angels in many forms. For me, he has sent family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, community volunteers, Rotarians, Youth Academy parents, Endurathon committee members, church friends, etc. In whatever form, all of you continue to bless the lives of me and my boys. I am so humbled by your gifts and your prayers. If life truly does come full circle, then it makes me smile even more. I've had a GOOD LIFE.
Here's to more good days than bad, more feeling well than feeling hurt. Here's to no more pain. And here's to more angels touching all of our lives!!

Love and peace,
Lenette

Two months down

It's been two months since I came home from the hospital. When I saw the doctor this week, I was frustrated that I wasn't getting well more quickly. He said that the fastest anyone really comes through a Wipple procedure (the operation I had) is two months and that's when they went in strong. He reminded me that I went into surgery in an emergency situation where I was dehydrated and vomiting and that my immune system was very low. Of course, I didn't remember all that...I just want to be well.
I am trying to stick my toe into normal life again. I still can't drive because I'm on too much pain meds and when I cut down on the "patch" meds, I tend to take more of the other pain meds to compensate. My stomach is still very sensitive and sore most times. I am looking for a heating pad that runs on batteries vs. electric so if anyone sees one, let me know...it seems that I haven't left my heating pad or blankie since I left the hospital two months ago. Constant companions!
I did a lot of work this week and it really took its toll. I was trying to meet deadlines and really jumped into the deep end of the pool. And boy, did I pay for it! I ended up flat on my back again!! I want to visit normal again so badly -- my mind keeps saying yes and my body keeps holding me back!
The boys continue to do well. Tommy had his highest scoring game Friday night -- 19 points. Many different people called to tell me how good he played and Micah gave me a text message each quarter to let me know the score and how Tommy was doing. Tom had the team over last night to watch the all-star game -- man! those boys can eat!!
David is taking a Ceramics class on Monday night. He tells me about what he makes each week but they still have to fire it so I haven't seen it all yet. Dave also has a jewelry class in school and he's finished his first project rather quickly so now is venturing out on his own -- he has a keen eye for design and his finished product looks like something you'd get in the store.
Cody participated in the Circle the State With Song Choir last weekend. He and several others represented his school in this "try-out" choir. His Godmother and Grandmother attended so he was overjoyed. He is still practicing for Music Man which will show at Delta Middle School on March 3 and 4. If you can make it, let me know and we'll try to save seats. He loves a crowd!
The boys continue to be patient with my recovery. They wait on me and stop by the "couch" on their way to/from activities. They continue to invite friends over and I love all the activity -- it helps me hang onto normal.
I went to Church yesterday -- I really need that spiritual connection -- but I was in such pain that I had to go lay down in the nursery. They had this big LazyBoy chair. I hit it and within 5 minutes, I was out. They woke me up for Communion so I was able to share in some of the service. I continue to pray for patience -- I know my recovery is on God's time schedule. I always want to push and rush, but I know he has a master schedule for me, if I am just patient.
Mom is MUCH better. Dr. Adrian found out something from her blood draws and has been able to put her on a new medicine that is making her feel better. She came to church yesterday and looked great! Her energy level is much better and the flu-like aches and pains are gone. I prayed long and hard for Mom so maybe it is now time for God to answer my other prayer requests and get me well also. Please pray with/for me this week.
Meals continue to be delivered to my door and the boys continue to grow and thrive. Thanks to all of you for blessing us in this way. Love to all of you. Peace!
Lenette

Next Phase

My sister left yesterday. She had been staying with me since December 21 - a long time. She left her husband, dogs and life in Tucson to be my friend, nurse, maid, driver, etc. and was here to help me and the boys. She and I are 8 years apart and have lived in other states since I was in my early teens so this was the longest time we've spent together since then. All the Hallmark cards in the world can't express how meaningful her visit was to me. Once again, another angel in my life helping me to get through each day. Of course, I was a little terrified about her leaving. What if I have bad days? What if I need errands run? What if the boys needed to get someplace? And then I remembered all of you and realized that I was still in very good hands. So yes, I will be calling again to ask you to help us, but the good thing is, I know you'll be there and that everything will get done. Wow! That's a great feeling!
I saw Dr. Adrian on Friday and he reviewed the results from the CT Scan. There is nothing serious that is causing the water retention - no tears, or ripped stitches, etc. He put me on a super-charged fluid loss plan this weekend and I've started to lose a little bit of weight. I am hoping that I can continue to shed this water and in turn, get more energy. If you are one of my prayer warriors, that's what we're praying for today.
My Mom is still not doing great. She has had a couple of infections in a row and they are really hitting her body hard. Makes her achy all over and her legs are very weak so it's hard for her to get up off the couch, or to get down for meals. They are letting her use a walker for now and that helps. It's good for her to get down for meals because she sees her friends, it helps pass the time, and she will tend to eat a little bit more. So once again, if you're praying, please add Dolores to your list.
I hope all of you are having a great 2006 thus far. Even though each day does not bring me a lot of change or excitement, I still marvel at how quickly each week goes and that it's already close to February. Have a great week. Keep smiling!
Love to you all, Lenette

Sick Again

Sick again this week. Tired of being sick. So unpredictable. Retaining so much water/fluids that I look like I'm 7 months pregnant. My ankles and feet are so swollen that it's hard to wear shoes. It's ridiculous! Some days I'm so exhausted that I spend the entire day in bed. No fun. I'm tired of being sick!!
I have a scan scheduled some time this week to see why the fluid retention. Will keep you posted on results. Until then, pray for more good days than bad for me. thanks, Lenette

Music Man Invite & Blanket Mystery Solved!

Actually, the Music Man is at Delta Middle School on March 3 and 4, but I'm sure the one at Minnetrista will be great also! And yes, the whole family has enjoyed the meals and extras you've all thought of.
And lo and behold -- the Jarvis Family - Ted and Julie - presented me with a beautiful blanket just before Xmas and since my son didn't understand the name, I wasn't sure who it was from, so haven't opened it until the giver was revealed. I saw Ted yesterday and he said the blanket was from them. I unwrapped the blanket this morning and it is a beautiful throw with JESUS - THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL! on it. Imagine how warm and cozy I'll feel tucked underneath!! Thanks Ted and Julie - another thoughtful gift. I am so lucky!!!!
I am feeling better. I did get to attend Cody's concert on Friday - and cried like a baby when they sang the song from Wicked. On Saturday, I got to go to Tommy's game -- and cried like a baby when they lost. And on Sunday, I got to go to Church -didn't cry, but it sure was nice to get out and pray with fellow church members at Church of the Cross. Even got to meet a new family who live across from Angie Cravens. I love small towns -- everyone knows everyone knows everyone... And they have a new baby named Christian (most of you don't know, but that's Cody's given name). Of course, the baby is perfect!
Hope all of you are doing well. Please keep in touch by blog or email - lenettefr@comcast.net

Lenette

GREAT ideas!

Great ideas for the books! Keep them coming. It's fun for me to have diversions and not think "health" so much.
Now I'm retaining water. I feel like an 80 year old lady. My stomach looks like I'm 6 mos. pregnant and my ankles and legs are very swollen. And the solution is, drink more fluids. So I try to walk around with a water bottle in hand and drink every time I think of it. I've haven't been doing well since my last hospital stint. Just very nauseous and on/again off/again vomitting - and a very painful stomach. All part of the healing process, but i don't like it. I want to be past all of this and just feel better already. Now I have to stagger my medicine throughout the day because I'm taking so much. Hopefully, this too shall pass.
Cody is in Indy today and tomorrow and tomorrow he will be performing with the Middle School Honor Choir. They had to try out and he was a chosen Baritone so all day today they rehearse at the Indy Convention Center and tomorrow is their big concert. He did this when he was in Elementary also and they really do sound like angels when they sing -- and after only one day of singing together -- it's heavenly. He's also hard at work practicing Music Man so the house is alive with music.
I'm told it is nice out today. I would love to get out everyday. It feels so good to feel fresh air, especially when it's warmer, but I'm saving my strength.
Blessings to all of you.

And a BIG thank you for the continued meals. They really make it nice so I don't have to sweat over feeding family, but I know they're getting fed well-balanced meals. And a special thanks to Beth Beasley for arranging all of the meals! I could not have gotten through all of this without you!
Love,
Lenette

Book

As many of you know, I have toyed with the idea of writing a book for years now. In fact, I have numerous books started, with various chapters written by hand and others on computers and still others, on disks because the computers they were written on are now obsolete. But my quest remains to FINISH one of these to make it actually a book and not just the start of a tale with no end. So if you can help me, guide me, make suggestions on what I should write about, etc., please send your thoughts my way. My fantasy is to someday live in a beach house and write like Diane Keaton does in "Something's Gotta Give." I wouldn't want it in the Hamptons, but long walks on sand and a great view of the ocean are definitely part of the picture. OK, and I wouldn't close the door on Keanu Reeves. I would retire from other jobs and just write. So help me out...! Your ideas, please...?!?

ER

Went to visit the ER at Ball Hospital again last night. Those enzymes really did a number on my body all day Friday and about 3:00, I finally called my surgeon. He said he'd love to have me visit IU's ER or Ball Hospital's ER and I chose Ball because it was so much closer. I arrived a little before 5 and Dr. Adrian got me in when he found me still waiting in the lobby at 6:15. They gave my IV fluids (2 big bags) and I still didn't lose any so I must have been very dehydrated. Then they gave me intravenous anti-nausea meds. By 10:00 p.m. I felt better so they let me go home. I so did not want to spend the night.
I saw Dr. Sam Abram there and he and Millie and Natalie, his granddaughter, all prayed with Pat and I. It was awesome! You just never know where you'll meet God's angels. Natalie said, "Grandpa, you know someone everywhere we go," and I told her my boys said the same thing to me. I explained to her how valuable that network is now that I'm sick. What fun for me to have a young person talk to me and brighten my spirits during a very difficult time. So, if you know Sam, Millie or Natalie, tell them how much they brigthtened my evening with their encouragement and prayers.
Of course, my sister was there for me the whole time also, telling the nurses to do whatever they had to do to get me well and not rushing me at all. What a blessing Pat has been.
Chris, Cathy, Robin and Brandon came over to see me today. They brought my Mom over and we played Dance, Dance Revolution (I watched) and Pictionary. I was on the boys team (Chris and Brandon) and the girls team won, but that's OK. It was fun to do "normal stuff" again. Now I'll go retire to my heating pad.
Be well.
Lenette

Learning More Everyday

Now that I have a new body (internally), I am continuing to learn more about it. Reminds me of being pregnant. I used to look in the mirror and laugh at my belly and Tom would ask how I could laugh at my body - I kept saying, "it's not my body - someone else has taken it over - I just hope they want it back when I'm done with it."
I was out yesterday running errands and actually tried to go see a movie today (Memoirs of a Geisha - really good), but when I got home, I took the enzymes for my stomach and didn't make it through lunch without vomitting again. The good news is, that's the same thing that happened on New Years Eve. I haven't taken my enzymes since then, and today, when I did, I was sick again. So I guess I know it's the enzymes that are doing it. And hopefully, I won't have the major 2-day setback I had on New Year's. I seem to be rebounding OK. I've had two dishes of jello since then and all is quiet on the western front. I see my surgeon next Tuesday so I'm keeping a log to let him know what's working and what's not. Incidentally, the movie is very long (145 minutes) and I could only sit up for about 25 minutes or so, so since the movie was fairly empty, I laid down and used Melodee's coat for a pillow and actually stayed awake to watch it. That's progress on a lot of fronts. Of course, the pain pill halfway through really helped!
Can't wait to sign into the blog one day and just chat without including info on all my bodily functions for your review. I know, you can't wait either. I guess I'm still fascinated at how the body works and how it repairs itself.
One month ago today, I was just coming out of surgery. I remember having that x?!#%&*ing breathing tube in and how painful it was and how miserable I was. And here I am a month later home and healing. I'm so glad the surgery got moved up, even if I wasn't ready for it at the time.
One of my Godchildren, Sandra Suane, is due to have her first baby any day now. Please pray that she has a short delivery, that Mama and baby remain safe and healthy and that Mia (Amelia)enters the world with love and prayer surrounding her. I know how good all of you are at prayers so please remember my newest little one in your prayers for me.

Love to all,
Len

Happy New Year!

Minor setback on New Year's Eve, but otherwise feeling better. We went out for dinner to Szechuan Garden and I thought I was well again. Felt good and then my brother, Danny, arrived from Chicago with a Mr. V's pizza around 10 p.m. I guess it all was too much for me and before midnight, I was sicker than a dog. Took me about 1 1/2 days to recover, but now I'm feeling mended. I can't believe that I still don't have any energy. The doc reminded me of that - "remember, I said 8-10 weeks of feeling like a truck hit you, no energy, etc...doesn't matter how young you are, this is MAJOR surgery." I always think I can beat the odds! So silly. So humbling.
I hope all of you are still praying. I continue to pray for a million different things - for all of you, mostly. I'm so emotional these days and cry often when I think of what a great group of friends/family I have. You have done so many things for me that go so far beyond what I ever would have dreamed I'd ask you to do. Everyday you're nourishing us with the food you've brought and the inspiration you've left.
The boys are back to their routine again. It's so good to have them home. The "reds" are back in school and Tommy gets up for a workout around 7 a.m. and then practice from 11-1 and then heads to Tom's office to work. I'm so glad he has a car - don't know what I would do if I had to continue to drive him everywhere. The boys continue to be helpful and often, they just come and lay down with me and spend time talking and sharing their day with me. What precious time we've shared - would have never gotten this time were I still working full-time and trying to get them everywhere they need to go.
Cody got the lead in Music Man so they're busy rehearsing at school at least 4 days per week. He's trying to learn the music and isn't as familiar with this musical so it's a challenge. Dave is redecorating his room again - added a Grateful Dead hanging over the window instead of the bright blue valance I had put there (go figure!). Tommy is enjoying basketball season, especially when they win!!
I must be getting a little better. I started thinking about work again - wondering how we ended the year with our annual campaign. You know, always fundraising, even when home in bed in and out of consciousness. Can't wait to hit the trails when it warms up a little. I'll be the slow one, hunched over a bit but continuing to put one foot in front of the other, looking forward to each new sunrise.
Make it a happy new year -- you have for me!
Love you all,
Lenette