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