Guest Post: Upwardly Mobile

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday pain was like a cling-on pal who couldn't take hint. Pain was his bedfellow and it was evident in his restlessness, in the creases lining his face and most of all his eyes. He put up a good front but he was clearly agitated. I felt a little downhearted when I left him meditating the pain away.

But today it is a whole different story. Mama T tipped me off that he was in a better space with the pain under control and being up and around a little more. I popped in after work to see it for myself and I am glad I did. He was beaming, sitting up in his bed (30 degrees) having just polished off a delicious (yup - his words) chicken dinner. I scanned the tray and it was seriously licked clean! He chatted happily with Mama T by his bedside and boasted about the fact that he had gone 5 hours without pain meds. He actually did some stairs today and had lots of walking in. Mama T and I think he looks taller ... they say this operation can do that to a person (take note all you shorties out there).

Best of all (thankfully) he finally had a shower!

His talk is all about his recovery and his plans to make it as speedy and successful as possible. When I kissed his stubbly cheek (he hasn't shaved) and walked away, I couldn't help but marvel at his progress and fortitude, and what a difference a day can make.

Lyn

Guest Post: Walk On

When we stepped off the elevator first thing this morning, there he was ... leaning heavily on a very tall walker, and walking (albeit tentatively). Standing tall, sitting pretty and clutching the button for his morphine pump, his eyes showed the breadth and depth of his pain. But he swears that it is exactly what he expected. No complaints; just grit and determination.

The road in front of you will get easier with each passing day. Walk on Pops!

Lyn

Guest Post: Onward and Upward

So after months of delay, dismay, regrouping, strategizing and preparation -- he underwent his surgery and came through the other side in fine form. He was rocking an off the shoulder, paisley cotton hospital-issued gown with bright blue paper slippers. I hear they are all the rage this year. His hair was swept in an up-do, off his face to accentuate volume and texture.

He emerged from his procedure humbled blue paper slippers will do that for you, relieved, elated, focused - and of course, in great pain. The surgeon assured the congregated clan that the procedure was a success and that he will be on the mend and vertical in no time.

Dad is grateful that the surgery is behind him and is focused intently on his recovery. He outlined the next steps as he saw them and assured us that he would be up when we went to see him tomorrow.

As we left him to his self administering morphine pump and visions of a long night ahead he has no illusions, his sweet good night and smile were like elixirs for worried hearts.

Good night Pops. Rest well, for tomorrow. the real work begins. Onward and upward and that will probably involve stairs!

Lyn

People Do Care

Today I was making last minute preparations for my surgery tomorrow. From early in the morning until when I closed the phone at 9:50, there has been a steady stream of well wishers. My children and grand children are concerned of course; and my neighbours came over to offer support and make me feel good. Friends who for years have supported me in my many endeavours called or emailed me. I was wishing I was back in politics again because with this outburst of concern, I could have won every time.

What I am really trying to say is that I am overwhelmed with kindness and it makes me feel so grateful and humble, that I had to express these feelings. I always knew this to be true, but this time there is written and verbal proof. I shall try to be worthy of these sentiments and in turn do my part to add to the pool of well-being and kindness expressed by you to me today.

Thank you.

Christmas Tree

For the past number of years Theresa and I arrive home from Florida in time to set up a small tree and a few decorations to make the house look like a home ready for Christmas. This year with us being here for the whole holiday time and more we thought we should get in the spirit of things and get with the Xmas charm. We gave away our large tree some years ago knowing that we would never use it again. Well here we are needing a tree. Our daughter Glenda has a card for Costco and informed us that they had some good deals on trees.

We met her at the front door an immediately went for the two items we needed. One was the tree and the other was a new flat screen TV to help me recover while spending more time in bed. The purchasing of these items took all of ten minutes. The ladies suggested I load these items in the van and return with an empty cart for the other items they wished to buy. It seemed rather strange that the shopping cart only went in one direction, over to the sweets and treats.

We managed to get through the crowd and make our way to the checkout. We all seemed happy with our purchases and started to feel the Xmas spirit. I couldn't wait to go home and set up the tree to see how it looked. This was a record as we never ever put up the tree until a week before Xmas. As we opened the box and passed by the instructions I reminded Theresa that I had put up many trees and they were basically the same. The tree was put together but what about all these wires?? Since the tree was pre-wired for lights the spaghetti like handful of wires did have some meaning.

I quickly joined some wires with success but since there were six sections a problem arose. One light group would come on and another one went off. After a while Theresa read the instructions and before long all the lights were on and the tree looked beautiful.

Next came the TV. Would we mount it on the wall, or on the dresser top? After reading the instructions we decided on the temporary placement of the TV be on the dresser.We are now in Xmas mode and planning a great family gathering to celebrate all the blessings which unfolded this year. With the news of a wedding and other family events, we shall enjoy our holiday season even more and Christmas will be just perfect as it always is.

Third Time is a Charm

During the last two months I have been participating in the Great Canadian Medical Plan. I am not joking about our system, but I am really showing the universal benefit of such a system. It is not perfect and I am sure that some people fall through the cracks, but it suits me just fine. Since my failed attempt to have a serious spinal procedure some months ago, followed up with a second attempt which ended with a no go, I have had numerous tests by specialists to find out the safest way to get me well.

I must say that the manner I was treated and the care shown by all staff  made me feel confident that this time I will have my surgery in the most timely fashion. Yes, I lack the courage of some, and suffer those twinges of fear as my memory of the past is not completely erased. Recent visits to Sunnybrook and and our regional hospital had put me more at ease because I feel that I will receive the best possible care.

My pre-op which was a few days ago cleared my mind as I was treated to the final tests by a senior Dr who took special interest in my case as it was only the second time in thirty five years that she was called upon to work this procedure. Theresa and I listened intently as she described every detail of our  upcoming event.We left completely satisfied with our Thursday surgery procedure and are thankful that every care is being taken for my benefit.

If all goes according to plans I should be back on my feet in two or three months and our Florida trip will not be completely missed. Theresa will miss Black Friday the biggest shopping day of the year in the USA but happy that we will be given a great American Thanksgiving at Trillium Hospital. It is very gratifying to receive the support from my family and friends and look forward to getting back to normal and sharing in the workload here at home.

Happiness Comes In Many Forms

Yesterday I attended a birthday party for three members of my family. All was going well and when the time for gift giving came I received a great surprise. My daughter and her family - through my son-in law Eddie - presented me with a pair of books outlining both my father's and mother's heritage. The sight of these two books overwhelmed me as I have been working towards this end for years. Every page opened up memories; dear memories of my family and stories of some who have long departed this earth.

Last evening I began to read until I fell asleep, enjoying and savouring every word of this precious document. I continued this morning and had to phone my sister Jeannie and shares some of the little snippets of previously unknown information. Some pictures were included and as I moved from one part of the family to another, Jeannie and I covered a hundred years. She felt she had to have a copy so I am going to try to get one for her. She is the matriarch of our family and she should hold the secrets of the family.

In any case it took a person who was seeking some distant relatives and came across the name, Vickers that triggered his interest and after seeking more information established a link between our families.What a neat happening. I am grateful for this unique experience and realize that happiness comes in many forms. Today I am very happy.