July 24, 2009 ~ Things I Love About Being Home

Where could I even begin?  There are THOUSANDS – no, probably MILLIONS! – of things I love about being home from the hospital!!  Here are a few:

Family!  Nonstop, almost - if I count Charlie my devoted Wheaten Terrier (and I do count him as family!)  I don’t have to wait for visits or snatches of time to share their lives again.  I’m right here among the ones I love the most.  Seeing John off to work in the morning is a delightful routine that I’d missed.  Visiting with Donovan before he’s out the door each day, too – well, it’s the best!  I’ve missed that.  Then in the evenings, we’re together sharing  the events of the day.  A rut?  Maybe, ordinarily, but after almost 3 weeks away from home, I’d come to miss those simple little pleasures of day-in and day-out.  Charlie’s  happy to have me home, I know, because he’d fallen behind in getting his ample supply of the dog treats stored in his own jar on the countertop right next to the coffee canister.  Nobody looks after him like I do, even though we all love him – and isn’t that the way it usually goes?  Mom takes care of those little niceties like treats and cookies.

Choices!  Do I want a cup of Cheerios and milk before bed?  Chamomile tea in my favorite mug?  It’s right there waiting for me.  It’s lovely to have my own choice of things rather than taking what’s available (even when what’s available is really very good.)

Feeling useful!  I have to admit that my ability to get around is still a bit limited, but I can at least do a few things to benefit the family, and what joy that brings me!  Just to get a couple loads of laundry done brings me a great feeling of contributing to the family again!  You miss that, you know, when you can’t do it for a while.  Everyone needs to feel that they are of use and I am so grateful that I am gaining strength to do some things for my family again! 

Sleep!  Yes, I know hospitals are supposed to be a place to go to get better care, rest and recuperation.  But let’s get real:  in most cases, the good nurses and techs, doctors and others who are so devoted to your best care, are working round-the-clock to be sure they are receiving the proper data from your body to best help them assist you with your health crisis.  This means, of course, that throughout the day and evening, the patient is awakened, poked, prodded, questioned, etc. until sleep is a long-lost wish.  At home, I am in my own bed clothes between my own luxury sheets, and sleeping next to John who gently takes my hand in his and together we fall asleep.  Not to be awakened until a soft alarm rings to remind us of some meds that have to be taken.  Mostly, it’s just divine Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s!

These are just a few, I know, but suffice it to say that I am absolutely thrilled to be home and recovering.  It’s an adjustment, for sure, but I look forward to the day when I am stronger and more surefooted than I am today. 

God has been good to me.  How can I not feel grateful for all that He’s done for me?  It’s an impossibility!  I’m brimming with gratitude for how far He’s brought me through such a dark night.  I’m grateful for each member of MDAnderson’s excellent team who partnered in my care, for each family member and friend who offered comfort and prayer, laughter and tears, encouragement and the loan of their own strength so that I could be strengthened.  I am a blessed woman indeed, and being home now is the cherry on top!