Taking Some Laps, Checking the Blog
Kathleen here: My sister, Michelle, has been visiting this morning and just took a couple of laps with me around the hospital floor before dropping me off at the computer. I took 3 walks yesterday and this is my first today. I remember last year being apalled when the nurses came in the morning after surgery demanding I get up and walk. I thought they were crazy or cruel–or both. This year, I remembered that the thought of it is more daunting than the action. It actually feels really good to stretch out and shuffle around. Laughing is the painful thing and of course, my family and Howard have no self-control in cracking jokes all the time. I just squeeze the pillow to my tummy and make little grunting noises. Quite fetching, I’m sure.
What can I say? I’m floating in a cloud of amazement, gratitude, and emotion (and a fair amount of pain medication). What a miracle to have the outcome of the surgery be so positive and the damage so minimal. I attribute my great fortune to all your love, prayers, and virtual hugs and kisses. Well, and some bit of it to my passionate desire to get back to my students this year and for all the years to come. I also will always be so grateful to my medical team, especially my surgeon, Dr. Maxwell Meng! He’s the best! And to Dr. Joe Franks in Santa Cruz for both giving and helping me get the best care possible.
I’m going to try to keep this short–I can hear my bed calling from down the hall. Thank you so much to all of you. I can’t wait to get home so we can visit, play, and poeticize (new word?) again soon. Doc thinks I could leave tomorrow but I’m lobbying for another night. I still feel pretty fragile and needy and they spoil me so here!
All my love,
Kathleen
PS–Un gran abrazo con corazon llenisimo para mi familia de Alianza. Nunca he visto flores tan bellas! Paso mi tiempo mirandolas y pensando en nuestra amistad y su gran carino. (No se como hacer accentos y tildas en esta computadora, lo siento.) Muchas gracias!
Hi Beautiful Soul,
How grand to imagine you up and walking and laughing. You are truly amazing! Please add my name to the list of those ready to provide meals, etc. when you get home. I’m right around the corner, and would love to participate. Keep on getting strong!
A big hug,
Kim
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
That is just what I needed – to read words directly from you. You so make me smile, what a gift you have for writing from the heart. You have taught each and everyone of us so much with this whole journey again and again you amaze and open my mind and heart to incredible possibilities of optimism, joy, generosity, trust and courage.
I am so excited you will get to go home so soon. There are many people who want to spoil you in Santa Cruz. I am so happy I will get to see you so soon.
I love you,
diane
Dear Katalina,
So wonderful to hear such positive news! And its lovely to hear from you directly as well. The children singing to you was so beautiful and inspiring, I’m amazed it didn’t cut right through the anisthetic and cause you to laugh out loud with joy during the surgery! Lots of good wishes and happy peaceful thoughts coming to you and your family from ours. the Greenes
Welcome back, sweet Katalina! I always think of your surgeries as a kind of vision quest where your survival skills are being tested. We, in this reality, are “holding the high ground” for you as you enter the healing temple with your own spiritual helpers and angels. When you re-emerge we see the sun again, and breathe deep breaths. So great to hear your own words and to know that you have been cared for so well. Oooo, those laughs sound painful!!!
So, for the rest of us, who is organizing meals? I’m willing to do it again, if nobody else is doing it already. I’ve heard of someone using the E-vite site to organize it. Has anyone else done this?
Love, Peace and lots of Rest for you Kathleen, and may you get that “extra” day!
K.,
“poeticize”…?
It is a word!
Oxford English Dictionary has it listed.
I know cuz I just looked it up.
Much love,
k.
P.S.: Better luck next time making up a new word!
We wanted to wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Did you get pinched? Are you do you have anything green to wear?? We are all very excited that you’ll be home soon. Ryan and I talked about how much your kitties must be missing you too. And rest easy, even if they decide not to keep you an extra night, remember you have loads of folks here in Santa Cruz ready to pamper and continue taking good care of you. Continue to get well! All our love,
Querida Katalina,
Como estas, yo estoy bien. Hoy voy a ir a una concerto pequeño del musica y baile de irelanda con mi abuela. Espero que pudias venir. Mi mamá tiene una pelicula que quiere compartir contigo. ¿Cuanda vas a venir de regreso?
adios. Te quiero,
Aliah
PS Hope you get well soon!
Amiga Katalina,
I loooooovvvvvveeee reading your words!!! Me alegra que hayas salido tan bien de tu tune-up. I look forward to visiting and giving you a big hug. I’ll be careful not to mess with the “refurbished abdomen”, promise.
Quien te quiere…Patty