ENERGY DRAINING, WAINING, REGAINING

Good morning.

It’s Wed. at 10 am.  We’ve not yet gotten out of bed.  In fact, Will’s still sound asleep.  The worrisome nature of this lengthy illness has taken more of a toll on him than most people know, as proves true for most long term care givers, who are as invested in a loved one’s complete recovery, as is true of Will with me.

We’ve been running on adrenalin, over these past couple of weeks, first with Lauren and Mickey as well as their daughter, son in law and their friends, then with all of our kids and our precious grands.

Each time I’d felt in need of lying down, over these busy weekends, I did, knowing it’s imperative to keep my #1 goal in mind—that of regaining the energy expended, over these last fun filled weeks.

Once Lauren and Mickey had landed, I’d happily invited their friends (with whom my sister stayed) to join us on the evening of my morning appointment with the thoracic surgeon.  As a vulnerable sense of weariness descended upon me, during the day, I was grateful that my sister’s friends were flexible concerning which evening they'd  ‘party’ with our family.

It’s not at all surprising that I’d expended more energy than usual while Lauren was in town—good thing my thinking cap was on straight when I’d asked her friends, Madalyn and David, to change our date from Thursday to Friday, by which time, I’d caught a second wind.

We love the fact that many loved ones hope to be with us, and each time Lauren and Mickey fly in that’s especially true, as my niece Jessica is their daughter, and a friendship has developed between Lauren and Andi, as well.

Good thing I rested for days after Lauren flew home before Steven, Ravi, Barry, Yvette, Tony and Ray surprised Papa Will, Gramma Annie and Uncle David by driving in from the west coast.

Fortunately, reality speaks to me about remaining cautionary, so as not to find myself running on fumes when my primary concern is to regain and maintain a level of energy that will see me through next Tuesday’s serious surgery, scheduled first thing in the morning on July 20th.  Slowly, day by day, I’ve been accumulating the few items that may be needed during my hospital stay.  Being experienced, I’ll pack much less than had been true last time round.  As my calendar reflects nothing more than a blood test at Mayo—today offers up lots of time to catch up on much needed rest while basking in the happy glow of recent memories enjoyed with beloved family who live out of town.  🙋🏻‍♀️🔆 Annie