Corner? What corner?

Whoever said "You never know what's around a corner" really knew what he was talking about.  To that, I reply, "It's a good thing."

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, my son drove me to Miles City so I could spend the night in a motel and get over to the hospital.  My friend who was going to sit with me could not come, but I thought I have done this so many times, I can do this alone.  Next, the cab company would NOT answer their phone.  The owner of the motel, who happens to be the brother of a good friend in Broadus, kindly gave me a ride to the hospital.

Don't EVER try to make that interminable wait until they wheel you down the hall -- alone.  If our interim pastor had not kept me company that whole time, I would have gotten up and walked out.  Naturally, I was thinking of how many times LeRoy had stood by me, softening my anxiety, distracting me, and loving me. 

Pastor McKay never left my side, and even though I broke down a couple of times, we had good conversations and lovely prayer.  He came back more than once after the gallbladder had come out, too.  I am eternally grateful to him.

Had a lot of trouble retaining urine and this caused a good deal of strife.  Finally got squared away and after a 4 hour discharge, came home via Rich the Good Son.  This was Thursday.

I thought I was getting a bit stronger by the half-day, but by Friday night, I felt lousy. 
daughter Trina and her daughter Kaylie arrived to help me for the weekend.  When I went to bed, I thought I felt quite warm.  Trina took my temp - 102 F.  Back to the hospital, this time courtesy of the ambulance.

Raging infection - (in the blood) - more urine troubles - white count of 17,000.  More orange jello.
X-rays, CT scan, blood work - the works.  By Sunday I was perked up enough to go home AGAIN.  Next I developed back spasms - trip to our local clinic - 2 prescriptions did the trip.

 I have been taking it easy but moving around a lot, too, and today I drove my car. I actually think I'm going to make it! 

One thing about it.  I have had enough adventures for awhile; I'm ready for some boring.

Help me keep looking up!

Breathe. Just breathe.

Try as I might, I was having a lot of trouble turning everything over to God in recent days.  My gallbladder surgery is scheduled for Jan. 22, and I went into almost panic mode. 

Several people took a statement I made,  completely wrong.  I mentioned that several things were concerning me, including who would cook for my son.  OF COURSE my son can cook, but it's a little like if you are employed, you plan on being able to do your job.  Since I'm retired, keeping a home is my job. 

Most of my angst was caused by feeling keenly the loss of my caregiver, LeRoy.  When I was doing chemo, and when I had a back fusion, he took care of me.  I do have so many friends and family offering help, I will be fine.  It just didn't feel like it for a few days.

A lot depends on whether the procedure will be done with the laparoscope or the huge incision.  I am packing as if I will be in the hospital for a week or 10 days, and then when I get to come home in 2 days, I will be happily surprised!

I don't know when I can blog again, but don't give up on me.

I did run across a wonderful quote from Gordon R. Hinckley, on my daily horse calendar: "Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."

Isn't that awesome?  As you keep looking up, that sunlight will be there even if a layer of clouds obscures it.

January - the longest month?

I must have written the Christmas Day blog early in the day.  As the holiday wore on, all I wanted to do was bawl.  I had not made a plan for the 25th, since we celebrated with the kids on the 21st and Rich and I had such a nice Christmas Eve. 

I won't make that mistake again.  The more the day slipped away, the worse I felt.  I do realize that "tears are cleansing" etc., etc., but when they last all day, you end up feeling horrible.  Next year will be better.

Now I've had many pleasant days although finding out I may have to get gallbladder removed is a bit troubling.  The operative word here is "may." 

I have been experimenting with more flavors and frostings for the cupcakes, and really hope the kitchen inspection happens next week so I can get going officially.  Valentines Day sounds to me like such a good time to make cupcakes!

I'm doing therapy for the dizziness that has plagued me and I am improving.  Caught the sniffles the other day and I was LIVID.  Have not had a cold in 5 years.  I took a long nap, an antihistamine, and have been fine since.  Whew!

LeRoy's scholarship fund has issued the first check to a nursing student, and in August we will disperse funds for the first P.A. student.  I know he is just beaming from above!

Meanwhile, thanks for letting me ramble.  I am so blessed to have the friends and family I was given.

Look up - January can't last forever!  Or the cold.