Mom: The Surgery Queen

A rare photo of the two of us together! :)

Our resident surgery patient (and newly converted lover of PJs) will be heading in for her second and final spinal surgery on Tuesday. We received notice at 4:00 on Friday afternoon that she had been scheduled. This doesn't give us much time to prepare, but in many ways we've been preparing for this all summer long. And think of how much less time we have to worry? :) Of course, Mom is cooking up a storm as I am typing this. 

Mom is actually very excited to finally be getting this surgery done. Outcomes for this type of surgery in people who's major complaint is leg pain as a result of lumbar compression are very positive. We hope Mom will be able to enjoy a much improved quality of life free of debilitating pain. 

She will be having a laminectomy to decompress the area between L4-L5. Here is a short video of what the procedure is like (all animation, no blood and guts). She will have the same surgeon as she did for her cervical fusion earlier this summer. Jeannine will also be taking care of Mom again at the hospital. 

We feel positive and optimistic about the surgery and Mom's ability to resume the activities she enjoys. We miss our little outings and evening StRolls. We are already planning a VACATION after Mom's recovery. 

Blessings,

Emily

Watermelon for Doodles...

More watermelon, Auntie Em?

I also had a nice afternoon visit from Miss Doodles (and Sarah and Bob, of course). Doodles was all about the watermelon. I'm grateful for and humbled by the blessing of being a part of Lana's life in the ways I am. I get to see her frequently enough to see how she is growing and changing. This visit she showed off her walking skills and her "I don't know" shrug of the shoulders. Plus, Bob brings me new tunes and Sarah and I get to catch up! :)


Blessings,


Emily

An Afternoon Visit: Jess, Heidi, Zoey and Kira

Jess, Me, Jeannine

Usually summertime is full of visitors in our house. For many reasons, we've kept this year pretty low key. This week we had a nice hour long afternoon visit with my dear friend since 4th grade, Jessica and a pop over visit from Jeannine. 


Many of my readers either know Jess personally because we all went to school together or know of her (either because you were a college friend and knew of all of my H.S. friends or because you've been reading my blog for all of these years).

Jeannine and Jess

We were so excited when Jeannine joined us for a few minutes before heading back to work. 

Heidi and Kira

Three generations gathered for the afternoon. Our moms chatted while Jess and I chatted. Zoey and Kira played with bubbles, chalk and Asher's toys. :)

Asher, Kira and Zoey

Jess' girls, Zoey (6) and Kira (3) tried to calm down and anxious Asher by blowing bubbles. They were not at all deterred by Mr. Loudmouth! I hadn't seen Zoey since she was a toddler and had not met Kira at all yet, so it was wonderful to meet these beautiful little people that remind me so much of Jess.

Asher, Kira and Zoey

Being with Jess is like comfort food for the soul. She's kind, loving, down to earth and easy to be with. No matter how long we go without being in touch, when we are together it is as if we haven't missed a beat. What is it about the girls we grew up with that gives us such a special and authentic closeness? When she left, I felt sad that I wasn't up for a longer visit, but grateful for the time we did have together.


Blessings,


Emily