Back at home
Actually, I've been back at home since late Thursday afternoon, but a problem with the Internet has prevented me from being online until now.
It is hard to express how much I appreciate how all of you have been during my hospital stay (which was harder than the pictures would suggest), but I will try.
Rose: I left you in charge in communications and I must say, that's one of the better decisions I have made lately. I won't forget how you deftly managed the email list and the blog during those ten days, and how you kept everyone in the loop.
But far more importantly, you kept my head above water. On those days and nights where I wasn't sure how I was going to make it to the next (with my mind intact, at least). You provided the right touch when I needed it, you said the right things, you encouraged me and loved me. Everything you did and continue to do had a love element to it that you don't find just anywhere. I hope that I can have half the strength you did when you face a similar hardship. I couldn't have done this without you.
To my family: I didn't expect such a turnout! My parents and BOTH my sisters and their husbands? Unbelievable, but that's what happened the Friday before last. Great thanks to Allison and Ciaran for coming up for a few days and reminding me that everything is going very well. I appreciate you consulting with my surgeon as well. Great thanks to Mom and Dad! I know that travalling to the big city stresses you out, but I loved having you guys here. And lastly, great thanks to Karlene.
For those that don't know, I have two older sisters, and Karlene is the younger of them. We have never gotten along, really, until about ten years ago where we learned to be civil to each other, and then actually enjoyed each others company in a limited way. Nearly 25 years ago, I decided that I would try to kiss her on the cheek as a show of affection, because that's what I thought happened in other families where the siblings actually loved each other. I was nearly punched out. But just before leaving, Karlene planted one right on my cheek. I waited until she left, then cried.
So thank you Karlene. I love you, too.
Several friends dropped by at various times to lend me their support and to drop off gifts (which impressed the hell out of me, I must say. GREAT choice, Andre!). Thank you so much guys for last Wednesday's mini-Yulblog at the hospital! What a fantastic evening, even though I was ordered to go to bed like some 13-year-old who stayed up past his bedtime. :) Anyway, it was a blast.
And lastly, I would like to thank the virtual blogging and non-blogging community! (Martine, I LOVE the Facebook page!) I appreciate the comments and emails, and reread them now and again.
I am still a long way from recovery, but I will do my best to chronicle the path back to life. Thanks you, all.