Thank You

Chris and I would like to extend a very heartfelt "thank you" to all of our friends and family for their thoughts and prayers. We tend to get so preoccupied with our daily routines that we forget to think about, and thank, the one who created us. It has taken a traumatic accident to remind me of the power of God and prayer. He was obviously watching over me during the accident and continues each and every day to give me strength during my recovery. I have found myself praying more often and thinking about God and life more and more. Many people have told me that I'm lucky to be alive. I'm lucky to have a God that has a plan for me. And to have a boyfriend who loves me so much. I'm not always the easiest patient to take care of and Chris isn't known for his patience :) He has been amazingly strong, though. I know this hasn't been easy on him and everyday (ok, most days) I thank God for him. Occassionally, I want to whack him in the head with my incentive spirometer. My parents and Chris' mom have been lifesavers!! Thank you all so much for taking such good care of me! My whites thank you too. . .Chris just plain scares me when he does laundry. Um, and let me just say that never have we eaten so good. All of our friends and people we barely even know have kept our refrigerator stocked! It's like one really long Thanksgiving here. The towns of Sheridan and Twin Bridges are full of the most kind-hearted people ever. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU so much to all of you.

Now, an update. . .

Dr. Russo, my orthopedic surgeon, gave me a wonderful report last Wednesday. My x-rays that day were unchanged from the post-op x-rays, which is good news. Everything is still where it should be and the healing process is coming along just fine. I see him again June 1st for more x-rays. If all looks well, he will schedule a CT for around July 1st (roughly 8 weeks from surgery). If he likes the CT, then he'll start weaning me from the collar. Yippppeeeee!!!! I'm sure I'll have some separation anxiety. . .nothing some good drugs won't help me through (just kidding).

I'm finally able to get out of the recliner on my own, sleeping in my bed, and eating at the dining room table. My pain is perfectly controlled, about a 2 or 3, with the fentanyl patch (12 mcg for those who care). Today I walked 1 mile with no problems and my shiner is much improved. Some days are emotionally tougher than others, but I would say that overall I'm doing FANTASTIC!! I'm ready to help Chris in the garden, mow the grass, go back to work, clean the house, and cook dinner. . .all in good time, I suppose.

The Lehwalder's backyard. That's us with Miss Lois. She's helping Chris with the garden. She's so sweet.

Lois' tulips. We're hoping to have some of our own soon.




Tryptophan + Fentanyl = SLEEPINESS
At least that's what Chris and I were trying to depict in this picture with a piece of turkey hanging out of my mouth. Look how great my eye and incision look!!