Day 223: Dry Run

It was almost like I was 16 again; buckling my seatbelt in the driver's seat for the first time in 5 days. Here we go! Today was my first time behind the wheel, my last day off on medical leave and the kids needed to go to school and daycare so I could rest.  My neighbor met me upstairs to carry Nico out to the car and Sofia was in charge of her backpack (a very important job!). Everyone was in place. I was ready. I could do this! I had a slight tingle in my fingers as I turned the ignition. I'm actually driving again! 

And then I made my first turn. And hit the first bump. And slowed down suddenly in heavy traffic. OUCH! 

So my first driving experience wasn't the best. In fact, it was quite horrible. I'm seriously not a wimp but today's adventure sure made me feel like one! I absolutely cannot believe how much this 1-inch incision in my abdomen has affected my life. But it has and I need to focus on how I can use it to work for me and not against me. 

Despite the pain and the feelings of wimpiness, I'm definitely thankful that I was able to do a dry run and practice getting out of the house. Monday is a big day and my nerves have certainly lessoned now that I know what to expect out of my new morning routine. Oh, and now I know I should wear an ice pack on my stomach while I drive! :)

Day 222: Addition

Today was a day filled with tiny moments -- moments of quiet snuggling with my daughter, quiet conversation on the couch with my mom, phone chats with friends and cat naps. It was just the right kind of day to be stuck at home recuperating. It's these kinds of moments that are important to remember when I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious about returning to "normal" life. All these little moments sure add up into something grand.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 221: Mama's Girl

Sometimes you just need your mom. Even when you're 31 years old. Yesterday, my husband got on the horn and was able to figure out a way to get my mom here to help out while I'm out of commission this week. By dinner, she was here and already takin' charge. I love that about her. :) Mom was so helpful today and didn't allow me to move a muscle -- which was helpful considering every single muscle in my entire body hurts!

My mom has been incredibly busy in her own adventures lately. For her to drop everything to come and take care of her grown daughter is something we are truly grateful for. Thanks Mom.

Day 220: Mr. Fix-Me

My husband has been the most incredible caretaker today. I don't think either one of us realized the pain or recovery involved with a broken bellybutton...err umbilical hernia. My ice pack stayed full, he kept track of my medication schedule, groceries were gathered, the house picked up and he even arranged for my mom to fly into town to help out (YAY!!!!). He has simply been the best support I could have ever imagined. 

I am truly at a physical low and my husband has been a rock the last 24 hours. I am one lucky girl. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 219: Are you there, God? It's me, Meg's bellybutton.

I never thought that when I left my house at 6:15 this morning that I would return at 11:45 pm after having an unplanned operation! Needless to say, this won't be long as the powers of prescription pain killers are taking deep effect as I write. 

Long story short: I had a really bad stomach ache with ridiculously painful shooting pains. Worried about appendicitis, my doctor's office told me to skip them and go right to the ER. The result was not appendicitis, but an umbilical hernia. I seriously thought only babies could get those! The ER doc could not push the hernia back in and I was whisked away to surgery for repair. 

Before I knew it, I was coming to in the recovery room where I was blessed with the most incredible recovery nurses to take care of me. The pain was out of this world and Rhonda, Anya and Blake anticipated and took care of my every need.

There were so many factors that went into today's successful surgery from my teammates covering my afternoon classes at the drop of a hat to the swiftness of getting into surgery to the exemplary care of the docs and nursing staff at the hospital. 

Today, many hands, hearts and minds were at work to ensure my health. And for this I am unbelievably thankful!

Day 218: Never Forget

September 11 weighs heavily on my heart each year. Like most, I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing when I discovered a plane had crashed into the first tower. It is a feeling I will never forget.

Today is always a day that I am grateful and honored to be an American. To those who have defended our freedom and continue to do so, we are deeply indebted.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 217: Anywhere

Chris and I have just returned from a date night where we met up with some friends and were able to celebrate my birthday. We had so much fun! While we were out though, I couldn't help but think about the kids and wonder if they were able to settle down and fall asleep at our neighbor's house where they were being taken care of. My worry was irrelevant. After nearly a year of traveling between two cities, my kids can sleep anywhere and everywhere. They are champs. :) We arrived home to find both kiddies asleep and happy. Sofia is finishing out the evening in slumber party fashion at Hayley's and Nico is comfortably in "high hiney" position in his crib.

It's nice to be able to have an adult evening and not worry about our kids. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 216: A Listening Ear

I've never really known what signal beams out from my forehead that notifies people that I will listen and help them. Maybe it's because I'm a mother. Maybe it's not. This week, however, this signal was in full beacon mode as I felt more like a counselor than a teacher, wife, sister, friend or mother. It was simply wild and by the time the kids went to bed tonight, I was pretty well spent. It wasn't but a few moments later that it hit me how lucky I am that people trust me to listen and help with challenges they are facing. It really is an honor and one that I will always be grateful for.

Day 215: They Say It's My Birthday

Today I am 31. Geesh, that feels old! I was especially reminded of my wiser years when I explained in detail to Sofia this morning why we would be driving the extra block down the street to make our turn at the light because it was safer at that time of day. Yes. I really did that. What has happened to me?

Aside from my old geezer moment, today has honestly been one of the best birthdays to date. The kids woke up cheery and even though Sofia was very concerned that we did not have balloons and cake in the house, she was eventually convinced that my birthday could still proceed. My students "surprised" me in two class periods by hiding under the science tables and turning off the lights as I stood outside the door pretending I had no clue what they were doing. It was priceless. They were so proud of themselves for pulling one off on their teacher. My husband began and ended my day with coffee: my morning cup and my very own Keurig as a gift this evening! I've been dreaming of one for years, so I was sooooooooo excited about it. :) And, I hadn't even asked for it...definite points on the "Good Listening Husband Card".

Friends stopped by my classroom, I talked to family, I was overwhelmed by kind thoughts on Facebook and had a quiet (and second) dinner with Chris once the kids went to bed. I am 31 years old today. If this year is anything like the moments that were strung together today, I can already tell it's going to be a great year.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 214: Exactly

I've mentioned several times before that I hoped this blog would touch the lives of the people who needed it most. Recently, I've received some incredible feedback about Adventures Out West and I couldn't be more thrilled. It only took me six years, but I think I've finally found my niche.

It feels good to be thankful. And for this, I am thankful!