I am so sorry for not posting any updates recently. It has become nearly impossible to effectively type. My right hand’s coordination is kaput. Often it tends to rest in a position that looks like a finger gun, or it is inclined to not let go of whatever it’s holding (both sources of amusement and great frustration). Texting is even harder, as my fingers are very wonky. I am currently typing with my left hand and right index finger. (This might take all day.)

Surgery Update

MY SURGERY DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED from Tuesday, January 28th to the following Friday, January 31st due to some whatever, blah blah, word salad hospital logistics. When I got the call, I cried. It seemed rather cruel and unusual to make someone as debilitated as me wait longer, not to mention to affect one’s mental health adversely in preparation for brain surgery. I don’t think hospitals care about such things.

I sucked it up, though, and reminded myself that God’s timeline is perfect. He hears and knows things I don’t. He puts us where He wants us. He is the Great Architect of dominoes, and they are being arranged exactly how He wishes them to fall to achieve the outcome that most glorifies Him.

Tuesday, I went for my pre-op, specialty MRI and CT. Tomorrow, I go to the hospital for blood work, an EKG, a chest x-ray, and such.

Love Update

The outpouring of love and support is that of a dream. Listen to this…

My studio designated a week for wearing purple for me. People from all across the country joined in – from Arkansas to California, on the East Coast and even in Canada. I saved every pic, and I keep going back to look at them.

I asked a friend to make me a “Grace & Dignity” hoodie, and using that design, another friend with a sign company offered to produce yard signs. People ordered them! They will be in yards all over town!

The food offerings are unreal. We have received everything from breakfast items to sweets to sandwiches to complete dinner meals. We service the equipment at Coastal Fish in Memphis, and Chef sent pork chops, rice, asparagus, broccoli rabe, and black beans. The pastry chef sent tiramisu and creme broulee (complete with their own torch).

As part of the Meal Train, folks can donate money in lieu of delivering a meal. Over $975 dollars as been given to us, which completely overwhelms us to tears at just the thought of it. I have used (and will continue to use) these funds to get all the things I need to help me here at the house (ambulatory aids, shower chair, etc.) and what I will need at and after the hospital (neck pillows, a sleeping wedge, freezer gel packs, button-down gowns and pj’s, etc.). “Grateful” doesn’t even come close.

My house has fresh flowers most all the time.

I got to Zoom with some of my “Gold Alliance” leadership group friends during their recent retreat. When they came up on my screen, they were all wearing purple AND a purple lock of hair on their heads. They have never looked so beautiful!

Life Update

I am just freaking unable at this point. Keith helps me in and out of the shower. He puts out his hands to help me off the toilet. He gets down on his knees to put my foot in panties. With every bit of pull and push, guide and steady, hold and reassure, he kisses me. He is always perfectly calm and eager to do.

Falling was inevitable, I figured, and I have now fallen twice (in the same day, mind you). Once I fell in the kitchen when the rollator thingy slipped out from under me, and the other on the steps going out the front door. Both seemed like slow-motion, controlled falls, and I was not hurt either time.

I sleep great…when I do. Staying asleep and getting extended, restful sleep is the challenge.

I look like a swamp witch most of the time, because. Why wrestle with make-up and hair? Oh, and Y’all, because I can’t wear my nose ring in scans or surgery, I let it go. I figure after all this is over, it will be prime time for a reinvention of myself, and I’m excited about the prospect.

I got to go the studio the other night, since I was already out for my scans and feeling pretty good. My heart was full. (I slept all day long the day after!)

Most days, I stay home by myself. Keith needs to work when he can. Blake is at work. And Brady just got a new job at Starbucks (which she is killing and loves!), so she is gone most days, too. When I’m able, I work on the show. When I’m not able, sitting alone to sulk is fine with me as I’d rather not have an audience. I wear my smart watch in case “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” happens.

Faith Update

Psalm 139:7-10 reminds us that there is no place we can be – in the dark depths or riding high – that God isn’t.

Psalm 62:1-2 says that He is our strength and where our souls can find rest. We will NOT be shaken!

Psalm 57:1 says we can take refuge in Him until the disaster has passed.

Y’all, it’s all we’ve got. Not a single soul on this Earth, not a dollar, not a device, not a remedy can promise us what He does. If He’s with us, who or what can possibly be against us?

I’ll be coming into battle next Friday covered in armor and backed by a force that can’t be beat. We have ourselves a new countdown.

8 days.

#powerinthepurple #graceanddignity #pray4msa

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