Ygor Photo- you want 8x10s or wallet sized?

I got my surgical staples taken out yesterday- hooray! Now the scar is grossing ME out! Yuck! Too gross even by my standards, so no pictures (this is more or less a family oriented blog). I asked for the DVD from the surgery, but all I got was this picture of Ygor. Bye bye, little dude inside the big dude’s head.  Medically, things are much better “all the way around” now.  Bobbi, forgive me for the times I was impatient…..

Sad news this week- the loss of a family member is a terrible thing. I need to go to Charlotte. I wish they’d let me drive, because they won’t let me fly for a while (or swim for that matter). I was hoping to get in a visit to my brother in Florida…… Anyway, I’m not going to be home this weekend, in case you were going to try to stop by. Thanks to everyone who did last weekend!

“They” make me sit up to sleep. Sleeping is easier when my head doesn’t swell. By the way- I got on the scales the other day- 194.5! Plus I saved all that money by switching to Geico….. The pain that remains is the bones healing…. sort of a dull ache (magnified by being a bonehead!). Cori tells me the “Zombie Factor” is greatly diminished ( a side effect of the anethesia). Another side effect- my feet are cold now, I never had that before. Thank goodness Kim and the kids got me “fuzzy feet” for Christmas.

Sure helps….  I got a pretty good nights sleep last night. I have to sleep sitting up, because of my head. Once again my head is causing trouble. LOL

The rain started near dawn, and it’s falling now, the Cortege rhythm of flling droplets. Today I get my staples out! It’ll be nice to get and actual assessment of my progress, and  a reality check by a professional to see if I’ve been “pushing it”. To my mind, I’ve been behaving pretty much, but of course my head is involved in that assessment. Echoes of Ygor?

I get my staples out! Maybe I’ll make a medicine bag for them ;-)  I’ll keep you posted.

Today things went much better. I talked to my surgeon’s P.A. today and he told me the swelling (and side-effects) were normal and not to worry, but to be sure to take it easy the full two months.  It’s nice that I am able to do manyof the things the doctors thought would be too uncomfortable- read, use a computer and watch TV. Riding in a car is a little tiring (the vibration), but I have been reading a lot! Of course, I’m told I’m not allowed to but any more books, but I’m allowed to get a Kindle. Whatta ya think- would a Nook be better? I hear the iPad is bad for the eyes…. I’m even getting in some music….. I’m trying not to over do things, I swear. It would be so dumb to be the cause of making myself worse, and disrespectful too- right?

We’re at Cori’s house in Barnardsville (20 miles N. of Asheville). It’s beautiful here in these mountains, and I am well cared for. It’s humbling to think that lightning can strike twice, and that someone else can love like I feel I am loved. It hasn’t happened to me often, but I know it when I feel it. Thank you God. She says I’m the best patient ever, better than she thought I’d be….. She says to say she thinks I’m a champ, how cool is that? I brought the guitar Bobbi gave me with me- Daisy. Daisy is so easy to play….. I did loose a little finger strength and callus, but I’m building them back. Thinking about guitars makes me a little sad, but that’s on me, not the guitars.

I’ve been thinking about all the things Bobbi had to go through- I’m experiencing many of the same medical issues. Kim and I talked a lot about it today. We don’t talk about mom too much…. it’s so hard to do that even now. She’s (Kim) so strong and has to be for her kids, and Bobbi and I were  (and are) so proud of her. I guess the most loving thing Bobbi ever did for me was sharing “the kid” with me. That’s what she would often tell me anyway, and I know it’s true. That’s what angels do- they share love. I told you I am the luckiest guy on the planet.

I’ve spent so much time reflecting over the last few months, and especially over the last couple of weeks. I guess that’s pretty common during an even like this. I’m so grateful to so many people…… The doctors and nurses in Asheville and Cherokee, and all of you all. My brothers, my Lambert and Livengood family, everyone at Rotary and everyone in Scouting and the Bahai’s and all my co-workers and my  Cherokee People…… You’re all “my peeps” and I love you so much. I wish I had the words to express it to you all- the words to heal every hurt, sooth every sorrow, calm every fear, assuage every sorrow. Hear my prayer, oh Lord.

Thanks for checking in. I’ll keep you posted.

It is joyous to be out of the hospital….. still, I guess I had a little setback. I’m ashamed to even mention it in respect to other events,  but I let myself get upset and had a brain swelling event. I’m not home right now. I’m sorry if you’ve been calling. I asked Cori to take me to her house and she did. She’s been a tremendous comfort to me. I’m so lucky and I know it. I’ll be home next week. I go to the doctor’s office Monday and I’ve been speaking to them on the phone. I feel great again…. Please don’t worry.

 Anne asked what I have been reading- mostly I’m reading Eckart Tolle’s How to Find Your Purpose In Life. I’d like to find my purpose….