I am so thankful to each and every one of you for your encouraging words, gifts, cards, etc. I am going on 2.5 weeks post op and am feeling stronger every day. I even made it up to the shower again today (2 showers in 2.5 weeks... ugh!) I have been told by many that I am an inspiration. Thank you, but really, the true inspirations through this are the two people who have taken care of me every day since my surgery on Friday, February 21st.
My mom and husband have both put me before themselves during this and I couldn't be more thankful. You honestly don't even know the half of it. For instance, did you know that since we got home on February 26th, my mother has slept beside me every night in a recliner (and before that, she and Ben took turns sleeping in the hospital room recliner)? Not once has she complained of a poor nights sleep. I wake her up in the night if I need to pee, and she immediately jumps up, helps me off the couch, and waits for me so she can tuck me back in. If I am up, she is up. She has given me a sponge bath almost every day since we have been home, she gets me dressed, puts on my surgical stockings each night before bed, takes them off each morning, brings me food and drinks, and keeps me company throughout the day. All while doing the household chores of laundry and cleaning. Each afternoon, she takes on the responsibility of picking up the boys from preschool. She loves it (I think). To see the boys in their classrooms, playing and being silly. To be able to be a part of that aspect of their lives- because she knows that eventually it won't be her job anymore. Everything and I mean everything I have asked her to do for me, she has done. No complaints, not one. She has stepped into my roll as "mom" and has also been my nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She keeps telling me that any mom would do this for their child. As much as I want to believe it, I know that is not entirely true. Not every mom is as unselfish as my mom. She has the most kind heart and would do anything for her children and grandchildren-- like take a month off of work and fly 800 miles from home to make sure that my family would not suffer during this time. She is the true hero in all of this, not me. I am just sitting here, waiting for this darn bone to grow!
Ben has been my hero through all of this as well. As the sole breadwinner in our home, he has not only had to balance home and taking care of me, but has also had to continue working 40-50 hours per week during this time. He and my mom have done a great job working with one another to make sure that nothing is left uncared for. Each morning, Ben wakes up, makes me and the boys breakfast, gets them ready for school (with my moms help), drives them 15 minutes out of his way, then to work. He has come home early each day since I have been home to make sure my mom and I are doing okay. Then, continues to work on his laptop throughout the evening, in between caring for me and the boys. The balance between life and work is tough on him, but he doesn't complain. I see his struggle, but he pushes through it. He does his best for our family, which is above and beyond what I could ever expect.
Thank you to both of my heroes. Mom and Ben, I couldn't get through this without you. One step at a time.
My mom and husband have both put me before themselves during this and I couldn't be more thankful. You honestly don't even know the half of it. For instance, did you know that since we got home on February 26th, my mother has slept beside me every night in a recliner (and before that, she and Ben took turns sleeping in the hospital room recliner)? Not once has she complained of a poor nights sleep. I wake her up in the night if I need to pee, and she immediately jumps up, helps me off the couch, and waits for me so she can tuck me back in. If I am up, she is up. She has given me a sponge bath almost every day since we have been home, she gets me dressed, puts on my surgical stockings each night before bed, takes them off each morning, brings me food and drinks, and keeps me company throughout the day. All while doing the household chores of laundry and cleaning. Each afternoon, she takes on the responsibility of picking up the boys from preschool. She loves it (I think). To see the boys in their classrooms, playing and being silly. To be able to be a part of that aspect of their lives- because she knows that eventually it won't be her job anymore. Everything and I mean everything I have asked her to do for me, she has done. No complaints, not one. She has stepped into my roll as "mom" and has also been my nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She keeps telling me that any mom would do this for their child. As much as I want to believe it, I know that is not entirely true. Not every mom is as unselfish as my mom. She has the most kind heart and would do anything for her children and grandchildren-- like take a month off of work and fly 800 miles from home to make sure that my family would not suffer during this time. She is the true hero in all of this, not me. I am just sitting here, waiting for this darn bone to grow!
Ben has been my hero through all of this as well. As the sole breadwinner in our home, he has not only had to balance home and taking care of me, but has also had to continue working 40-50 hours per week during this time. He and my mom have done a great job working with one another to make sure that nothing is left uncared for. Each morning, Ben wakes up, makes me and the boys breakfast, gets them ready for school (with my moms help), drives them 15 minutes out of his way, then to work. He has come home early each day since I have been home to make sure my mom and I are doing okay. Then, continues to work on his laptop throughout the evening, in between caring for me and the boys. The balance between life and work is tough on him, but he doesn't complain. I see his struggle, but he pushes through it. He does his best for our family, which is above and beyond what I could ever expect.
Thank you to both of my heroes. Mom and Ben, I couldn't get through this without you. One step at a time.