Stonehenge

When I was at hand therapy a couple of weeks ago and was having the hand warmed for 20 minutes, I saw a National Geographic magazine with the cover story featuring Stonehenge. For the next couple of times, they brought it back to me so I could finish the article. As well as being a distraction, the article was fascinating as it presented this theory and that regarding the construction and significance of this "national treasure". Actually, I think it is considered to be one of the treasures of the world. The article also reminded me of this day when Alice, Debbie and I were actually in the very place. It still amazes me to have been there. This photo of Alice and I was on a sidewalk which circles Stonehenge. This is as close as tourists are allowed. Stonehenge is not only a world treasure, it is a treasured memory for me.

Ready to Blog Again!

Funny how being either a caregiver or receiver of care takes so much energy. Even though intellectually I thought it would be good to get back to this, on other levels it was impossible. Not that things are going badly. Far from it. But it seemed to take everything I had to stay afloat. Today is different. It seems that one more thing can be added and this blog is it! I was startled while playing around with loading photos into the computer (which will end up who knows where) to see that the web cam was doing its thing. So this photo is minutes old. I used Skype twice with Heather who now lives not quite an hour away. It is disconcerting enough to see yourself right in front of you (but with a delay in the image) when you are expecting it. Anyway, today I moved up/down, back/forth to try to center the image and smile instead of having my mouth open in surprise. Art is doing well even without using a walker. Today he even vacuumed the front room using our lightweight "Shark". I guess it served as a crutch. Each day still is better than the last. My hand isn't recovering as fast as I'd like. I'm not sure at this point how much flexibility I will get back, but I can type, drive, crochet slowly, play the piano (I can do an octave but tend to hit more than one note with my thumb. I've had the benefit of good hand therapists. Didn't know there was such a specialty before now.

Massage, the best part of hand therapy! This is one of the Megan's who have worked with me.

She is physically tiny, but a powerful woman. Nikki, the receptionist, took the photo.

And here's my guy a little over a week ago before he left rehab to come home. I don't know how he feels about it but I love this photo! He was actually using a walker very efficiently at this time but was pushed down to occupational therapy where he got to do bowling with a Wii! It was a balance thing. He ended his turn with a strike! Too bad we don't have one here. He would probably challenge me to a game.

Make A Wish

I don't know about his wish here, but mine has come true. Art did very well with hip surgery. Yesterday he used a walker to move down the halls of St. Marks hospital. All has gone well, so today he will be going to rehab at Health South. (Our third choice of places, but oh, well. It's close to home and the other two choices had no rooms available.) The kids have all been great to provide transportation for me. And yesterday (Surprise!) I was given permission to get rid of the splint! Ta-da!!!

(Stephanie's feelings at the moment of winning Bingo pretty much express how I feel about it!)

I am actually typing with two hands this morning. It is a bit awkward as now the tendons in the other fingers have shortened by being immobilized for so long. So now it's on to more physical therapy (ouch!) to stretch them out. The thumb is still healing on the inside although the incision is totally healed at this point. As soon as I have a good left hand grip, I have permission to drive. Freedom! The picture at the top is a birthday photo from 2006! In 2008 I will be in the hospital for his August birthday and it will be two days after my surgery on his special day. He has been a good model for me. He's been patient, has had very little pain, is following instructions so his progress has been steady. I suspect it won't be long before he will be home. We're so blessed.