November 12th, 2007 

So, now I'm back and I've had 10 days to heal and get back into the swing of things.  From talking with other patients, the general consensus was to expect a month before one really feels 100% again.  I guess I have another week and a half to go for that.  For the most part, I'm back to normal.  But like any other surgery, one tires easily and needs more rest & sleep than usual.

My recovery has been greatly aided by my many friends - those from my support group and work, and my family!  My coworkers cooked me some great home made dishes (all soft foods ).  It was enough to feed a half dozen families for a few days!  I did freeze some of it, but also donated a portion to a food kitchen.  It really was more than I could really eat before things went bad, but seeing how much effort was put into it, I could tell how much they really cared.   People from my support group have been very encouraging and keep telling me I look better than I do :)  (See - I didn't say I was ugly, and it implies I'm saying I do look nice now).  They're all getting tired of my complaints about my looks ;)  My family has also been with me throughout this ordeal and continue to extend their support and stand behind me.

I would like to specifically thank my Dad!  Perhaps I've become a 'Daddy's girl', but he has really gone above and beyond the call to help me out over the past month.  Between running me around after my accident, getting me to the airport & back, over nighting the medicines I left on my kitchen counter, getting the old shingles off my roof & clearing out the gutters & even vacuuming my carpets, he's made my life alot easier!  Both my parents are standing behind me and helping everyone adjust to these changes.  Not bad for a man who's turning 79 this year.  (Mom's only 29 of course).

I could really make a list of those who've emailed me, talked to me on the phone, come over to help me out (& help eat the food too!), but you get the idea.  I'm affraid if I try to list everyone & everything I'll leave something out and I don't want anyone to feel unappreciated.  I'm guessing that most people reading this have in someway contributed their support not only in helping me through this surgery, but in supporting my life changes as well.

I do hope I can return these favors & kindnesses sometime to each of you.  You all mean alot to me!