It is Thanksgiving 2023. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There are no gifts to buy, and not really any decorating to do. Sure, some over achievers like to put up fall themed decorations, autumn colors, some pumpkins, a scare crow or a hay bale or two, but those items can usually be carried over from September. Thanksgiving is about counting[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… Measurements and Data
Since the first diagnosis of heart failure, some ten years ago, medical professionals have routinely heard my symptoms and feelings about my symptoms and batted them back at me with measurements and data. “I’m sort of breath,” I say. “But your oxygen level is at 98%,” they say. “You are getting plenty of air.” “I feel like I’m retaining fluid,”[…]
My Heart (A Series)… Coming Into Focus Again.
When she penned “Breathe,” Becky Hemsley ended the poem with: And she found a small clearing surrounded by firs. And she stopped … and she heard what the trees said to her, And she sat there for hours not wanting to leave, For the forest said nothing, it just let her breathe. “Breathe” is a poem about finding one’s self[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… My Cane.
I lost my cane Saturday. I was using it when I went to plant crocus and tulip bulbs up near the driveway. After I got the bulbs planted, I walked along the road and picked up a few articles of trash, a Monster drink can and a McDonald’s cup. Energy drinkers and McDonald’s patrons are among the worst offenders for[…]
On My Heart (A Series) … Carpe Diem
I seized the day. I had a good night sleep and woke up feeling rested. The weather was nice. A little breezy but the temperature got near 70 degrees. The hard freeze last week has killed off most of the flowers. There are a few Indian blankets still hanging on, as well as some goldenrod and some asters, but most[…]
On My Heart (A Series) … My Scar.
I met my scar. It was an accidental viewing. I had avoided looking at it all this time. Saturday after being admitted to the hospital again (I was released Sunday), I had been allowed a shower and as I stepped out, there was the mirror. At first, I didn’t really realize what I was seeing. Then I sort of startled[…]
On My Heart (A Series) … Another Round and a Shout Out to Nurses.
I am back in the hospital. I’m retaining fluid in my chest making it difficult to breathe, especially when lying down, in turn making it difficult to sleep. Some fluid has hung around in my chest since the surgery, but this past week it seemed to be getting worse. I sounded all the world like a contented cat making biscuits[…]
On My Heart (A Series) … The Good People in My Corner
I saw my surgeon yesterday. He seems to think I am right where I need to be. My healing is on schedule. I told him all my woes and while he didn’t look bored or roll his eyes, I could see he had heard all this before. There were a couple of concerns I had. There is some numbness and[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… Things to Look Forward To.
The sunrise through the blackjacks this morning was beautiful. The front of our home is made up entirely of windows and this is the view I see when I am pouring my coffee. Our usual herd of deer, four mothers and their babies, were grazing out front as the sun brightened everything with its light. The clouds added extra color[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… Finding the Sunshine
Battling the Depression Monster has been challenging. I want, I need to be outside playing in the dirt but my need for supervision and Charles’ job don’t always cooperate with each other. Plus, my upper body still does not have the range of motion that would allow me any digging. Yesterday, I was determined to do SOMETHING about the dark[…]