Knee Surgery- Up with the good, down with the bad!

I can't convey how thankful I am that Dr. Mazoue found the source of my knee pain. My case had been labeled "complicated", not showing up on MRIs or X-rays for two years. Yet, when I turned my knee in certain positions it would randomly freeze up in searing pain, making me afraid to go skiing with the family or dance in kneeling postures. Thursday I had exploratory surgery done and he found a lateral meniscus tear and was able to repair it. My relief is overwhelming.  I had asked God for it to be obvious when he was able to see inside my leg arthroscopicly and He answered those fervent, fearful prayers. Now for recovery and figuring out what to do while I am unable to teach my pilates classes.

First day of physical therapy

My view most of the day...trying to be a patient patient. I didn't realize how much I move around during  the day- The ice machine is my new best friend; velcro, not-so-much! Retro-fitting one of the kids' fit bits for me. I never thought they would motivate me, but they do if every step counts post surgery

Hooray for violin concerts in sanctuaries...pew relief, and servers in restaurants  who seat you in  corners where your crutches won't be a problem for passersby

Physical therapy...color-coded band, toenail polish and k-tape

UP WITH THE GOOD

 DOWN WITH THE BAD

remembering which leg to step with first

Thankful for all the people who have helped me, checked in on me, and offered well wishes 

(or commiserated with war stories)

buzz-buzz

My fancy anti-swelling kinesio-tape makes me feel like an athlete  even though I'm mostly granny-shuffling and pumping my toes up and down

God's Blessings in April 2017

"Let me tell His greatness in a prayer of thanks." Psalm 69:30 MSG

1. Volunteers who gather and sort food for others- churches that want to love our community

2. Happy cast members after good productions of Peter Pan, Jr. and Sister Act

supporting one another

3. My family members are alive and healthy today

4. A loving tribute by life-long friends

5. A nice dry house to live in during a bad thunderstorm; safety during travels to my cousin's husband's funeral

6. No hail hit our home

7. Warm receptions for our new pastor and his family

Seeing God's hand in leading our pastoral search team to George and Megan Wright-
a sense of joyful accomplishment after three years of preparation

8. Having neighbors over for dinner on a spring evening- sitting outside until it turns dusk- a meal without clocks

9. Singing praise songs and ancient hymns at the top of my lungs in preparation for Holy Week

10. An oral surgeon who puts you, the mother of a teen girl, at ease over upcoming wisdom teeth removal

11. A's efforts to honor E and M, planning of celebrations

Pelican Bucks in exchange for investment tips

12. Reggie taking time to explain investing to our kids; being okay with being the family who takes their kids to a financial seminar over spring break instead of another trip to Carowinds

13. Afternoon tea for my college girls

14. Our daughter's heart broken over a friend's sinful choices

15. Going on a tour of USC Honor's College and learning about future possibilities

16. Family gathering around and Easter buffet



17. A hard-working husband; believing that we will get through this crazy busy season intact

18. The prayers and encouragement of friends before my knee surgery

19. Celebrating birthdays with friends around a lunch table

20. The hope of a repaired knee; knowing that there is no guarantee, but still hoping that there will be more dancing in my future

Shag lessons with friends

21. A well-produced movie that points to Christ, helping our family focus on the meaning of Easter

22. Friends who bring dinner to your family while you are bed-ridden; A friendship that withstands when someone harried volunteers in love but accidentally forgets you in the rush of life. :-)

23. A family member who will give you a ride to your child's musical event when you aren't permitted to drive yet; a family member who will cart you to your follow-up appointment

24. Help getting a shower the days after surgery. Thankful for pilates training and being able to balance on one foot for long periods of time.

25. A safe drive in the torrential rain

26. A friend who brings over dinner with lots of fruits and veggies in consideration of my low activity level

27. A good physical therapist and being checked out to drive again (releasing some of the strain on my family of having a driver down)

28. A friend who comes over to visit and brings lunch and a good book to read

29. Help getting groceries from a friend who had had foot surgery and remembered what it was like to get around on crutches

30. Deep spiritual conversations with friends