Notes from Jan

Moaning and Mending

March 17, 2018

 

HOME!

It’s good to be home moaning(to be sure) and mending(hopefully) . The attentive care of family and friends bandages my spirit with hope all will be well.

The recliner’s become my goal to get to or out of between PT sessions and grabbing a fresh bag of frozen peas to tend my wounded knee.

The visiting nurse stopped by to “ask a few questions” and see if I’m in a safe place.  The questions took a while but didn’t include, “Do you know what day it is? ”  Part way through she looked a little nervous, then asked, “Do you wish to be resuscitated? We have to ask.”

Well, I’d heard PT was really challenging after knee surgery but didn’t think death so imminent.  Gives one pause.

As for my wishes, they were simpler.   I wish I could be a poster child for healing without complications. I wish she’d stop asking so many questions  so I could hobble to the bathroom, then enjoy lunch with Heather.

On the nobler side, I’m grateful for visiting nurses and Physical Therapists who come to the house so I could come home, instead of rehab.

Speaking of, I’m sticking mostly to Tylenol so I don’t end up in Rehab for reasons other than my knee.

Since 4:00 yesterday, Maggie’s been my nurse. (age 10) Chad spent the night since Heather had to return yesterday morning.  Maggie cheers me when I do the exercises and doesn’t let the moaning scare her.

Last night, after a tough day, I tentatively settled into the recliner for the night, Maggie brought blankets, fresh water and kissed me goodnight.

As I was falling asleep, I heard her singing outside my door, “Silent Night, Holy Night. All is Calm.”

Her turn to tuck me in with a song.

Sweet role reversal.

Aging has its blessings.

I slept “in heavenly peace.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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13 Comments

  • Reply wendy lane March 17, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    Oh man! I know knee replacement is so hard… So sorry you have to go through this. So thankful you have sweet family with you. What a precious story about Maggie helping you! <3 Praying for your healing – and specifically no complications going forward! Praying that soon you'll be glad you did this… I know you were pretty miserable with that knee before. Hugs!!

  • Reply Marty Lefever March 17, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    You are plugging along with lots of help from your kids! How sweet that is! In Washington attending Lee Campbell’s memorial service…another life well lived joining the throngs in heaven!
    Praying for good progress with each new day! Keep on keeping on, dear one
    You’re a trooper…much love and so many prayers for your healing, recovery and courage to battle on! Love you, Jan!

  • Reply Myrna March 17, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    Maggie is such a sweet caregiver. Praying your physical therapy and healing continue to go well. Glad you can be home.

  • Reply Dale Lefever March 18, 2018 at 12:29 am

    Lost my post; likely God’s intervention. Anyhow, these are “tender” moments. If the physical terrorist asks you if you have pain, always say yes and they will smile and leave you alone. You are a great encouragement and encourager, but right now it’s time for heavenly peace – peace in heaven can wait.

    Love you sister Jan

    Dale

  • Reply Evelyn Morgano March 18, 2018 at 12:34 am

    So sorry you had to experience knee replacement. I had that done 5 years ago and I can honestly say that it was the most pain I have ever endured. Childbirth is hard, but doesn’t last. I was unable to do the normal therapy because of Sciatica, so had to spend a month in the nursing home rehab center. The therapists were so good to do manipulative therapy so as not to stir up the pan in my back. Therapy is KEY to good recovery. Hang in there, this too shall pass. It’s good to have family close by.

  • Reply Helen Demsko March 18, 2018 at 1:26 am

    Oh my I LOVE MAGGIE! So glad you are home and it sounds like you are well taken care of! Some questions need not be asked! LOL

  • Reply Jeri March 18, 2018 at 2:51 am

    Praying for you Jan! Trusting the healing is happening and soon you will be up and running strong!!! Thanks for your tender stories. They make me smile. You have such a beautiful family! Treasures!

  • Reply Sharon Eaton March 18, 2018 at 4:15 am

    Dear dear Jan, I am always amazed at your gift to turn even serious situations & tender moments into a time for a little chuckle along with heart felt empathy for your situation. So glad you can be home now & cared for by sweet Maggie! We will continue to pray for your healing in both body & spirit! Much love!

  • Reply Gail MacDonald March 18, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    Janny,
    Loved Moaning and Mending. All the years you have given such priceless care to Maggie and Kate has been
    “Caught” by them and are coming back to bless you through the pain and PT. I know the knowledge of this brings bring joy to your heart that still sings. Warms my heart -a sweet answer to our prayers for you.
    Gail

  • Reply Katherine March 18, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    Oh dear, didn’t know about the surgery until now. Prayers for a speedy and less moanful recovery!

  • Reply Jim Trent March 18, 2018 at 11:42 pm

    As you heal, Jan, your words help others to heal as well. Thank you for the post.

  • Reply susan March 19, 2018 at 12:57 am

    I am so glad you are able to be in your home and that you are surrounded by your (and my!) loved ones.
    Maggie is so special. So loving and caring and I loved your story about her singing outside your door.
    Keep up the good work and get well soon. xxoo

  • Reply Russ Bishop March 19, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    A faith healer would have been less painful! Just a thought for when the other knee buckles…

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