There wasn’t as much loot under our Christmas tree as there has been on some other Christmas Days.
In fact, the tree — it’s a four-footer that doesn’t take up a lot of space in our living room — didn’t go up until Sunday, Dec. 22. Prior to then, about the only indicator that Christmas was coming to our home was the lights and decorations that adorn cedars and a retaining wall in our front yard.
Still, I can’t recall a Christmas Day that was any more special than this one.
My day began with this text:
“Merry Christmas, Honey. Love you. My nurse started my IV at 8 so I can go home earlier. I am so excited!”
Yes, it was from Dorothy, my wife of 41-plus years.
Most of you will be aware that Dorothy underwent a kidney transplant on Sept. 23 at St. Paul‘s Hospital in Vancouver. We returned home to Kamloops on Nov. 19.
You may not be aware that she was admitted to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops since Dec. 5.
At that time, Dorothy was so weak that she couldn’t stand without help. The strength in her legs was minimal. She was having respiratory problems. In short, it was messy.
It turns out there was a bit of pneumonia in one lung, and an infection had gotten into her system and was wreaking havoc.
By the beginning of Christmas week, she was well enough that her doctors allowed her to come home on day passes, so we were able to enjoy Christmas in the warmth of our own home and with our family.
On New Year’s Eve, Dorothy was well enough that she was discharged. However, doctors are going to keep a close eye on her for the immediate future, meaning there will be a few medical-related appointments through the early weeks of 2014.
The good news through all of this is that the kidney Dorothy received on Sept. 23 continues to work well.
Meanwhile, Joan (not her real name), the best friend who donated a kidney in order that Dorothy would receive one from someone else, continues to do well.
In fact, she and her husband spent a few hours on Christmas Day preparing meals for shut-ins.
Yes, she really is a saint.
———
This blog will be quiet for the next while as we work to build some kind of routine into our lives. For info on the WHL trade deadline that arrives Jan. 10, I would suggest checking out Small Thoughts At Large with Alan Caldwell. There's a line over there on the right.
There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.
Posts
