These pictures inspired me, my boys playing hockey on our rink not long after Jack broke his ankle about 5 yrs ago. They creatively put their heads together and reenacted indoor mini-sticks on the homemade ice. An old hockey pad became his protection over the cast and viola, hockey goes on! Don’t worry, I don’t plan on heading to a rink anytime soon. Safer if I remain where I am, leg up in bed! I love that in their youth, nothing could stop the fun! If they had two nets, two sticks and a basement with carpet I bet they play a round tonight.

 

 

 

Post surgery moments have been of course painful, uncomfortable and also comes with a sense of relief. After a very long day of waiting for my turn (surgeries scheduled ahead of me) I was finally ushered into the OR around 845pm. I had lovely nurses checking in on me all day. I was fasting way longer than I had planned, I had many praying I would make it through that part! I did have quite a headache likely due to lack of coffee. I missed my hot coffee.

I had moments of sadness when the nurse would let me know that the surgery before me had not even started, was delayed and also preparing me that an emergency may come in anytime and if that happened I may be sent home , even though I was already hooked up to an IV. It brought me back to the many times while in labor I was sent home because it was just not far enough along. Those were hard moments.

I had prepared an overnight bag just in case I was unable to have the surgery and because of that I had a journal/pen (thanks Allie!) a phone charger, jammies etc. I was grateful Samantha helped me organize it as that made the difference in my day. I had downloaded a movie a few weeks ago and now was my time to watch it, The Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies is a moving film based on a true story of a group of high school Inuit youth from the Arctic town of Kugluktuk. Inspired by a committed teacher with a passion for lacrosse, it was through him a team was gradually formed. Through heartache, suicide, and hardened hearts the team became an inspiration to this small town and forever changed the lives of the players. I cried (shocker for those that know me). I was overwhelmed with the hopelessness, the pain, the tears, the hunger, the shame, the abuse experienced in this town. This young teacher, unaware of the inner turmoil of the youth, finds a way into their hearts because they found a way into his. I loved this movie. I highly recommend this. There are serious issues that would need to be discussed with a younger audience so perhaps watch it first and prepare ahead of time, also language is used. The acting was so well done. This opens up an entire world of discussion of how to help communities in need of our love and attention ***** five stars.

After watching this film I just lay there, texted family and waited. When the doctor came in to say the anesthesiologist was coming in to ask questions I was relieved and a bit anxious. After confirming I had no piercings or other concerns, I was rolled down the hallway with my pretty surgery blue ‘shower cap’ like hat and one bootie. One of my nurses had a pineapple hat because she said that it brought some life to her somewhat drab uniform, she had spunk and made me laugh. I like her response to my five children answer too. She was great!

Surgery went well, I have been told, and now recovery continues. I have a plate and screws binding what was broken. I am grateful for technology that will enable the healing to begin. We have been blessed with love through family and friends in countless ways. My list of gratitude continues. Today Katie began her own gratitude list.  What a gift to see her just keep going. That made me day. Thank you for all the words, thoughts, prayers, meals, cards, flowers and gifts. I am overwhelmed, this is grace. Glad to be home.