The New Normal

I've been home from the hospital for 2 months today and getting stronger every day. I can walk with a cane now rather than using a walker. I can take a shower by myself, help Jim with a few of the household chores (dusting, setting the table). I don't need a nap everyday, or Jim's help in the bathroom. My occupational therapist (OT) had me playing balance games using Wii Fit, which was a lot of fun, and my physical therapist (PT) had me walk unassisted (no cane) and bat a balloon in the air as I walked around the house.

I've been doing OK emotionally, but I really miss my family. Sean, Corrie and the girls (all three of them including a third granddaughter who is due Feb 4!) will be stationed back at Fort Carson this summer once Sean finishes grad school. Having them so close to us will be a huge blessing. I also miss my parents and siblings. Three out of five siblings and their kids celebrated my parents' birthdays this past week at my parents' new house in TN. Dad turned the big "8-0" and mom turned 77. (We would have been there too, but I can't travel yet, especially on an airplane, because I am immune compromised.)

I shouldn't be too sad because Jim's brother and wife will be spending two nights with us this week, and our daughter Anna will be coming to live with us (to escape an abusive relationship). It will be different having an adult child back at home, and both Jim and I are a little anxious since we've had an empty nest for fourteen years. But Anna needs a safe place to live for now and needs the opportunity to get some counseling.

I really miss my job at Fuller Theological Seminary too. The work environment was so refreshing and I love to be around students. I think I may audit a course next quarter. One of the perks of being a graduate is being able to audit a course at no cost. (All my cognitive skills including short term memory and mentation have returned - thank God!).

So, this is the new normal for me, and I'm not sure that I like it, but it beats the alternative.