It's been 10 days since my surgery and I'm slowly getting around with less and less pain. I'm looking forward to my appointment at the London Cancer Clinic on Thursday to get the results of the pathology report so I can "officially" move on from this chapter of my life. This week I have been filled with many emotions and thoughts (and probably most from the lovely painkillers they prescribed me). I've been thinking so much about the love that surrounds me and my family during this ordeal. I've never experienced anything like this before. I love to send cards and flowers and am always game to participate in a meal schedule for someone in need. It's never an inconvenience and I enjoy connecting with someone in need. It's no big deal. but, experiencing the giving from this end is awesome and amazing and very overwhelming. People that are negative about the generosity of the human spirit just need to live my life for a week. We have received gestures and gifts, big and small and each has added to this cozy blanket of love that has surrounded Aaron, Shawn, Irelande and myself. Each kind word, prayer for continued healing, generous gift and delicious meal has added to this blanket, forming a whole that reflects the amazing people in my life. And when I am struggling with the reality of healing from surgery and the frustration of limited mobility this blanket of love and kindness has been a soothing relief.
To each and everyone who has given to us so selflessly I am so thankful. Every day I receive wonderful cards, some inspiring, some funny, all heartfelt, I've been given the most amazing gifts, each with a story and a wish for inner peace and a speedy recovery, my dear friend Dale has delivered the most gorgeous flowers and they bring a smile to my face every time I see them , my sister being my sister and knowing me inside out has kept me outfitted in the best pajamas (sisters always know the right size, style and fabric), our generous friends, the Hiddema's know what a woman needs when she's out of commission and we are so, so thankful (my house is so clean and tidy), and to brother Andrew, taking care of Aaron's hotel stay while I was in the hospital was beyond generous and thoughtful - you kind, kind man, the help and support with Irelande has taken such a burden from my shoulders (and Helen, I do appreciate how you make it seem like I'm doing you a favour by letting her come for a play with Abby). The visits have been so enjoyable and for many it has meant much travel and taking time away from your own family. Being surrounded by the people I love has helped my recovery tremendously (and Terry, I will admit the Godiva chocolates you brought did add to my appreciation of the visit). And the meals!!! You know we love our food and my dear sweet man hates to cook. It is so comforting to not even have to give it a second thought about a meal. Anita has stocked my freezer and she knows how much I love her cooking (that cheese capaletti was low fat, right) and Paula has organized the meal schedule and I love you both for it. And this doesn't include the many, many meals people have dropped off (Shelda you are a genius for giving us the goody bag for the hospital, it was perfect). The kind words and continued prayer has topped off this giving in such a splendid way.
I wanted to say thank you to everyone but I also wanted you to know that your kindness helps so much. When I have said thank you, my dear friends, you often reply, "it's no big deal" but I want each of you to know it is a big deal. It does help, it has made things better for me and my family. The many gestures of kindness have surrounded me like a blanket with love and peace.
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