Life isn't always stylish...

by Ann

Me relaxing (??) with Jake, our cat who spent the same day in the animal hospital as I was getting my surgery done.

Life … There’s a lot more to it than our blog post topics – things that aren’t as “stylish” as those things  we write about.  We try to cover matters that we think are worth sharing with you, our readers, in hopes that you can take pieces of what we have to say and use it in your lives. 

With that said, today’s post is about “real life,” which I’ve had a strong dose of lately.  And with that said, I need to acknowledge how lucky I have been to have gotten a good education, live in a great place, and to enjoy good health, a stable job, and a wonderful husband and family.  Still, doesn't it seem that “there is always something” that isn't working or needs fixing in other ways? The past two weeks it has been health related, both of mine and one of our cats.

Years ago I can remember kidding with my friend Teri that my feet were my most perfect physical feature.  I still attest to the fact that my toes are pretty darned perfect, lining up in a lovely slant sporting flawlessly shaped toenails.  (Really??  Yes, I’m afraid I am terribly proud of my toes…)  The problem??  Bunions!  At one of our book club gatherings I was lamenting the ugly, somewhat painful bunions that were starting to form on my feet.  Coincidentally, out of the six or seven of us at the meeting, two (including Sheila) had the same podiatrist, who they highly recommended, which spurred me to make an appointment last November to explore options.  In a very no-pressure way he told me that I would need to have them dealt with now or later – the choice was mine.

Since I was about to retire (at least sort of), I didn’t want to deal with it until I had more flexibility in my schedule, which fast-forwards to now.  Although the procedure was explained well to me, I was very willing to accept the “best case scenario” version which didn’t sound so bad.  Unlike my mom and sisters, I refuse to look up medical issues and procedures on the Internet (my ostrich in the sand approach to these things…), so although I was told that bones needed to be broken and shaved with pins installed, it didn't sound so bad.  (Again, Really??)  Oh yeah, and since postoperatively the patient can put no weight on the afflicted foot, the doctor unwilling to do both at once.  (I get that now!)

I am fortunate to have a husband who is willing ready to adhere the electronic leg wraps on my calves to avoid the possibility of blood clots, swap out the hard plastic boot for the ice-pack boot when my foot became hot or swollen, chauffeur me around, and to do everything around the house.  Jake (the cat) is also lucky to have us as “parents” willing to fork out the bucks and to take care of him postoperatively. 

The gear that is involved once the surgery is over.
"Das Boot" (center) is a loaner from Edie - we've decided it can be the official book club boot.

If I weren't so lucky to have a great hubby, I would be counting on my friends to help get me through this.  Joyce, one of my dear friends stopped by a couple of days after the surgery with flowers, well-wishes and treats.  Little did she know that she’d end up helping me wash my hair.  That’s what friends do.  She was even the photographer for the pic at the top of this post.

Here’s to taking care of things that need to be done.

Here’s to getting back to normal.

Here’s to family and friends helping both of these things happen!