Discouraging News
Ginny’s x-rays showed that her bones are indeed healing, but they’re not quite ready to bear weight. The doctor said, “I have no doubt that you could get up and start walking now, and things would probably be okay, but I’m not comfortable with ‘probably.'” So her restrictions have been extended for another four weeks. This means spending about 20 hours a day in a bed and 3 hours a day in an uncomfortable orthopedic chair for four more weeks. Four more weeks without a shower, four more weeks wearing Depends and having to rely on Mom and me for the bedpan, four more weeks watching spring go by through a window.
We know it’s for the best. No one questions that for even a minute. And yes, “at least she’s still alive,” which we have heard far more often than is comfortable or appropriate. This is, of course, good too. But it’s hard to be all “yay, life rocks” when you’ve spent the last eight weeks in a bed and are looking at four more. It’s hard, and she’s bored, and she’s at that point of boredom where she doesn’t want to do ANYTHING. We’re going to be okay – it’s just discouraging.
Last night my aunt and grandma came over to babysit, and the rest of us went to the Dogwood Festival to see Sam play sax with the jazz band in the jazz festival competition. We didn’t get to go over to the midway or anything because we needed to get back to Ginny, so the girls and I might try to go back on Saturday if we can. Tonight if the weather holds we’re going to watch some of the ODAC softball tournament.
My feet feel totally weird today because this is the first day I’ve worn socks and shoes in about a week. It’s way uncomfortable – I wish I could wear flip-flops!
That’s about all, for now. I got a report done early today and it makes me feel way productive, so I’m going to try to ride that wave for as long as I can.
I do not know you, but I do read your diary all the time. Just wanted to let you know, I hope that your sister gets better – physically, emotionally, everything. I feel so bad for her. I cannot imagine what she is going through. I was wondering, since she could “probably” walk, but shouldn't, could you at least get her into a car (via wheelchair, maybe?) so she could go for a ride, maybe see people, enjoy the weather…anything. I really do feel terrible for her, this must be so difficult for her and you and your family as well. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
As always, you and Ginny and the rest of your Savage Garden-loving family are in my prayers. The strength that you will all carry forth from this hard time will be a tremendous resource to offer someone else. I have been awed by your family's devotion to one another; you are more of an inspiration, Lorie, than you may realize.
I remember being so bored I watched billards on tv and was excited to find that on … it's impossible to believe right now, but some day she will be saying “geeze, I wish I could just sit down and do nothing!” because she is so busy. The “hurry up and wait” stage is the WORST part of recovery. The first walking is going to suck hard too, but it's all got to start some where. It's hard, but people like us who've been through things know we are strong kick ass chickies :)
I'm sure the next 4 weeks will be tough, especially when you got your hopes up that MAYBE she could do more, and the doc said it would PROBABLY be OK. I feel for you all! Doing what's best sometimes stinks.