Karma...what goes around, really does come around

"What goes around, comes around"....we have all heard that before, right? It's the first thing I think of when I have been wronged or my feelings have been hurt.

But it goes the other way too. If you treat people the way you would want to be treated and give of yourself in friendship, you hope that someday, when you need help the most, your kindness will come back around.

This is the 3rd month my kitchen has been closed. On April 24, I had foot surgery. I had hoped my support system would be better than it was when I had surgery 7 years ago, and wow, was it ever! And it wasn't that the friends I had weren't great the last time, it's like there just wasn't enough of them. They all had jobs, a family, and their own life. There is only so much you can ask of your friends, after all, a 2-3 month recuperation period is a long time. I don't know what I did to deserve all of this, but I thank God that my good friends have almost tripled. I am still in this ski boot for another month, but I am hopeful that with the next blog post, I will be up-and-running and doing what I love to do.

In case anyone has been wondering, here is a little look-back at my recovery the last 2+ months and a way for me to acknowledge and thank my fantastic friends. I think they know me well enough that when they are faced with big life stuff....I will be there.

♥

Lots of pictures to pass the time -- starting with the 

first night home.

The first four weeks I was in this non-weight bearing/no walking fiberglass cast. Very physically exhausting.

A minor set-back

On May 22, I had a doctor's appointment for an x-ray and to have the hard cast cut-off. The x-rays showed that the screw holding the two bones together had slipped, so now there was a slight gap between the two bones. The doctor didn’t seem to be too concerned and said it would still be OK….it would just take longer to heal. It was just a little set-back -- a pebble in the road -- and we would get through it.  He removed the cast and put me in a black ski boot for another two months (no weight-bearing).  

On June 5, I had another x-ray. The doctor could see some improvement, but ordered another three weeks of no weight-bearing (in the ski boot).  

On June 26, another x-ray, and the doctor released me to return to work (in the ski boot) with light walking, using crutches or the knee scooter. Getting around the office w/ crutches is really just too hard, so I use my scooter at the office and save my light walking for around the house.  

 

       

This knee scooter was a lifesaver and made it easy to get around the house. Getting off the sofa without putting weight on the foot was the big challenge.

My amazing support system made up of work colleagues, neighbors, friends, and a few officers. It takes a village and they all played a part in keeping my spirits up. Even Mary w/ the Firestone Complete Auto Care in Ballantyne called to check on me. Wow! I have delivered cream puffs to them a few times. No doubt, more cream puffs are guaranteed after I'm moving about 100%.

I obviously didn't take pictures of every act of kindness (I wish I had), but below are just a few highlights of the last two months. If I were to list everything, this blog post would be as long as the United States Constitution. My cup runneth over.  

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This is Ofc. Herrera. We were already good friends before my surgery, but Ofc. Herrera is one officer more than happy to show his appreciation for all the cooking and volunteering I do for the CMPD. We have been friends since the very first night he ate a meal at my table. Throughout my recovery, he was so thoughtful to call me on his way to work to see how my day was and he would ask if I needed anything. He stopped by with dinner a few times, large sweet teas from McD's, and he even remembered trash day and would wheel my container out to the curb if it was full. One afternoon on his day off, he and his beautiful wife stopped to visit and they brought me lunch. I am so grateful. I have no doubt my friendship with this officer and his family will continue long after he retires. He has a such good heart. ♥

The first three weeks were the hardest because I was weak from the surgery and it was very hard getting around without putting weight on my hurt foot. How I was going to get my morning coffee was a little worrisome, but a few friends came to my rescue (thanks to Teresa, Charlotte, and Sheilah.) There were a bunch of days I went without coffee and I probably should've taken advantage of the opportunity to stop drinking it altogether, but I enjoy it too much. 

This is Ofc. Spencer who stopped by on his day off and a few other times. Another officer who was so kind to check on me throughout my recovery. It's really hard to go through big life stuff when you don't have family here. He brought me my favorite Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino each time he could stop by. I loved to get that text message that said...."I'm near a Starbucks...do you want something?" When your normal routine comes to a halt and you can't get out and about, it means a lot to have a treat like this and to know that you are thought of. Ofc. Spencer has a kind soul and his thoughtfulness is genuine.  ♥

  

Here's one of Ofc. Spencer's text messages....just a few words meant so much.  

There is not enough I can say about my friend, Teresa. We are sisters from another mister, that's for sure. Teresa also knows first-hand how humbling it is to have to call on others when you're faced with a life challenge. She has been my driver to all of my post-surgery doctor appointments; she picked up my groceries, treats, dinner, and sweet tea from McD's. She would not only pick up what I asked for, but she would call me en route asking about other things she might be able to do for me while she was out and about. Wow, is all I can say. She knows all of my food cravings now. We both got into the Downton Abbey PBS series while I was out and she would come over and watch 2-3 episodes with me at a time. Good company and a great friend! Everything she did for me was with a cheerful heart. ♥

Thank you, Kim! Kim and I have known each other since the mid-80s. She made homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo, caesar salad, sweet tea, and some amazing chocolate cake. She made us after dinner coffee and pretty much waited on me hand and foot with a cheerful heart. She also brought me roses from her garden in what she called a 'redneck vase' (a Mason Jar). Kim lives at least 45-50 minutes away, so this visit was a labor of love. I enjoyed every minute our visit.  ♥

Crystal and I have been friends on Facebook for about five years and this was the first time we had met. She brought me much more than my personal request of some corn-on-the-cob from Aldi's. She brought me a rotisserie chicken and all the stuff to go with it. It was all delicious! I loved her cast art! It took just a few minutes for me to know we are kindred spirits.  ♥

Thank you, Mark and Sherri....you were so sweet to get me out of the house and take me to one of my favorite restaurants. You both were so cute to make sure I didn't fall or wobble getting down the stairs. I had so much fun that night and the cool air on my face felt wonderful! You both are adorable and I love you very much!   ♥

   

Another friend was very sweet to pick me up one morning to take me to a nearby Waffle House for breakfast. I needed my Waffle House fix. Tee, a waitress there, came over and asked if she could sign my cast. She said she had always wanted to sign a cast, so I told her I would be happy for her to sign mine. Tee has waited on me many, many times over the years. She has a hard job and I have never seen her without a smile on her face.

One of my favorite songs and such great words to live by...."What You Give Away" w/ Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow.

Gifts

I have friends with giving hearts....I received a bunch of cards too!  :)

♥