Congratulations to Tracy of Sellabit Mum, you’ve won the two wall signs from Signs From Andrea! Thank you all for linking up, please come back for Memories Captured on January 14-18, 2013.
There is nothing quite like the Universe giving you a kick up the behind after you lament how things are not quite what you hope them to be, by getting you to break up with your appendix, and forcing you to be on bed rest for two weeks.
Two weeks where you can’t look after your children as you should, because you can barely walk, or bend, or put on your pants in under two minutes.
Two weeks where you are forced to sit up on the couch for most of the day, helpless, and thinking twice before you decide yes, you do need to go to the bathroom.
Two weeks where you have no choice but to ask for help – help to get in and out of bed, off and on the couch, to and from the bathroom, and help with the children, where your baby may possibly be weaned sooner than planned because you haven’t been able to nurse him.
Friends, I have been humbled.
I don’t think there can be a better wake up call than this. Where I have been forced to look at my life and realize a few things that I have been taking for granted, and haven’t really taken time to be grateful for.
December is the time of the year where we celebrate all that we have achieved this year; where we hold our loved ones closer; where we look back on our year and resolve to do better, be better; where we vow that next year is the time to start fresh.
But this December, I choose instead to start anew NOW. Because life is short. Life is your appendix telling you that you need to look at what you have and be grateful for all of that – and not wait until January.
I am grateful for my husband, who has been tirelessly looking after me and the household, and having a good sense of humor. I am grateful for his parents for stepping up and looking after my boys (I miss them so much) while I recuperate. I am grateful for my sister who is determined to ensure I at least have a fun time convalescing. I am grateful for all of YOU for your well wishes, prayers, healing thoughts and friendship.
My memory captured this month? Saying goodbye to my appendix. You’re not that useless after all.
Your turn to show Galit and I what you’ve captured this month! Grab a button from my sidebar (or include a linkback to me or Galit), link up and visit a couple of other linkers for good karma!
This month, Galit and I are giving away TWO gorgeous wall signs from Signs By Andrea – a Custom Family Rules sign and a Special Dates sign. You must check them out, I especially love the family rules sign (as shown here). Do follow Andrea on Facebook and Pinterest for more sign love!
Latest posts by Alison (see all)
- Words - May 22, 2013
- The Other Side - May 20, 2013
- Things I’m Afraid to Tell You: Volume II - May 15, 2013
Hi, I'm Alison. I write. I mother. I make wishes. I keep memories. Founder of Little Love Media, social media consultancy. I get by on copious amounts of chocolate, cupcakes, coffee, blogging & social media.
You are absolutely right that we should start now – to celebrate, to love a little more, to do a little better and to start fresh. Bed rest and hand IVs suck and it’s hard to feel humbled – that’s the part I remember the most post-surgery for me too. But I’m glad that you have family and friends to support you. Rest and feel better.
Christine recently wrote…Memories Captured: Magical Memories
For someone who’s not used to being waited on hand and foot (not that it’s a bad thing), it IS truly humbling.
Oh you, welcome home! I’m so glad you’re okay! So, so very scary! xo
Galit Breen recently wrote…My Life in Numbers {Memories Captured Linky!}
I wasn’t scared of the surgery – I just wanted the pain to stop. The funny thing is? I didn’t expect post-surgery to be THIS hard or painful.
xoxo
Yeah. That part is really unexciting. A real learning experience, though. Things I never knew, like, “Wow! I’m in LOVE with Percocet! The pain just floats away when I take that magical pill.” to “Wow! I really hate Percocet! I am trading pain control for a pill that does bad, bad things to my digestive system, especially for someone with cracked ribs. (Hope that’s not too graphic…)
Remind myself to be grateful for the miracle of modern medicine…
Kim recently wrote…There is no door #4
So glad to hear that you’re feeling better!
These wake up calls really have a way of kicking our butts into gear, don’t they? Here’s to a fresh start and realizing all that we are grateful for!
Kimberly recently wrote…Essence Of Now: The Holiday Edition
Thanks Kimsley! Yeah, damn wake up calls. It could have been a little less painful.
What a great metaphor: the appendix is your life reminding you to cherish what’s important. Wow. Great post – thank you. So glad you are well. So sorry you might have to wean but the main thing is that you are well and healthy. Take care my friend.
I hope you weren’t being sarky
And no weaning, the boy loves the boob too much!
I am both so sorry you had to go through this and so grateful you did, as you gained so much insight and gratitude from the experience. I was in a bad car accident years ago, and was in a similar boat, only with a completely broken foot and two cracked ribs: stuck on the couch pretty much dependent on everyone else. It really does humble you, doesn’t it? It will give you lots to write about, too, I have no doubt!
Glad you are healing and everything went well.
Kim recently wrote…Go ahead and make my day: Ask for help!
So very humbling, and yes, blog fodder!
I’ve been thinking about you non-stop and wishing I could fly over and help you and spoil you. xoxo
tracy recently wrote…Slumber Party Survival Tips
I wish you could too! xo
Oh I hate hand IV’s too. Good luck starting a new this December, I think some things happen for a reason and it seems like this did.
Julia recently wrote…Made in America
I need for this to mean something more than just an appendectomy
Amazing what it can take to turn the thinking around, huh? So glad that you are okay and getting better each day. Before you know it you will be back to the daily grind!
If only it was a tad dramatic!
I’m so sorry! I hope you’re feeling better!
Blond Duck recently wrote…Last Christmas
I am, thank you!
Oh, lady. Sorry you’ve had some health funk, but your perspective on things is absolutely awesome. Sometimes we find life lessons in the strangest places!
tori nelson recently wrote…Tiny Spark Series: A Helping Heart
Indeed we do, thank you Appendix!
I’m so glad you have so much help and are healing! I know it can’t be fun to be taken out of the game…but so glad your family is really stepping up to the plate. And yes hand IV’s are the worst…especially when the nurse blows your vein…ugh that’s what happened to me last time I had an IV. Hope to see you well very soon my friend!
Natalie recently wrote…The Transition
I’m trying to enjoy doing very little
It is so much better to start now…because we all know those New Years Resolutions never really work out. Starting in December is the perfect way to solve that.
In all seriousness, I’m so happy you are home and hopefully feeling better!
Tracie recently wrote…The Perfect Christmas Card and Letter
Right? I knew I’d hit on something there! And thank you.
I’ve been up to my eyeballs these last two weeks with my own fair amount stress and anxiety, so I haven’t been able to really follow your appendicitis saga beyond the snippets I’ve caught on Facebook. But I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. And really, if an appendix is so useless, then why the hell do we even have one?!
Kristin recently wrote…Birth and Perspective
Right? Stupid organ. It does feel odd though, to be staggering around with one less organ.
Uggg. I didn’t know you were going through this. I’ve been so absent lately. Hope you are getting back to your normal self soon. Enjoy the rest. P.S. I hate hand IVs too. They just always felt SO WRONG. In fact I had one when I delivered Ryan. When they first handed him to me he pooped all over it and they wouldn’t take it out and give me a new one. Nasty.
Oh ewwww! Why wouldn’t they remove a poopy IV? Eeek. And thank you, I am better now.
oh yes…LIVE TODAY, LOVE TODAY…say it today. whatever you’re feeling.
I am so sorry about your appendix, sweet stuff. Hoping you are feeling much better.
I wish I was there, to help, to hold, to fold laundry or bring you cupcakes.
you still looked SO pretty, even ill, so not fair.
xoxoxo
Kir recently wrote…Memories Captured: An Old Friendship and New Ornaments
I am much better, thank you sweet friend!
There is always a silver lining, isn’t there? It’s a gift to be able to see it.
I am glad that you have such a strong support system surrounding you. I hope that the remainder of your recovery goes quickly and smoothly, and that all of your other organs remain intact!
Shannon recently wrote…It Gets Different
I can’t lose any more organs, I need them all! Thanks Shannon.
Alison, I hope you feel better very soon. Sending many positive thoughts your way!
Ewa “Mom Photographer” recently wrote…365 Self-Portrait Project (week 48th)
Thank you Ewa, I do feel better.
When I went back in for my two week check up I asked the doctor why I wasn’t feeling 100% yet. He told me that just because they don’t “slice” you open like they did way back when that it is still surgery, they are still cutting through muscle and they are still removing an organ (useless or not). That helped me see things a bit clearer. I thought because it was in and out surgery that I should be up and at ‘em. I was clearly wrong. So glad you are doing well and have so much help. It makes all the difference in the world!
Kristen recently wrote…Tweens Think They Have All The Answers
Y’know, I was actually thinking the same thing! I thought, once they get it out, the pain will go away and I’ll be all good. Um, wrong. Also? My appendectomy was open.
I’m glad you are back home now and yes, life is short. Enjoy it while you can.
Jessica recently wrote…Sugar, Spice and Oh So Pretty!
I most certainly will try.
I’m just grateful you’re okay.
And I know THREE people who had emergency appendectomies this month.
I guess the universe has been busy inspiring organ break-ups and gratitude posts.
Yours is one of the best! (Posts, I mean. The appendectomy can suck it!)
julie gardner recently wrote…You wait six weeks for a new post…
Ah, darn Universe. It’s so good to see you here, my friend. I’ve missed your awesome comments.
So, so sorry, my friend! I hope you are feeling better.
And kiss those boys good!
Natalie recently wrote…The Peace of the Wild Things
I am and I did!
What an ordeal you’ve been through! Glad to hear that you are home and recovering. How wonderful that you have so much love and support. Your perspective is spot-on: we should live and appreciate what we have now. Why wait, after all?
Kim recently wrote…Big Little Boy
I am truly lucky and blessed. And yes, why wait? Life is short.
Sayonara appendix! How do you look so adorable even in the hospital?
angela recently wrote…Bluff – A Review
Hah! I thought I looked a little puffy. I was just glad to be clean!
Well, I’m sorry this has to be part of your “memories” but I like the way you are putting a positive spin on it. But of course, I would expect that from you. Rest and relax and come back fresh and ready to rock and roll. And yes, know that you are certainly blessed!! xoxo
Elaine A. recently wrote…Christmas Cheer is Here!
Rockin’ and rollin’ sistah!
Oooo, you scared me.
So pleased you are alright, Alison Lee.
Love Love love. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently wrote…I Fall
Thank you sweetheart. xoxoxo
So glad to hear you are feeling much better, dear friend. Being sick really gave us a different perspective isn’t? Anyway, here’s a big big hugs for you
Maureen recently wrote…‘Tis The Season of Changes
It does! And I know you know how it feels with your back
Thank you!
Two weeks of bed rest.. Oy!
I’m glad that you are at home and that you are recovering. (Hugs) for missing your boys.
Love that line: You’re not that useless after all.. Glad you found a blessing in all of this.
I had to turn things around or I’ll be wallowing at my one-person pity party
(the baby is home!)
Way to take back the “lost” time and refine it into gold!
Maggie S. recently wrote…When It’s Legit. Holiday Stress.
Heh, thanks Maggie!
This is how it was after my C-section. Two weeks. Both times. I was NOT a good patient the first time and, well, you know.
With Charlie? I let that force help me heal.
I hope you are feeling renewed. If you are? The universe knew what it was doing
If not? Eff the universe!
Katie recently wrote…Give Back, Get Back
Gosh I am a TERRIBLE patient. I’m like, nurse, I need this hand IV out now, I need to shower. I need to get out of bed, ouch ouch ouch. I can walk, ouch. I can carry the baby, ouch.
My husband tells me I’m merely hampering the healing process. I just can’t sit still, y’know?
But I did and I do feel refreshed. Thanks, Universe. Next time, a little less drama to get your message through.
It is good to hear you are on the mend!
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently wrote…Christmas is near, let the mayhem begin!
Thanks Tinne!
Amazing how certain things will make us stop and look around and realize how very lucky we are. Hope you are back to 100% nagging power soon!!! (Linking up on Thursday!)
Susi recently wrote…Time to play and get a great deal… {Assassins Creed III}
Oh I can nag from where I sit, haha! (thanks!)
I’m so sorry that happened. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Jennifer recently wrote…Memories Captured
Thanks Jennifer, I am definitely feeling better!
I’m so glad to know you’re doing well. Appendicitis can be pretty frightening. Good for you for embracing your thankfulness now instead of waiting for later!
Leslie recently wrote…Making Memories…Our Christmas Tree 2012
God has a way of slapping us when we need it! HE really has a sense of humor like that. He likes to do this to me when I’m really REALLY irritated with my husband. When I get to that point when I wonder how I won’t kill him, and want to run away, the whole family inevitably gets very ill! Three years ago it was the swine flu, this past year is the worst stomach bug you could ever possibly imagine. When you’re down for the count, it is humbling.
adrienne recently wrote…tick, tock.
Oh yes, it is extremely humbling. And oh gosh, swine flu? Ack.
What – no picture of the appendix? What kind of memories captured is this?
So glad you’re getting the boost you need. Are you finally sleeping? Aaaahhhh! Sleep!
Lady Jennie recently wrote…Good Tidings We Bring
They didn’t give me back my appendix in a jar!!
(but I love having him back!)
I did get some sleep, especially after the surgery (all those woozy boozy painkillers!) and a few days after that as the baby was with my in laws. He’s back now so it’s back to sleeping in increments of 2-4 hours
I am so sorry that you had to go through this. How scary! I so understand the humbling; I was on bed rest for 3 months during my pregnancy and never have I felt more helpless or humbled not to be able to function the way I wanted to on a daily basis. I am so glad you are home. xoxo
Julia recently wrote…Finding Home Through Performance
I would go stir crazy if it was 3 months!
Your poor appendix! Never loved till it was lost… Hope you are feeling MUCH better!
Caitlin MidAtlantic recently wrote…The Gingerman House
Hah, yes that is true! Thank you!
Ouch. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Barbara recently wrote…Dear Nathan…
Thanks Barbara!
No fun! But I’m glad you took this as a good message instead of just a painful one.
Robin recently wrote…Doritos and Do Overs
Trying to be sunshiney and all that.
It is so HARD to be sick or “out of commission” as a parent. It is so wonderful that you have the support that you do. I was sick on Wednesday and felt so lucky when my husband returned home for the day to help with the 3 kiddo’s. Thank goodness for support!
Kate F. recently wrote…Where Did the Busy Week Go {Edition 10}
I am lucky and blessed!!
IVs make me want to throw up! Yuck! You handled all that mess well. I think it’s entirely unfair to be asked to give birth and have surgery in the same year. Next year, you get to be completely healthy. Right?
Julie recently wrote…Discovering snow (again)
Oh god, yes please. Oh, I have a cough and a cold right now, right after I got back on my feet. Like, really, UNIVERSE, WTF?