Friday, April 29, 2011

More Challenges

A magnificent dove flew into the dining room window last week and before I buried it I honored the angel by photographing it. It's mate hasn't been seen since the  gorgeous bird died. I mourn the loss of the dove and the musical notes of cooing. I know that there are those who aren't fond of birds, but they've always been soothing to me. In high school during a difficult time a parakeet, JoJo, was my pal followed by JoJo2, a cockatiel. These two birds were the first ones that were allowed indoors. Previous to that the 40+ pigeons that lived in coops in the backyard were companions during years of physical pain. These days two 11-year-old furkids provide comfort. From birds to dogs to cats I have been blessed to have them at my side.


Last Tuesday, after a biopsy the week before, a surgeon gave my brother and I his recommendation. Mom needed a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. Shocked though we were we decided that the surgeon who had presented mom's case to other surgeons and a radiologist had given us the right decision. Wednesday, April 27th, was a very long day as Stacy and I waited during the surgery, that went well, and the extremely long wait for a room in the hospital. It seems that they couldn't figure out where to put a woman with Alzheimer's who had undergone a radical mastectomy. After four long hours the news came that on the 4th floor there was a nurse's assistant who could stay with mom.

Mom is doing well in part probably because she doesn't remember that she's had surgery. She'll go into a nursing home on Sat. until the drains are removed and maybe a little longer. I'm in great need of rest. I had another tooth extracted last week and even though it was a simple procedure it knocked the wind out of me.

Quote:
All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles have strengthened me...You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. Walt Disney 1901-1966

6 comments:

Julie said...

I'm glad your Mom's surgery went well Gail. Sad to think that it took them so long to find her a proper bed but good that she has someone to look after her. It's a blessing that she is not aware of the surgery. Dementia does seem to take away anxiety for the sufferer. We saw it with my husband's mother and my Mum is much more relaxed and accepting.

Your photos of the bird's wing are beautiful. I have only ever kept a canary but I enjoy the wild birds that visit our garden and the amazing birds of prey that we occasionally see in the wild.

I do hope that you can get some rest Gail, especially while your Mom is recovering. xxx

Caterina Giglio said...

your quote knocked me off my feet, I was just about to say... well never mind, your resiliency inspires me dear one..... I send you blessings of love and care and joy... xoxox

hw (hallie) farber said...

These are stunning photographs. I hope you can get some rest--maybe let your mother stay at the nursing home for a while--you need to recover.

When my mother lived with me, I constantly came down with pnemonia--it's an exhausting job. We all need help at times.

queenopearls said...

Beautiful photos Gail! I hadn't heard about the dove so my sympathies to it's mate wherever it may be.
May you find peace and healing in everything and know how loved you are!

Marilyn said...

Such a beautiful deed. I have bird feeders up all over my back yard. I have Mr. and Mrs. Mourning Dove who visit, but they don't use the feeders. They like to scratch around on the ground.
You've been through quite a lot with your mom and Stacy, not to mention Roger. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.
Sending you healing energy,
Marilyn

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