Hello!
I
thought I had sent out a letter for Aug/Sept but can't find it anywhere on my
computer. Things have been a bit blurry
for me since I injured my left hip the beginning of July as long days, weeks,
and months have passed confined mainly to the recliner with icepacks to numb my
hip so I can walk slowly with two canes to the bathroom and bed popping pain
meds day and night. Even though I made two trips down to Cookeville for x-rays
and an MRI that didn't happen- each trip putting me in agonizing pain for a week
after- five months later I still am waiting to find out what exactly is going
on in my hip. I've had to go back through Vanderbilt, and at this point my
appointment for an MRI is not until the middle of April. It has been a big
exercise in patience having to sit still instead of not to be able to be up and
around like normal.
I've
only seen glimpses of the outdoors summer and now autumn through a window. Not
able to be outside with the animals, in the garden, puttering around my flower
beds, gathering seeds to save, or watching the birds at the feeders has left a
big hole in my life. It's like losing one's identity.
On
the plus side, I've learned to do all kinds of things in the recliner that I
never would have thought of before. As Dwight has quickly found out, when I'm
not in pain, I need to keep my hands busy or else I end up trying to do too
much (feeling guilty that everything has fallen in Dwight's lap) and flare up
my hip. So, I've chopped up all kinds of veggies (just give me a cutting board
and I'm good to go), re-potted the indoor plants Dwight brought inside ahead of
the first frost (such fun actually getting my fingers in the dirt again even if
it was inside), make my homemade rolls, and fold the laundry. I'm now in the
process of painting a picture of Case on canvas when he was little- as I've
done for all the other grandkids. once they turn sixteen-. for Christmas and
have been busy crocheting a hooded shawl for Ellie like I made for Dawn at
about the same age. It has been a big learning curve but at least it keeps my
brain cells busy.
I
am slowly trying to build my strength back up under Dwight's strict
supervision, to see how much I can actually do with my hip as this obviously
isn't going to be a quick fix anytime soon. Nothing like having to go blindly
by trial and error. Needless to say, Dwight gets very frustrated when I overdo
it, end up in horrible pain having to restart all over again. My Dutch
stubbornness keeps me from totally giving up, but Dwight is definitely a match
for me, so we've had several rounds of disagreements before we see eye to eye
of how much I should do.
Through
it all, my two fat cats have stayed close by; snoozing on my lap in the daytime
or snuggling their fat bodies close at night when I can lay down- sometimes for
only a couple of hours in bed. Their warmth has gotten me through more than one
bad day and night.
I
very thankful for Dwight who has valiantly taken over the household chores,
paying bills, and going grocery shopping in order to keep everything going that
takes away so much of his time working on pocketknives. He definitely will get
an extra star in his crown for putting up with me; fussing over me when I am
hurting, making phone calls to dr offices, and driving me to appointments while
keeping my spirits up when I hit rock bottom due to the frustration of endless
delays trying to get an MRI.
Due
to the tightening of immigration- because of the tense situation in the
Philippines from Chinese warships trying to take over- Dawn, Randy, William,
and Katie had to make an unexpected trip back home in order to renew Randy and
Williams visas. While here for a month, they were able to get a lot of business
accomplished that needed to get done. We also got to see them again as well,
which was such a blessing. They now are back in the Philippines for a couple of
months, hoping to be able to get their visas extended for longer. Please pray
for the situation in the Philippines. Every week they can see from their island
American, Austria, and Japanese warship doing war maneuvers. More American
troops have been stationed on their island, and it has become more difficult to
get any calls or texts through.
Meanwhile
I am grateful for all the prayers. I’ve
received encouraging cards in the mail, different ones have brought food in,
and each week there are phone calls checking on us. I have a lot to be thankful
for this Thanksgiving season.
Have
a wonderful Thanksgiving Day on your end!
Until
next time~
Dorcas
