One Month

9 September! It is one month since this episode started.  A month of having to be patient, slow down and allow others to do for me. A part of me wishes that this never happened, and at the same time, I am grateful for the grace of God over my life.

After a few days of strict bed rest, I was going crazy.  So we looked for one of our picnic tables and put it next to our bed.  I set my laptop up and slowly started phasing in working on my laptop.  I had all these plans to do all this admin work. Ja right! (like we say in SA). It was not as simple as that. It soon became clear that even with this I had to take it easy.

When I came out of the hospital I realised how good it felt having those oxygen pipes going up my nostrils. It’s not like I struggled to breathe, but it just made it so much easier, and at the same time it helps the healing process in my lungs. It increases the oxygen levels in my bloodstream. So my sis, Carol, allowed me to use the oxygen machine that her mother used. I am so grateful for the use of this machine.  During this time, as I started doing things, I would take a break every now and then and just put the machine on.  At times, even 10 minutes of “that” break would make me feel refreshed.  The sight of the pipes in my nose would freak out people because it makes me look sick.  But when they realise that it actually helps me get better quicker, then they’re cool. I bought this 9m (about 30′) extension pipe so I could put the machine in the room nextdoor, and not disturb my babes next to me.

We watched one of Liesl’s favourite movies, Something’s Gotta Give.  There were parts in the movie that were funny, like the part where Jack Nicholson’s character runs around in the hospital in his hospital patient gown with the back open.  Obviously showing his B-hind. There was also the part where the doctor says “it is normal to be emotional after an episode like this.” I can so identify with this. For years I had already been labeled oversensitive. I tend to show emotions and affections, sometimes exaggerated. Besides this “trait”, This time has made me recognize those who mean something in my life, even ones who have discarded me. I have been blown away by the love, support, and encouragement that I have received. It makes me happy to be around.

It has been a time of adjustment. I have always been someone who likes to do and have things done quickly. At the same time, it has to be done right. I have had to adjust my walking….for now. I have to stop myself from the “let me quickly…” approach. At the same time, it is teaching me to get balance and to delegate where needed.  I’ve been sitting as a passenger in the car, where I have always been a bad passenger since started driving. This has probably been one of the most frustrating times for me.

Two weekends ago my babes went to our church’s women’s conference….or banquet, as they ended up calling it.  Our friend Andy came around with chow (food), made himself comfortable on our bed, and watch a movie with Nate and me. He and Portia have been such a pillar of strength, not just for me but for my babes as she’s had to deal with all these things.  I remember the day Andy arrived at the hospital with three cups of coffee, had coffee with Liesl and me, and continued off to the office. I am grateful for friends who have just been there.

This week I went to my installation site for the first time.  I felt that I was so ready. I month has already been “wasted”.  My clients have been very understanding and even sympathetic, but it was time to get going! The other areas of the project had already moved on so far, and I now had to catch up. So on Monday, my babes drove me to the site.  Nates came to give his dad a hand. I must say, I was pumped to get going.  Three hours later I was exhausted. Mike, one of our acoustic team members told me that my hands were shaking.  It was time to head home.  Fortunately, my babes was waiting (working) in the coffee shop. On Thursday our team leader (my client and friend) flew up from Cape Town for two days to come help, and save me costs for additional labour. I was totally blown away by this “gesture”!

So one month is done.  I feel positive for the rest of this process.  This is the beginning of the rest of my life.  I am so so grateful for all of those who are standing by my side. They have taught me love and support, and also that it’s ok to be helped.