Name Them One by One...

I'll admit, this is long overdue.  LONG.  It may not be an entertaining post for the masses, but I need to do it for myself.

Here is my gratitude list of big and small, in no order particular order:

Simply put, I'm grateful to be able to walk.  Before surgery I did not walk for any amount of time or distance.  I avoided SO many situations where I had to stand or walk.  If I had to do it, the pain was all-consuming.  I couldn't think straight or even breathe.  Now?  Now, according to my post-op instructions, I go outside and walk everyday.  Last night I walked for 30 minutes straight.  Tears filled my eyes as I realized there was no pain and I could keep going all night!  It was actually peaceful and enjoyable to be outside enjoying that time, something I've never felt before.  

I'm so grateful that the surgery was smooth & successful.  Not only did it correct my curvature and pain, but I escaped without major complications.  This was so risky to be drilling right near my spinal cord.  My earlier experiences with anesthesia have resulted in terrible nausea upon waking up.  This time - nothing.  I was very worried how my diabetes would be controlled through the time of hospitalization.  It turned out perfectly.  I was told to expect multiple blood transfusions and never received any!  I never had any infections in that huge long incision.  

I'm grateful for my "reaching stick," purchased in the elderly section of the local drug store.  I could not switch laundry without it.  And for facial cleansing wipes, and slip on shoes, and smart phones, and my big comfy recliner.  Handy conveniences!!!

I'm grateful for books to read, and crocheting, and other little busy work that kept me sane.

I'm grateful for driving, cooking, and housework, things I didn't think I would miss until they were taken away.

I'm grateful that I can now point both my feet forward, and my hips are evenly facing the same way!  Seems like a silly thing, but one that amazed me the first time I noticed it.  Good posture is really foreign to me.

I'm especially grateful for the ability to sleep well.  Throughout this entire experience, hospital included, I have never had a hard time resting.  Pain really never kept me up at night, and I was always able to get comfortable.  I recognize this makes a huge difference.

I'm grateful for the ability to kneel down, get back up, and get my own shoes on.  My newest skills!

Last but absolutely not least, I am grateful for tons of people around me who stepped up to carry me through this.  It's an experience like this where relationships are truly put to the test and real friends come to center stage.  (I'm tempted to list each name individually, but honestly I'm scared to death I'll forget someone and be the rudest person on earth.)  Instead, I'll try to list all the types of help I was given just to give you an idea of the magnitude of it all.

• The dinners.  I've had weeks and weeks of meals brought to our family, some of the same people brought more than one.  They were fantastic, and it helped more than you will know.
• The cleaning.  Help with my housework not only made the house run smoothly but eased much mental anxiety for me.  Even now as I'm feeling pretty good, the physical exertion of many tasks is still not allowed.  It was one of the hardest things for me to do to let others come do work that is sometimes gross or embarrassing.  Yet my heart is so full of thanks that they did it with a willing smile.
• Gifts.  From flowers at the hospital, to comfy clothes to wear as I heal, to dry shampoo when I was desperate for clean hair, to plates or boxes of goodies just because.  They meant so much!
• Rides.  When I couldn't drive it was so frustrating to not be able to get anything done.  There were so many times when volunteers took me or my kids on various errands.  You can't put a price on that.
• Visits.  I don't think others realized how much their time with me was valued.  They may not think it was much, but it was everything to me.  Whether it was phone calls, messages or emails, or coming to see me in person, I was especially lifted and comforted each and every time.
• Care.  Those closest to me took vacation time from work, and/or time away from their own families and responsibilities to care for me full-time or in many shorter visits.  In the early weeks I needed help with every little thing when I couldn't even pull the covers over me in bed.  They fed and dressed me, cleaned me, kept up medications on schedule, and managed the house and kids.  I know it was exhausting.
• Babysitting.  For those who took Cooper or all the kids at various times, to give them something more exciting to get out of the house for, or just to give us a break - thank you!
• Priesthood blessings.  Fathers, home teachers, and neighbors have been called on many times and were always willing to come over and help us at a moment's notice.  
• For all of the little things (that aren't really that little...) I have had my name put in temples across the country.  I have been prayed and fasted for numerous times by countless people.  I have received sweet cards in the mail from friends near and far.  I have borrowed access to a hot tub to soak my aching bones.  I have been taken out to breakfast or to the movies, or accompanied on my many walks.  

I feel like I am bursting when I try to think about all of these blessings.  I hope somehow each of you knows how I treasure you!  I hope I can be that kind of friend to you in return.