It's been a while since I've had thoughts worthy of of a Stuff I Know post. That's either indicative of how busy life has been lately, or of the fact that I don't have an excessive number of deep thoughts rattling around inside my brain. As with my #17 Rule of 13 post, this particular post is just a little different. It can probably be classified as an addendum to Stuff I Know #2--It's All About Who You Marry.
I've learned a lot about myself these past couple of weeks. I've learned that enforced patience is hard, and often makes me frustrated and sad. I've had reinforced to me time and again the fact that I'm woefully uncoordinated, and that also makes me frustrated and sad when I have to deal with crutches that I'm convinced are plotting my imminent demise. I've learned that I will not be one of the thousands of those addicted to opioids in this country because I really don't like the way they make me feel, even post surgery. I've learned that I am grateful for my kids and for good friends who have helped in countless ways during this time that I've been out of commission. And mostly, I've learned that I married a good man. My husband has had 4 knee surgeries, one with a several-month long recovery period, 2 shoulder surgeries and 2 surgeries associated with his kidney cancer. Being a former RN, it was fairly easy for me to slip back into that mode and pretty matter-of-factly change the ice, give the medication, and generally help him do what needed to be done. While I have also had several different surgeries over the course of a lifetime, this is the first time that I've had something with a recovery of more than a couple of days, and the roles have been reversed.
What I have learned is that true love is shown in many different, and mostly small, but very meaningful ways.
True love finds a long-forgotten trek bag so when I hobble precariously into the bathroom, I can carry my phone with me in case I fall or get stuck somewhere.
True love goes through the vast collection of coolers in the garage and finds one that is just the right height for elevating my leg.
And when I don't need to elevate it anymore, it gets outfitted as a desk to help pass the time.
True love brings in a selection of movies to pick from and then sits with me while we shell peas together.
True love makes the sponge bath happen and then the real shower after the dressing comes off, and he finds a way to make it work.
True love brings in ammo boxes so I have something to push up with when I need to get up and down
True love gets up early before he has to go to work to make me breakfast, since there are steps up and down into my kitchen and they're really scary when I don't feel totally safe on the evil crutches.
True love rummages in the craft room following my hollered directions to find me something to do so I won't be bored out of my mind. True love is patient when I forget something on the list of things that I've already given him to fetch for me, and he has to get out of bed to go get one more thing. True love hugs me when I cry and feel sorry for myself.
True love helps me get dressed and readjusts my brace so it's in just the right spot, and then modifies the brace so it doesn't slide all over the place when the dressing comes off.
True love will find ways to make me laugh. And what's the point of all this for my posterity? You always want to hold out for true love, and once you find it, you never want to take it for granted. It's a precious thing.
This is my favorite post ever! I love it! I'm so glad I have you for a friend....and not just because I can ask you weird questions! Haha! You are a wonderful example to me in so many ways and I love you so much! Keep getting better!!!
Posted by: Heidi Cox | July 17, 2017 at 08:24 AM
You and my brother are such a wonderful couple. Meant for each other. Love you and hope your recovery progresses quickly.
Posted by: Marian | July 17, 2017 at 11:13 AM
I love this. :) A good reminder that little things can mean so so much.
Posted by: Alison | July 17, 2017 at 10:21 PM
You have a sweet husband! Best movie clip ever. Hoping one day I'll find true love after learning what it isn't.
Posted by: Andrea | July 19, 2017 at 07:01 AM
Catherine, what happened to you? So sorry to learn that you have been through recent surgery, but delighted to read your wonderful post. You and Scott are good FOR each other and TO each other. Thanks for the example!
Posted by: Serena Clark | July 20, 2017 at 09:51 AM