The start of 1st anniversaries

Anniversaries can be filled with joy and sadness. I’ve hit two in the last two weeks that are a mix of both. Joy that I’m a year out from the start of one of the hardest medical experiences I’ve ever faced, and a some sadness for what has changed as a result.  Back on 8/21, it was one year since the MRI that picked up Norman growing inside my head.  One year ago today, I saw Norman for the first time when I met with the doctors at the U of M.  I posted the following comment on the AN Facebook group that became a great resource of information for me, including helping me find surgeons to contact for 3rd and 4th opinions.

Diagnosed with a 2.4cm AN 1 year ago today.

Surgery 7 1/2 months ago.

I don’t post here much, but want to take a minute to thank those who do.  After my diagnosis you helped me feel like I wasn’t alone.  As I discerned my treatment decision you helped me understand the possible outcomes of surgery – real life, no sugar coating. In the days leading up to my surgery and still now as I recover, you helped me see that life does go on and that it can be (and is) good. Stay strong, warriors!

There’s something about being able to dialogue with people who “get” what you’re going through.  Their situation may not be exactly what yours is, but it’s close enough.  They understand the emotions and the unknowns and some can offer hope when sharing where they are at today.  I was able to “meet” two people through the AN page and corresponded with them after my surgery.  They left notes letting me know they were thankful for my support during the time leading up to their surgeries.  Looking back on those conversations now, I think they helped me just as much.  It was a lot to process.  Talking to them helped me face the reality of what I went through and keep pushing through my early recovery.

Paddle boarding & Nissedalen @ 50 years

βœ… Paddle boarding!!

We spent the day celebrating 50 years at Nissedalen today.  The weather was absolutely perfect and the lake water was warm enough for me to enjoy being in it.  If you know me at all, that’s a pretty big deal!  With summer (sort of) winding down, today was a great day to attempt the next major item on my recovery checklist – paddle boarding.  Jake rented a couple of boards from a local shop and his cousins let us use their trucks to transport them to the lake.  When the little kids weren’t using them, a few of the adults gave them a try.  I was thrilled to not only get up without falling off the board, but keep my balance while paddling down the shoreline and back! Hooray for another recovery item checked off!

Group shot – 4 generations!

Grandma Lois & Papa Dale with many of their grandkids (and spouses) and great-grandkids!

One note about the coloring of the pictures.  The smoke in the air from the fires out west was intense.  These have been tweaked a bit just to tone down the yellow tones a bit – and they still look hazy!

Shecklet #2 also got up on skis today! Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of him, but he wants to go again, so I’ll try to capture one next time.

The rest of the day’s photos can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kT3NcQ9JhhWmu5878

Back to school night

Or afternoon.

It’s day 4 of VBS week, which means it’s back to school night for the kids. Time to find out who their teachers are, drop off the supplies, and in the case of Shecklet #4, get an idea as to what the building looks like. All four Shecklets will be at the same school and on why same schedule for the next three years. Yeah for that!

Stacie and Nick get hitched!

My SIL got married today!

I didn’t take many pictures – just enjoyed the evening.

The picture of Jake above was taken by his aunt πŸ™‚ I love his zest for life!

ETA: We didn’t get a picture of just the two of us looking spiffy last night, so we took a “day after the wedding” photo instead. We did get a couple of family pictures that I’m hoping turned out well. Fingers crossed!

ETA 12/21/18 – Here’s a family photo from the day.  Don’t we clean up well??

The Land of Stories

A family friend’s son read The Land of Stories series and his mom recommended them to me several months ago. Fast forward to today and Shecklet #2 is on the sixth and final book in the series.

6 months post-op

Time flies.

Usually I say that when referring to my kids and how fast they’re growing and changing.  This time though, I’m saying it about me.  Six months ago today, I was in the middle of a life-changing (life-saving) surgery.  A lot has happened in a short amount of time and every day when I wake up, I’m thankful for the gift of continued recovery.

βœ… walking

βœ… normal vision

βœ… driving

βœ… biking

Next goal: paddle boarding

We celebrated with 6-month post-op ice cream cones tonight!

Hammock swinging

We spent the day at Jake’s parents’ cabin today. Sun was out, wind was a tad breezy (read: cool,) but comfortable weather overall. Shecklet #3 brought her hammock and we took turns swinging in it.

There was also lots of swimming, kayaking, hotdogs on the fire and s’mores for dessert!

Dunkin stop

Shecklet #2 has been at b-ball camp this week. As a mini treat for the other 3, we stopped for donuts after dropping #2 off for his last day.

Just like riding a bike

It’s been a while since I’ve written about my recovery.  I continue to make gradual improvements in areas that most people would never notice.  Things like balance and fatigue continue to be areas I hope will keep getting better – albeit slowly.  One major victory to celebrate today though, is that I rode my bike!  No balance problems, no major sensory issues (while riding,) and I was able to keep up with my 5-year-old who has become quite confident on her bike as well!  We rode two miles tonight – down to the “big park” and back.  Hooray for both of us!