for those of you who've visited our home, the challenges should be apparent. allow me to paint a picture for those who haven't: our home is four stories, but under 1100 square feet; there are two steps just to get in the front door and winding spiral staircases (a la the betsy ross house) between floors; there is no bathroom on the 350 sqfoot first floor and our garbage disposal doesn't work (while the disosal has no effect on kristen, it's really been bugging our guests). this charming philadelphia row house suddenly seems a youthful frolic.
a hospital bed has been ordered and i just picked up a motorized recliner that rises to meet the tush. the first floor will be kristen's domain and if you plan to visit, expect to go from street to bedside in an extraordinarily short space/time. i am learning to administer i.v.'s, subcutaneous anti-coagulant injections and sponge baths. is it wrong to be excited?
......
kristen's parents accompanied her outside today. it was her first time outside in four weeks. (i don't count the two trips on a stretcher between hospitals in the rush and noise of medical trauma.)
for those of you in the northeast, you know how special a day it was. for those of you in philadelphia, you know it was a spectacular transformation. the morning's cold bit my fingers as i biked clara to school but by noon the sun made winter a distant memory. the trees are beginning to flower.
when kristen got outside the front entrance to h.u.p. with her parents, people were arguing about parking spots and she felt exposed and chilly in her thin hospital gown. but she saw those trees. she saw the cherry blossoms and tonight cried recalling the image. she is tired, weak and scared, but energized, strong and fearless. she is a maze of opposites and a perfect distillation of the woman i love.
i can't wait to have her home.
Dear Ben and Kristen, tears fall in thanksgiving and release of held in worry. Knowing you will be going home soon, is encouraging and so hopeful! The wind here is howling , pushing like the space between us and my eternal wish that you both would not have to weather this. But, like the wind, pushing against my will, the only way to the other side of this is through it. Kristen, your words, "I just take one day at a time." resonate with me, as that is what you and Ben and those of us supporting you must do. I continue to send energy, love and prayers to you, and a big thank you to friends and family who are finding the time to help with the everyday needs of the girls as well as for you and Ben. Love, mom Caryl
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to hear Kristen may be coming home soon - right in time for Easter. Yay, Kristen! You are one strong, amazing woman! The beautiful weather is supposed to continue all weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to hear your voice, Kristen, last week! I did connect with Sjoerd, by the way, and he sends lots of love and good wishes.
Once you start accepting visitors, Kristen, Emil and I are there in a heartbeat. We love Philadelphia row-houses and Emil's toothless grin will make you laugh! I'm off work on Thursdays and Fridays so we could head south any of those days in the upcoming weeks!
We're sending lots of love and positive thoughts! Happy Easter! Big hug, Anna, Gabe and Emil
Dear Ben and Kristen, just wanted to wish you a joyful home coming. Another friend at work has put your name in to her Ward for prayers. That's a lot of folks praying for your continued healing. Doylene said, "I know we don't share the same beliefs but I'd like to put Kristen and Ben's name in for my Ward to pray for them". My response.... Prayers all go to the same place, and we'd appreciate any and all you have. My energy and thoughts are with you, healing, joy and laughter. This is Easter and no mater what we believe, it is about new beginnings. And Beginning a new phase at home is much to celebrate. I'll see you in a week. Love, mom Cary
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