Hot Reunion with Independence at Last

This weekend has been busy going to the 2012 Lafler reunion at the Sidney Youth Camp. Marc, Paqui, and Zeyda went with me. Unfortunately Jessamyn's boys were all tied up with baseball tournaments this weekend and they couldn't make the trip. It was HOT yesterday in Sidney with a 106 degree reading and plenty of sweat trickling down my brow and back. However with the heat and all, family members were playing croquet out back in the shade. It was a great time visiting with all the Lafler prodigy, both old and young.

Doris (Lafler) Monahan family

Robert Lafler family

Don Lafler family

Chuck Lafler family

Good news in our family. Paqui is about ten weeks pregnant and we are hoping she will carry this pregnancy without mishap. She hasn't graced the doctor's office yet but will soon I imagine. She has a little  more nausea this time, especially in the evenings. Brings back memories from my past standing over the gutter in Sidney losing my lunch. It means the cycle of life and death goes on and I will be a grandma again. I just wish Brian could be here for the joyous occasion.

Paqui, Marc and Zeyda

This next piece concerns how dedicated and wonderful my friends are. Linda and Tom came out to my house yesterday (while I was gone to reunion) to till and weed my garden. Can you believe that? A great BIG THANK YOU TO BOTH OF YOU! However, I did gain some independence this week.

Friday I mowed and trimmed my yard. Yesterday I drove  25 miles to the turn off to Scottsbluff on HWY 385 where I met the Gonzales family and rode the rest of the way to Sidney. Yeah! I free and independent with no apparent problems driving and now I can drive myself into town for therapy. It is a week or so earlier than medically advised but I am doing well and was able to use brake and accelerator without a hitch. Watch me now tear around the country, beware!

Tools of the Trade

Tools

Yes, I do have new tools of the trade. First it was a walker, a cumbersome thing that caused me more fright going up and down stairs than I would have liked. So ditched it I did after about four days post op. Now I am using a shiny blue light weight cane that helps balance me on the long and narrow. However,the most frustration comes from having to depend on others for car rides here and there.

Physical therapy continues to test my resolve. Karen who is my therapist quietly lures me into feats that I didn't think I could perform. Normal knee function is often taken for granted. Getting a bend of 130 degrees is almost unimaginable. Fortunately I am doing well and already have a bend of 117 degrees and if there was no swelling could be more. " I think I can, I think I can!"

 

This week I am by myself after Melanie took me down to Scottsbluff where we attended Marc's brother's wedding. Both Paqui and Marc were in the wedding. Melanie left for home from there. Paqui had to take me back home on Sunday. Linda my friend has committed to taking me to physical therapy, appointments and grocery store. I can't thank everyone enough for all the support and help they have provided to me! This weekend there is a Lafler Reunion in Sidney NE that Paqui, Marc, Zeyda and I are going to attend. It will be fun to visit with all the families at a more happier occasion verses a funeral.

Extend, Flex and Yelp!



Home and at last, feeling like blogging. Had my right knee replaced a week ago and I have experienced much physical and emotional turmoil over the last few days since. It was great, however, that our experiences lessen and painful memories fade or I might have hesitated on getting my other knee replaced. Sometimes I feel like a wimp!

With great support from family and friends I will continue to heal. Thank you Linda for taking me to Scottsbluff Thursday before my surgery. It was a great diversion to shop for more plants and pots. Thanks also goes out to both my girls who have helped me through the tough few days. Paqui sitting at my bedside while in the hospital and Jessamyn who took me home and got me situated on the home front. That also includes the worker bees Taylen and Jarret.

Of course, I can not forget Dan the Man! He helped me out by removing a dead tree from my yard and entertained us all on my birthday. With friends, family and the therapy department at Alliance Physical Therapy I am well on my way to a new life!