Escape from Bellingham

I escaped from Bellingham for a short while--it was sweet none-the-less. Derek initially took me over to Ellensburg--we were very lucky and had no problem with he passes! We stopped in Leavenworth which is even more delightful covered in snow! We ate at this great restaurant Cafe Mozart. If you check out their website be sure to look at the wine section. You will see their amazing wine cellar that is as wonderful if not more to look at than the promenade. We were entertained by the proprietor's father who is a delightful man with wonderful information about Northern Europe and Leavenworth.



We headed back to the Western side and I had a wonderful time with my dearest of friends, Sacha & Chris Coughran and their darlings Norah & Harper Mae. The night was all too short but very sweet!


Executive Pacific Plaza is the swanky little hotel in the middle of downtown Seattle. If only I had been able to walk confidently on my own--I would have done lots of exploring! Check out a picture of the room we stayed in--it is the picture on the top left. Yes, two windows--counting them all there were four--three looked into the alley but the other looked out on to Spring Street at the new architectural wonder the Seattle Public Library and if you didn't know the have tons of programs new and on-going. Alas, if I only lived in the area!



For the longest time I have longed to see my the wonderful people who I worked with at SHOES-n-FEET in Bellevue--Colin, Ken, JB, & Joe. I was also introduced to their new manager (since I am horrible w/names I think it was Julie) who seemed like a darling. I was told that I am still asked for and asked about. It was so wonderful to see them! It was a good ego booster too--they seemed just as excited to see me as I was of them. The store has been renovated and it looks amazing! I was able to get some OTC arch supports and a pair of slippers that are much more substantial than the ones I had. It is my theory that everyone needs a good pair of shoes, a good pair of arch supports and a good counselor/therapist. Of course the service was wonderful! My foot, ankle and leg were examined with interest that only people involved w/feet and lower leg issues can appreciate. It has made my month!



The night before we headed back to Bellingham Derek took me to a great little Puerto Rican restaurant in Ballard. The food, atmosphere and of course the company were a memory to be cherished. I will have to figure out how to add a photo album to show you the fun we hand.


It is my theory that everyone needs a good pair of shoes, a good pair of arch supports and a good counselor/therapist. I definitely have the good shoes and arch supports. It also hit me that I really do need to speak to a professional about my accident and the pursuing saga that has followed it. It will be a year on 2/16/08. I took a shower standing up for the first time during this trip. I thought nothing of it until I got out and suddenly had this overwhelming sense of anguish. I was horrible luckily that Derek was there and held me until my crying ceased. And he says he runs from drama--we can let him think that. :)

A Sock Shower

I have never had so much fun getting socks! On Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 I was the honored guest at the Pilgrim Circle of First Congregational Church of Bellingham (the church I have attended since I was 18 months old). What wonderful ladies surrounded me with such love! Now I have an abundance of cute and outlandish socks! Since people are going to see my leg in a "bird cage" and stare anyway I might as well make my socks interesting if not obnoxious all at once. Have you ever picked out your socks first and then found an outfit to go with them? I have the wonderful luxery to do just that. With so many socks to pick from and the fact that my right foot can only take a really short sock (ankletes) I am having way too much fun puting two different socks together--one knee high or crew length and one anklet. Now, how many people can you say do that? Most days I have to wear the two different socks that are attention grabbing just by themselves. I won't say no to a little attention--especially if it isn't always about "the bird cage."



Now for my sappy moment--I know it is thick as syrup but it is absolutely true.



The saying "You can never go home again" is true in the sense that "you" are not the same nor is the place. Nevertheless, I always knew I could find warmth, faith, consoling, encouragement etc in the midst of the the members of FCCB. If I did not know how loved I was I do now. It a wonderful functional affrimation of support. It was never so apprent how I am surrounded by wonderful people who only want me to be healthy and happy! -No matter what those at the FCCB will always open their arms wide for me to come home!

"...and God is still speaking..."

Short but sweet times two.

This week I had an amazing step forward (pardon the pun)! I took Gertie Mae for a walk to the mail box and back. I then took Gus on a walk to the mail box and back. It was not a long walk because I am still very slow and a bit anxious about falling still. The other factor in the length was how long I felt Gus and Gertie could stand being reminded who was boss. I did some minor training stuff--no pulling, sit when I stop type of stuff. They have been too use to dragging mom around that reminding them is a must but also tiring to all. Looks like we all need more practice!

Hospital Visit II--this round w/results

Well, after a very frustrating day at the hospital I went home. The following day I had a wonderful excursion to the doctor's office who preformed in office "surgery" (that brings the tally up to 8) where my Doctor removed all five pins that went through my foot. I have never been so excited to be able to wiggle my toes!!! The procedure was relatively painless--felt more like someone very sharply pinching me--though the nurse did say to double up on pain meds before I came in. My doctor giddily remarked, "I can't believe you let me do this in the office!" after removing all 5 pins. I think he likes his job a little too much sometimes! But I am very glad he does! So, I was able to wear two socks and two shoes for the first time since August. Unless you have not been in a similar situation you might not know how those two items meant so much! Surgery to removal and replace three half pins (those are the ones that go into the bone versus the wires that go through the entire leg) was then scheduled for Thursday the next week on December 6th. That surgery was a breeze (am I off my rocker that I have had so many surgeries to say such a thing)! I had no problems with anesthesia or leg spasms or leg cramps. Thank god for good drugs! I spent the night and after some physical therapy the next morning I was ready to go home!

Is there such a thing a self-help/parenting book for parents who have to/get to bring a child or more back home?

If not there should be! If so do you think it is too late for my parents to get some kind of education in before it is too late?

I wrote this to a dear friend who said it was a hoot and very touching to read all at the same time, so enjoy.

There are days that am so endeared to my parents. And then there are other days.... I have had visions of placing them in specific "homes" that have had anything but a good reputations. And of course in my visions I cackle and remind them of the torture they put me through way back when in 2007-2008. I also have another dream where I put them in the smallest of rooms in my "mansion of a home" and only let them have a bed, some clothing and nothing else that would be of importance and/or helpful, or useful to wile the days away. Of course I am saying in a sickening voice with a large smile, "it will only be temporary."

Then there are those other days that I can't believe that I not only had parents able but more than willing to hold me up while I travel this journey. And hold me up they have!

Hurry up! & Wait!

As many of you knew I was suppose to have surgery on Thursday, November 29th. I went to the hospital at 12n without having eaten anything 8 hours prior (had oatmeal at 4am). I then proceeded to sit around for hours. At 3pm I was put in "my" room. I had wonderful prayer said from my FCCB minister asking for Divine assistance--that all needles would be very sharp.

Shortly there after the nurses started to try to get an IV line into me. (Did you note my word choice of started and try?) After a few failed attempts the nurses decided to warm my arms and veins up wrapping them in warm blankets. Every so often the nurses would check on the "progress" of my veins & adding more warm blankets as they felt necessary. It didn't take long before I was loaded down unable to move my arms. Ironically the one day I needed to be warm my body decided not to overheat.

A "special" nurse from the ER was called up to try and get an IV in me. Reportedly she had a special touch with what I am now referred to, "A hard stick." I got very worried when she said, "Well I guess this means I must go vein diving." I really wanted to take my arm away from her and say, "Only if you go first!" Unfortunately she had a better grip.

I am not sure the medical community realizes what they see as routine can be extremely horrifying to a patient. I found the ER nurse to be less than special. Instead she was highly painful.! A dear friend who was waiting with me commented on how she now understood my funny prayer request. She was amazed at how easy it was to become frustrated and apprehensive of needles after watching just one failed attempt. And she was only watching! I have a variety of lovely colored bruises and very tender skin patches to attest to quite a "few" failures--both arms and both sides.

Around 6pm a nurse came in with good news and bad news. The good news was that the nursing staff was not going to try and poke me any more. The bad news was that the surgery was postponed. In the same moment I was relieved and irritated but hunger pains out weighed all thoughts. Mom & Dad then took me out to dinner where we feasted. So, what ask you of the surgery....to be continued. :)

Upcoming Surgery

I have exciting news-I am getting the dang foot plate removed either next week or the following week. It will probably be two weeks from now considering how surgery scheduling usually goes.
But if I have any more pain and/or problems I am to alert my doc for emergency surgery. Since I have NEVER liked the dang foot plate I am not sad to see it go or the five pins going through my foot! Surgery here I come! Dr. Taranow let me know that the surgery could be as simple as 1 hour or as complicated as 3 hours depending on how one of my half pins is behaving in the bone.

So, socks are defiantly are in the near future. Sadly I am afraid shoes are not going to be so easy at first. But my tootsies will be free! In other exciting news I have a bone cloud, which means I am laying down bone around my fractures. I have only one thing to say about that--FINALLY! Dr. Gillman the big-wig from Portland, Oregon (one of the leading experts in this field) who has been advising Dr. Taranow b/c I am such a weird case was quite surprised to hear that I have a bone cloud around my fractures. Woooo Whoooo! Now I just need more and more bone growth.

xoxo
Lara