There's no place like home

Ahhhh! It is so nice to sleep in my bed, with my family, on my time. I valued the care the doctors and nurses gave me, but I was tired of having my vitals checked, blood drawn (it took five times yeterday morning before they found a vein to produce blood), menu monitored and sleep interrupted at 5:30 a.m.

I got home around at 11:30 yesterday morning to discover I have some of the greatest family and friends on the planet. I walked in my house and noticed the faint scent of paint. And I knew some schenanigans had taken place while I was getting my innards removed at the hospital.

To my absolutely stunned surprise, my sister, parents and several dear friends painted several rooms in my house over the course of three days! I am now blogging in my freshly painted living room, wondering how I could have possibly earned this unbelievable love and support (to say nothing about all the meals, gifts and other thoughtful acts of kindness I've received). Again, I say, I am truly blessed.

I did mention having a painting party to my sister about a month ago. I meant in the fall, AFTER I had recovered, when I could partake in the activities. The whole event sounded like it was a whirlwind of activity and kind of fun - in a frenzied sort of way.

My mother, bless her heart, tackled my closet - the dark, crowded space into which I was sometimes afraid to venture. She gutted the whole space, installed a closet organizer and reintroduced most of my items back in. Of course, she's now forcing me to mend my slovenly, shove-it-all-in the-closet-and-shut-the-door ways. But I suppose that's good. And my surgery forces me to tackle is more slowly than I would like. She's promised to return next Monday to help me sort through the clothes and get rid of those I haven't worn in a while and find them a more deserving home.

My mother-in-law, bless her heart, took care of the kids (no easy task sometimes) while my home was undergoing the extreme makeover and I was recovering in the hospital. She also helped my daughter purchase the cutest new valance for her new princess room.

I'm amazed at who decended upon my house and gave up hours of their weekend time. I apologize to those who'd never been to my house that I wasn't there to welcome you to my home. You obviously made yourself at home - mi casa es sou casa.

My dear friend and roommate from my wild university days, Rachna, arrived yesterday afternoon to visit as I recover. I haven't seen her in two years and she came here to help me through this post-surgery ordeal. Another amazing friend.

It's a beautiful day. I hope to get out and enjoy some of it. Because it's great to be alive - and have wonderful people with which to share life's joys and experiences.

I hope you enjoy some of life's great experiences on this glorious Monday too.

Love,
Tina