On Winning or Not.....

A couple of weeks ago Lesley created a contest and the prize was a cute candy jar filled with bubble gum, and it reminded me of a promotion we encountered in England when we were on our mission.

(having an understanding of British humour will help)


We bought "Tango" drinks in a 6 pack and our favorite flavour was blackcurrant. Well.... the instructions on the front of the packaging said,"Rip open your Tango 6 pack and scour the innards for a winning coupon printed on the inside. If it's there, Yell,Roar,Shout, run to the hills and back, then exchange it for a free 6-pack of apple, lemon, or orange Tango"

Well I followed instructions, I did not find the coupon, in stead I found this:

"Commiserations.....Not all the laughter of all the children, nor the singing of all the birds, nor the playfulness of all the small animals in all the fields can bring one ray of comfort to the desolation that is in your heart. We can't all be winners, and you have not won today. We will now leave you to deal with this loss in your own way."

That is how I felt when I again did NOT win, in Lesley's contest.

I am dealing with it.

January 2010

January 5th I went to LDS Hospital for a right hip replacement. I was nervous. But from the time we entered the hospital everyone was friendly, courteous, helpful and full of confidence. I began to relax. And by the time Lesley and Lilian arrived to give their Dad moral support we were ready for a party. Well, they partied. The first person to visit was a respiratory therapist and this shows my efforts to get my lungs moving.
In about 4 hours they had me up on my feet with the aid of a walker. I had to get physical therapy. Alan of course went with me for moral support for me and hopefully a learning curve for him. (to help me at home). Well, needless to say Alan was in great form. There were some others there who had had knee surgeries and with long broad elastic "reins" were attempting to lift their legs. Of course Alan starts singing, "oh, the Deadwood stage is a'coming on over the hill". It wasn't all fun and games but they did take care of me. Alan was able to stay at nights and it was a comfort to me to see him when I opened my eyes.
Coming home was quite traumatic as the car seat was a long way down. But we made it and I was able to tackle the stairs. I have never used crutches before but they were surprisingly easy to maneuver. And now I am beginning to go on one crutch.

For a few days I felt like I was on a roller coaster as I dealt with reactions to various drugs and taking pills on an empty stomach.
I have had a Physical Therapist visit me at home three times a week to teach me and encourage me in doing exercises. I have also had a home nurse visit twice a week with 24 hour on call service.
On Wednesday I have a follow-up visit scheduled with the surgeon.
Some neighbors brought meals and others came to encourage. Cory took G'pa to a car show while Lilian "tended" G'ma. Jeffrey and Melissa brought me a Jamba Juice :o)
What a great job Alan has done/is doing in taking care of me. He would have done it for me if possible and we have shed a few tears together as I hurt and he hurt for me. But we have also laughed a lot too.
I am grateful for Heavenly Father who has put into the hearts and minds of men to develop these procedures and other procedures to help us here on the earth.

Saturday night we all went to Lilian and Cory's to celebrate Alan's birthday and what a great way to celebrate my "coming out" of the house.