No – not that kind of date…I wish! (Chris and I do need to get out more.)
The “date” is the day that I will have my surgery: March 11. First thing in the morning so I don’t have hours to work myself up into a ball of anxiety. I’m such a sissy.
But like I said – at least I won’t be having to have alien abduction surgery (i.e. I don’t have to be awake during the procedure – like I did for my c-section). And it’s such a routine operation that I really can’t justify any high drama. I have women in my neighborhood who are battling breast and ovarian cancer. They’ve suffered painful exploratory surgeries, the removal of body parts and months of chemotherapy and radiation. I watched my mother go through all of that and more, and she did it all with humor and courage. All of them do. My situation is nothing in comparison and it would be insulting not to follow their lead.
I consider myself very lucky. Not only to be handed a very minor and fixable problem – but also to be surrounded by these beautiful warriors. They put my own fears into perspective and prove by example that I really can face anything that comes my way. We all can.
In the meantime – I have to remember to post more. No excuses since I’m now going for short and sweet.
So here’s what I’ve got for today:
Me: Okay George – remember what I said… If you want to go to preschool, you have to listen to your teacher. I don’t want to hear anything about you whining and crying today…
George: Okay Mom.
Me: Mrs. K is in charge and you need to follow directions. If she says that you spend the whole day whining and crying again, then you may need to stay home on Monday. So remember: listen to the teacher and NO whining or crying.
Eleanor: And no yelling either.
Me: Yes – no yelling.
Eleanor: And no fighting.
Me: That’s right – no fighting.
Eleanor: And no screaming or pushing or hitting or…
Me: …Let’s not set ourselves up for failure here. Just focus on “no whining or crying” okay?
Fingers crossed…
Hahaha! You know me, so you know I'm serious when I tell you I'm standing here in my kitchen with my kids, laughing hysterically at this exchange while my kids look on quizzically. So funny Kate.
Are you ARE a warrior too, but this is a big deal, and it's totally normal to be nervous about the nitty gritty details! You'll be fine, but feel free to express your concerns too; you won't be judged!!
yes! you ARE A WARRIOR and don't sell yourself short! xoxo
and your kids? hilarious and exactly the conversations that we have at our house.
First thing in the morning is good – both because you won't have as long to worry and because of the fasting business. I'm so thankful my cancer didn't involve chemo or radiation – I'll take the removal of (internal) body parts any day! But you know, surgery is always serious so cut yourself from slack.
I have the same kind of discussions with my little one at home regarding the no whining rule. Mine only does it at home, which I'm not is better or worse. :)
I'm so thrilled that it's not something serious. Good luck with your surgery. Can't wait to see you.
Thank goodness you have Eleanor to help you keep George in line :)
I hope your surgery goes exactly as it should.
Let's not set ourselves up for failure…love that. It's all one battle at a time.
You are a beautiful warrior, too.
Start small and work your way up. And good luck.
So glad to see you today!
You morning pep talk sounds a lot like the ones we have around here.
So very glad you love the doctor, but that doesn't make surgery a small thing. Thinking of you. I know you'll be fine but I've got all my positive energy focused on you either way.
Haha – oh, your cute little guy!
Good Luck with your surgery, Kate. It will go pefectly, and you will be AOKAY.
Thinking of you! xoxo
So helpful to have a sibling around to help you parent…
Thinking healing thoughts. No surgery is minor when it's your body.
Good luck, Kate! I know you will be going through it all with strength and a smile. :) Are they doing it laproscopically, so the recovery will be quick? Hope so!