Today marks the end of the 5th-day postoperatively. Today also marks the first 5 days I've taken off since the beginning of the pandemic. I actually took 5 WHOLE days off work. For those that know me, that's a huge deal. Even when on maternity leave, of my own doing, I was checking email. I was checking blackboard. I was monitoring because my work has been such a huge part of my existence. This time, it was different. I went so far as to take the day before my surgery off to prepare myself, mentally, and physically for what was coming. I got plenty of sleep. I saw my therapist. I met with several friends via zoom, and I made it weird ;) I did all the things I felt like I needed to do, and not one of those things revolved around work. And it was good.
I told my students that I would be unavailable to answer questions. My co-teachers stepped in and handled things at the beginning of last week. They made sure my work life was covered. For that, I am more grateful than I can adequately express. I politely and swiftly refused a couple of meetings before surgery scheduled immediately after surgery as I wanted to give myself permission to actually just rest. It was probably the most grown-up I've felt in a very long time. In true type-A fashion, I had all the plans and backups for my backups. My sweet friends from coast to coast and all points in between sent care packages to our family and me. They knew me and knew I was nervous and wanted to make sure my kids and the Curate were taken care of from meals to flowers, candy and cookies, and downtime activities for us all. Sweet succulents (cause surgery success) and candles and sweet bobbles (that strawberry lip balm) that made me feel deeply loved to consistent texts and prayers from everyone including our sweet nanny, you know you're loved and appreciated.
Today was my first day with the kids on our own without the Curate (he had a week of "vacation" planned, some vacation). It went well. The kids pitched in and helped with the Monster PK 5.0. They allowed me to rest as needed. We are so fortunate to have kids who understand and value teamwork and pitching in. And the PK 5.0, God bless him, took an extra long nap this morning. It was a good day. We got some things done in prep for the return to school for the PK's 1, 2, and 3 (we don't know how long the virus will hold off, but we pray and we mask and we sanitize) tomorrow. We did laundry, I rested, we did some Covid haircuts/trims, and baths and bedtime. I was able to grade some overdue student work, but it is getting slogged through. God bless my very gracious students.
Before I put my head to the pillow tonight, I wanted to say that I am so thankful for all the people and ways that love showed up this week while I am definitely still recovering. I am always amazed at how we build our circles, and when we need them, they show up. I hope others feel my presence when needed. This final week before my favorite time of the entire year, I felt all the things we should. Grateful in all things. Grateful that although it was difficult to do, I made a decision that will prayerfully allow me many more years with my children and the Curate in good health. Grateful for friends, family, and framily that show up and keep showing up. Grateful that I didn't catch the Rona or spread the Rona to anyone. May it remain that way. Grateful that my kids and husband felt loved and showed up while I was down for the count. Grateful that this season of Advent, this season of anticipation, I can continue to regain strength and wholeness. That at the end of the season, as we celebrate a new year, that I can continue to keep close at mind and even closer at heart, the lessons I learned this Thanksgiving. Connection, relationship, and showing up with love are the things that matter. The rest is just stuff. Thank you again to everyone. Blessings as we Hope, Love, Joyfully, and Peacefully await the coming Savior. For my non-Christian friends, blessings in your presence and joy in knowing and loving you. May you feel the love we have now and always.
Making it weird since 2020 with lots of love,
J
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