New Spaces, old thoughts, move forward

 So it looks like I am going to be having surgery on Monday. After one of the most wretched bouts of illness that I've ever had in my entire life, a harrowing drive back from Waco, an ER visit once back home, and a week of feeling like I've been run over by a truck with consistent pain, nausea, and subsisting on water and clear brothy liquids I have reached my breaking point. The teeny semi-useless organ that has plagued me off and on since 2009 must be removed. I wish I could go back to me at 28 and tell her to just let the surgeon take the dang thing out then cause girl....it will be a pain for A LOOOONNNGGG TIME. Alas, hindsight being 20/20 and all, here we are. Prayerfully my pre-op labs will go fine on Thursday and we will be all set to go for Monday. Until then, meds and a clear liquid diet to help take down some of the inflammation and prayers. 

However, this new medical event gives me pause to think about how just this side 2 years ago we were new to Aggieland and I signed myself up for a total hysterectomy a few days before Thanksgiving. Apparently moving someplace new and having fairly intense medical procedures is a thing I do. Now, as was also true then, our community is rallied behind us. People have volunteered to help in any way that is helpful and for that, I'm grateful. It is one of the little ways that help maintain my faith in humanity. Friends from afar and coworkers have offered a helping hand and offered to send food or whatever we need. This feeling of connectedness is absolutely necessary in this life. As a clergy spouse, there is always a tenuous balance between living in the congregation and existing in this weird liminal space outside of it. A wise friend and fellow clergy spouse told me that someday you'll know you're settled in when instead of using they/them when describing the congregations you will use us/me/our...that has been achieved. It is a nice feeling. 

I am so fortunate that I have a good job, excellent medical insurance, a kind spouse, wonderful kids, church communities ready to help, and friends near and far that check-in and make sure we are taken care of. I realize that my cup runs way over, like a waterfall y'all. So, as I patiently wait for Monday to come I will take heart that this is a blip and remain grateful for all things. I cannot wait to be rid of this stupid thing and get on with living. After all, Christmas is coming! Have a great week!