Thank you, my village

Once I got out of surgery and sobered up (only a bit) I asked for my phone and was immediately overwhelmed by the amount of people thinking about me and sending me messages and videos. Once home I was inundated with lasagna, chile, and cake deliveries. Flowers and cards. Chocolate covered pretzels. Bubbly wine. It gave me strength. It lifted me up.

I have received so many emails (some have made me just downright cry) and text messages checking in the days following my surgery. My kids’ pediatrician called to wish me good luck the day I had surgery. My dental office sent a card. My daughter’s teacher sent me an email to send good thoughts and let me know how my daughter was doing handling my surgery. Some other parents from school sent emails making sure I had everything I needed.

People took my children to their houses for play dates so I could rest.

I have been called “a machine” by those who have seen me, shocked that I am up and walking around. I would like to say that its just my constitution, that I’m built that strong.

But I think its more than that. I think that it has something to do with my fitness level. Three years ago, I lost 40 pounds. After two kids, I needed to make a change. I was tired of being stuck looking like I did. I wanted to be around my kids as long as I could, see them graduate, see what careers they choose, see if they choose to have a family. And I want to be fit enough to keep up with them. They are so active. They barely sit down unless they have fevers. And sometimes, not even then. So I got into Weight Watchers, which worked so well for me because I am a Type-A tracker and needed the accountability and rules. And then I started turbo kick and core strengthening classes. It seemed easy as long as I stayed on plan.

But I think its even more than that. I think that it’s because I can’t stop. Don’t stop. Its not in my personality to sit down. In fact, my mom recently asked which chair was the most comfortable in the house, and I responded by telling her that I’ve never sat in one more than 15 minutes, so I wasn’t sure. I am just not good being bored. Never have been.

And while I understand that I need to take it easy for my short-term and long-term health, I still need a reminder. Almost every hour, I need a reminder.

Thank you, my village.