Home Sweet Home

Fair warning - slighty mushy post below... but with the Jewish new year having just come, the day of atonement ahead and everything else, I feel its VERY warranted at this point.

Well, afer 5 nights in the hospital I am finally back at home. Last night was my first night in my own bed, and it was SO nice. I can't begin to explain how nice it is to not be attached to IV's and having a full night without people coming in every two hours to check your vitals and make sure you are still alive. Its been a long, strange week, but I think the worst is behind us.

I know I have said it many MANY times before, but I just can't express enough how fortunate I am. I guess things were pretty dicey for a little while, and while I remember that, its hard to see what everyone else sees when you are the one living through it... if that makes any sense at all. In any case, I have an exceptionally amazing, supportive and loving husband. The medical staff at Swedish hospital actually commented - repeatedly - on how wonderful he was, and, believe me, I know. I am so fortunate to have someone in my life who would literally do anything for me, and would give anything for my health and happiness. This is a man who takes his wedding vows seriously, and I will never EVER take that for granted. I love him with all my heart and can't imagine my life without him.

I also have a temendous mother who made time every day to spend time with me. Even if it was just to sit in my room and watch tv while I napped, she was there to bring a smile to my face. Even though she drove (and continues to drive) me nuts about eating when its the last thing I can even fathom, its all out of love. The truth is, there are very few people, if any, who love me more than she does. She is an incredibly strong woman, and I love her more than words can ever express.

I have a terrific sister and amazing little nephew. I am pretty sure that few moments made me smile as much as when Jenny and Aaron dropped by for a visit. Aaron toodled in with a GINORMOUS bouquet of beautiful flowers and handed them to me with what I think was "feel better Auntie Jackie." I can't be sure if thats what he said, but we all are aware that him handing me the flowers goes down as one of the most adorable and memorable moments in my whole life. Hospitals aren't fun for anyone, and seeing people you love in hooked up to machines and looking miserable is hard for anyone - especially for a 2 1/2 year old. Aaron was a trooper and held it together really well. Jenny was super supportive and checked in every day to make sure I was getting better.

All my family and friends continually called, texted, facebooked, etc to see if we needed anything. Knowing they were there was a great source of comfort both for me and for Paul and we couldn't have gotten through it without our system of support.

Finally, the medical staff at Swedish are just about the most caring and attentive folks on the planet. I was definitely there way longer than anyone anticipated, and significantly longer than anyone else on my floor. I tried to be a good patient, but I know I was a pain at times, and am just grateful for the excellent care I received while I was there.

So, there you have it. Nothing like a little brush with death, a couple of surgeries and a few nights in the hospital to give you a fresh perspective. I have never been one to take life for granted, and I have always knowns that life is fragile. This past week has really reinforced that and I am just truly appreciative for everything I have.