I am home from the hospital after spending the better part of a month in the Neuro-ICU.  It has been great to be home and have a few visits with friends and family.  Follow-up visits with my neurologist and my neurosurgeon have been very encouraging. I feel like a living miracle. Although the neurosurgeon never used that word, he quoted statistics at my appointment on Monday that indicated the same thing in data speak.  

 

I have been cleared of all restrictions with the big caveat of "listening to my body and using good judgment."  Since the aneurysm was in the frontal lobe of my brain, which is the judgment center, there is room for Steedman and others to help guide me—sometimes! This recovery period should last for about 12 months.  

 

Naps are a welcome thought during the day, and early bedtime is a welcome end to my days. I am still sensitive to bright lights, noise, and activity as these things tend to trigger headaches.  Avoidance of headaches is a goal for me along with getting lots of rest so that recovery can be fully complete. Sometimes it doesn't leave much "other" time in the day.  

 

The scripture that keeps ringing through my head is, "Much is expected from those to whom much is given."  I have been given a whole life—one in which I need to honor all of those persons who have prayed for and encouraged me, fed me, flowered me, tended me, and loved me. This has been done not just for me but for my entire family.  I have experienced new meanings of love with cards from people I don't know but who wanted to send their prayers and well wishes; cards from friends of my mother, my siblings, and my children; churches reaching out with prayers for healing—it has all been overwhelming.  I have learned a great deal about love during this time and it is sobering to me.  

 

Now the process of discernment begins as I think about what to do with all that has been entrusted to me. 

 

Thank you for your love and your prayers. They continue to sustain me.
Cissi