Hello, it's me...

Dear family and friends,

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and loving prayers that have carried me over to what I call "the other side of surgery". I'm beyond ecstatic to be home with my family, I don't know how I would have survived another night in the hospital without Jerry and Kyle. This was a major surgery for me and a major victory, so now all of my thoughts and energy are focused on the healing. My days are great, I settle in on the couch with about 7 pillows in various sizes, my new favorite "healing" fleece throw that Marlene (Jer's mom) brought for me, my heating pad for my lower back, fluids and remotes and I'm good to go. I'm able to get on and off the couch without assistance, which I try to do as often as possible. Once I'm up, I have a path that I like to walk around the house for exercise and I try to walk for several minutes before returning to the couch. My nights are a bit more of a challenge for me but I honestly can't complain as long as I don't have to sleep in that uncomfortable hospital bed. I'm deeply touched by each and every card that I've received. Jerry's threatened to stop bringing me my mail because I get very emotional with every card I read. Not quite ready for phone calls yet - need to build more strength. When I do get around to it, just know that I'm very focused on the next phase (healing) and not really interested in talking about what has occurred. I gain strength from your comments on the blog, I look forward each and every day to what you all have to say to me - this has been a powerful tool.