I am busting with gratitude!!I am so grateful in this moment I could cry tears of joy. And to think a couple of hours ago I was feeling no inspiration for a new blog post.
I am scheduled for minor surgery tomorrow morning. Nothing major--just a hysterctomy (a major step in prevention due to the extensive cancer history in my family). This surgery is performed daily around the world with great success. I have read everything I could get my hands on about what will take place. I have met for literally hours with my primary dr., my ob-gyn, and my surgeon. I have immense faith in all three of these professionals. I am feeling very comfortable with what will ensue in the next 12 hours. Even knowing that I will be undergoing this surgery in a language other than English.
I am used to taking care of me. It's what I've had to do. To a point, in our adult lives, I think we all grow accustomed to this. Yes, I have a loving and giving family, but I have managed to live so far away from them for most of my adult life that I have prevented them the opportunity to "help" (physically) when times of need arise. I rely on them for prayer and council and guidance and a quick kick in the rear from time to time.
Let me just say the members of my Brazilian family are incredible people!! I was showered with hugs and thumbs up throughout the day today and as I exited school, wishing me well during tomorrow's surgery.
My very good friend, Barrie, has taken one of her two personal days to accompany me to the hospital in the morning and sit there with me all day.
My very good friend, Suzanne, is on her way to my house now to spend the night and rise with Sierra, maintaining responsibility for my angel for the days to come. AND...
I just received a phone call from my very good friend, Ana, who insists on making her way to the hospital tomorrow night to keep me company through the night!
Unbelievable!!! Thank you thank you thank you. I am forever grateful!!
Although the fireworks at the annual Christmas Tree lighting left much to be desired, I enjoyed an evening among friends. Good snacks, good wine, good company...not much to complain about.
The water was pretty rough on Sunday, and the surfers were insane. I was afraid I was going to come up for air to a surf board in my forehead more than once. Sierra opted for the shoreline where her feet sunk deeper and deeper with each wave.
Then there was this carload of puppies for sale. Sierra wants a dog sooo badly! It must be the age. Oh, heavens me we are NOT getting a puppy when we live in an apartment. Especially not this boxer! Do you know how big they get when they're full grown?
We enjoyed our "girl" time with big girls and daughters. Dinner out, lazy mornings, lounging on the beach....the things girls like...
Candid shots now and then when it's least expected.
Thanks girls, for a great weekend in Macae!!!
There is a park very close to my house, where a royal family used to live. It is now a preserve/park and open to the public. It is a fabulous little escape from the noises of the city. On the property, there is a cement tower. A man built this tower for his wife, who was an opera singer, so that she would have a space acoustically adequate for her to practice. It is now MY space. The acoustics in this round room are AMAZING!
