Category: Family

2-Year Annie-Versary Today

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Two years ago, my life changed. Thankfully, it changed in a way that allowed me to still be here.

It’s a lovely Fall day here in Maine, just as it was in 2006. But instead of being awakened with horrific pain, I heard a chipmunk chirping outside my window, my Maine man getting his morning coffee and my kitty cats flitting about the house waiting to be fed. Yes, this morning was far better.

Last night I treated Dave to a wonderful dinner at The Village Inn here in Belgrade. I ordered a split (small bottle) of champagne and we toasted to being alive. I wanted to pay for it to thank him for everything he’s done, and continues to do, for me. He was at the hospital EVERY day I was there. He drove down at 2:00 a.m. one morning after having just left, because I needed him. He got groceries for months after I got home. He drove me back and forth to work until I was able to drive on my own. He cleaned house, did laundry, did dishes and took care of me…and never complained. He’s my angel.

Today we’ll bundle up and take the pontoon boat out for probably our last cruise of the season and enjoy the fresh, cool crisp air and the view. Two years ago it was an ugly room in ICU. I’ll take this one any  day!

Happy Annie-versary to me!

It’s Strange

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It’s strange…16 months after my rupture, as I’m trying to get to sleep last night, for some reason, I started to think (or perhaps it was dream) of the morning it occurred again. Not a clue why it popped into my head. Perhaps it’s because of those nagging headaches I still get at night or first thing in the morning. Mostly of which, I’m sure are sinus.

Only this time, I wasn’t thinking about what happened here at home as I usually do, or at the hospital, but at work. I don’t recall hearing how Dave let someone know that morning. I think he called in, but don’t now what time, and I couldn’t remember who he called. I have to believe it must have been shocking that morning as people learned of the seriousness of what was happening to me and especially our catalog team as we were zeroing in on finishing up the catalog files to send to them to the printer. Luckily, I had just finished up with the main layout, but I don’t recall if everyone knew that.

It was almost like I was there wandering the halls at work that morning trying to find out what was going on…perhaps I was dreaming. If I wasn’t, I’m worried. LOL

Again, I’m not sure why those thoughts came to be. Perhaps it’s due to my being worried about this year’s catalog. A lot of changes…perhaps a much larger catalog, which means a lot more of my time. A new job title, with some new responsibilities….everything is still a big question mark and I don’t like that. I like to know what’s going on so I can plan and prepare. It’s just who I am. I don’t mind change, but it’s the impending stress that I’m worried about. Stressing about stress! LOL Not a good thing and also not having someone here in Maine to operate, should I need to have something done with my coiling down the road….wow, getting WAY ahead of myself.

Anyway…for those of you reading this, even months and years after your annie and operation, you’ll always think of it and at the strangest time.

The Walk For Thought 2008

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We got home around 11:30 on this sunny, but very chilly and very windy day. Needless to say, the walk wasn’t held outside, but inside the massive gym/track facility at Colby College in Waterville.

This event was one of six locations where walks were being held today to benefit programs for the Brain Injury Association of Maine.

There were donuts, fruit, coffee cake, yogurt bars and other assorted goodies waiting for us when we arrived and checked in. I raised over $1,000 so I received a sweatshirt. I was only there wearing one, so I guess I did good! LOL Dave got a t-shirt and we wore them proudly. I raised a total of $1,260.

After some opening announcements and some stretching, we started the trek around the gym with the other 100 or so people who signed up today. A good turn out apparently, compared to years past. And they had a nice brass quartet playing very upbeat tunes during the walk. It sure helped pass the time and they sounded great.

I had to pace myself and keep a steady even pace and no over do it, which I succeeded in doing pretty well. Dave walked with me except for a few times were I let him go and have fun and walk faster. The track is a 1/4 lap within the outside ring of the track. I tried to stay in that lane, but with all the young kids wanting to run instead of walk and other folks, it was tough to stay there. They had a table set up with water and fruit so I did stop at one point for a break and grabbed some water.

In total, I ended up walking 16 laps I think for appox. 4 miles. I’m pretty pleased with that. My inner thigh started to bother me the last few laps, ironically, right where my coils were inserted, and I didn’t want to push it any further. I was limping across the finish line, but happy I did it. Then they served us a nice lunch and we said our goodbyes.

There were a couple of people there in wheelchairs and one with a cane and I thought the one man who got out of his wheelchair and made several laps with a walker did  fantastic job. He had quite the support crew with him as well. From the looks of the banner, some folks were there in memory of a loved one too. I wrote that I was walking for Heidi & Jennifer. I wore the ABTA.org bracelet.

People walked much faster than me and lapped me several times, but I didn’t care. I was lucky to be able to walk the amount I did. I’m VERY tired. My head hurts a little bit, but it’s nothing compared to what so many others are going through. I’m reminded of how short life is and one should enjoy it.

Walk For Thought

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I had a Dr’s appointment today and the word “Brain” caught my eye on a brochure in the waiting room so I grabbed one. It was a brochure to advertise the Walk For Thought on March 22nd to support the Brain Injury Association of Maine. Something about it just struck me and I wanted to participate in some way.

Well, I had 50 minutes to wait for the Dr., so I decided I’d take the plunge and register for the walk. It’s a 3-5 miles course. I’m not sure I can do the whole thing, at least not without some breaks, but I’m willing to give it a shot to support the kind of programs the the BIAM offer because my recovery could have turned out very different and both Dave and I could have been in great need of their services.

I registered, then sent out some emails to get donations for my walk. I was amazed at the instant generosity by my co-workers. One co-worker reminded me her father had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm 11 years ago. He’s very different, but he’s alive and is still here for her…others have not been so lucky…so I walk!

I also walk for my cousin Jennifer.