HOME SWEET HOME

 I bought this place in rural Tennessee in November, 2014 and moved in on Thanksgiving Day. Ironically, I was discharged from rehab on Monday the 20th last week - - just a few days from Thanksgiving.

Thankful? Absolutely.

Being away from home for six long months, caught in the agonizing realm of hospitals and physical therapy, is a journey that has completely changed my life - - physically and mentally.

I'm usually adroit with words, but this incredible ordeal has rendered me almost speechless (almost).

I've learned more things than I ever imagined. I initially was an extremely private loner (I hate the negative connotation of that word) who wanted to live out my waning years in peace and privacy.

( I took these two photos of my front yard this evening)

Suddenly I was rudely tossed into the blaring glare of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, ungodly medical procedures, and the fact that I would undoubtely die. I lost every imaginable shred of dignity. I was supervised around the clock.

The only thing I had left was courage, patience, hope, inner strength, humility, and a renewal of divine faith and fervent prayer.

As usual  I'm excessively verbose - - but that's part of my (annoying?) charm *smile*

Last week, the day of my release from rehab, felt like I was reborn. It was a chilly, damp day but breathing fresh air away from confinement was exhilerating.

New cases of Covid were appearing in rehab and everyone was in a flurry. Perhaps I escaped just in time.

I was with a driver and a nurse. They took me to pick up the groceries I ordered from Walmart and then the long drive home.

(Photo taken of my rural abode when I first bought it)

I had to be helped up the front porch steps. When I got inside, I was stunned by the absolute mess. I had been extremely ill before hospitalization and left the house in shambles.

Annoyingly (foolishly?) I refused any outside help. The cleaning lady who was going to help quickly opted out. She claimed to be allergic to mildew but I'm sure it was an excuse.

Happily, I didn't find any mold or mildew.

I've always been extremely stubborn and fiercely independent. I want to do things my way with no interference. 

Despite the fact that I'm extremely weak, can only navigate with a walker, and get completely exhausted after only a few minutes of activity - - I persevered.

While I was away there was a lengthy power outage and everything in the refrigerator spoiled and festered for months. I had a surplus of food in the freezer.

On my first day I cleaned out the fridge and threw out the food.

On the first week I literally forced myself to stand and - - with my walker - - did a little cleaning at a time. I had to stop and rest every few minutes, but I pushed myself to keep going. Slow progress.

I can't bend down or stand up straight, but what the hell.

An aside:

When I picked up a blanket in my room I got stung by a wasp! They came in through the bedroom window which was left open while I was away.

This post is getting far too long and I haven't scratched the surface.

In short (?)

Home care nurses visit three times a week for wound care and they have been extremely helpful. My social worker at rehab called the other day to see how I'm doing. Many people here have been kind and caring. I'm astonished and truly greatful. 

I've ordered new blankets and bedding and threw the old ones out. I just ordered new pots and pans to replace the old ones that were sitting out in the kitchen for six months.

I finally had the furnace fixed yesterday - - so now I'll have heat for the winter.

What about Bosco (the cat)?  I love him dearly but he's still with my cousin. I want this place to be clean and safe when he returns. Maybe in a week or two.....

I  had chicken enchiladas for Thanksgiving.

 I listen to opera to calm my nerves.

To be continued.....

With love, Jon