A Happy Heart

He's not ready to eat another pastrami sandwich yet and is healing slower than we thought but....getting better every day and looking forward to a return visit to Back Street, Riverside.Today is too beautiful to be anything but up. At last, success! We're so comfortable dealing with DH's stoma. I can now put on an appliance that holds for a week and actually needs to be tugged off. No more leaking urine and adhesives not holding. I still find it hard to believe that he was released from the hospital before we knew how to handle it. One kind nurse whose father-in-law had an urostomy took it upon herself to show us how she changed his - said she did it all the time because her FIL wouldn't even look at it. She did her best and it was better than nothing but it turned out to be wrong for DH's situation. The 2nd VN that came showed us the right way though she even had some problems because his stoma was pretty flat. Thankfully it seems to be protruding a bit more now and that may have something to do with his post-operation swelling diminishing somewhat. Whatever, we're old pros - piece of cake.

DD and DGS were over yesterday for quite a while. She mentioned having very few things to wear as she's gained some weight now that she's no longer meth thin. Her old clothes no longer fit her and thank goodness for that! They were all "hootchie-mama" clothes that embarrassed the heck out of all of us. Anyway, she's currently wearing "do-no's" - clothes that have been donated and would like some things of her own. I think it's time. We've both been promised a makeover by DH (who can't plead amnesia because we both heard him!) and I think it's time to get the ball rolling

And guess what came in the mail today? An AAA travel brochure with info re cruises to Alaska! I've mentioned taking an Alaskan cruise to him but he said nope, not interested. Well, after looking at the brochure, he's thinking - seriously - about it. And no, I didn't send for the brochure. See how things work out?

Last time I'm going to mention this: Rosemary, you are not only smart but so wonderfully wise. Your comment re "you have taken care of him as a partner should" was so simple and so deep. Last night he reached for my hand, looked into my eyes and said, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. It means the world to me." And I thought of your words and knew, really knew what being a partner means - richer or poorer, sickness or health. I learn slow but learn well. Thank you

Okay - second to the last time: Amy, your sweet concern and phone hugs are priceless. Your whole family is so lucky to have you and I think your Mother is loving the way we look after each other. Thanks for being there - always!