A constant in a world full of variables

 

Is it October already?!

I still am in shock that it has already been a year since my unexpected full knee replacement. September 26th of last year I went into surgery expecting just a "tune up". Recovery time minimal and I would only be down two weeks. When I woke up, they told me I had a FULL knee replacement. My doctor said he was amazed at how I had been walking around. When they opened me up my old replacement literally crumbled off onto the table. CRAZY!! I mean, it was 12 years old but still. So, they did a full blown knee replacement last fall. Fast forward a year later and I am fully recovered and feeling so much better! Life full of work, laundry and cleaning can continue!

I remember how hard it was last year, not only on me, but for my family as well. When I am down things start to fall apart! Not that I am this awesome superwomen and the world would stop if I wasn't in it! BUT, I am MOM. As with any household mom's tend to keep "the world as we know it" going.

So, last year our world was not only stopped but turned upside down and backwards. We had just switched schools with our youngest. Not only was that a transition for him but for us as well. I felt like I dropped him off in August and didn't go back until November; Terrible. A year later he is THRIVING!! God has answered so many of my prayers for him! He is such a bright kid and is almost too aware of his surroundings at times. So with mom being sick and "having a broke leg" he almost suffered along with me. He was 3 and didn't understand why I couldn't make that long trek up the stairs and put him to bed. He didn't want grandma then, he wanted his mama. Broke my heart to hear him scream, "JUST BE MY MOTHER!". Hurts just writing those words even now. Every day he would come home from school and climb onto the couch with me and ask if my leg felt better. Even now there are times when I walk he asks me if my leg is ok. Such a sweet boy who loves his mama!

I know that being a childhood cancer survivor has a price. I was a child going through cancer. That was rough. No child should EVER have to endure what I have lived through. But cancer at any stage in life is tough. I know I didn't have to do chemo or radiation last year but I did have traumatic surgery and issues similar to what I went through at 15. Both were devastating but having been through this as a mother now, I felt the weight of my world crumbling just like my replacement. I wasn't a child just concerned with myself. I was a wife, a mother and a survivor; People depending on me. I was beyond blessed to have family and friends step up to the plate and carry the weight of MY world on their shoulders. I could not have made it through this past year without every single one of you!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to give a shout out to all those who have carried the burden of cancer while having people depend on you. Cancer takes a toll on not only the patient but the family and friends surrounding them. I applaud every caretaker who tirelessly drives to and from treatments or who takes the kids, makes the meals, and does laundry or dishes. To the person who has that shoulder to cry on or makes inappropriate jokes to bring laughter when eyes are too dry to cry. To the friends  and family who show support in all the ups and downs- your constant, in a world full of variables, is invaluable. THANK YOU. It could not be done without you.