Tomorrow Is My Thanksgiving

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

This beautiful FL morning's walk with the boys was so extra meaningful today because you see tomorrow is my Thanksgiving.  As we walked it brought back so many memories, fears, and all the reasons that I have to be thankful.  3 years ago today - I was at the Mayo Clinic in MN waiting to have surgery on 10/6, knowing that there was a chance that I might wake up and be paralyzed from the neck down.   Had I been in a bad car wreck, had a tumor on my spinal cord - nope - Calamity Jane in a series of events that by them selves would not have added up to much, came very close to severing my spinal cord.  Dh was living in China and I had been there visiting, while on that long flight home I caught bronchitis, then while trying to carry on our annual tradition of a July 4th party without him, short person that I am, lifted a case of wine out of a shopping cart, blowing out a disc in my neck.  Because I started to cough it took the disc material and shot it straight back into my spinal cord - smashing it.  A trip to our tiny hospital in MI didn't diagnose the problem as they didn't order an MRI - only an x-ray.  For 10 wks I lived in the most excruciating pain imaginable.  Finally diagnosed, I was shown the films that showed my spinal crimped - it was terrifying to look at.  I walked out of the local neurosurgeons office in total shock, told do not sneeze, do not cough, do NOT fall down - you'll paralyze yourself.  I was alone and I made it as far as the hallway outside the office before I broke down in sobs.  After consulting a surgeon in Kalamazoo, after much prayer, we decided to have the surgery done at the Mayo Clinic.  One surgeon there took a look and told me that he couldn't handle it but he knew who could - and that is who gave me back my life.  A total jerk with NO bedside manner but someone who was so experienced that I believed I would walk away.  God put me in the right hands.  I am so thankful!!!!  Do I have every thing in life that I want - no ---  BUT I HAVE EVERY THING THAT I NEED.    It has changed me - I don't dare risk riding a horse or skiing, riding the rides - anything that could result in a severe impact to my neck but I do still (carefully) ride my bike and play golf, I can't lift anything very heavy so there goes some independence which I hate.  I'm afraid of lightening - I have a titanium plate screwed into my neck and don't want my head to get blown off - lol.  Along with a cadaver bone - I will always wonder who that very giving person was that donated their body to medicine and now a part of them lives on in me.  It has taught me compassion for others, tolerance for pain, and reaffirmed my faith that God has my life in his hands.  So tomorrow, while I'm once again walking my boys - I'll be giving Thanks! 

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

The neurosurgeon that operated on my dad was very serious and very young - only 38 at the time!  We were, however, in one of the top trauma units in the world!  I happen to work at that University and live within 7 miles of it, TG.

[Anna and Achilles]

Happy Thanksgiving! I like the way you refer to that day. Many things get put in perspective don't they? I think I will now call June 8th my Thanksgiving. Thanks Jane for sharing.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Thank you for sharing this Jane..Happy Thanksgiving to you :)

Yes Anna!  June 8th should be your Thanksgiving for sure!

And I am thankful that I have the chance to know you both :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Jane, I'm so sorry that you had to experience all of this.  We never know what lies ahead for us which is why I believe we need to do our best to fully enjoy every day and be grateful for all the "little blessings".

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Jane, you share, so well, the funny things that pound you in your busy life.  We all enjoy your antics and tales...But this is beautiful and shares another facet of "our friend."  Thanks for your story and message.  Because of it, I will make sure that I am an organ/tissue donor !  Happy Turkey Day!

[Dori & Rua]

I also give thanks because I know you! 

[Bryce P]

Happy "Thanksgiving." I cant wait till the actual Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie time.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Happy Thanksgiving Jane!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Wow Jane. I had no idea you survived such a terrible ordeal. What a nightmare that must have been. I hope you enjoyed your thanksgiving! This week-end is my thanksgiving and I will definitely remember to give thanks for you and your survival. Hugs from my crew to yours!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Jane I can not imagine the fear you were experiencing, how does one NOT sneeze, cough, and not fall....these things are not a choice they happen.

Thank God you survived this. I know life changed but I'll just bet in many ways life became better even before all this started.

Thank you for sharing this story....oh and keep yourself inside during those electrical storms.

:-)

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Jane, a belated Happy Thanksgiving!  You are an inspiration to the rest of us!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

How scary, especially being alone during most of this. We are so glad this turned out the way it has, or you would never have known a doodle kiss. Now that would be sad!