Wed. Nov 27, 2002
Just One Thing
Just One Thing – Last year, I wrote A Day to be Thankful, listing the many things on my mind in those months following 9-11. It’s a list that holds up well, so please feel free to read it, but today, I’m thankful for one thing.
I’m thankful my wife of 32 days is on the mend this Thanksgiving, after urgent spinal surgery yesterday. She had what her doctor called the worst ruptured disk he’d ever seen, so much so that he sent us straight from his office to hospital admission for nearly immediate surgery. To this layman’s eyes, the MRI clearly showed a spinal cavity narrowed by more than 50% by the rupture, pressing against the spinal column itself, causing it to zig zag around the severe protrusion (between C5-C6). And producing much pain, for quite some time.
In fact, it appears Susan planned and executed a wedding, as well as the equally strenuous honeymoon, while carrying around the Mother of All Ruptured Disks. And while I joked about how typical it was for something new (my wife) to break right after the 30 day warranty runs out, I marvel at her endurance through this. Yesterday morning, the surgeon said he was surprised she could even walk. Today, she’s coming home.
So on this day of Thanksgiving, while there’s a world of things to be thankful for, there’s only one on my mind: the fact the love of my life is going to be OK.
For today, that’s all. And that’s plenty.
Published 07:52PM, Wed, Nov 27 2002
Category: My Life
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Thanks, Richard. And you're right, thanks also go to Dr. Stephen James, who dealt with the situation with all the urgency and professionalism you could hope to see from a doctor. Also to the nurses and techs in the 3rd floor surgical ward at North Fulton Hospital (Ivan, Nancy, Belinda, and Jeff). She got great care and attention all the way around. And now, amazingly, she's home! And doing surprisingly well, considering what she's been through. I've got a mediocre photo of the MRI film that I'm tempted to post anyway, just because it shows how bad it was (LATER: it's now linked within the entry). Scary bad, to my eyes. Given her state yesterday morning, I'm amazed ... and tremendously thankful ... at the total turnaround a mere 24 hours of urgent care can bring. Whether we have a bite of turkey today or not (and indications are favorable at this time), for me, today is a very real Thanksgiving. (LATER: Her son, Alex, showed up mid-afternoon with about 20 pounds of food from the family gathering, and Susan very much enjoyed her turkey and dressing)
What a way to spend Thanksgiving. I'm glad Susan is feeling well enough to come home; please send her my good wishes.
So sorry to hear of your new wife's misfortune. I hope she has a rapid recovery.
Hello Reid and Susan; I am sooo! glad to hear that Susan is doing well. That back surgery is scary stuff. I have personal experience with back issues so I am very sensitive to it. Holiday Season is a great time to count our blessings and it sounds like you both are well aware of your blessings (each other). Take care, I hope to see you soon.
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That's plenty for many many days and years to come. Very scary; thank god for the great doctors getting to her and tending to the problem. I'm glad Susan's okay, and best wishes for a great holiday season for the newly married couple.