Here we are in June, and I’m on the other side of the kidney donation surgery at last. It went well, and recovery has gone smoothly so far. (My brother-in-law Josh, the recipient, is doing okay - the kidney is working, but he’s dealing with some complications that will hopefully be sorted out soon. I can’t wait for him to feel better - it will come, but it’s hard to be patient.) Another couple of weeks of lifting restrictions (no more than 10lb), and I should more or less be back to my usual self for the summer. I am feeling great most of the time, for which I am very thankful.
I’ve had to find ways to do certain things like transfer a load of laundry a few items at a time instead of lugging a full basket, which has helped me to appreciate just a little bit of the planning, thought, and extra time that has to go into everyday activities for so many people who for whatever reason need to do things their own way. This is something I give a lot of thought to in my work as a teacher of students with visual impairments; it’s always good to have some first-hand experience, while of course keeping in mind that this was temporary for me this time and everyone’s experiences differ.
An odd-yet-pleasing side effect of the kidney donation so far - I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t been properly exercising and working up a sweat since the surgery, but I think that my body temperature regulation has been affected, and I am so grateful. I’ve always run hot. I could never relate to people who love the hottest heat of summer - I would often just feel the most intense melting misery if I was in the heat for too long or while exercising, and it would take a long time to come back down to a reasonable-feeling temperature. That hasn’t happened since the surgery, even when I’ve been in the sun and heat. I’m so hopeful that it will continue - it’s much more pleasant. (And I’m sure I’m much more pleasant to be around, too.)
Since I haven’t been occupied with work and haven’t been able to do some of the things I usually spend my time on, I thought I would share some of the things that I’ve enjoyed while passing the time over the past few weeks. I know that for some people, the opportunity to do nothing is a delight; it’s kind of the opposite for me. Keeping my mind and body busy and occupied is when I feel my best, so I knew that I would have to have some things lined up to avoid getting too restless.
Food: I have such a sweet tooth. A friend sent me a little care package that included a Lindt Milk Chocolate Crunchy Caramel bar, and it is perfect. It’s super sweet, so one square with a cup of tea is just right. (And then another one.) Hi-Chews are another perfect creation, a true marvel of science and food engineering - but watch out if you have fillings or jaw problems. I’ve baked my go-to banana chocolate chip muffins and everyone’s favourite rhubarb custard squares. (Friends delivered lovely meals during the first couple of weeks. I’ve also been eating loads of fruits and vegetables and mostly very good food. It’s not all chocolate and sweets, those are just the more memorable treats.)
Entertainment: Over the past couple of months, I have been a bit obsessed with narrowboats and the British canal system, which I didn’t even know existed until April. A favourite YouTube channel is Holly the Cafe Boat - I love Vic and Jo’s attitudes and approach to life and problem solving (of course I also recognize that they’re sharing selected bits of life). Their sense of humour is right up my alley, and I love their sense of adventure. The two nights I spent in hospital after the surgery, high on dilauded, their channel was all I could watch, while trying to drown out the sounds of other patients. (It’s also enjoyable if you’re not on dilauded.) I love how boating is a bit like camping, and everything requires extra planning and preparation. (Ula and Josh’s channel is another narrowboating one that I love - something about that sense of possibility and freedom and living life how you want is so appealing.)
Books: My brain definitely took a bit of a break after the anaesthetic and I watched a lot of YouTube and murder mysteries for a few weeks. I have been doing more and more reading lately, and recently finished listening to Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery. Adam and Josh hiked the Appalachian Trail 24 years ago, so I’ve heard so many stories about the trail. Her story is something else - it’s not an easy read, and contains detailed descriptions of domestic abuse. I also read Seed to Dust by Marc Hamer which was one that Adam spied at the library and picked up for me. I enjoyed it SO much. Right now I’m reading Tracks by Robyn Davidson (also some abuse and violence) apparently solo women’s adventure stories are where my brain is right now. And I’m re-reading Four Thousand Weeks - what a GEM!
I’ve also been getting so much joy and fulfillment from the garden. I’ve needed help with a lot of things, but have been able to to do lots of things, too. I worked really hard before surgery to get the beds as ready as possible, and with some help I managed to get things weeded and planted. We’ll see what comes of the zillions of cosmos and nasturtium seeds; my peas are doing great, haskaps are almost ready, gooseberries are getting fat, currants are weighing down the branches, potatoes look good, we’ve been enjoying asparagus and rhubarb, the herbs are all doing well, and I’m eagerly anticipating sunflowers, cucumbers, gourds, pumpkins, dahlias, zinnias…. I love everything about gardening. The problem solving, planing, the hard work and being tired and sweaty, the constant reminders of the brevity of life and the seasonality of everything - gardening has made my life so much richer.
Austen, the loveliest friend you could ever hope for, made me up a little knitting bundle so I can attempt a bandana cowl, which I think will be the perfect layer for barn chores and working outside this fall and winter. I thought that my sitting down time after surgery would be longer and wanted something to keep my hands busy, but was up and running sooner than expected. So I may not get to it for awhile, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
I hope that you’re enjoying the luscious greens of June wherever you are