One last Time
Today was the day to doing everything one last time and calling it “done in 2017 .” Where did the 2017 year go? Just a bit ago I went outside for a few minutes and pushed the light covering of snow off of the driveway. Sometime during the night it flurried. The full sun made the snow crystals shine as if they were diamonds. Yes, I realize that they encouraged senior citizens to remain indoors as there was a report of -40 degrees wind chill. Zippered from head to toe, it took me longer to suit up than what I stayed outdoors. I feel better if I get outside and take in all that has been given for a new day.
Mid year the Stauffer Avenue homestead began to have some challenges. Dennis was having mini strokes, sometimes twice a day. Every test imaginable and . . . each time nothing. Every test but one . . . carotid neck arteries. I could not believe that such a simple ultrasound had not been thought of by the doctors. During the time that Dennis was having problems, his days were spent either sleeping or trying to get from one chair to another, many times needing help if he had slipped to the floor.
As my adult life had been spent working with numbers, appointments and legal issues during my time at the courthouse it was easy for me to take care of some of our needs since I have retired. I was not prepared that Dennis had checked out of all sense of what was needed each day. Our little home became a full time assisted living unit. One day at a time, one seizure at a time.
These are the smiles that Dennis and I want to continue enjoying the entire 2018 year. Happy New Year!
I thank the good Lord that Dennis didn’t put off a routine six month eye check up. That is when the eye doctor suggested the carotids to be checked. That in itself was a challenge as there needed to be an order for the ultrasound and it wasn’t coming from a M.D. October 17th Dennis had the left carotid that was blocked 94% surgery. The right carotid at 74% blockage would have to wait. After October 17th, his brain had not had that much blood supply in some time. It has been a path back to some semblance of normality. There are signs that the right artery needs to be taken care of. It’s not quite as frightening as we now know what and where the problem is. Checking with the surgeons, February of 2018 will have Dennis back in the OR in the Mankato Hospital facility. It’s not that far off. Is it easy for him knowing what he has ahead of him . . . no. It is a wonderful thing knowing that it is his decision and we are not left with what might be if it is not followed up on. What would follow up is a stroke that may leave this ole cowboy not being able to enjoy his patio porch or his little red pickup and God forbid his cats.
Yes, this last day of 2017 is a good thing for Stauffer Avenue.