Saturday, July 25, 2020

What’s Happening Out There In The World?

I thought my world was tiny before this whole rib thing but it has now narrowed to the smallest pinhole of a peephole. 
I guess pain will do that. 

Last night was another nightmare and I realized that I have to sleep in Mr. Moon’s chair. The bed is just too hard to move in and get out of. I did sleep in it for a few hours but when I woke up I needed to get up and pee and take more medication and I swear- it took at least twenty minute to slowly glacier my way out. My muscles had all frozen up and the pain in my ribs screamed. When I finally got free I walked around for a little while, and then resettled in The Chair and that was much better. 

I am not telling you any of this for sympathy. This is just what happens when you injure yourself. I keep thinking about how lucky I am, really. The only times in my life I’ve really experienced pain are when I had a kidney stone, when I broke my wrist, and in childbirth. 
So I’m due. And knowing why I’m in pain really does help somehow. There’s a reason. I will heal. It will end. 

I got a great email from an old friend who had broken her rib awhile back. In it she advised me to spend most of my time 
Including nights in a comfortable reclining chair for the next few weeks, to binge watch something but not too funny because laughing hurts, to not be afraid to take the drugs, to take a laxative, to let people wait on me, to just get comfortable and heal. 
And that sounds like the perfect advice from one who has been there. It really does help. 

Mr. Moon is being so good. He is absolutely waiting on me and is going to have learned a little about cooking before this is all over. Last night he fixed us up a frozen pizza with extra vegetables and it was amazing. I had hardly eaten all day and for some reason that pizza was perfect. He’s smoked a pork loin today big enough to serve twenty and is going to cook some green beans and potatoes to go with it. We will not starve but it’s hard for me to let him take on these chores. It is not the usual order of things but I am learning. It is okay to ask for help and just because I could do something does not mean I should. 

Jessie was working today and Vergil brought August and Levon out for a little socially distant visit. They also brought me a vase full of Jessie’s gorgeous zinnias. Purples and reds and oranges and yellows and magentas. As cheerful and colorful as a brand new box of crayons. It was so good to see them. August discussed how he wants Boppy to get him a real screwdriver that will screw real screws so that he can help to rebuild the play set that the tree took out last year. All of this “When this coronavirus is over.”
He’s been saying lately that he wants us to adopt him. I feel certain that what this means to him is that he could come and stay for endless days of TV and treaties and all of our attention. Glen said that he brought that up a few times when they were out picking beans together. And what his grandfather said was perfect. He told August that we don’t have to adopt him. That he is already our son. Our GRAND son and that he can come and stay with us always as long as we are here. 
After “this corona virus.”

I was a bit weepy today. I told Glen that it reminded me of how midwives always say that on the third day after the baby arrives, the milk and tears both come in. I had an accident, not a baby, and no milk has come in, of course (that would be so wrong) but the tears have. I’m not crying for any specific reason, just the overwhelming emotion of it all. 

Okay- here’s something so sweet- Mr. Moon just asked me if he needs to feed the sourdough starter. 

I’m a lucky woman. 

But I’ll tell you something that is going to have to be attended to and SOON- if I don’t get at least a foot of my hair cut off I am going to lose my mind. 
I bet my husband can do that too. He can do anything. 

I’m not being good at all about answering comments right now but trust me when I say that they’ve never meant more to me. 

Real True Love...Ms. Moon


26 comments:

  1. well, at least he doesn't have to carry you to the toilet like my husband did the first two days after I was snakebit. I miss my haircut! my hair hasn't been this long in a very long time. I keep trying to let it be down but after 10 minutes or less it's up in a bun or a ponytail.

    rest and be still dear friend. yes, I KNOW how hard it will be. do it anyway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. and to answer your question...rain off and on all day.

      Delete
  2. I broke several ribs in February and it was hellish, so I can sympathize with you, Mary. Moving, sleeping (or trying to), and simply just getting on with life is pretty hard when things hurt so much. Feeling those ribs shift around was scary, too. It will take a while to feel like doing anything again. Sleeping in a recliner does help. I know it's hard to let someone else do stuff, but it's the best thing that can happen. Think weeks to heal, not days, shit. Don't laugh, don't cough, oh, it's just a real pain in the ass. You have my most heartfelt sympathy. It takes time. I hope you sleep well tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Don't try to do anything that isn't immediately necessary to you. This is very new to you, since you're a doer. But now it's about just being. Don't just do something, sit there!! I get that you don't want to freeze in place, though.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so sorry to hear of your pain. That advice sounds so wise. I'll offer my suggestion that you order a gravity chair -- my mother literally slept on one for two years when she had horrific back issues. The one she used was literally about $100 and she'd lay pretty blankets and pillows on it. I even have one here from when she'd come and stay with us.

    ReplyDelete
  5. your old friend that emailed you today gave you (I think) the best possible advice. And you know it to be true in your heart. Giving it all up.....is difficult, but you must do it....and just know that time will heal your ribs. You have nurtured, tended, and cared for yourself and your family and friends forever......let it all come back to you and know that it is right. You can do it, although it's hard....I know you can. I have the greatest faith in your zen
    Susan M

    ReplyDelete
  6. I forgot the part about the recliner and binge watching TV, though I didn't need laxatives when I broke the two ribs. But then, I was barely fifty when that happened. And Mr. Moon is loving learning all your jobs, because he can. So take it easy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have no broken rib stories or advice, i fear. But I will say that any man who stops to consider a detail like feeding the sourdough starter belongs in the Husband Hall of Fame.
    He’s a keeper for sure.
    Now please sit back and rest!

    ReplyDelete
  8. It’s so hard to be such a good mama bear and take care of everyone and everything.... and then have to let other people take over! Hope you are better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so glad Mr. Moon is taking care of you. It is so hard to accept help, but there is nothing more humbling than illness or pain.

    My mama and little peep escaped their enclosure today and that was about it for excitement around here, but my heart was racing after I finally was able to scoop up the little peep (she is too small to get up the ginormous two steps from the yard onto the patio and mama was screaming and caterwauling, helpless to get her little one).

    May you heal quickly. We've been watching Britain's Best Home Cook on Netflix--and when I was sick I binged Crazy Delicious which is corny as heck, but British food shows are my comfort binge.

    ReplyDelete
  10. He's a good man, that one. A keeper.

    I hope tonight is a better night and I hope you're able to get a haircut soon. I got mine cut off and it feels so much better.

    Stay safe my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nothing much worth noticing is happening out here in the world! I'm so ad Mr. Moon is there looking after you. I know he will take excellent care of you and everything else that needs attention while you rest and heal. He's definitely a keeper!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You’ll be back doing everything soon but don’t rush it. Healing takes time. Dang is this wasn’t the only way nature would convince you to be still. I’m so sorry about the pain tho. xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. You're surrounded by exactly the people you need right now - and that's the way it should be. Take care (and all the meds you need).

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are being eclipsed by The Full Moon. He casts his silvery light upon you. A month from now, this present difficulty will be history. In the meantime, please keep being kind to yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Mary, That advice sounds perfect. I'm so sorry this happened to you! and so glad you are well cared for. I commented the other day but I don't think it "went through". I hope this reaches you as well as all the love and healing energy I am sending you. Love, Yolie

    ReplyDelete
  16. It will heal, but patience is your friend right now. You have a wonderful family who will take care of your every need. Pain medication, pillows, distraction... but patience. This will be weeks, but you will get through it (from someone who has injured her ribs at least three times). -Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  17. Letting others help you is actually a gift to them...it lets them show you just how much they love and appreciate you...allowing them to give you a gift. Accept it with grace. It is good to let someone else do the giving and return a portion of the many things you have done for them.

    And yeah, weeping is part of the healing. You'd be sad for anyone else who had an accident. Not unreasonable to be sad for yourself when you've had one. As my Brit mother used to say, "Keep your pecker up." Pecker = nose:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I let my husband cut my hair in May after I broke my right arm, and it ended up rather crooked. Unlike everyone else in the comments, I'm now letting it grow out, for the first time in 30 years. He's hinting he wants to trim it again but I'm holding out for the real hairdresser.

    Broken ribs really suck. They get in the way of the most fundamental thing--breathing. Sounds like you have a plan for recovery, and Glen is again showing himself to be a prince among husbands. Keeping my fingers crossed for an uneventful healing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love you dear Mrs. Moon! Take care of yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The advice from your friend DOES sound wise. I'm sorry I'm of no use in this situation, but you sound like you have an excellent support structure (I would expect nothing less) and over time this will improve, as you already know. Sleeping in the chair sounds worth a try. Dave falls asleep in his all the time and he's not even hurt! I'm thinking about you and sending healing vibes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I mean your injuries will improve, not your support structure, although who knows -- maybe that will improve too. :)

      Delete
  21. Sending virtual hugs to you and Mr. Moon!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm so sorry you're feeling poorly, Ms. Moon, but as sure as the sun rises in the morning and as sure as it sets in the evening, I know this pain will be a distant memory one day. Try to hang in there and ride out the days... cos soon you'll be throwing this calendar away & your pain will be gone. Love, Andrea xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great advice from your friend! Zinnias and grandchildren are riches indeed. Hope the pain subsides soon. Much love.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so sorry that it is more painful.It sounds like part of the healing process but you are right to take the advice of your friend who has been there.

    ReplyDelete

Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.