As many know we've spent the last five summers in Maine. We camp at Shore Hills Campground in Booth Bay. A quaint little town with peaceful tourism and a wonderful atmosphere. It took Larry years to convince me to go, now he has to convince me to leave. Granted the first snowfall or cold day and the lovely state will see my backside as I high tail it out of there.
You may scoff and say that being in a motor home isn't camping. BUT, for many who have to be careful of the elements and staying away from dirt, it's how we get to feel close to normal. You can have the hard dirt and sleeping bags, I'll take my way anyday !
Our days consist of walking Nelson along Barrrett's Park, where the rugged New England coastline is restorative to the soul. Walking the campground, where Nelson loves seeing Mr. Neal. Mr. Neal rides around on his golfcart giving treats to all the dogs (think ice cream truck when you were a kid) or walking the harbor. The humidity is low, the weather and temperature are great for summer and I can walk and breathe ! I enjoy the scenic harbor walks and taking photos for my creations too !
Maine is also known for it's seafood. We absolutely gorge on it while there. We go local and support our local lobstermen as often as possible, Or visit Trevett's Country Store for our favorite Haddock basket. They sure know how to feed ya up theah.
We left early this year my Sweet Girl Gracie married the man of her dreams October 2nd in Knoxville. I wasn't able to attend, Covid and all that jazz but she knows how much I love her and wish I could. Grandpa Larry was beaming like a peacock the entire stay there.
It was at this time that my Mom got sick. A mini stroke that she couldn't recover from. She stayed with my sister Fran and her husband Bill for two weeks and they showered her with all the love and TLC they had and some stored up I'm sure. You see, our Momma means the universe to us. She's a spry, fiesty 92 year old . I had to get back to Gainesville for an appointment with a colo-rectal surgeon which had been on the books for months. It was the earliest they had from May and it was to discuss possible surgery... Yep... Mycophenolate can cause us a few issues down the road. Not being able to visit Mom at the Rehab (Covid and all that again) we headed home after my appointment. All this weighing heavy on me. I knew in my heart, Mom understood if anyone would. Maybe my siblings didn't, but Mom did without me saying it. She and I had a closeness that few would understand.
October 23rd came and I celebrated 30 years with my first lung transplant. Imagine half my life thanks to an unselfish donor and family. WOW ! The life I've had, enjoyed, the obstacles, it's mind boggling.
I chose to change to a new lung transplant center over the summer and my first appointment was October 22nd. A Chest CT showed possible lymphatic nodules in my left lung, so a bronch was scheduled for Nov 2nd.
It was during this time, my mother declined even more. We had intentions of rushing to her after my bronch, but she went to be with my Daddy the night before. I didn't have the best feelings mentally going into my bronch I admit. They raised me and reinforced that I had to be strong and stay positive, so I went to the hospital. Larry and Nelson waited outside for me. When I woke up it turned into an admission.
And here I sit..... Day 12? 13? still receiving antibiotics for a variety of infections in my right lung. I missed my Momn's funeral (another story). I know she, daddy and God are watching down guiding me and Larry through this. Plus there is Dr. Griess who has restored my Faith in the medical establishment. My right lung may be removed at a later date. Something I begged for, for 10 or more years.
Oh ! and tomorrow.. Well, tomorrow I celebrate 19 years with my second lung transplant ! What a day it will be !
Remember .... Life is all about Balance. Don't allow the negative to consume you. Obstacles are a part of life as much as the joys.
