Monday, November 22, 2010

Tomorrow.

Rest assured, this isn't an Annie revival.

I have been very good.  I let them stick needles in my wrist.  I've kept the flipping brace on 24/7 (except in the bathroom and when washing dishes).  It doesn't HURT as much as before, but the pain has been replaced by a loud clicking, uncomfortable grinding, and I do not think I will put up a fuss when he says we should set the date for surgery.  Your wrist should not remind you of a rake being dragged across a feckin' blackboard.

I see the surgeon tomorrow.  I am nervous.  I am a big baby, I know.  I think an exacerbating factor is that any other time I've been sick or broken, I have used knitting to keep my head in the game and speed healing.  Without knitting to hold my attention I have more time to spend worrying.


I have a beautiful skein of Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in Periwinkle.  Enough for a shawl.  I figure when this is all over I will have to knit something special with it.  It's good to have a treat.



My Aunt Nan died Saturday morning at around 1:30.  She was 95.  She was out playing cards at my cousin CarolAnn's house -- cards being one of her favorite pastimes -- and she suffered a fatal heart attach.  Anyone's passing is sad, but it is also sort of beautiful that she died doing something she enjoyed tremendously, surrounded by people she loved and who loved her back.  Not bad.

My Aunt Nan had only one arm -- she had lost the other as a small child following an accident.  A vivid childhood memory of mine is sassing her a little and saying to her, "Well, it isn't like you could spank me with only one arm!"  Faster than lightning she grabbed hold of me, swung me around, and, just inches from my face said in the least-joking voice I ever hear her use, "Oh, yeah?  Is that what you think?  Just try me, Buster.  I'll have you over my knee and give your hind end a whoopin' you'll never forget before you even know which end is up."  And I could tell that she meant what she said and I never messed with Aunt Nan.  Lesson learned.

Oh, did I mention that, in addition to cards, she also was an avid bowler?

I won't be going to the funeral -- I have too much riding on this appointment with the  surgeon tomorrow.  I feel bad about not going.  But I also know that if I don't get this done before December 31st, it is going to cost me an additional $2600.00.  And Aunt Nan, ever frugal, would probably sit up in her casket to call me seven kinds of stupid if I canceled the appointment.

6 comments:

MINItron said...

My deepest condolences. I'm sure you will remember your Aunt Nan in your own way. 95 years is a long, full Life, and to have passed the way she did really is a special thing.

Dragons Knitting Lace said...

So sorry for your loss. I will keep you & yours in my prayers.

sue said...

So sorry to hear about your aunt, but what a wonderful story. I'm sure you have many great memories of her. And you are right -- what a great way to go!
Happy Thanksgiving and good luck with the doctor appt.

Susan said...

We are blessed to have colourful family members and when they are gone the void is so large. Calling up memories helps to fill the emptiness. You are a lucky man to have had your Aunt. I decided a long time ago that not only would I hang in there till 100+ (I have lengthy genes) No one will forget me..lol
Hang in there, it does get better.
Just think how much you will enjoy knitting when your wrist is better. You have lots of planning time. Take care.

Calgaroo said...

I absolutely love your photos..they are gorgeous..

Unknown said...

We are blessed to have colourful family members and when they are gone the void is so large. Calling up memories helps to fill the emptiness. You are a lucky man to have had your Aunt. I decided a long time ago that not only would I hang in there till 100+