What a day on Monday. I should have posted before now, but it’s been a whirlwind couple days.

Monday morning, Mark took me to the doctor for my 1-week post surgery follow up. We waited for nearly 2 hours to see the doctor (grrrr….). When they finally scoped me, Mark and I freaked out a bit. My vocal cords were swollen and there were big white gobs all over them (I know, totally gross). But, the doctor told us it looked great and that the white stuff was just some of the collagen bulging out and would go away over time. They also said I could come off complete vocal rest and go to moderate vocal rest—I am supposed to speak 1 minute every 10 minutes for a total of 5-6 minutes per hour. I still can’t lift anything over 10 lbs for 5 more weeks–which has proved nearly impossible in daily life with a 2 year old. But, at least I can try to speak—I say “try” because my voice is HORRIBLE. Apparently, it could be garbled and bad for up to 4 weeks. I really sound pathetic. I’m barely audible. Nice.

I have had some pick me ups this week that I wanted to share. First, my good friend Ana gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure. So, last Saturday, I got it done so that I’d have pretty feet for my surgery and my week at home. No, I haven’t worn these shoes while I’ve been home this week. I took this picture after church last week.

My mom brought me some pretty little candles which I’ve been enjoying this week as I sit and read. And, my mother-in-law brought me the Nichole Nordeman cd that has the song “I AM” on it which I posted on my blog not long ago.

I was touched by her thoughtfulness and have enjoyed listening to some sweet music in my times of quiet these last few days. Here’s a youtube video of my favorite from the cd. It’s called River God. Hope you can enjoy a few minutes of quiet yourself to listen to it.

Well, I’m more than half way through my silent week now–assuming that when I go to the doctor on Monday everything is healed enough to allow me to speak again. Here are a few thoughts I have had in the few waking and coherent moments since Tuesday (I’m drugged and very sleepy):

1. My husband is awesome. He has served me tirelessly and cared for the children and the house without complaint. He has not asked for credit or thanks and hasn’t even sighed (at least in my presence!). I am so thankful for him.
2. Our families are so great. My parents had the kids for 3 days earlier this week. Mark’s mom is here today and will come back on Monday. All of them have been so helpful and supportive particularly these last 6 months or so as I have been going to lots of doctor’s appts.
3. We say a lot of meaningless words. Now that I can’t just speak whenever I want (or at all for right now), I realize how often I’d just say something that really serves no purpose whatsoever. I realize that I really don’t need to narrate as much I do.
4. It’s good to slow down. It’s hard, but it’s good. I’ve been home since Tuesday recuperating and although I feel a bit out of touch with the real world, I don’t so much miss the running around of daily life.
5. It’s good to receive from others. I have so appreciated the care from our church and my Community Bible Study ladies–meals, e-mails, phone calls (to Mark!), and most importantly prayer! I had a group of ladies praying for me at the exact time I was going into surgery, and I felt the peace that came with that.

Nothing all that insightful at this point. Like I said, I’m exhausted and woozy. Last time I had 6 days of silence due to vocal cord injury a few weeks ago, I was not in any pain. This time is a bit different since I’m nauseous, woozy, and just plain tired. So, that’s all for now. Countdown until Monday is on.