Quick Follow-up

Jacob and his roommate came over last night and moved the old TV and fully installed the new one. It is wonderful!! Thanks again to you all.

Expressing Thanks!!

The only way I could think of to reach all of you to express my gratitude for your great generosity is through my blog.

I was absolutely shocked Friday evening when my doorbell rang and I went to find Jacob at my door. I was even more shocked when he came in bearing a large box that turned out to be a NEW TV!!!

He also brought a lovely card with the following clever message, thanks to Tyler:

Dear Barbara:

Following a year of surgeries and the resolution of a number of health concerns, that was a tough break (pun intended). As it turns out, even "Bionic Barbara" still has a few weaknesses. Its hard to guess how challenging this ordeal has been. You alone have a full realization of all the difficulties endured during this past month, and there are still months of recovery ahead of you. Sure, a few of us have had broken bones, but not like that. Not at your age. Not without help surrounding us. We've been wanting to help, but feeling so helpless. Some of us are better than others at helping people heal, but aside from prayers, none of us can do much for that broken leg of yours. We've definitely been thinking of you, praying for you, hoping for a speedy recovery. But we wanted to do more. It isn't much, but it's . . . well . . . something. Just a little something to let you know that we've been thinking of you.

From what we understand, you've had a few things break recently. The TV's an easier fix. Hopefully this will help the upcoming months pass a little more quickly.

Love,

Your Nieces and Nephews

This was enclosed in a lovely card which Jacob picked out. I thought you all might appreciate seeing the message that came with the gift.

How can I express my gratitude for your generosity and thoughtfulness!!??! I am so overwhelmed. I love you all so much, and so appreciate your thoughts and well-wishes.

There are a few adjustments yet to be made, as the old, fickle Sony is so monstrous it cannot be moved by fewer than two or three men. But below is a picture of the picture. Though I don't have my cable broadcast in HD, the picture is still very good and I am so enjoying it.

Thank you SO MUCH!!

Just in case you're interested . . .

here's what happened.

I was going in the back door of the Chapel to go to Church Sunday morning, thinking it was the beginning of a new year and held all kinds of possibilities. I had negotiated the snow and ice without incident, so I really thought I was "home free." However, the door to the Church was malfunctioning and wouldn't open very far. I figured I could get through it anyway, so I proceeded forward. The door had other ideas, and it started to close before I was through it. I kind of got stuck, and just as I was about through I must have tripped. Anyway, I went down hard on my right knee and was in immediate, excruciating pain.

Another Ward member was coming in after me (why the door didn't attack her, I'm not sure) and she immediately asked me if I was alright. Well, I knew I wasn't, so I allowed her to go get the Bishop, who happens to be a Physician's assistant. With some help from one of the Bishop's counselors and another poor unsuspecting soul who just happened to be coming in, they got me on a chair. We agreed that I would have to go to the hospital, so had my first ride in an ambulance.

When they did x-rays in the emergency room, the technician told me "I can't tell you what's there, but I will tell you you're not leaving here anytime soon. I knew then I was in big trouble. Come to find out, I'd fractured my right femur (thigh bone) just above the newest knee implant, and it had to be surgically repaired with plates to secure the bone, which had fractured all the way through and been displaced.

I am now repaired, but looking at probably a five month recovery. I have returned to the lovely Stonehenge rehab center, for at least a couple of weeks, and then will be trying to learn how to live my life on a walker or crutches.

The final minor complication is that my last hand surgery is not completely healed. Luckily it was not damaged in the fall, however. So the right side of my body is currently severely physically challenged. Such fun times!! :)

I hope the new year started out better for all of you!!