By Marty Round

What’s amazing?

People, mostly.  Little accomplishments, often.  Life, in general.

Many of you know already that I had back surgery in January and spent the next two and a half months in rehab and/or skilled nursing.  I was amazed by the flood of cards I received, all of them encouraging.  I was touched by the kindness of those who chose to drive an hour or so to visit with me, juggling their time around my erratic therapy schedule, bringing me treats and flowers and mostly, their smiling, caring faces.  I am so fortunate to have these wonderful people in my life.

I am amazed that my son chose to fly down from New Hampshire, not an easy task (from Keene, to Bradley, to Charlotte, to Jacksonville) four times, for a week on each occasion.  He wanted to be here for each phase of this journey, which is far from over.  Amazed because each time he had to isolate upon returning for 10 days (thanks to Covid) and that meant not seeing his girlfriend or his close knit group of friends, not going to the grocery store (his friends brought those to him, leaving them on his doorstep) or anywhere else.  Luckily, he could run his business on the phone and computer….and now has received his vaccinations.

I am amazed that when the home health care provider my son had been working with fell through at the last minute, he found a young lady from NH with a PT background to fly down and be here from 4/8 until 5/1.  And although I have followed up on several recommendations from friends, all of these ladies are booked unfortunately, I will not be amazed if John finds someone to start on May 1st and be here to help me out until I no longer need it.

I am amazed that my old college friend PJ offered to fly down from the Philadelphia area to be of help.  And she is here now as I write this, vacuuming and dusting, and just being the good friend she has been for 60 years.  I am amazed that, although we rarely see each other and don’t talk frequently, we pick up right where we left off, as if no time has elapsed.

Finally, I am amazed that when my friend Pat set up a meal train for me from 4/10 through the end of the month, so many women jumped aboard.  We three are eating very well and the leftovers provide our lunches as well.  I cannot thank Pat enough for all she has done for this disabled, temporarily we hope, friend.

I must also add that I am amazed, not in a positive way, however, by how long and slow my recovery is taking.  I expect it to improve exponentially when I can begin outpatient therapy.  My home PT’s are limited in how much they can do in my house.  We all try the best we can and, really, that is all we can ask.