Thursday, June 26, 2008

Doing Better

I've sat here looking at my keyboard for the past fifteen minutes trying to think of what to say and how to articulate it when I did. A simple "thank you" hardly feels adequate, but then again sometimes just the simple things can be so meaningful. Case in point are the comments that were left on my previous post titled "Damn It".

Sometimes we don't always know what the right words are to comfort a person when they're feeling down. "Do I say this or that? Do I give a long testimony to my own journey through a certain situation? Maybe they don't want to hear how good I'm doing right now? Maybe they don't want to hear how things didn't work out?"

All of these thoughts have run through my own mind when I've wanted to console someone when they're hurting. The easy thing to do is simple say nothing and hope things get better. Not because we don't care, but simply because sometimes the right words just don't come. Well, what I've discovered is that if you're speaking from the heart there are never wrong words.

I feel like I'm rambling a bit tonight, but I guess what it all comes down to is this: Your comments and emails all meant a great deal to Lisa and I. Just knowing there are friends out there willing to lock arms and say "we care" is tremendously healing. So I'm back to my simple phrase of "thank you".

Now for the update. Maria did have her surgery yesterday and everything appears to have gone well. She is already back home now. (I've got to think that 20-30 years ago she'd have been in the hospital for a much longer stay than just overnight.) Now she/we are in the hurry-up and wait cycle. She should have results from the latest tests back early next week, and obviously we are hoping for the best.

The hard part for her will be to rest and take it easy. She's a stubborn old Italian woman who has always been extremely independent. (Wow that's an understatement). She lives in northern California, so for us to get down there is more than just a simple day trip. She does have her son living with her so she does have someone to help care for her, but again, after seventy-five years on the planet, she is pretty sure her way is the only way to do things. I can hear her now, "How come-a you gonna do-a that like-a this-a way? That's not-a how-a I told you-a to do it."

I'm pretty sure she's too darned tough to let even cancer get the best of her. Let's hope so anyway.

Ciao

13 comments:

Jay said...

I'm glad the surgery went well. Lets hope that the news is good when the results come in!

Schmoop said...

Well written Jeff. And here's to the MIL. Long may she be an Italian. And that, my friend, is coming from an Irishman. Cheers!!

Jeni said...

Glad to hear that so far, the surgery went well. Now, let's hope -and pray -for the best as far as the tests are concerned. You're so right too Jeff about people in the blogging community coming through for all of us when things get rough. We do tend to stick around for the long haul ya know.

katherine. said...

the words you chose were heartfelt.

I'll keep you and yours...and the medical staff in my prayers.

Lady in red said...

many people in real life will not know what to say so they avoid, but bloggers are word smiths so even if we don't have the right words to make it better we can still voice our support even if it is just to say we hear your pain and we support you all.

Being back home so quickly must be a good sign. Although I am sure that it is times like this when Lisa will wish that she lived closer so that she can be there for here. Don't forget to carry on your lives as normal for the sake of your boys.

Dana said...

Thoughts continue with all of you as the waiting begins!

Mel said...

*sigh*

That hurry up and wait stuff SUCKS.....

*sending more prayers and positive thoughts*

Rest this weekend knowing that G-d hears....

(((((((( Jeff ))))))))))

Ron said...

Thanks for the update, Jeff.

SO glad to hear everything went well with the surgery.

As I was reading your last couple of lines here, I could ACTUALLY hear my own Italian grandmother speaking...

WOW, Jeff...you really write a GREAT accent!

Anyway...I'll still be sending you and your family prayers, good energy, and lots of love.

Enjoy your weekend, buddy!

Mike Golch said...

JEFF and LISA,I'm glad to hear that she is doing better.I still have her in my prayers that she keeps inproving!

Sandee said...

I'm glad to hear this. Prayers and good thoughts continue. Have a great day and weekend pal. :)

Akelamalu said...

Happy to hear the op went well and I'll continue to send positive thoughts and Reiki for as long as is needed.

Mel said...

<--still saying prayers

*hoping for good news*

Travis Cody said...

She sounds just stubborn enough to keep her positive attitude. I know from personal experience how much that helps.

You and Lisa hang in there. I'll keep the positive energy flowing to you and your family.