Gearing Up
Another surgery, less than two days from now, and I’m trying to get geared up for it, whatever that means.
Pumped $33.00 worth of gas into my vehicle. Declined the car wash.
Went to the bank and got a little spending money for the road, just enough for some Dink’s Barbeque, some hotel snacks, and tip money for nurses.
Packed my suitcase. Remembered my toothbrush and jammies this time. Brought four changes of clothing and an extra pair of underwear. (Things happen. Better to be safe than sorry.)
Picked out three books, because I always overestimate how much reading I’m going to do.
Brought some poems to edit, because nothing improves one’s poetry like some good old-fashioned radiation.
Deprived myself of just enough sleep so I would have a headache all day.
Received last second details from “Cindy” at the hospital. Wrote ‘em down. Left ‘em on my desk at work.
Printed out my living will.
Put my favorite CD in the car, with songs from Elvis Costello, REM, David Bowie, the Kinks, the Clash, etc. Oh yeah, and Dancing Queen by Abba. Just kidding… maybe.
Said a little prayer, then got in my car and headed out, trying to stay cautiously optimistic.
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Comments
Hi, Jim-
I just found your blog and I think you are an incredible person. Documenting your thoughts, feelings and experiences is not only a wonderful gift for your family and friends, but a selfless gift for those who do NOT know you. You help us see many things that we absolutely could not, were it not for your words. You have made a difference! Thank you! Hope your surgery goes extremely well on Wednesday. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
***By the way, I knew Donya in college, when she was dating Mike Phillips, who is still a very good friend of my husband. You are correct, as you are well aware (!); she was an amazing person, who lives on, in some way, in everyone who knew her.
Hope all goes well with the surgery!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Let’s do lunch when you are feeling up to it.
Your thousands (perhaps 10s of thousands) of fans are routing for you. You have touched so many.
I share your story with my medical students.
I hope you may be able to do that yourself.
I am counting on it.
There is NOTHING wrong with having some ABBA on your favorite CD, buddy.
Nice to see the name of the beautiful Janet Brownlee. Please give my best to the very lucky David.
Good luck on your surgery, Jim…prayers are with you..