Patience is not my strong point!

Today marks the 6th week after my surgery.  I'm still on the recovery diet, which goes through 7 weeks.  So much has been happening since my last post, I get exhausted just thinking about it.  At one week after surgery, a beloved member passed away, so I prepared and participated in his funeral.  A few weeks later, another beloved member passed away, so I did the same for him.  I had to be there... for both of them.  I've had to learn, first hand, just how hard it is to ask for help, even when she's standing right in front of me offering it up. 

I wanted to be okay by now, but in the past week it almost feels as if I've been going backwards instead of progressing.  Last Sunday, I barely made it through worship, even sitting through most of it.  This week, I reluctantly accepted the help of a colleague who will be preaching and presiding over communion.  I will do what I can.  I keep hearing that I need to rest, but I'm still working partial days, teaching a mid week Lenten Study, and trying to participate as much as possible in the Synodical teams to which I belong.

At home, while I'm resting, the phone tends to ring a lot.  Most of the time it's a telemarketer, but sometimes it is someone who needs me.  How can I say no?

I really though I'd be good after two weeks, but now, after six weeks, I still get tired easily, sometimes weak and shaky... all a part of this major surgery recovery period.  But, as the title says, I'm not a patient person.  My stomach is about the size of an egg or a golf ball.  I can only it up to a 1/2 cup of solid food, three times each day.  And, I have to drink 64 oz of water each day, just not a 1/2 hour before meals, now an hour after meals.  Drinking is the most important, because dehydration can make me extra week as well.  Next, getting plenty of protein in my meals.  Right now that means eggs and flaky fish, and beans.

On a positive note, I'm a size or so down and I've lost a little over 40 pounds (including the 10 I had to lose before surgery).  There are some days that I gain a half a pound and I get depressed, then there are other days when a I loose a pound and a half, and I'm encouraged once again.

I thank you all for staying tuned to my journey and for your thoughts and prayers.
Pastor Deb Stein