MY Village

Since the decision to move forward with surgery due to genetic chronic pancreatitis, I have been blown away by the village of people that love me. They’ve sent presents , written letters, and taken time out of their day to text or call. I was talking to my parents about the incredible acts of kindness that people have extended to us. The countless letters, texts, and phone calls have been a constant encouragement to us all. I so appreciate everything that everyone has done for me. I am slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) working through my phone and wanting to respond to each and everyone of you that have reached out to me. I have extremely low energy, so I have been putting most of my energy into finishing up school. (I had two incompletes from last semester due to being in the hospital so much.) I will get back to everyone so if you haven’t heard from me yet, you will! However, I never knew how big my village was until everyone started reaching out. I always had people I could count on, but I never realized how big, wonderful and numerous they actually were. During this time, especially during covid, I can/could feel so isolated. But, this recent time has truly had a blessed effect on me (not saying it is all rainbows and smiley faces because it’s NOT haha) but I am so thankful for everyone the Lord has put in my life. I am not sure how I would make through without you -my village. I want say special thanks to my family: from setting up a prayer rotation for the day of my surgery (thank you for everyone who signed up/I felt kind of famous).My sister have been there constantly for me. They are also up for a phone call. I’m blessed God put them as my sisters. Furthermore, I am so thankful my best friend Kat. She has gone above and beyond in being a friend to me. To all my friends who wrote me an encouraging note/letter, you lifted my spirits and made my heart so full. I am eternally grateful to have friends and family who love me like this.

Now… Let’s talk about tomorrow (1/21/20)! I will arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am EST. I will check in and be taken back to pre-op since I have done most of the paper work already. I will do the normal pre-surgery routine, but they will also give me pain block that will prevent me from feeling anything in my abdomen. I should start the surgery around 7:00 am EST and should be completely done and in the ICU by 6:00(ish) pm EST. They will wake me up and take me off the ventilator before I get to the ICU. I am excitedly (and nervously) awaiting tomorrow. I am unsure when you will hear from me again, but most likely in a week or so. I won’t have much to do in the hospital.

Charleston sunset photo from the condo we are staying in.