Hello, I finally feel up to writing an email/posting on my blog. I've been home from the hospital for a week now, and I am making some progress. I will be on bed rest for a minimum of three more weeks. I'm not sure what I will do... Some have suggested knitting, reading, family history, journaling, blogging, playing games with the kids... I'm sure I will find ways to fill the time. Oh yes, I love visitors, but I'm guessing no more then two a day. So far, I haven't felt like doing anything but nap, talk on the phone and listen to my iPod shuffle. I've filled it with all my choral cd's and find it very relaxing. I do check my email on my phone, but I haven't responded to any of them. I do love reading them!

So, if you are wondering why I was in th hospital... Monday, Jan 24, I ruptured a blood vessel in the back of my head. This resulted in a severe migraine. Keith called the ambulance... Then miracle after miracles sent me to one of the best neurosurgeons in Utah. I was blessed to have all my extremities through this whole process. I was rushed to the Cat Scan... Then straight to surgery. They shaved my head and put in a shunt to drain all the fluids off my brain. I was in the hospital for 10 days. I was blessed with some pretty amazing doctors and nurses. I received tons of emails, gifts, visitors, even a visit from the UVU Chamber Choir which included a mini-concert! (Certainly sentimental since I dropped out of all my UVU classes for this semester.)

I've been in quite a bit of pain (thank goodness for pain meds) and very groggy. I've also been dealing with all the uncomfortableness of hospital beds and now my own bed. I'm setting some walking goals... I just have no desire to get up. I find improvement in little baby steps. Usually it's my visitors that notice these slight changes. I've definitely realized the importance of keeping a positive outlook. It really has a huge effect on my days and nights.

Enough of that... I just wanted to add how blessed I feel to be with you all. I have felt you're prayers and support. Overwhelming really... The Oak Hills 4th ward along with Keith and his mom and many of my family members that live in the area, singlehandedly moved us from our rental home to our new home next door. (I had been working on this move for a few weeks prior.) Then the Relief Society cleaned the rental from top to bottom! They've also been bringing in dinners and visiting. We are so grateful for everyone and their sacrifices. Keith's mom, Karen, takes care of the kids... all their routines, playdates, homework, practicing, etc, and Keith chips in when he's home from work. Someone asked today if I missed doing all the home front business, but I have been so out of it, I hadn't even noticed. It makes me feel bad, but I'm just happy that I can now read them a story. Simple gifts.

There are so many that have't heard about my situation so I wanted to get an email out. I started this one in the hospital, so I'm glad to be sending it off. Do keep in touch. This is such a different experience, but I'm finding a new normal and hopefully I will learn something from all of this in the end.