Rebecca's Joy

April felt like a lifetime. Between the anticipation of Frank’s surgery, recovery processes, and little ways life keeps one on their toes, we were full.

I worked on exploring watercolor.I bought a small watercolor book and spent some time quietly painting in the evenings. It is such a sweet way to spend an evening, quiet and focused on creating something with soft colors and time. I also took a basic watercolor class and learned a little bit about technique and some practice with an expert watercolor artist. I pick it up here and there in the evening.

Frank had his hip labral surgery on April 14. The doctor called me after his three hour surgery, and told me to be in the waiting room. Frank had 11 anchors in his labrum with reconstruction, and it was extensive. When he woke up, he was in a lot of pain. I waited from 11:45-4:15 before I was able to see him. When it was time to leave the surgery center, our neighborhood was under a shelter in place order. Someone had barricaded themselves in their house with a weapon. We went over to Marta and Pepe’s instead, and spent a few hours there, before heading home.

The next few days were a whirlwind of cares. Frank was slow and in a lot of pain. Our first physical therapy appointment, we told the PT that Frank was experiencing a lot of pain and low grade fevers. She told the doctor, but it seemed relatively normal with a post surgery recovery. Then, that evening, he started spiking fevers, and contacted the after hours line. We were advised to go to the ER (a 102 fever after 2 extra strength Tylenol). Frank was diagnosed with COVID.

During this time, Frank was also finishing up his pathophysiology class, and had a final exam that Monday. Frank passed his exam with a 91, and his course with an A. Talk about grit and endurance post surgery!

We spent a lot of time having car picnics (Fox Run, Manitou Springs), but also had a few dates here and there. We went to White Pie for pizza and Garden of the Gods Cafe for Cake. We also enjoyed the Denver Biscuit Company after his doctors appointment.

I helped at a ladies event with making charcuterie cups, and then being blessed by a message on surrender.

The last few days of April, I went back to school. The students were excited to see me, but they were extra hyper from my absence for two weeks. My dear friend, Sally, held the ship, but they were definitely ready to have me back!

I ended the week with literacy testing.

During this time, people have been so generous to us. We have had meals brought to us, every other day. We have also had people donate money, drop off ice, fruit and electrolytes, cranberry juice and Kleenex, lots of cards, and so many prayers and texts of encouragement.

During Frank’s surgery, I called Nigh Light Adoptions. The good news is that they accepted our adoption homestudy as a transfer, and we do not have to start our paperwork over. We feel so blessed to have this answer. We will redo our presentation materials this summer. We are very optimistic about this opportunity and continue to trust God’s will and His timing.