Monday, July 28, 2008

Monday, July 28th - preparations are in full gear for the big week ahead. I've got my shopping lists, and am already thinking about what outfits to wear both in the hospital, and for my return home. One really should look good when one really feels bad, don't you think?

I received a wonderful boost from my work colleagues last Monday at our department wide retreat. In addition to a beautiful get-well gift basket filled with goodies like chocolate band-aids and get-well chicken soup, they also created a gift basket of messages. They scrolled up about 50 or 60 papers, and tied them with beautiful ribbon. Some are jokes, or inspirational thoughts, or pictures from the internet. Others are very sweet and personal notes. It was incredibly thoughtful and meant so much. I look forward to working my way though the basket.

15 comments:

John Jenness said...

Oh, let me be the first to leave a comment! Congratulations and welcome to the blogging community.

Good luck with everything this summer!

-j

Ingrid said...

Hi Ellen,
I am so proud of you for taking the courage to make this decision. Let me know about any REIKI, Yoga, EFT you need. I am here to help. Have fun opening up the gift basket. I had a lot of help when I was sick once. Yes, it means a lot and you never forget...Love
Ingrid

Unknown said...

Miss Ellen,
We were again talking about you...Cin, Helen and I at dinner and wishing only THE BEST outcome.

I know you'll use all those meditation skills this week as you get closer.

You'll soon be on the other side.
Love,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Dearest Ellen - We are keeping you close to our hearts and sending much love for smooth going. You are amazing and strong! Martha, David, and Barbara

MEJ said...

Hi Ellen

Thinking of you on this quiet rainy Sunday and sending you thoughts of future easy walks on the beach, bike riding, kayaking trips and lots of dancing!

In a few days it will be a new chapter...all the best, Mary Ellen

Joanne said...

With your positive attitude ... the surgery will be just a moments distraction!

Getting to walking on the beach, with a bright sun and cloudless sky, sounds like where I'd like to be with you right now!

Here's to your upcoming new body!

Hugs,
me

mjb said...

Hello there Ellen!

Was hoping to talk with you on phone, happy you set this up for all of us that want to stay in touch and care so much about you.

I am so glad you are doing this. Be patient with yourself as you recover.

Love,
MJB

Ellie Cochran said...

HI Ellen,

I am sorry I didn't see you before you left, but all the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ellie

Racheal said...

Ellen - I have been thinking of you all morning. I'm wishing you the best possible journey through surgery and into recovery.

Shari said...

Hey there Girlfriend,

I keep looking at the clock and thinking about you. At the staff meeting today we all took a minute to send you positive thoughts at once - I'm sure your heart monitor showed a couple extra beats right then! Hopefully it didn't freak your doctors out or anything :)

Can't wait to get a call about how well it went!

Anonymous said...

Ellen - You have been in my thoughts all day. I am wishing you the best and know that you are in my prayers.....Warmly~Martha

Priscilla said...

Have been thinking about you all day and hope you are resting comfortably and already on the road to recovery! Looking forward to a visit in Concord soon!
Fondly, Priscilla

Edda said...

Hello all.....Ellen is out of surgery and in ICU. She is doing well.
I am going to the hospital tomorrow (Wed) as she had asked me to come help out. I will let you all know tomorrow how she is doing.
Keep those positive thoughts coming!!!
Edda

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen--you are top of mind for me and your Foundation family. Yesterday, at staff meeting, we had a brief moment of silence as we knew your surgery had just started. Please know our caring and healing thoughts are with you,

Helen

Edda said...

Again...hello - So here is the scoop....Ellen is still in ICU as of Wed. nite...she will be moved to a regular room on Thursday.
I was with her when Dr. Rand, her surgeon, came to visit today.
He felt that after 11 hours of surgery, the risk of continuing was too great and there was still more to do. He did not want to rush his work (Ellen and I call him Dr. "walk on water"...he is a true artist) He made a decision to break this into two parts. He shared with us that this is becoming more common and the standard for the type of condition Ellen has.
So, in about 10 days he will do the second part of the surgery and finish the beautiful work he is doing to make Ellen pain free and upright!
I will be home in the AM on Thursday if you want to call and get more of the details...223-9690
Keep the white light and positive thoughts coming.
Edda