finally home

after five weeks in the hospital, my daughter was finally discharged to home on May 16th.

Above:  Tulip 'Zampa Parrot'

It was, at once, a feeling of relief and overwhelming enormity at the amount of recovery that still lie before us.

Above:  Tulip 'Rai'

Capped off with an infinite amount of gratitude that she is alive and here to tackle recovery at all. 

She was hospitalized with pneumonia and septic shock, each singularly plenty to overcome.  Combined, they almost cost her life.  11 days on the ventilator left her body limp and weak as a noodle.

Above:  June back garden & birdcage container planted with Supertunia 'Bubblegum'

She left the hospital able to use her upper body but not really much else. 

Above:  David Austins 'Winchester Cathedral' Standard ~ first roses of the season.

I was warned progress would be slow after all she'd been thru and it IS...   but with her help and that of her therapists, I am doing my utmost to get her standing and walking again.

Above:  Tree Peony 'Shimadaijin'

At times, it has seemed a monumental task made all the larger by lack of sleep.   All the nights of disturbed sleep in the hospital plus anxiety left us both with a massive case of sleep deprivation.  A circumstance that unfortunately, did not improve upon arriving home.  Even now, sleep is elusive, spotty & irregular at best.  :(

We are exhausted. 

The physical work alone would cause that (emotional & mental impact aside.)  There's so much more lifting, turning, etc., to get her thru each day now.  One of my daily prayers is that my back and knees can endure the journey.  The knee injury I suffered this spring has returned & I'm pretty much back in my brace full-time.

Above & Below:  Aquilegia 'Tower Pink'

I just hope it will hold out (for treatment) until she's back on her feet.

Meanwhile the garden has carried on despite neglect.

Above:  Grackle nest

Left untended, grackles took full advantage and overran my small plot .  I am cleaning out every nest I can find but they are still here in abundance.

Above:  Foxglove 'Dalmation Rose' in a galvanized container.

Unless things change rapidly, there won't be any "exotic" or unusual additions to the garden this year.

There's no time to do the usual greenhouse "hopping" I so enjoy.  The few plants (mostly annuals) I've bought, were found at either  Lowe's or Home Depot.

Above:  Hibiscus 'Powder Puff,' blooming like crazy since moving outdoors

I missed most of the tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs but hopefully now that my daughter is on the path to recovery, I won't miss much else.... 

Above & below:  Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt'

At least now quick jaunts into the garden are possible.  The day remains unknown when I have time to really work out there but I look forward to that happening!

p.s.  Not sure what a posting schedule will look like for me?  I can't yet commit to a certain number per week or a day of the week but I will try (once again ~ how many times have you heard this?!!) to update more regularly. 

Thanks for understanding and for any and all the prayers, support you've given on our behalf.  They are, and were, very much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Jan Barron]

So happy to see this update and that Janae is home again. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for strength for both of you as you continue on this journey, one step at a time! Your gardens are beautiful even with all you have been through! Your talents are endless!

[Victoria]

Just hang in there and do what needs to be done. Like they say, one step at a time. I'm glad to hear your daughter is on her way to a full recovery. Get some rest and heal. Take care.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Oh Kathleen, I had no idea it was that bad. I'm so sorry, but glad to hear that she's recovering at home now. I hope you can find some time to relax or to get some help so you can relax. You need to heal, too. I will continue to pray for you and your daughter.

[Dana]

So wonderful to see a post from you again and the photos are stunning! Fingers crossed that this will end up being a great Summer in the garden for you - I have not given up on that. And we can go "hopping" as soon as you are able to.

[Robin]

My goodness, what a rough road you've all been through! May your garden now give you peace when you need it most. I was so excited to tell you that I found a Violet Tubeflower, and it just seems silly now. I'll think of you and your daughter when it blooms. May her healing be swift!