KARABOUTS: I've Been Sick

December 11, 2009

I've Been Sick

About a month ago I went to the ER with what I thought was appendicitis. Turned out not to be my appendix but a nasty abdominal infection. Antibiotics cleared up the infection, but while I was in the hospital I got pneumonia. The pneumonia cleared up but not without leaving behind a "loculated empyema" in my right Iung that has to be removed surgically. What can I say - it's been a tough couple of weeks.

There were quite a few people who brightened up my life during this dismal period. First is my wonderful client Bernie who flew from Kansas City to NY to surprise me in the hospital. What a guy!!! He brought me some great Andy Warhol-themed gifts including Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup refrigerator magnets (so clever). Thanks Bernie!

Next, my family went out of their way to make me feel better. My parents, my brother and his wife, and my sister called or e-mailed every few days. My nieces got busy and drew me some beautiful get well pictures.

And my wonderful mom knitted me this AMAZING wrap to keep me warm while I recover. (For those of you who knit, the pattern Mom used is the Hemlock Ring Blanket by Jared Flood.)

And then there is my FANTASTIC husband Mike, who shuttled me back and forth to far too many doctor's appointments, kept my spirits up, and took care of all of the shopping, cooking, cleaning and everything else that had to be done in life. He also arranged for a beautiful bouquet of 50 lilies to show up one day when I was feeling particularly down. I couldn't ask for a better husband!!!!!

And I don't want to forget my many wonderful friends who kept in touch and kept me smiling in spite of my illness. You're the best.

Thanks everyone. Hopefully after this surgery next month I'll have a full recovery and get back to working on this guy. He's going to be a New England fisherman - but still needs buttons for his rain coat, a beard, pipe, lobster, and assorted details.