Dear Friends,
If you read my last letter in December, you saw that my year ended very differently than I thought it would. All of my plans were put on hold as I awaited open-heart surgery, which I had on January 3.
I am now nine weeks post-surgery and amazed at how our bodies can endure (what the ICU nurse called) a “serious insult” and recover. At this stage, I can cough without feeling like I’ve been stabbed. I can take walks and lift heavy things. I can clean my house and drive. What I cannot do yet is start cardiac rehabilitation. Rehab comes 12 weeks post-surgery. I will see the cardiologist on April 3, and I expect to get the approval for rehab then.
In the meantime, my current response to different opportunities is to say “yes”. So, I say yes, the baby group is happening each week. Yes, I am baking again. Yes, I will help with the Taize service – writing some of the liturgy and I will be one of the readers. Yes, I will preach in April. Yes, I will take up my M.A. again and finish my Capstone so I can graduate in May. Yes, I will begin, again, to find ways to get the “Return to Practice” hours that I need for Social Work. No – I will not try to do all of these things in one day, I promise.
This necklace was gifted to me two years ago – the Irish inscription means “Beautiful Heart”. Now I get to wear it over my scar.
Things I am thankful for – time with my sisters, Joni and Sandi, as they came to look after me in January. Friends who check that I am okay. Neighbors who stop me as I am walking and inquire about my health and offer help. Taking deep breaths and my steady beating heart. Signs of Spring…
 |
 |
And I am thankful for each of you who pray for me so faithfully.
Blessings,
Kathi Perry
English (United States) 
Spanish