It feels as if Maria and I are heading for an exciting new chapter in our lives together. An awful lot is going on, and our heads are spinning. Longer days and brighter lights are helping a lot. We can handle it.
( I never tire of watching Maria talk to the donkeys and commune with them. They are a profoundly spiritual animal
Nine days before the surgery, I will remove my big toe on the left foot. I’m making the final preparations this coming week; this is prepare-for-surgery week, and a lot is happening.
Our roof is partially repaired by that last and most wicked of storms; Jamie is waiting for some parts before finishing it. It will be expensive. I’m sending my Leica Monochrome off to Boston to appraise by specialists and see if I can’t maneuver an even trade for a used Leica mirrorless camera and a 50 mm lens—a new chapter for me and my photography.
I will miss the monochrome, but I can still take black-and-white photos. I have to keep growing.
(Maria took the dogs for a walk in the woods—a beautiful thing to see the dogs and Maria rushing home to me.)
It depends on how they value the Monochrome. It might work, and it might not. I’m excited to learn more and be better if that is possible.
This week, I have several doctor’s appointments.
Monday, I’m seeing a cardiologist to clear me for the surgery. Wednesday, I’m seeing an ophthalmologist to hopefully give me some lenses that will keep the bright sun from nearly blinding these aging eyes.
I purchased three sets of loose-fitting sweatpants for three weeks after the surgery. I will be in a surgical boot that can never be removed during that time.
I’ve arranged for a good friend to come and help me get into the house on one leg on the afternoon of the surgery. I’m being numbed to ease the pain; the numbing may last a few days. Maria is very strong, but not strong enough to carry me into the house.
(Above, Minnie and Fate touch noses. They’ve known one another for all of Fate’s life. She is eight, and the donkeys are 19.)
I’ll have to wear the boots to bed and can’t take a shower for nearly a month.
I have some excellent wipes to use instead. I might need a walker for a couple of days; then, I can walk on the foot as long as I keep the shoe on, apply frequent ice and keep it elevated at night and during the day.
Sounds tricky. I’m feeling solid about the surgery. Many people have illnesses that can’t be treated or quieted. I believe this process will greatly improve my mobility and get me back regularly to the outdoor sport I love – walking.
The Imperious hens have discovered that the sheep have lots of hay and grain in their wool. The hens are happy to help, the sheep don’t mind.
I wanted to share this with you and Maria that I read from another person’s post and you very well may know this information. Feel free to share if you’d like. After my mom passed I found a note amongst her writings: a donkey is the only animal to have a cross on it’s back. Jon, I wish you well with your upcoming surgery, Maria too. You have a good attitude, great doctors, and a wonderful wife and plenty of animal support too, you can do this. Nothing but the best for you, in so far as bathing, I used to use a product on my mom when she in between showers or if hospice was unable to make it called Scrubzz. Hospice hadn’t heard of them but thought they were great and used them when mom didn’t have the strength to get in the shower. Again, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God is always about the details. Here are a few interesting things of note about donkeys and Jesus riding into Jerusalem on one. Matthew 21:1-11 tells us about Jesus’ instructions regarding the donkey he rode to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus was fulfilling what had been prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”. Every Jew would know Zechariah’s messianic prophecy. That’s why the crowds hailed Jesus as their king shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9) In the ancient Biblical world, a leader rode on a horse if he was going to war and a donkey to signify peace. People seeing Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, understood what that meant…it was a sign of kingship and royalty.
That Jesus rode a donkey that had never been ridden was yet another miraculous part of this prophecy. Donkeys have a reputation of not working or cooperating until they trust the one they work for. When the disciples brought the colt to Jesus, the colt immediately trusted Jesus and carried Him down the path into the city. A donkey’s colt was neither tame or considered able to be ridden. For Jesus to come into Jerusalem in this manner was considered miraculous by those who witnessed it.
Almost all donkeys have a naturally occurring dark cross on their backs. It runs down their spines and across their shoulders. According to the Australian Donkey Society, If you shaved their fur, you would find the cross on their skin.
Jesus entered his first week of life riding in his mother’s womb on a donkey and then again the last week of his life fulfilling prophecy by riding a donkey. How amazing it is to consider that the donkey is the only animal to have a cross on it’s back. Jesus entered this world humbly and left this earth the same way, but when He returns, He will not be riding a donkey, He will be coming in all of His glory and splendor!
Seeing the animal friendships and inter relationships is delightful. Seeing those imperious hens seize eating opportunities gives me a giggle.
All surgery is never fun. Often it’s very difficult. I ‘m glad you can see the positive outcomes and have loving support..
(Use your walker. Helps when unexpected things occur, especially around loving dogs.
Maria loves and supports you. You would do the same for her. That’s a loving marriage.