Motherhood & Words

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and good vibes last week. Surgery went well (though geez, I would have happily stayed the night in the hospital. There’s nothing like being rushed home completely drugged up, nauseated and in pain.)

The first night and day weren’t fun, and heck, the second wasn’t fun either. But each day I’ve felt a little more like myself. And then Sunday I overdid it. It was Stella’s birthday (12! How is that possible?) and I was on my feet too much of the day. We had a lovely family gathering in which she raked in lots of soccer paraphernalia. But even with everyone pitching in, I was exhausted by the end of the party.

Yesterday–and today–I woke up in more pain, so it’s clear I need to scale things back again. I’m trying to nap a couple of times of day and I’m being more careful about how much I move around. Of course my to-do list keeps sneaking in, clambering for attention, and it’s difficult for me to suppress that damn thing. But I will, I have to. Part of what got me into this trouble in the first place is overextending myself, so I know I need to be mindful of that.

So, the plan for the day: nap, get up and do a tiny bit of work, nap, walk slowly to the bus stop to get the girls, chat and get them snacks, etc., hopefully rest again, eat dinner, then go to bed early. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? So it goes. It still feels like I made the right decision, and hopefully I will be recovered soon.

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Kate

I have been teaching creative writing for almost twenty years. Reading about other women’s lives and experiences has expanded my world. To be able to walk in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s for a moment or an hour or a few days, is an incredible gift, providing me with insight into the human experience. It takes courage to write your truths, especially if it doesn’t seem as though anyone cares, as though anyone is listening. Let me tell you: your stories matter, I’m listening, and I’m here to help you find the heart of those truths, to get them down on the page, to craft them, and to send them out into the world. Together, we will change the world, one story at a time.

12 Comments

  1. Sarah on September 15, 2015 at 9:36 am

    Yes, be gentle to yourself, dear Kate! Thinking of you and supporting your plan to nap often! 🙂



    • Kate on September 15, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      Thank you, Sarah! Boy, the days go fast when I’m sleeping, though!



  2. Sara on September 15, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    I missed the pre-surgery post, but seeing this now. Take time to slow down and let yourself heal—hard as it is. Pushing through usually just leads to a longer time until you feel good. Naps are golden!



    • Kate on September 15, 2015 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks, Sara! Naps are golden, aren’t they? It’s amazing that if I insist on them, I’ll really fall asleep (and then feel much better). Duh.



  3. Laura Nicole Diamond on September 15, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    I’m in the Jewish New Year frame of mind, and you are starting this new year having come across a great transition, entering it healthier and becoming stronger. Naps and rest and writing and naps and family sound like the perfect recipe for recovery. Sending good wishes from California!



    • Kate on September 16, 2015 at 8:48 am

      Thank you, Laura! That’s just what I needed to hear. Happy New Year!



  4. Sue LeBreton on September 15, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Slowing down is SO hard. Try to find some solace in it- you are giving your body what it needs now so it can be stronger going forward.



    • Kate on September 16, 2015 at 8:49 am

      Thank you, Sue! I’m trying!



  5. Barb Buckner Suárez on September 15, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Hope you’re feeling better soon? Take it easy!



    • Kate on September 16, 2015 at 8:49 am

      Thank you, Barb!



  6. Andria on September 16, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    Rest, rest, rest!! Hope you are feeling better soon. And happy birthday to gorgeous, amazing Stella!



    • Kate on September 18, 2015 at 8:15 am

      Thank you, Andria!