Life, God, whatever the source, has a way of dealing with things in ways you would never expect. I was in a constant state of stress being a 7th grade science teacher and raising two young daughters and being a wife and having very high standards for all. My prayers were always looking for help in those three areas. Then almost eight years ago, i found out about my acoustic neuroma, had the surgery, had another surgery to reduce brain swelling. I was in ICU for 10 days, followed by a few days in a step down room and they decided i couldn't go home for christmas. I was sent to Helen Hayes Rehab hospital for 6 weeks where i went through PT, OT, ST and lots of sleep. When I came home, quite a different mom, I couldn't drive for 6 months but had to continue with the therapies for 4 months, three times a week, 45 minutes away. I managed thanks to many friends and relatives. As I was finishing up, they caught on to my cognitivel problems (which really freaked me out). I had to continue therapy for a couple of months-this time cognitive therapy. I was declared disabled by SS and the NYS teachers union. Sounds bad, right? Well, my prayers were answered. This started as my girls entered adolesence and I was able to be here thoughout some tough, yet much needed, years. While they were exploring trouble, they would comment things like "how come you are always here when i come home from school?" but would be happy that there was always a nice afterschool snack for them, always a brown lunch bag for them in the morning, always a healthy dinner for them, their friends always welcome for dinner or for the night (happy to be here because there was a mom around to spoil them). I can't even describe the importance of being here for my kids and my husband. Yes it was tough not being able to teach or do anything full time-but tough on my ego-not my family. Well-my youngest just graduated high school 5th in her class and is off to Villanova in the fall. My oldest is coming home this weekend from an eight week school trip to The Gambia where she studied anthropology. She will return to school in the fall at St. Mary's College of Maryland as a junior. There were some very tough times as they grew up, but I think they are on their way to great things now. I work part-time at a law office and exercise alot to keep me healthy and keep strong to combat balance issues. My husband is fine. We are going to have a big family reunion in florida at a beachfront place for a week starting tomorrow to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary. The point of all this: I agree with you-life is different. I am lucky to have lived through my ordeal. I truly believe that the crazy tumor and subsequent problems were God's way of helping me be a good wife and mother. We have an empty nest in September and lots of travel plans-and we are only 46 (almost)! The only things I can't do anymore is ski, iceskate, and ride a bike. But I do lots more and travel to many places. Life is different but great! This is a good thread to put out there!
Hawaii looks great. We'll go someday! Patti
