Brooke S.

I tried to email you back and it got kicked back--thank you for all the yummy receipes.  My appetite is in full swing.  I have so enjoyed all the correspondence and pics of us and your family.  You still look 18 girl!  I will keep everyone posted on Pearland trip-would love to see everyone-gonna set up Gringos or Juanitos.  I just wanted to let you know I got your sweet email. love to you, dara

All SMILES!! Home sweet Home!!!

Its Sunday and I arrived home from the hospital after my second crainiotomy on Wednesday night.  I can really say that I see a light at the end of the tunnel after this second ( and last) surgery.  I feel in my heart and body that the correct healing is taking place and my body is reacting more accordingly.  I spoke to my surgeon yesterday and all the cultures that were taken during the second surgery are negative.  Which is a hugh hugh plus for me-not fighting infection, less chance of meningitis again, less chance of leak and so on and so on.  

I woke up at 4am on Sat and cut my head dressing off.  I looked like a bulldog with constant look of worry, throbbing and sharp pains circulating in my noggin.  I felt like a million bucks when I took it off-the small things like seeing straight.  I showed Art, who was up working, and we had a celebratory Popsicle and stayed up talking and taking pictures of the site until 6:30am.  I am starting back at square one in regards to precautions and recovery: No driving, sleeping in the recliner, no tennis for 3 months, working on my walking, getting my taste buds back in shape and SMILING LIKE NO TOMORROW!!! I am eating well and starting to wean myself of the pain meds and steroids now that the pressure dressing is removed.  I don't regret anything that I have been through.  I am getting stronger physically, mentally and emotionally with each day.  I am quite the princess over here not sure what to do with myself.  Lots of resting is being demanded and I am being a better patient this time around.  My sis Jules and niece Isabella are here and it is so wonderful to have their company.  She is incredible with entertaining the kids, grocery shopping and stocking up my freezer again.  My goal is to get strong enough to still make my visit back to Pearland in mid July.  I am so missing home and craving Mexican food like you wouldn't believe.  No queso in California.  Our other travel plans for the summer are being put on hold for now and we will pick up next summer.  Mom is out of school and I cant wait to have that angel in the house.  I see a game of scrabble in our near future.

I feel stronger this second time around and really thrive on all your love and support.  I am constantly reading all my blog responses, emails and cards.  It is so lovely to feel such love.  I have learned how important reaching out means and all we really have is each other.  Love to everyone and cherish the day.  Ill keep ya posted-peaceful and slow moving over here, but in a great place!!!