I saw this quote online and fell in love with it.
Your name has been spoken out loud by people who aren’t here anymore.
In conversations. In laughter. In love.
And in rooms that still remember the echo. –the tiny joy project (Instagram)
Two weeks ago, Nathan and his family had the joy of spending three days with the Hawley Clan–all 18 of them. When you don’t get to see the people you love very often, each reunion is extra precious.
I love the next two photos; you can hardly tell where Tinker stops and Belle begins.
Telling secrets in black and white
For a few months now, Steve’s been working on refurbishing our deck. We got the idea for him to put up gates on either side of the deck so the dogs can go outside and get some doggie suntans.
Steve has never really built anything like this before, but that has never stopped him before.
Every once in a while, I like to take a look at my stats and see where my readers come from. This is a summation of some of the countries represented over the past few years. (There were twice as many countries as what’s listed here, but I didn’t want to take up the space to list them all.) Even though I can’t travel to all the places I want to, at least my words can still go there.
You probably don’t remember this, but when we were at the end of the process of selling our house in Manteo, the septic tank failed. Since buyers normally prefer to have their homes equipped with working toilets, we paid a good bit of money to have it replaced.
And now? Only 2 ½ years later? The septic tank at our Charlotte house is on its last leg. There oughta be a law that says no one should have to deal with two septic tanks in less than three years. Our current tank is over 60 years old, so I guess we can’t expect it to last forever.
This time around, we are paying extra and foregoing a septic tank to hook into the city sewer, which is a whole ordeal of its own. Some concrete in the basement will have to be broken up, and then a long trench dug down near the creek where the sewer line is.
Fun times ahead at the Smith House.
I’ve mentioned that I am the oldest person at my job, and I sometimes have to remind myself that things familiar to me might be strange to someone younger. Here are three examples.
For his 68th birthday, Steve asked for something special: a driving cap made in Scotland from the Smith tartan. Isn’t he a handsome fella?
Although the cap wasn’t much of a surprise, there was still one surprise element: I got to choose a 25-character line to be embroidered inside the hat.
Since I love words so much, I mistakenly thought that coming up with a line would be an easy task. But whenever I thought of something that summed up what I wanted to say, it was always a few characters over the limit. I spent a good while thinking about this and wondering if I would ever come up with the right thing.
Finally, I went to the internet for inspiration and Googled lines from love poems. I came across the famous words, “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” As soon as I saw the words, “Grow old along with me, ” I started to tear up. That was the line I wanted. And happily, it fit within my character limit.
Last week, I had an internal ultrasound and a cervical biopsy due to an abnormal pap smear. (I had the same tests last year for the same reason.)
May I just say that a cervical biopsy is not fun. And to make things even less fun, there are always those medical euphemisms doctors use, like “It’ll just be a pinch. Or there will be a little cramping. Or you’ll feel a little pressure.”
Listen, folks. I am a wordsmith, and I pay close attention to the precise meaning of all the words that cross my path. And may I say that a doctor’s definitions of pinch, cramping, and pressure are quite a bit different from my own definitions.
I did ask for some extra pharmaceutical help this year and was given 800 mg of Motrin, an anti-anxiety muscle relaxer, and an opioid pain killer. I was pretty mellow by the time it was all over. Steve made a quick dinner when we got home, and while I was sitting at the table waiting for him to bring the food over, I actually dozed off.
Although the process wasn’t fun, the good news is that the biopsy came back negative.
Between my back x-ray and MRI, the cervical ultrasound and biopsy, I’ve spent a lot of time with doctors this past month. Tomorrow, I will go for my pulmonary function tests, and then the following week, I will drive to UNC-Chapel Hill to see my pulmonologist, who will let me know the test results.
I’m also starting Physical Therapy soon and have a dentist and eye appointment coming up. After all of that, I hope I will be done for a while.
What about you?
Are you a reader from a less represented country? (Other than the U.S. or Canada) Where are you?
What are some phrases or sayings that you grew up with that people nowadays might not be familiar with?
Do you have tips for getting through difficult medical procedures?
How do you think you would do coming up with a phrase for a loved one under 25 characters?
Have you ever ordered a special item of clothing for a special someone?
It makes me angry that so many providers don’t even take in consideration the pain and discomfort that comes with some of the procedures that we have to endure. I’m glad you asked for medication. In my opinion, that medication should have been offered without a request. So glad that your biopsy was negative!
Enya,
Yes, it is unfortunate, and I agree that medication should have been offered the first time I had it. So often we have to advocate for ourselves.
A long time ago, I had a D & C after a miscarriage and was not given any medication during the procedure. The doctor’s comforting words were, “Well, just wait till you have a baby!”
On the brighter side, the vast majority of the people who have provided my medical care have been fabulous and I am grateful!
Great picture of the clan. And, of course, those two furry ones – laying down or standing, they are so cute. Ah. the deck, ours needs to be done too, but my husband will pass on this one. But Steve looks like he’s doing a great job! Love the old sayings. My mom said them and I say them and there are probably a few times there might be a rolled eye wondering where did you get that? Love the Tam – and Steve looks pretty spiffy in it.
Oh, yes, doctor’s words – “just a little pinch.” I hate that saying because it is more than a little pinch, or any of those other cute words they use. Just hurry and get it over with!!!! Prayers are continuing!
Sharyn,
There are so many old sayings around; I just love it when one crops up unexpectedly in my life.
Yes, “hurry and get it over with” are the words I think of too, when I’m at the doctor!
I love the deck gates idea and the sweet message in Steve’s hat.
The times I’ve had an uncomfortable medical procedure, I tend to think of you, Sarah and our mom (even though she’s gone, she remains an inspiration to me.) You three ladies are my example of courage in the face of tough stuff. I tell myself if you girls can do it, I can too. 💕
Speaking of which, you just did it again with your most recent unpleasant medical appt. I’m so glad you’re done with it though I’m very sorry you have more health things to deal with. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away for you.
I hate that you guys have to deal with more septic surprises. That stinks in more ways than one! I hope the city can get you hooked up in a timely manner.
One of my favorite sayings from back in the day is something our mom used to say to help us put things into perspective:
“It doesn’t affect the fate of the nation.”
Which worked for us but probably not so much if you happened to be part of the President’s family. 😁
Love, Deb
Deb,
Stinky Septic Surprises. Yep. That about sums it up.
Thanks for the remember about Mom saying, “It doesn’t affect the fate of the nation.” And yes, that works for every person in the country except, as you said, the president!
I’m glad to be able to be a small bit of inspiration to you. It’s wonderful when we can all inspire each other in different ways.
I have had cervical biopsies also. In my 20s I then ended up being diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer and needed to have it removed with a LEEP procedure. It’s a minor surgery and you’re awake for it, but it IS still a surgery. And let me tell you, the biopsies were much worse!! So I emphasize with you there! Asking for some medicinal help was smart.
Ellen,
I had to look up what a LEEP procedure was; I can’t imagine that you were awake for it!! Yikes.
So glad you got your cancer early and were diligent in getting checked.
What a cool hat for Steve! I’m old too, and recognized all 3 of your examples, especially “til the cows come home”. I hope hooking up to the city’s sewer systems goes well. I remember one when I was growing up, we had to have our septic tank drained or cleaned out, and it involed digging to expose the entire top – it was really large. I’m glad all your tests came back negative!! My sister-in-law (68) was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer & will undergo surgery two weeks from today – prayers appreciated. I pray for good outcomes with your upcoming appointment. Your deck gate looks great – what a good idea. I hope you all have a wonderful week!!
Sue Ellen,
I am very grateful my job description does not include having to dig up septic tanks. It’s an important job and I’m grateful for the people who do it, though.
Sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis; praying for a successful, complication-free surgery.
When Becky gave the hat to me I was very excited about what she had had embroidered inside and we hugged and laughed very heartily together! I’ll cherish this gift!
Hashtag relationship goals, as the kids would say! 🥰🥰
Steve,
Let me explain that the “very heartily” line is stolen from Nathan who always says that when he is wanting to be funny. 🙂
But yes, the hug and laughter were special. We are growing old–together! 💖
I am from Denmark and I did not know I visted your blog so much!
If it is ok to ask speaking of health is Sarah’s desmoid still the same or does she has scans every year?
I hope all your own tests go well
Ps: Do you ever see any touristy postcards where you live ? I am trying to collect a card from every state and put them in album 😇
Katrina,
Glad to have someone from Denmark speak up! We always enjoy when you stop by.
Sarah is doing well. As far as we can tell, the tumor has shrunk to a point where it no longer causes her problems. Of course, she will always need to keep an eye on it but for now, we’re good!
I hardly ever see postcards anymore but I will keep my eyes out for them.
Love reunions. My family is having one in Oct after a 3 year hiatus. So excited.
Glad to see the land of my heritage-Germany-is high on your reader list.
There is a bluegrass song that I loved about putting on God’s Armor. Part of it spoke about your not having armor on your backside. When teaching it to my kindergarten students I realized they didn’t know what your backside was and thought it was just their back.
I don’t have any tips for medical procedures for pain as I can’t take pain pills. I usually count to keep my mind from thinking.
I always ended my emails to my husband “I love you so” It fit nicely in a ring that he was picking out and I snuck a note to the jeweler to put in the ring.
I have ordered some special clothes items, but sometimes I realize it is me who wants the item and it isn’t as well received as I would like.
I love Steve’s hat. My dad wore them all the time and I still have some of them. My husband is not a fan of them sadly so he won’t wear them.
Patti,
How fun to get together after three years! Enjoy.
I love how young children look at things and the way they take them so literally. Backside being your back makes sense to me!
How cool that you were able to put your message in your husband’s ring; I loved reading that.