It Don't Come Easy

The old Beatles song keeps rattling in my head this week.

Lynn's recovery is tough, but so is he. One week out of the hospital and his scars are fading and his mind is clearing. Once the shock of having two surgeries finally got through the systems starting to protest. This past week was one  of checking back in with doctors to recalibrate medications, respond to new  challenges and be reassured that the after effects would subside shortly.

Deborah got to take a 3-day break from healthcare adventures. Lynn's sister Elizabeth and our daughter Dana came down from Seattle to stay at the house. Deborah went to Austin for the VIP opening of  "The Thinkery", Austin's Children's Museum newest iteration.  The museum moved from downtown to a great location near the Children's Hospital with room for outdoor play and lots more tinkering.

It was great to wander around Central Texas, catching up with friends, walking the Town Lake Trail, seeing the Museum's terrific new building with its water play areas, cement pigs, exhibits and climbing ropes, eating as much Tex-Mex as available. Austin as always has terrific art to share - this time "Thirst Tree" caught my eye as it loomed up on Lady Bird Lake near the walking trails, to remind us all of the tree lost to the Texas droughts.






I intended to return to Portland in time to celebrate Elizabeth's birthday Friday, but planes and weather conspired, and I got home at 3:30 am Saturday morning.

Lynn is working on all the recovery elements - deep breathing, short walks, and regaining strength. He is helped by friends bearing good foods and flowers, as well as phone chats. Grandma Joyce arrives Tuesday for a week of Thanksgiving adventures and lively conversation. And then we'll return to see the doctors early December to talk about timing for next step chemo treatments.

Wishing you all a terrific Thanksgiving/Hanukah week ahead!