Final prep, cook out

Mama is beginning to agonize over the pending surgery. She is not as concerned about the surgery as the recovery time that follows. She has the hospital staff second guessing what anesthetic to use. One of the past two knee scope surgery’s she had a very difficult time waking after the surgery. Neither of us know what anesthetic was used but she would like to avoid the experience being repeated if possible. As far as the recovery process is concerned, Mama is worried that Victoria and I will not exercise the same level of care and concern for her animals as she has been giving them. She has not yet realized that she will be there to coach us through the finer points of animal husbandry as she convalesces. I am fully aware that as well as Victoria and I might do in providing care for her flocks and herds, all the livestock will be elated when she returns to full duty. Even if that is six to eight weeks away.

Yesterday, at the hospital. She got detailed instructions on what she should do following the operation. She got a very detailed explanation of the procedure along with a demonstration of the device that will be replacing her knee joint. That was a real help to her. It will not alleviate the pain or shorten the recovery, but it did give her a depth of insight into the procedure that will help her understand why she must do as she is told during the recovery. I am a strong believer in knowing the “why” of any issue. Armed with that information, what must be done and how it must be done make more sense.

Today and part of tomorrow she will be buying specialty feeds because Victoria and I might not know what to get when the current supply runs out. She will be packing her bags for the hospital stay. That, I graciously admit, I would not do properly on my own. She will be lining up a schedule for Victoria and I to keep for the days she is in the hospital, etc., etc., etc. She will be getting together with a lady in our church who has a walker Mama can borrow for a couple weeks. That will save us some money. She and I will be cleaning up the potty chair and shower chair we somehow inherited some time back. Mama will need those for several weeks because she has specific instructions to keep her leg straight for at least three weeks – even when she is sleeping. Bending the joint will damage the tendons as they repair and could result in a follow up surgery being required. I told Mama I have a broom handle I will cut and strap to her leg to help her keep it straight through the night. I have a shovel handle as a backup. She can be quite stubborn.

Saturday evening, we are all gathering at Norman’s place. Mama suggested a cook out in honor of Father’s Day and Norman thought that was a great idea. So, in addition to getting her farm items today, she will be getting the grocery items for the dishes she has volunteered to supply. Norman and I will be cooking the meat. He is supplying all the meat. He and Grandpa just took a steer to be processed and the meat they got from that steer is far superior to anything Mama and I can supply. You have to know Norman and Grandpa to know how that works. Trace, Krystal and the boys will be there as will Seth and Gabriella. And, of course, Grandma and Grandpa. It should be a good time.

Mama is looking at it as her final hurrah before being injured for her own good. Fortunately, the incapacitation will be short-lived.