HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!!!!!

Man, everything is happening so wonderfully! Thanks for all the offers of help everyone has given me. If you remember, I had mentioned telling my childhood friend about my surgery. She lives in Alabaster, close enough to the hospital that she says she could spit on it. I called her and told her all about it. I had originally asked her if she would be there the morning I have surgery, to be there when I first go into surgery. Well, we talked for about two hours and she said she would be there. She was upset because she wanted to help even more, but she didn't have an extra bed and knew I wouldn't be comfortable recuperating on their sofa in their family room because I wouldn't have any privacy. I told her not to worry, that I mainly need someone there when I go into surgery. And Kim and Sandy had offered to take me in. Then this morning, I got this email from her... (My comments will be in parentheses.) "You must not know me very well, if you think that I stopped thinking about your after care when we hung up. Spencer (her son) VOLUNTEERED his room for that following week if you want it. Then I got to thinking about how this house is set up and if it would be awful for you. There are 12 steps leading up to my front door and 14 additional stair steps to the bedrooms. You know how these Birmingham houses are ... there are 2 basic designs and they both have stairs. I called John (her brother and my boyfriend from the 2nd grade through the 6th grade...my childhood sweetheart...I have known these people since the second grade) this morning and he was not awake good so will call me back after he gets coffee. I haven't made the proposal to him yet, but will do so when he is awake. His apartment is on ground level and no stairs anywhere. It is a one bedroom but he has a futon in the living area. I am going to ask him if you and I can have his apartment for 5 to 7 days after your surgery and he can stay here. He hasn't had any trouble doing that in the past and he might as well do it for ME this time. (And he, when he woke up, agreed to do this!!!) The apartment is in Hoover near the Galleria. It would be 15 to 30 minute to Alabaster, straight down HWY 31 / Montgomery Highway, depending on traffic. That would be the logical choice. ...plus I will keep it cleaner than he does. Also, I was thinking about just coming to get you prior to the surgery and bringing you here, so we wouldn't have to deal with your car. When I take you back, I would stay that weekend with you in Florence and run the errands to set you up with things you needed. After I leave, Bonnie, Jill, and or Marilyn can fill in when you need something? So that was my make-shift preliminary plan ... hinging on OUR BROTHER JOHN. (I call Debbie my sister and John is our brother...since I didn't grow up and marry him like we had planned back in the 60's, he just became my brother.) What cha think of that?? Love you - Debbie (Then I was talking again about wanting to someday get another motorhome and live in it full time.) So she added: P.S. Daddy has a motor home that he may be wanting to sell in the future. They used to take it down to the Florida bay side (as opposed to the gulf side) and stay a month at a time. I went down and visited then for 3 days once and it was great. 3 people slept comfortably. It has air, fridge, bathroom, shower, stove, etc. The camp site has a laundry facility and it was wonderful. Back to basics and no worries for a month! It was purchased used and he has done some work on it (brakes and generator), so he could tell you exactly the kind of condition it is in or if he thought it was right for you. WHEN and IF that thought starts to become a reality, just remember he has one he is thinking of selling. (So I have a place to stay, a full time nurse and maybe even a place to buy a motorhome someday if I get well enough to live in one again.) No more parentheses....the rest is me... I feel like I asked for a can of potted meat and got a lifetime supply of meals at the finest restaurant! So it looks like I'm not going to have to worry about a thing...PLUS I will get to see some of you if you come to see me in the hospital! I feel like I am going on a vacation instead of having major surgery! I am SO looking forward to this!!!! I love you! Joni

Do you believe in my psychic abilities yet? Or at the very least I KNOW my intuitions? Love ya sistah! More later, Im off to the river Sandy

Wow....this is wonderful. I am so happy for you Joni. Things have really fallen into place. Let me know what I can do also. I will be there for the surgery you know that. I can also come and help Debbie if she and you would like me to. I could even drive to pick you up before surgery and let her take you home after...anything to help you (and her) out. Well, Im off to the prison on the hill to work the next 2 nights for 12 hour shifts. I'm dreading it. Talk to you later girlie.... Hugs, Beth

Thank you! I will let her know that she doesn't have to do it all on her own. It's so nice to have family here! Love you, Joni

I am sooooo glad that things are working out for you. Dixie & I will get up there to see you. We love you Joni!! Lindy

I love you too! I am so looking forward to seeing you! How are you feeling??????? Love, Joni