The Universe provides and continues to amaze me

As I sat in that 'in between' place of not knowing where I would stay after Amy has her baby AND waiting for the surgery and post op, it all fell into place. It seemed as soon as I let it go and started to relax about not knowing, it all dropped in.

A client of Amy offered her home for me to stay in after the baby was born. We asked about my renting her home for an additional couple of months but she offered it, free of charge, for as long as I needed. So now I sit in a charming home only ten minutes from my children. Could I have planned that? Absolutely not. I was envisioning sleeping in friends guest rooms or on their sofas, maybe traveling to NY or Wisconsin, or possibly finding a cheap room somewhere. None of that sat well with me, but I was willing to do whatever I had to. And then I'm offered a home for three months.

It became an interesting turn of events as I prepared for surgery. My surgeon friend was insistent on my going to one particular orthopedic surgeon, so I agreed. Because I was in such severe pain, her office was able to get me an appointment earlier than originally scheduled. The ortho surgeon looked at my MRI and new x-rays and said I didn't have AVN, as previously diagnosed. He then agreed to do the surgery and had a cancellation in two weeks at the hospital I wanted to be at. However, it would ONLY work out if I could get my Primary, Rheumatologist and Dentist to sign off, and get the necessary blood work done within the week.

 I couldn't believe how it all fell into place. These doctors are usually booked out 3 months. I haven't seen any of them in almost 3 years, yet when I called, I was able to get in within that week.  Because of that, I was able to have the surgery before my initial consult was originally scheduled. The healing was incredible. I went from a pain level of 8-11 pre op to a pain level of 1-3 immediately after surgery. I was walking up stairs on the second day and drove to Wisconsin on day 10. I never used a walker and only used a cane to walk any distance within the first ten days.  I quickly weaned off pain meds and at this point am only taking an anti inflammatory. By the end of the first week, I barely had a limp.  I am so very grateful for everyone that came together to make my surgery, healing and recovery a success. What an incredible support group I have! I feel I have my life back!!!

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A prior writing... 

It's been an interesting time, these past few months.  A couple of close friends are in the process of moving this week. Big changes for them both. One will settle in for the next few years, the other is moving to a temporary apartment until she makes a huge move to the west coast next year. Both are purging and ready to start new... fresh. Another friend in Wisconsin is unpacking her new place and allowing her life to come together in a new way.  Changes, fear, joy, relief... that's what's in the air. A total reboot!

I'm caught in that in between once again.

I truly love my little house, neighborhood and historic downtown area in my Florida location. I never thought I'd ever live in Florida, yet there I am and loving it. BUT... it is far away from my family. Now I have a new little grand daughter who I miss when I'm away from her for a couple of days.
And not only the baby, but I LOVE watching Amy grow into her role as a mother. She is amazing in every way and it brings me such joy to spend time with them.

Although I have spent the most time with Amy, because of the baby and because she's home, I truly appreciate the time I've had with ALL my kids. I see the girls more than the boys, but it's still been great! I have a good bunch of kiddos. And when they're all together, it's a blast.

So, I find myself dreaming of an area closer to them that just maybe I'd be happy to live. Since Patti is moving to Madison, WI, it only makes sense to look somewhere between here and there. I have always enjoyed Wisconsin or rural Illinois. The lakes, countryside and small towns all feed my soul. BUT do I want to start over AGAIN? Do I want to spend winters dealing with snow and bad roads? Do I want to give up the long wonderful weather that Florida winters provide? And... will I still be too far away from them to enjoy impromptu family time and all it offers? Or will the distance be ok?  Will it be close enough, yet far enough, to not feel like I'm excluded from something, yet be living in an area I enjoy?

Ideally, a way to be in both places sounds best to me.  How do I keep my home in Florida and still be here for the summer and holidays? Or do I get a home in the Midwest and spend the winter in Florida? Financially, neither are reasonable thoughts, which makes me wonder what is going to open up?  I never thought I'd be offered a home for three months, free of charge, with cleaning and lawn service included. Seriously... who gets that? Someone had my back, that's for sure.