In the 8th grade Athens Academy school production of “Oz”, I played Dorothy (well, in fact, my friend Kristin and I shared the role) but I actually said those words. I agree. Dorothy was right. I did go home last year (especially because it was Sarah and Jeremiah’s wedding), but I was still really not doing very well. While everything is far from perfect now, I am much more ‘with it’ and will be able to enjoy the holidays in a new way. In the meantime, you can bet there will be a lot of therapy happening outside of the formal therapy session.
Actually, most of my biggest deficits are going to be made better by actually doing that very thing. For instance, the only way to work on my walking is by walking. The only way to get my right hand to work is by using my right hand. The only way to continue to work on my swallow is to keep swallowing (that shouldn’t be a problem around the holidays!) My main therapist, Jay Wolf (the cutest therapist I’ve ever had), will keep working me out and forcing me to do all the things that are hard for me to do. I may get as much therapy now as I did at Casa Colina!
Anniversary: Thank you for all your sweet words. It was wonderful. Jay ‘kidnapped’ me and took me to a fancy hotel on the beach in Santa Barbara. The hotel would have cost over $500 a night for the room we were in (can you imagine?), but because we have a friend whose Dad works there, we got a greatly reduced rate. You know I love a sale!
In addition to this amazing room and the unbelievable facilities we were able to enjoy, we got to have an incredible brunch buffet on Sunday. The best part? It was totally free! Jay had explained the situation ahead of time and the hotel wanted to give us a little present. Why does food always taste more delectable when it’s free?
The buffet was delicious! I had multiple plates and enjoyed many of my favorite treats. They had pumpkin spice crème brûlée, passion fruit panna cotta and every delicious chocolate treat you can imagine! AMAZING! I have had the famous Sunday Brunch at ‘The Prince’ hotel in Maui (on our honeymoon), and I can honestly say this was better!
Me enjoying a big buffet was symbolic in many ways because of our last anniversary. Last year, I could not eat at all when Jay surprised me and took me to Malibu for a little Pepperdine getaway. I have a distinct memory of texting some family and friends that while being in Malibu was great, so much of what I loved about Malibu was the eating. This year, I chowed down!
Previous post: Yes, James is wearing baby Uggs with his costume in the picture from Halloween. Big B and Mimi bought those for him last year and they got them pretty big so they fit again this year. Do you think Kim Arnold would let a brain injury keep her from having a fashionable grandson? I don’t think so! Speaking of mom, read several of her newest blogs if you have time; they are really good. (Again, the address is www.katherineawolf.blogspot.com).
Please pray for my shoulder. I already shared on here that it is severely subluxed (basically a partial dislocation). Several days ago in occupational therapy, my OT taped my shoulder up so it would stay in place. It has been hurting ever since. The pain is surprisingly intense. Please pray for relief from this pain and for my shoulder to just (as we say in the South) ‘do right’!
Speaking of that sweet Southerness that I love, I have to brag on the Wolf Family. The Montgomery Paper has a ‘Families of the Year’ Award every year, and this year the Wolfs were selected. It is so sad that I cannot even smile in this picture for the paper and just have to turn to look at James (Jay is sweet to always do that too). However, I am smiling really big inside for that picture (it was taken when we were home over Christmas). Here is the link to read it. I am so happy they were selected, and I cannot think of a more deserving family in Montgomery (the Arnolds won in my book in Athens!!!).
God bless you all!
1 Peter 5:10
Thanks for the detailed update of how fruitful your life is with your family and the support of kind people in the world. It really makes my heart heal when I hear of all the kindness of strangers and the perseverance of family in your stories. This is as big of a miracle as your survival in my opinion, as people don’t notice others much in Los Angeles. So when I hear and see that you are not only surviving, you are thriving, it is like reading of a new miracle that God has performed – every time I read your column. I love Psalms 46 1-3 & 7. I think of you every time I read it…Keep on shining Katherine!
A sister in Christ,
Kim
I didn’t see the link to the Montgomery Paper article? Could you re-post it? THanks..
Katherine! It was so amazing to see you and Jay yesterday at church! You are such an inspiration, and you look FANTASTIC!
Enjoy the holiday season; I am so, so glad you’re here at Bel Air, and that you are doing so well. Hope you guys get a lot of relaxing (and eating!) in during these fun months.