We're moving forward!

We had a visit today from the prosthetist, Sean. He was originally going to see Randy in the hospital, but because of such a short stay, plus he was delayed out of state, he set up a home visit. We thought that was pretty awesome. 

So today's progress was phase one of the new leg. Sean did what is called the "shape capture". Randy was fitted with the socket. This prepares the stump for the first prosthetic; sort of a shrinking process. Shapes the end of the leg and makes sure the stump is no longer swollen so the prosthetic will fit. Over time though, the stump will continue to shrink until it gets to it's final shape and the new leg will need to be replaced with a second prosthetic.

Because there are so many types and ways to make them comfortable and usable for the patient, the prosthetics are chosen in order to accommodate the regular activities of the user. We all know, as I have previously discussed, Randy MUST be able to go fishing with his new leg. No doubt about that! So even that was discussed and Sean had some great ideas that we'll be implementing when that time comes. Which seems to be coming even sooner than we anticipated, and that makes us both very happy!   

I think I explained all of that correctly. It's quite a process and one we would never have thought would be happening in our lifetime, of course, but here we are. Randy continues to heal well and is doing great getting around with the walker. We see the surgeon on Thursday for his first follow up. I'm expecting an A+ on Randy's report card. :) 

My Favorite Things, challenges

Another combined challenge for My Favorite Things. This one combines sketch 654 and color challenge 215.

This cute stamp set from My Favorite Things is called Sunny Vibes. I used the tiny pieces as shaker filler. There is a pail and shovel, sand castle, and seashells. 

The sentiment is from another My Favorite Things set called, SPEC-tacular.

Product List:
My Favorite Things, Sunny Vibes stamps and dies
My Favorite Things, SPEC-tacular stamps (sentiment)
Copic Xpress it blending cardstock
Copic markers
Foam tape, clear acetate, glossy accents, sequins

Randy is home

Edited to add: 
First doc follow up will be Jul 20. Looking forward to another great report! ;)

Amazing. Simply amazing. 

You guys. We are completely blown away by Randy's amazing surgeon! The procedure went so well, the recovery went so well, the first night home (last night) was uneventful and Randy is doing wonderfully, as you can see by the pic. We are so impressed with the great work Dr. Smith did (yes, that's his real name, I did not just pick one to protect his identity LOL). You would never know by looking at his leg that surgery was just two days ago. 

We are so very thankful for all the prayers, love and support we've received from everyone!!! God bless you all, and thank you a million times. 💝

Big Changes, BIG

Today is the day of Randy's surgery. If you've been following at all, you know this is a major life change for us both. He is mentally in a good place and ready to have it done so he can begin the recovery process. I am also as ready as I can be, mentally, to begin a whole new chapter. We've been together 42 years and would have never in a million years thought this would be part of our story, yet, here we are. If you had asked us 15 years ago, we would have told you we'd still be taking motorcycle trips at this stage of our lives. Those were some fun times, for sure. 

Circa 1982

I've been going over in my mind for weeks and weeks the things we'll have to do differently, that I will have to do differently, to accommodate his new situation. He's comfortable with crutches, he insists, so I won't push for a wheelchair until or unless he wants one. We don't know yet how long until he can start thinking seriously about the kind of prosthetic he'll need, but those questions will be answered in the coming days, I'm sure. Praying he heals well and quickly so he can come home in a few days, rather than weeks. 

Right now I'm thanking the Lord for the patience He has given me in these past several years, knowing it's probably the medication, but so thankful still. I was not a patient person in my younger years, so this is fairly new and wonderful. There will be trials, I'm well aware, and over the past several months I've learned even more about just making myself available when Randy needs me. He has never been one to ask for help so this has all been quite difficult, for him especially, just from that aspect alone. He's getting better at letting me know when he wants help, and I'm being less anxious or stressed when he needs me to help out. You really can teach old dogs new tricks. Ha!

My Favorite Things, Sketch 653/Color Palette 214

Today's card combines two MFT challenges. The colors are so bright and cheerful, they just scream summer. It has been so hot these past couple of weeks (thankfully, we are not Texas or Arizona hot, but still in the upper 90s, scraping 100) and these colors are scorching!

It was hard to get a photo, but all the circles are clear embossed and shiny.

I think you can see the embossing a little in this shot. 

Sketch and color challenges, My Favorite Things 

Product List:
My Favorite Things, Dye Inks (colors shown above)
Simon Says Stamp, CZ summer sentiment strips
Honey Bee Stamps, foam strips
Nesting circle dies, clear embossing powder