I had a little adventure last week! I took a last minute trip to Georgia and returned home to find the daffodils and maples blooming, and children spending more time outside than in. Spring is here, and I am trying to push aside the feeling that I’m already behind. I love spring so much and don’t know why it always instills a bit of panic in me. All of a sudden there is so much to do. Good things, but so many of them! My knitting has already slowed down a good bit, but I finished a shawl, my second Nurmilintu, weeks ago, and forgot to share it. Now I’m working on Larkspur’s Quill, and I’m almost finished with it too! I’m not sure what I want to knit next. Right now, I’m focused on my natural dyes and getting my shop ready for Easter. I got a new batch of playsilks dyed and listed in my shop in the days after returning home. I had a lot to process, and my work really helps me do that.
A little over a year ago, I mentioned here that my mom has a large tumor on her (horseshoe) kidney. I intended to update you sooner, but really, there hasn’t been much to say until now. The decision was made to have scans every six months, and to postpone surgery for as long as possible if not forever. Removal of the tumor will be complex given her unique kidney and will result in an increased loss of kidney function. It’s a scary decision to make. From what I understand, the surgeon doesn’t think the tumor is malignant based on tests thus far, though it could be, and we will only know for certain if she has it removed. (I think I’m getting that right.) Her most recent scan showed an increased rate of growth, and her surgeon noted that he would like to discuss the possibility of surgery at her follow-up appointment.
My sister Abby reached me first with the news. Mom had called her, upset over the results, and noted the fact that her appointment with the surgeon had been postponed a week. Later I was able to talk with Mom, and we discussed the possibilities. I don’t remember much of the conversation because I became preoccupied with my own thoughts, namely that I wanted to be at the appointment the following week. I hadn’t been home to Georgia in over four years, and this seemed like an important time to hop on a plane. I say that very casually, as though I’m so spontaneous, but I’m not. And I don’t love traveling alone. Traveling in general, or at least the preparation for travel is anxiety provoking, but going alone evokes additional childhood feelings of homesicknesses. It occurred to me that I’m forty-one years old, and need to get over my fears and act like the grown woman that I am. My desire to see my mom and be at her appointment trumped my fear. So, I bought a last minute plane ticket and flew to Atlanta. Abby picked me up Sunday evening, and Monday morning she and I arrived at Mom’s house to accompany her and my stepdad to the appointment at Emory.
I chose not to tell Mom I was coming ahead of time, not wanting her to worry over cleaning up and that sort of thing because she had enough to worry about (I’ve never seen her house truly messy, and this time was no different, but she gets anxious preparing for guests.) Needless to say, she was surprised to see me! I had hoped I would be a good surprise, and I think I was. It’s fun being a good surprise! More importantly, it was just so good to be with my family.
I think the appointment went well, and it was such a relief to meet Mom’s surgeon and ask questions and just get a better feel for the whole situation. It’s been difficult to be so far away, and not be at previous appointments. I asserted myself as the bossy oldest daughter, and together, we made the decision to scan in three months. If the tumor is still growing, Mom will likely have surgery this summer. In the meantime, she’s making all sorts of healthy changes and we are hoping she can avoid it. I’m so glad I was able to go home, even though the visit was far too short. I plan to go back this summer, if not sooner. My sister Angie (also in Georgia) has puppies at her house and she’s been sending me photos, suggesting that we might want one…
Chant with me: “I don’t need a puppy. I don’t need a puppy. I REALLY don’t need a puppy.”
Deanna says
I cannot help you on the puppy front, because I do need a puppy and really want one.
Praying for your mom, you and the family. May God’s will be done.
Traci says
Prayers for health, peace of mind and hopeful hearts.
Helen says
Thoughts and prayers for your mom (and family) Plus, “you need a puppy” You need a puppy, you need a puppy.
thoughts & prayers
and puppy
Annette says
But you DO need a puppy! Of course you do!
So brave of you to hop on a plane and be with your mom and sisters, it’s the good thing to do. My mom has been diagnosed with cancer a while ago and I feel that we, siblings holding together, see each other more often because of it, is good for all of us.
Love
Teresa says
Maybe not but your kids do ?
Karen Trefzger says
Cute puppy, but you don’t need a puppy!
Beautiful shawl. I’m so in awe of your knitting skills.
Your mom’s doctor seems very caring and careful. It’s good to continue to follow up so the best decisions can be made. May the Lord bless your mother, calm her anxieties, and heal her body.
karen says
looks to me you are considering a puppy, ha! Lovely shawl finish and I’m so glad you were able to be with your mom and family and be involved with the process. Sending her lots of prayers!
Marybeth says
Good luck to your mom and family. I think you might need a puppy. That face is amazing.
Taryn @ WoolyMossRoots says
Prayers for your mom Ginny! So glad you could be there with her.
Emily says
I hope everything works out for your mum, Ginny. There’s nothing quite like going home, is there?
Angela says
thinking of your family at this time.. and i will keep your mum in my thoughts and light a candle for her.
well done to venturing out.. I know the anxiety that comes with that.
ps – get the puppy 🙂
Rita says
Puppies are great when the children are old enough to do ALL the care. And I think that might not be before the kids are 18. So, you are right. You DON’T need a puppy. But that pup was cute. Good for you, jumping on the plane and just going. I’m sure your surprise was, for your Mom, so wonderful it relieved most of her anguish about her kidney. That was inspired, I’m sure, by the Holy Spirit!
Barb says
So glad you took the opportunity to be with your mom..she will always remember that special effort you made. You and your mom will be remembered in my prayers.
PamKnitsToo says
Prayers going out for your Mom and hopefully all be work out as it should. On the puppy front, you don’t need a puppy – seriously- nooooooooooooo puppy!!!!
LeAnne says
Get the puppy! Thinking of your family and your mom.
Grace says
Sending prayers for your mom, Ginny. I thought she was your sister!
Of course you need a dog! I tried telling myself that I didn’t need one three weeks ago, which is why a three month old yorkie is now playing at my feet. : )
Marilyn says
Prayers going up for your mom. Looks like your flowers are budding. Lovely and pretty shawl.
Marilyn
Joan says
Happy that you were able to visit your mom and speak to the doctor.
Joan
Marion says
Ginny your mom is in my prayers. The shawl is lovely.
Marion
Theresa Boedeker says
Lovely shawl. Praying for your mom.
Helen says
Best thoughts for you and your family.
And, “I don’t need a puppy. I don’t need a puppy. I…awwwwwww so cute!”
Michelle says
I LOVE your blog, but don’t often comment. My two daughters are grown, but I wish I had had the courage to homeschool them, so I kind of live vicariously through you. I’ve knit the Nurmulintu for my oldest daughter, her nickname is Little Bird.
Your yarns and silks and soaps are lovely, and one day I will get to your shop early enough to buy a quantity to make a sweater.
What I really wanted to say is, good for you for getting over your fears, because there is nothing more important than being there for your mama.
And also, puppies help. I’m up to two chihuahuas.
Anne-Marie Rodrigues says
Can I just say, and I mean this sincerely, you three look like you are sisters. Your mom looks so young. All the best to her and I hope everything goes well.
Katherine says
Prayers going up for your mom AND you! Yours is one of most favorite blogs. I so enjoy reading about your family and your reading and your knitting and your day to day life and seeing the beautiful photos you take. The photo of your sweet girl holding her doll is beyond precious. It’s such a joy to see how your children are enjoying being children. I just order 3 of your play silks to line the Easter Baskets of my grands with. I’ve ordered several in the past. I love including them with new baby gifts and they are always so well received. My grands play with ones I keep here at my home, so I thought it was time to give them there own. Blessings to you and yours!
Tonya says
Praying for your mom and family… So glad you made the trip and I completely understand, I have many fears to get over myself.
mary aldrich-sarafianos says
prayers for your mom
so glad you made the trip – oddly enough i work at emory now (non-healthcare) – so random as this is, feel free to call for a ride, for food, for help, for what you may not know you need until you need it.
blessing for this spring
Ruth says
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers, Ginny.
samantha spigos says
What gorgeous spring photos. It’s coming a little bit slower in Ohio, but the crocuses are in bloom and my husband has spotted the first red-winged blackbirds. Your shawl is just divine. I have never knitted a shawl before, but think I might like to try it with the shawl ministry at my parish. (I am so nervous to join things like that!) I will be praying for your mom and your family. Happiest of spring to you!
Emily DeArdo says
Praying for your mom!
As King Lear says, “Reason not the need,” Ginny….. 😀
Kate says
Dang! I need a puppy!
Prayers for your mom.
Penelope says
Sending prayers to you and your mom, Ginny! How lovely that you were able to go to be with her. It is so hard to be far away from family during times of health upheavals.
sophie says
Before reading, I thought it was you and your girlfriends.
Just like you, your mother seems ageless.
Elizabeth says
proud of you for going! it’s not easy, I know, to be spontanous but this trip you will always be so glad you did… God bless you!!!
Nancy M says
So sorry about your mom. I understand your fears about traveling alone. I grew up in Alpharetta GA and currently live in the Midwest and it’s hard being away from my family. Thankfully my older sister still lives there and helps my parents but it is hard to miss out. I’m so glad you were able to go and be there with your mom. yes, and you don’t want an adorable puppy ?
Claire says
Beautiful shawl, but what really stands out in that picture is that the bright teal is an excellent color on you! Did you notice that? 🙂
Erin says
But plot hounds are the best?