Moving into Fall

Looking back, the months of September and October are a blur, but the early birthday Bonnie and Amy planned for me stands out as very special. The thoughtful gifts and lovely brunch with Elizabeth and Jennifer were most of all a show of support before my surgery. My sisters were so helpful in anticipating what I would need, especially since Bonnie had seen Jennifer through the ordeal just over a year ago. Mark and I made the most of our time with Jack and Benjamin in Houston; we would be away from our routine with them for two months. Then, the weekend before surgery, Matthew and Elizabeth and family came together with Mark and me in Austin to celebrate my birthday—and my favorite pumpkin carving for Halloween. October 17 came and passed. The surgery went well, though it lasted thirteen hours, and recovery went smoothly with Mark’s care, and visits from Elizabeth and Amy and Bonnie. Feeling their loving support, and that of Debbie’s family and dear friends, helped tremendously.