Saturday, December 19, 2009

kindness


Yesterday, as we were driving home from the hospital, I was struck by how much kindness I encountered during the day. Kindness at every turn, I tell you.

Vanessa showed kindness, by not only taking on my two boys in addition to her own two, but by sending email updates, complete with photos, to settle my frazzled nerves about how they were behaving. I read the updates in the waiting room while wearing overlapping hospital gowns and skid proof booties.

Caitlin showed kindness by picking up the Andrew from preschool, picking up Isaac from Vanessa and taking them home. By the looks of things, there was some pretty intense playing going on around here. And from her stories I am more and more convinced that Andrew thought yesterday was one of the best days ever.

I was also struck by the kindness shown by the staff at the hospital. How they handled my nervous tears. How much they valued human dignity. The care they showed me just dripped with kindness. And I made sure to soak it up.

Dave showed kindness by knowing what I might need before I knew I'd need it. By waiting on me hand and foot, even to take me to the bathroom in the middle of the night. By filling prescriptions, picking up groceries, changing diapers, managing roudy behavior. Doing the work of two parents, one husband and a part time nurse.

Andrew showed me kindness by sneaking out of bed last night while Dave was driving Caitlin home and laying next to me. Telling me about his day. Telling me about the snow that is coming and the Christmas lights he sees out the window and by giving me lots of silly little Andrew kisses on my cheeks and nose.

And my greater community. My sister and sister-in-law and brother and dad and friends, and of course, my mom, that held me so tightly in their thoughts yesterday that I swear I could feel it.

I am doing fine. I am doing more than fine. The surgery went well. The recovery is not as bad as I thought it would be. And I feel so wrapped up in the kindness all around me that it might have just been worth it.

12 comments:

debs14 said...

I am so pleased you are home safely and starting the recovery process. You obviously have an amazing network of friends and family to love and take care of you and your darling boys.
Take every opportunity to rest whenever you can, and if that resting takes place on a sofa with Andrew and Isaac either side of you, so much the better!

Cat said...

I'm so happy to hear from you. It's good to hear that all went "well". I hope that you'll be back to yout old tricks soon...but not before you indulge a bit on that sofa!

Mama V said...

Robyn, you are LOVED!

Unknown said...

Robyn! You are just getting a little bit back of what you dole out in huge amounts every day!

I'm glad to hear that all went well and that you are in the midst of recovery.

Ruth said...

I have you in my thoughts and prayers. You cuddle your darling boys for all they are worth ~ a recipe for healing, without a doubt.

Shannon said...

Oh Robyn...I just read your earlier message. I am so sorry about your loss. I, too, have suffered a miscarriage and it hurts (even if it was an unplanned pregnancy) so if you ever need to chat, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

I'm glad the surgery went well and that you are surrounded by love.

Ladkyis said...

You will only receive what you deserve - and we all think you are worth it. Even those of us who haven't known you very long. I am glad you are home safe, now enjoy the recovery time and have a lovely Christmas

Rhona said...

Glad to hear that everything went well and wishing you a healthy recovery. Rest when you need to and enjoy the love and support you are receiving from your family and friends. Will keep you in our prayers.

Melissa Belmonte said...

I am so relieved that you are in the recovery stage and are doing pretty well in spite of everything you have been through. I hope things continue to get brighter and brighter for you.

MandiCrocker said...

Big hugs, Robinski...

Zenub said...

I'm glad to read that you're resting and feeling well enough to recognize all the goodness around you. Take care of yourself, miss.

sharyncarlson said...

So glad to hear you are doing well and found so much love and kindness in the process!