Stacey, I always take it as a good sign when a lot of time elapses between your postings. You must be out and about doing well. Maybe even working at a new job? We’re doing well. Wally had his first doubled-up chemo treatment yesterday, but he woke up happy this morning, so I think he’s fine. The leaves are turning up here and we had our first frost Thursday night. Winter is coming! Take care. Miki
Note from Stacey
Aunt Norrie, nice to hear from you. Yes, I did graduate from the UW-Milwaukee. I hope you are recovering well from your knee surgery. Rebecca, it’s great to be in touch with you again! I’m looking forward to spending time with you. I have been busy with classes and the job hunt. I have a few leads now. This Saturday, I went to the track to practice jogging and also do the long jump. I looked up technique on the internet, applied the method, and improved for a personal best of 9′! I am excited for this, since it is a very competitive jump for my age group at the Transplant Games. Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Norrie Gill
Hi Stacey, It’s great to read your journal and learn of all the things you are doing. I’m amazed to learn that you are taking classes and talking about a job. A man in my Sunday School class talked today about being in the University of Wisconsin. Isn’t that your school? I’m recovering from my knee surgery, still going to rehab. Nicky’s baby, Emily Carol, arrived safe and sound and is a darling. When Susie told Gabrielle that GG (that’s me, Great Grandma) had a big booboo, she bent over and kissed it. I’d like to see her and Sophia together. I am so grateful for all your friends. Please tell them Aunt Norrie says thanks for all they do for you. I love you so much and am so proud of you Aunt Norrie, Norrie Gill, from Gaithersburg
Note from Rebecca (Fenn)
How are you Stacey? I would love to go rockclimbing or to the track with you some time! Thank you for e-mailing me. I hope you are doing better! I am sending you warm and fuzzy vibes! 🙂 Rebecca (Fenn)
Note from Stacey
Wednesday, I went to the stadium with Isa, Ana and Rupie, Isa’s dog. Rupie is very cute to watch at the stadium. She squeaks with excitement and anticipation about going up the bleachers, and follows Isa up and down the stairs for an hour. It is a joy to watch all three of them coming down together from the top. Thursday, I went on a wonderful hike with Isa and Rupie to Windy Hill. Windy Hill is pretty steep, and it was difficult for me. I went slowly, but Isa was patient. Rupie bounded ahead, pulling Isa up the hill at times. Friday, I had the wonderful honor of attending Lynn Hill’s presentation/fundraiser at the Patogonia San Francisco store. I went with Dave, Richard, Joshua, and Yuri. It was great to see Lynn. She always gives a quality show, and afterwards she generously sold her books and videos to benefit my medical fund! She always takes time to connect with her fans in a personal way, and writes very nice notes with her autographs. Today, after having a nice lunch with Aunt Lorraine and cousin Brenda, I went to the climbing gym with Dave. After warming up, I ended up red-pointing (climbing without falling or resting on the rope) a 5.9 overhang…the hardest lead climb since the transplant. I was really happy to accomplish this, since leading is a bit harder than top-rope. (In lead climbing, the climber brings up the rope instead of using a rope that is already anchored at the top…the difference is that the potential fall is further if the climber loses control. In top-roping, the climber only falls a few inches if properly belayed.) Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Stacey
Michelle, thanks for the news and encouragement. I’ll be in touch soon! I spent most of Sunday writing about the transplant experience. I am glad I have this journal to look back. When I read through it, I have to admit that I am surprised at what my thoughts were at the time, and that I was able to cope in a positive way. Some of the writing is even poetic! I am really grateful to those who were so kind to keep my spirits up during the hardest times, especially before and after the transplant (entry 446) and when I went back into the hospital (entry 605) Those notes and visits really made a difference in my life. (Denise, thanks for keeping in such close contact through my journal!) Reflecting back helps me learn more and draw upon the experiences of the last two years. When I turned 30, I remember my birthday wish for wisdom. Maybe I will become wise at 40… Sunday night we had a potluck at my house, with Cindy, Guy, Parch, Dave and myself. It was really great to see them all and share good food. Parch brought homemade bread, and Guy made a terrific fish soup that I am enjoying today also! Stacey, from Belmont
Note from michelle barnstable
Hello Stacey, August was a whirlwind of activity, carting Colleen to/from camp, family vacation camping up in Northern WI for a week and then trying to get all the packing unpacked. Kids are in school now (Colleen 5th and Brittany 2nd)and looking forward to all the events that are associated with this “season”. I was pleased to read about your progress with your physical fitness…. albiet slower than you would like. That I know is quite an adjustment for you. You have always been one of the fittest persons I know, and you notice with greater intesity the things you used to do being harder to do. Please know you are in our prayers for continued health and perseverence in these trying times, and also for work that is meaningful and satisfying for you. take care- love, Michelle Barnstable, from Milwaukee WI
Note from Stacey
Aunt Carol, thank you so much for checking in! It is great to hear from you. I am at the college right now, intent on learning the finer points of the Windows operations system. It is all quite basic, but important. I’m trying to improve my computer skills for a better career in the future, when I get off disability next year. Badminton is challenging. Some of the better players know how to place the shots so I have to run around a bit. It’s tiring but fun! Today, my partner Cindy and I barely lost to Orlando and Rich, 17-15. We came up from trailing by 8 points! The instructor and classmates are understanding, and let me rest if I get out of breath. Job-hunting is going pretty well. I have been offered one part-time position so far, and I have another interview on Thursday. Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Aunt Carol
Dear Stacey, I am sorry it has been so long since you heard from me. My daughter-in-law cleaned up my computer and accidently turned off my internet access. I tried over and over but could not find a fix. I hated to bother her again as she has been promoted to Director of Nurses and does a lot of work at home on her laptop. Today my internet provider (here in town) called me and worked it out. Yea! It is so good to be back on line. I am seriously considering a computer class at the Career Center about 20 miles away. I am so glad to read how busy you are and how hard you work at recovery. Of course it is no surprise! You make me ashamed of my whining. I also am keeping busy. Right now I am laundering the winter concert uniforms for my grandson’s high school band. I was really busy this summer with 4-H sewing and craft projects with grandkids. They also have dairy animals in my barn and got some great trophies and showmanship awards. I also have a new pastime of helping raise a kitty whose mother was shot. We found two kittens in the shed. One kitten disapeared last week. I think a racoon did something to him. I go to the barn twice a day to play with Ferdy and she seems to think I am her Mom. I named her that when I thought she was a boy. Now her name is Ferdy Elise in honor of the piece by Beethoven named Fur Elise. I still have the stained, torn sheet music that I played from for a piano recital as a child. Since I was never fond of cats and am allergic to them I feel slightly silly over my affection for this creature. I wrote to make sure you know that even tho you haven’t heard from me, you are alway’s on my mind and in my heart. Love, Aunt Carol, from Michigan
Note from Stacey
This weekend I went to the stadium with Austri, Mark, and Dave and completed a record number of sets, 15. I did them very slowly and rested a lot, but I was proud of myself. I’ve also started writing about my transplant experience. It is complicated to re-live the experience and put it into words, but in a way it is therapeutic. Last Friday, I had my monthly shot. The nurse took pity on me when she saw how big the needle was, and found a smaller one to use to administer the shot. I was grateful! After climbing with Rhona today, (Monday) I will have a photo shoot for the Planet Granite Gym on-line newsletter. They are doing a profile on me for this month. Stacey, from Belmont