Cathy is upstairs putting Clara to bed. This is a good thing on many levels. She wants to put Clara to bed and she is able to put Clara to bed. This past week has been a blessing for Cathy. Christmas Day marked six weeks since her mastectomy. That six week time period was the minimum that the surgeon suggested for her to avoid picking up Clara. On the day of our Savior's birth, Cathy happily lifted her own baby after six weeks of watching other people lift her. Since Christmas, Cathy has been taking every opportunity possible to lift Clara. Cathy has been soaking up Clara's love this week because after her surgery tomorrow it will be at least two more weeks before she can lift Clara again.
I can relate on some small level. After avoiding illness for Cathy's the entire time of chemo and mastectomy recovery, I finally fell ill yesterday. I haven't been holding Clara because I don't want her to get sick - and Cathy CAN hold Clara! It hurts my heart when Clara runs over to me with her arms extended, begging to be picked up, only to be turned away and told, "No, I'm sorry, I can't hold you." It's only been two days for me. I can't imagine Cathy's longing after six weeks.
Tomorrow at around 9:00am Cathy will have her last major surgery. Her temporary expanders will be removed and permanent implants will be placed in the pockets of muscle that the expanders have created. She is looking forward to closing the last chapter of this book and opening the cover of a new book. It is certainly not the end of the journey, but it is definitely a turning point.
She's been so happy this last week and especially today. She enjoys being a mom and being able to function fully in that role brings her great reward. The next two weeks will be emotionally challenging, but will also bring hope for new health and a return to feeling like a whole human again.
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