Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Monday, August 30, 2010

Breathing a sigh of relief.

This photo of my nephew was taken almost a year ago. I love this photo of him. He and I were keeping company for the day and I decided to take him for a drive out to Saint Mary's College in the Moraga hills. We drove around the campus and then we parked in front of the soccer field to take some pictures.  It was a day I remember with fondness because it was a rare day when I felt like I saw him in a different light. He finally said "Go home?" and so we did.
Ben is 16 years old and has just been through a very confusing week. His operation to repair a detached and torn retina was successful, but the few days after the surgery were very hard on him. He didn't understand why this has happen so it was very confusing for him. He had a couple of really scary days. So did his parents. When I left yesterday he was sitting on the sofa, looking out the window and saying "C go home?" and I said "Yes, Ben, I have to go home today." He didn't want a kiss, but I got a couple of tentative teenage hugs from him when I arrived so I figured I was way ahead of the game. Kisses are for babies, you know.
He has seen the doctor twice since the operation and things are OK. He will wear a patch until he has the lens put back into his eye. Now, he and his parents can, hopefully, get some rest and  at least put the worry of this operation behind them.
Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes to Ben. That will come back to you in so many ways. I really appreciate the sweet comments.  Blogging comments are kind of like candles that are kept lit while you are away dealing with other important issues in your life. Thanks for the lit candles.

I stayed an extra day so I could spend some time with my oldest son "M" who lives in Oakland. I'm glad I did this. I got to see the work that's being done on his house. We went to dinner, and spent a wonderful evening at IKEA....seriously. IKEA is an amazing store. It's an EVENT that you have to experience. It was just the kind of day I love. I will tell you about it tomorrow
 I will tell you about staying overnight with my grand kids. We "builded" forts in the living room, raked leaves in the backyard and rode bikes to the school. It gave my son "J" and my daughter-in-law an overnight vacation at the ocean. They deserve it.
 I drove home yesterday afternoon and was greeted by my Prospector and two wild Corgis. It was all good. So today.... "Noni" is going to sit quietly and do nothing.... for the whole day. Today, Farmlady is going to be "at one" with the farm.

12 comments:

  1. Yes - be 'at one with the farm' - it will be good to catch up on all that was left behind for a bit!

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  2. Your visit sounds both productive and fun. Can you believe I have never been to Ikea?

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  3. Your nephew is a handsome boy. Glad he is doing ok. Your visits with you son and your grandsons were good for you. Thank you for your visit and nice comment on my last post. Prayers will continue for your nephew and his family. Have a blessed day. Madeline

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  4. It sounds like your visit was less than relaxing, with all that building of forts and the like, but it still sounds like fun!
    Ben continues to be in my prayers, and I pray too that you get to enjoy your lovely day of being "at one with the farm".

    And I've never been to Ikea either - am I missing something? ;)

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  5. thank God hes recovering... Love hugs and grits.

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  6. I'm sorry I missed your last post! It sounds like the operation went well, and I hope he continues to progress.

    Your certainly have earned the right to put your feet up, after being a super Noni this weekend. I love times like that.

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  7. I'm so glad that Ben is doing much better. He sounds like a lovely young man.

    Ikea is amazing! I've heard that their swedish meatballs are delicious! :)

    Glad that you're back home safe-and-sound; I know that your Prospector and furry babies are too!

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  8. One needs to be "at one" with our home surroundings after eventful trips away, I find. So glad your nephew is doing better.

    I agree that IKEA is a destination. I was a bit stunned when my daughter informed me that was the purpose of a day out when I visited her. "We're going to a SHOP? I'm a tourist, I don't want to go to a shop." But it was fabulous, a real eye opener for this visitor from far, far away.

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  9. Good news about Ben. This must have been a very difficult time for his parents and for those who love him. I love your analogy about blog comments being like lit candles that keep burning while you are away. Take care
    Diana

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  10. Farmlady I am glad there are sighs of relief. Also glad that your nephew is doing well and adjusting. We used to do Ikea when we were in D.C. I will be looking forward to your next post. And I am so happy you are feeling "at one" with the farm again. There's no place like a country home!

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  11. I am so glad that things went well with your nephew, Ben. I'm sure he will continue to have loving support from his family to help him through everything.
    So Noni had a good time with the grandkids, huh? It's always nice to get back home and into the routine that has become our daily lives.
    I, for one, am ready for a little break. We haven't done much since Mr. S went back to work. He thinks he took too much time off while he was home recuperating. Silly man!
    I think we will go to the furniture market in High Point next month. The drive will be gorgeous and we can just get away by ourselves. Take care, my friend!
    ~ Sue

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  12. Sounds like Ben is giving to you all and you to him. He's so lucky to have an Aunt like you!

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