The Kindness of Strangers and a Few Other Things

A couple of weeks ago I was hit with the most severe case of sciatica that ever existed in the history of the world.  Or maybe it was just my world....but oh my, the pain.  I've had sciatica before and it was bad but this was beyond bad.  I've been in the bed most of the time for two weeks now, unable to walk upright, or to stand for more than a minute or two or to sit with any comfort at all.  I've made several visits to the chiropractor and one to the masseuse; I've been to my primary care doctor and gotten pain meds, muscle relaxers and steroids.  I detest medication and am terrified of getting addicted because addiction seems to run in my family so I put off taking anything until it was way past the point of no return.  Early last week I hobbled into the chiropractor's leaning heavily on my cane and with tears running down my face.  I had managed to shower and wash my hair but no styling and no makeup so I can only imagine what I looked like.  A sweet lady who was in the waiting room said, "oh my honey, you're in a lot of pain....the doctor will help you - he always helps me."  And then she went straight to the receptionist and told her to take me in first, that she could wait.  I cannot tell you how that small bit of kindness touched me.  She would not have been there if she hadn't needed to see him but she put me in front of herself - I wonder if I would have been thoughtful enough to do the same.  I hope so and I know that I will be much more aware of others in similar situations now.

My husband has been a real trooper, doing the laundry, cooking, helping me change clothes since I couldn't even lift my left leg enough to get pajama pants on or off.  One neighbor brought a wonderful taco soup and another (a quilter of course) brought me a block I could hand stitch.  Today one of my daughters is bringing lunch and of course, my children have checked on me most every day.  I must be getting better because I am now laughing at myself as I toddle through the house leaning on my cane and looking straight at the floor because to stand upright is too painful.  I think of the fairy tales I read as a child, I don't remember which one, but there was a crooked little man?  :)

After I take my meds there is usually a window of time where I can sit up and stitch a little...handwork is soothing to my soul so I'm thrilled to be able to do it.  I've finished a couple of tea towels:

And the top for a pincushion is ready...except I see in this picture that his eye needs to be a bit darker:

And today I was able to sit up long enough to prep this wool pillow top:

I've read a couple of books and am wondering if anyone has some good ones to recommend - perhaps a good romance, light enough that I don't have to think because at this point my brain is on strike.  I love the Robyn Carr books if that gives you an idea of what I'm looking for.

I'm also stuck on Level 70 of Candy Crush and have played that game for hours now since I can do it lying down.  Any tricks to getting past this level?

And I've been so thankful for my blog friends who have had some wonderful posts I could enjoy - especially the Kona Blog Hop that's going on now.  I'm looking forward to next weeks' posts...you might want to join me in visiting these for a little inspiration!

January 20

More Stars in Comanche

Buzzing and Bumbling

Quilting Quietly

Grammie Q’s

The Quilted Cat

The Quilting Queen Online

Lauraluvsloons
Sew Incredibly Crazy

January 21

Just Sew Sue

Pigtales and Quilts

Miss Priss Quilts

Charlottes Creation

Childlike Fascination

Renee Luvs Quilting

Cherry Blossoms

Sew We Quilt